Strange New Worlds Planetpack

[I, Mudd.]

This was sort of an experiment that didn't turn out too badly, so I thought I'd share.
As usual, to download, just click my sig and it's available - located in Available Starships for lack of a better place.



JM.

[atheorhaven]

This looks great!  Nicely done..

[Rod ONeal]

Got it. Thanks, I'll check it out after work. Looks fantastic in the screenies, though.

[Dizzy]

Strangely, I cannot find where I put my pics. Anyway, maybe you remember reading them, Mudd? I'll have to find them prolly. Do you do hardpointing Mudd? FS and I were going to update the OPPlus 4.0 Models and No-Models pack if we could ever find a new planet author to rehardpoint the planets:  http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163350267.msg1122495880.html#msg1122495880

[I, Mudd.]

Actually Dizzy, I used that and another planet thread as a guide ... In fact, the Hardpoint legend I used as a guide and included in the pack is probably your pic ... I wasn't sure who's it was ... It was just one of those things you flag and mean to get to and by the time you do get to it you realize you forgot where you got it from ... lol.

All I can say about the pack, is these Planets can be tough customers against drones and fighters ... and they will catch missiles with tractors and take them out with phasers, just like point defense. Of course, any weapon that uses a 360 degree firing arc still doesn't work right ... but then, if you are custom making missions, why not add a defense platform or starbase? (I actually toyed with the idea of including a defense platform in the model, where hardpoint 25, which is not used, could be set for a missile launcher or Plasma Torpedo Satellite ... but it would prove to be as indestructible as the planet, so I 86'd that idea ... for now.)


Anyways, Thanks all for checking these things out. Much appreciated;

JM.

[Klingon Fanatic]

Nice work there I, Mudd.

Yet another reason why SFC: OP is still around after all these years. Planetary seige/raid missions are going to be MUCH more interesting now.

What I would like to see next is a newer Planet pack with planets of different sizes and planets with moons. Maybe a simple 1:1 replacement pack?

Priority of work IMHO, would be a variety of Earth-sized planets based on exisiting models such as Romulus and Remus that were kitbashed together by Chris Jones and company for SFC3 IIRC. Earth with a moon was put in Bonk's SFB OP 4.0 using a model from Fleetdock 13 and then a gas giant or two (anyone for defense posts hidden in the upper layers of the gas giant clouds?).

Well done sir!

KF

[I, Mudd.]

Well, remember, planets are just simple models too ... their sizes can be altered with Model.siz. As for moons, the thought did cross my mind while putting this together,  but for a first time 'test the waters' sort of thing, I left out the moons, ringed and multi ringed worlds (think Pitch Black ...), asteroids, Space Elevators from surface to orbital stations ... just to name a few things I jotted down on the notepad while building/painting/editing.

Fear not ... these things will see a gaming screen near you in Pack II (Which I'm fairly certain I will be putting together in maybe a month or so ... after a few more things on my list...



JM.

[Dizzy]

Can u post those pics you have?

[I, Mudd.]

I suppose so ... it's included in the download, though ...



JM.

[Dizzy]

Yup! That's my pic. What about the side pics, have those 2? Did you place all of these hardpoints along the equator? Currently, stock planets have the hardpoints halfway up to the poles. This prevents Ph3's from doing PD.

My project requires all the stock planets be rehardpointed. I dont care if they are retextured, but from your package, seems as if you did a good job. Mudd, you have no idea how much an impact this will have on planet assaults on the dynaverse, do you? This would be a huge deal.

[marstone]

Awesome prospects with new hardpoints.  Now if only there is a way to put real ground bases on a planet (I shant hold my breath).  Would add more nasties to planet assaults.  But this is a great thing, you can fake ground bases mostly this way.

[I, Mudd.]

Yeah Dizzy ... I have play tested these things for the last few days ...

(I've never had so tough a time taking a planet ... I expect a long session when taking a planet ... this was a marathon ... but then, this one was exceptional. The hardpoints are equatorial ... and work fabulously with the correct arcs as depicted in your guide ... The tractors would catch the missiles, phaser-3s and/or Phaser-Gs would act as point defense when needed ... getting too close made Phaser -4s working in concert with 3s and Gs a bit of a problem and disruptors and PPDs would just pummel you. The planet even managed to attack with marines, if you got too close to take screenies ... What a blast! I love this game!!! lol. )

I also included that particularly nasty planet as an exported shipedit file (EAW, but that can be used both in EAW and OP, as where an OP shipedit file is not always as reversable.), not just to be Uberplanet, but as a template for ease of setting up your own planets utilizing these firing arcs. The png files are templates to help you create your own strange new worlds (simple details of their usage in the read me file ...)

You had a great idea ... I just gave it a meager facelift with someone else's idea for atmospheric effects.

I guess that's kind of like calling myself a tool ... lol.

Eh ... if the boot fits, pull yourself up by the straps ...

JM.

[Klingon Fanatic]

I was thinking, for variety sake and realistically, not all planets/moons need or should have atmosphere effects.

Also have you considered hardpointing some asteroids?

SFC2 and SFC3 have quite a variety that could be slipped into asteroid field missions...

KF

[I, Mudd.]

Actually, that is present in the pack. Two planets I can think of off the top of my head Don't have the atmospheric layer activated (Blank texture.)

I designed this as a substitution for my own Planet models, (which, incidentally, seem to share the same model in the stock game anyways - just appropriately renamed) but after seeing the way they work, it was too cool not to share. Besides ... Dizzy came up with the HP template ... and this idea was tailor made for Dyna play ... which I miss because of Vista, but that's another story.

Hardpointing asteroids was more than a passing thought of mine I was hinting at earlier above, using a base station as a guide in shipedit, along with the new arc system (I'm a sucker for the idea of Jindarians ... maybe after the Romulan Wars ships are started ... I'll get around to it I'd love to see a Jindarian fleet ... or just a mined asteroid field ... ... so, hey,  if you're feeling froggy and need these ideas quicker, jump on it! lol.)



JM.

[Klingon Fanatic]

I' Mudd,

I have completed converting Planet Hydra and Planet Gorn 1-3 from the STOCK OP models with your test planet mod. Nicely done.

I was wondering if the planets axis could be turned or a texture set be made to mimic a 45 degree axis or even a [searches for correct words] north to south rotation?

KF

[Dizzy]

I havent D/Led the pack yet, but will do so soon. Am I to guess right that not every stock planet has been converted? If they are, I can test them and then redo the OPPlus 4.0 shiplist to match it then send it to Firesoul so he can release the OPPlus 5.0 version. Any chance on having all stock planets rehardpointed?

[Klingon Fanatic]

I havent D/Led the pack yet, but will do so soon. Am I to guess right that not every stock planet has been converted? If they are, I can test them and then redo the OPPlus 4.0 shiplist to match it then send it to Firesoul so he can release the OPPlus 5.0 version. Any chance on having all stock planets rehardpointed?

I'm sure I, Mudd's test planet pack makes the planet models all the same size.

I have been able to customize the following STOCK planets using Taldrens's STOCK textures and I, Mudd's test planet pack to my satisfaction:

Planet Lyra
Planet Hydra
Planet Gorn1
Planet Gorn2
Planet Gorn3

My preference would be to have a RANGE in "Class M" planet sizes.

I have two planet textures from I  believe a Klingon Academy texture pack from Darkdrone one of which allowed me to have ONE I, Mudd planet with east-west poles.

Also the following SFC3 planet textures work well with I, Mudd's planet pack:

Planet Storm = SFC3 Dracaena
Planet City Night =SFC3 Shinzandra
Planet Mirak = SFC3 Ghostly
Planet Romulus =SFC3 Planet Romulus

I have a few miscellaneous planets that have moons, planetary rings or are dead worlds that I don't feel need atmosphere effects.

This is what I have explored so far.

KF

[I, Mudd.]

Well, yes, those things could be done, either by adjusting/rotating the mesh, or by some Photoshop editing ... but I included all the tools so folks could do just what you are doing. I didn't think one modeler could tackle the demands of an entire community of likes and dislikes when it came to something as variable and objectable as a planet.

Again, Model.siz can make them whatever size you need for whatever mission ... as for moons in the mesh itself, either someone will come along and do it before I do, or I'll add things like this in Pack II in a couple of weeks.

As far as airless worlds, either turn off the atmosphere by blacking out the two 'a' textures or simply import the mod into max, delete the outer sphere, re-export. I'll be doing some of these things in the second pack, plus adding illuminations to the planet itself ... but as I am in the process of moving right now ... it's not going to happen overnight ... lol.

IIRC, most all of the stock planets were fairly perpendicular in alignment ... I thought about tilting the planet, but then, if someone were to ever edit the thing as a Starbase rather than a Planet in ShipEdit, then the thing would rotate on a serious wobble ... (Why would anyone ever do such a thing? Destructable bases on the planet, for one ... if the object is to capture and not destroy, this might be a set of victory conditions ...)

JM.

[Fallen_Warrior]

When it comes to planets these are sweet. wouldnt mind sticking them next to my planet packs in SFC3

[I, Mudd.]

Have at it... I put this together specifically for such a purpose ... convert and edit to your hearts content!



JM.

[Klingon Fanatic]

I, Mudd,

These models should be included in the next OP+ update Pestalence puts out. EXCELLENT work and Well done!

KF

[Dizzy]

I, Mudd,

These models should be included in the next OP+ update Pestalence puts out. EXCELLENT work and Well done!

KF

Cant do that. This has to be a standard dyna upgrade because both the drafter and draftees need to have the same models or you will get vastly different missions. It has to be part of both the models and the No_models version of OPPlus.

[I, Mudd.]

If that's the case, Dizzy, modifying the hardpoints on the stock models won't make a lick of difference, because then that model has been altered, thus no longer stock. You would have to have either one of these models I whipped up, or an altered stock model, either way, a no models mod would be out of the question, unless you know of another way to edit hardpoints rather than simply moving them around in a modeling program.

At this point, I think I should make it clear, that while I'm not opposed to seeing this pack included with such a great mod to be made available here at Dynaverse or wherever, I really don't care for the idea of posting this pack, per say, or any of my stuff as presented for that matter, anywhere but Planet Mudd for availability. However, mods like the one suggested are okay because that's really beyond the scope of what I do anyways and would sort of defeat the purpose of the Planetpacks re-hardpointing. So, If it's part of a mod, well cool ... that's understandable and I'm okay with that ...

... but If you are changing up textures and posting it, at say, Battleclinic, ... which I really more than half expected, ... well,  I'll meet you halfway if you at least have a little courtesy and post a shot or two of what you're doing over at my site, maybe with a link provided back to , say, Battleclinic, for downloading, if that's where you are uploading it to. Hell, if you are posting it for download, why not ask me to host it for you? It's a simple thing, really.

Folks playing with things like this, whether re-texturing or kitbashing, has really helped keep this community alive for so long. Out of respect for these modders, I have opened up a Mod Shop section of Planet Mudd, with the Scrapyard and Paint Jobs, for example, and these sections are open to requests, whether I build them or some other kitbasher does. I saw this as encouragement to all those guys to go ahead and have fun. All I ask is a few screenshots or display pictures of what you've done, and maybe a link to get it. Consider this a modification/update to the whole permission thing.

Just to be clear, I'm not picking on Battleclinic or anyone in particular, by any means, so don't take that wrong. The last thing I want is to stir up another hornets nest in the form of what I consider a 'dead horse discussion'. I simply see it as redundant to repost any of my work, as I have presented it, on another site other than mine.

That said, I'd also appreciate variations of my work, kitbashes and re-textures, acknowledged/recognized/recorded at the same place you got it from. Call me a completest, call me eccentric ... Call it a personality glitch or ego or  whatever, I don't care ... I just like things relatively orderly and centralized when it comes to stuff like this. Personally, I hate searching all over the place for stuff I want ... and Battleclinic, for instance, is huge and takes me a while to find what I might want.

I hope all that came out right and didn't make me sound like a control freak/model nazis or something. I'm really more concerned with having fun with this stuff, but at the same time, I like the idea a tidy community. I'd expect to find Wicked Zombie models at his site, and I'd expect to find Lord Schtupp's models at his ... not repeated over and over at other locations.

anywho ... in the paraphrased words of another SFCer, carry on.

JM.

[Fallen_Warrior]

Mudd i get what you mean, im thinking of tweaking these to be honest both in scale (additions of moons maybe and such) mixed with my own planet packs (so all of ya that downloaded my planet packs quick thanx to those who did, expect an V2 of them)
When ive done them i will speak to you dude and we can go over the fine print and sending you a truck load of screeenies (should i ever get round to doing what ive gotta do)

[I, Mudd.]

Coolness; Looking forward to seeing that!



JM.

[Dizzy]

...either way, a no models mod would be out of the question, unless you know of another way to edit hardpoints rather than simply moving them around in a modeling program.

FS and I both know this and we have already discussed it. His No_Models version of OPPlus would have to use 'I, Mudd's Planet Pack' as would his models version. Technically you couldn't call it a no_models version if it had a planet pack, but there's no other way to fix Taldren's 3D planet goof with a 2D battlefield. Both D/Leds would feature your planet pack exclusively. This is mainly a Dynaverse fix and as such will forever alter the missions and the game for the better. FS and I are only interested in a planet modelpack where every planet model has the exact same HP location. Every stock planet would need to be done as you have done to your test Planet. Basically we would be replacing them all. Furthermore, it's not my concern in seeing your planets be individually uploaded or downloaded elsewhere, as that is up to you and your wishes on the reuse of your models, rather, your work would be exclusive and integrated within the OPPlus shipslist D/Leds only and also available wherever else you intend to upload them. My concern, again, is only to have them included in the two OPPlus versions to replace the stock planets. I, Mudd, for a very long time, the dynaverse community has wanted to have this type project come to fruition. I hope you will help us.

I D/Led your pack and am impressed with the Atmospheric glow. Very cool! You say you are going to add illuminations? That'd make it even cooler! Ever tried colored illuminate maps?

Diz

[I, Mudd.]

As you describe things, Dizzy, I have no issue with that whatsoever.

As for the other models in the stock game being remodeled/replaced, for me to do it, it'll be a week or two, because of the logistics of moving and when my phone line for DSL becomes active in the new place. it's a rural area ... you take what you can get. As I have said, I have no problem with anyone else doing what they can to contribute, outside of some meager requests. That's sorta why I presented the Planetpack as it is. That won't stop me from making Pack II, but the good thing is they will be built on the exact same hardpoint template you came up with, so they would be perfectly compatable.

I used to use colored illuminate maps all the time ... but in the interest of filesizes I stopped. Textures make more of a difference to playability than polycount, believe it or not. The differences between colored lightmaps and black and white ones, visually, is neglegible to the game.

JM.

[Fallen_Warrior]

I used to use colored illuminate maps all the time ... but in the interest of filesizes I stopped. Textures make more of a difference to playability than polycount, believe it or not. The differences between colored lightmaps and black and white ones, visually, is neglegible to the game.

To be honest Colour lightmaps do work in SFC3 and they do make the differnce, (looks wise) as you can use a slightly more altered lightmap and the game will give you a subtle animation (great for bussards and warp grills) but you are right in SFC2/OP no real differnce

[Dizzy]

Whoohaw! Thanks for the help Mudd. This will make a

If your time table is two weeks, then no rush. We need time to properly integrate them into OPPlus shiplist and installer. I'll need to notify FS too. My next server is slated to start trials next week so this project will wait for my next server after this one. So take your time. To tell the truth, I cant wait! These new planets you rehardpointed will rock the dyna!

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

If that's the case, Dizzy, modifying the hardpoints on the stock models won't make a lick of difference, because then that model has been altered, thus no longer stock. You would have to have either one of these models I whipped up, or an altered stock model, either way, a no models mod would be out of the question, unless you know of another way to edit hardpoints rather than simply moving them around in a modeling program.

At this point, I think I should make it clear, that while I'm not opposed to seeing this pack included with such a great mod to be made available here at Dynaverse or wherever, I really don't care for