outcastii.net

by **Shadow** » 26 Oct 2003, 4:33

I really don't know much about programming, but I do wish to suggest the engine of "Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind" as a possible platform on which to build OC2. I say this because everyone knows that large maps are ESSENTIAL for a game like outcast.
Anybody who has played the original half life is sure to know that the game is primarily played in closed spaces, with only limited time in open air, and that too usually bounded by cliff faces. We cannot expect the HL2 engine to be dramatically different in nature when compared to original HLs' since the gameplay will definitely remain similar.
Same is the case with engines of games like Unreal, or Unreal Tourney. The engines of these games were specifically designed for play in closed spaces. If they were subjected to large maps, we can expect a significant slowdown on even the most powerful of machines.
Morrowind, on the other hand is a game which concentrates on the aspect of exploration. Along with that, the game is downright beautiful, if a bit dark at times. I also happen to know that it supports modding extensively, though I haven't tried anything myself. The map of the original game is, in itself, frighteningly gargantuan.
The game in essence is also similar to outcast. Both are third-person action RPGs to the core, with stress given to story-telling, instead of outright action.
Even if Morrowind engine were not to work, I would like to suggest that we look for an engine that will allow an accurate recreation of Adelpha, instead of looking just at the new arrivals.

by **Jub Jub** » 26 Oct 2003, 5:40

You make some intresting points there. I can't defend Half-Life II's engine, but check out www.mechnex.net It's a Unreal Tournament 2003 mod, and they are showing off some large maps for the Hercs to drive around in. These are also quite detailed since infantry is playing a role in it. Also, have you seen Tribes Vengence? It's built off the UT: 2003 engine, and it has absolutely massive enviroments. Making large maps doesn't nescessarily mean slowdowns. You just have to know what your doing. What I can say about Half-Life is the the first one came out 5 years ago. Games have advanced a huge amount in that time. Even 1st person shooter games are getting enviroments quite large.
I have a few reasons for staying away from Morrowind.

The enviroment seems so dead and un-interactive. (People never move, day or night. You can't hit your sword of walls.)

Modelling in it and adding new animations is a pain in the ass from what I've heard.

It isn't a natural FPS which means you will have to completly construct all the physics of how someone would react to being shot by a HK-P12 compared to a HAWK-MK8.

Games like UT:2003 and HL2 are designed to be mod friendly. Morrowind is too, but not as greatly.

HL2 is shipping with a MOD design book to make modding alot easier.

I'm am not planning on making a total conversion of Outcast II anyway. I'm going to start off small. Make OC weapons first, then maybe a Cutter skin for UT:2003. I'm just a little conflicted in which engine I should use. HL2 is probably going to be alot simpler, and have better graphics, but UT is out right now and it comes with Maya for free.

by **toshiro** » 26 Oct 2003, 12:03

Jub Jub wrote:

since i havent seen/played morrowind, i'll be talking offtopic, sorry

I'm am not planning on making a total conversion of Outcast II anyway. I'm going to start off small. Make OC weapons first, then maybe a Cutter skin for UT:2003.

i'm working on Cutter model/skin for ut2003 and its almost finished. [:)]

. more soon [:/]

by **Jub Jub** » 27 Oct 2003, 5:31

Really? [cheer] Cool! [up]

Can you post us some screens?

by **veda** » 27 Oct 2003, 14:43

Outcast is an "outdoor open space" FPS, with organic world.
Far-cry engine looks more organic and colorfull than HL2, Morrowind or UT2003.
Moreover, area looks really big and open.

What is your opinion ?

http://crytek.com/screenshots/index.php?sx=xisle
http://www.farcry-thegame.com

by **toshiro** » 27 Oct 2003, 21:47

i am glad ppl are discussing the possibilitys about an OC mod.
actually i think we can begin working on it without even having chosen a compatible engine. i'll write more about it when i have more free time.

and sure i'll show the model. i will upload it and share it with you as soon as it is finished. only need to complete the texture(which is at about 40% finished). i am not very good at texture painting and i have a busy schedule [down]

so i am advancing kind of slow but it should be ready in a couple of days i guess [owell]

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oh yeah ... OC is by no means a FPS [:D]

cheers [cheer]
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edit: wow, far cry looks gooood [OO]

by **toshiro** » 30 Oct 2003, 16:28

hmm ....... Chrome ...... although i havent seen it in action yet.......... it looks good, it's out now and it is supposed to be modder-friendly ..... [:/]

just another idea. [loll]

by **Jub Jub** » 31 Oct 2003, 2:39

Jeez, Far-Cry does look good. The main reason I got Unreal was because it came with Maya 4 PLE for free. I'm thinking about a career in 3d moddelling, plus quite a few games will accept Maya models. Do you know if Far-Cry does? Maybe we could all the models for the OC mod using Maya. What does everyone else think?
By the way, hope to see the screen soon. [cheer]

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Morrowind engine - Another possibility

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