Forum posts

I believe he is referring to line of sight...

If you are inside then you don't necessarily see everything...

Not quite sure what Don is referring to exactly but I would think that adding more points would smooth your track. I have done a few trains and I think I had similar problems. Add more points on all curves, even if you have to add one every inch or two. This WILL smooth your ride.

• Your entry must NOT be in mod format. If you have custom content, the

content should be zipped in the APPROPRIATE FOLDER STRUCTURE.

It means only add the content that is needed, not your whole mod. And if you do then put it in the folders they need to be in and zip it up.

Simple actually....

upload the map, please...

The actual last movie I saw was Outbreak, with the monkey.

Good idea for a video game.....lol...oh wait!, it's been done...

Do I need to replace this whole piece?

$collisionmodel "stair_column_phys" {
$concave
$automass
}

with

$collisionmodel "stair_column_phys" { $concave $maxconvexpieces 50 }

then what? lol. drag it from the source folder onto studio.mdl to re-compile? I used to do a few half life 1 models but it's been a minute.

I did look at the tutorial before I posted. That is what prompted me to ask because your stairs seemed to work just fine. I really don't have that many more faces in my models but I didn't know about the default render. I have the .qc file itself but do not really understand it, mostly numbers and what looks like triangle counts.

Is there any way I can can fix this without XSI? I am using the func_detail and providing collision with a duplicate model with clip brushes that lays on top. The func_detail takes the collision out basically and the clips just add it back in. Should I just omit the collision and the func_detail and just leave the thing solid and let propper make the collisions without clip brushes? I think I got that all right.

I think I am going to stay with the func_detail in-game. I don't have any rounded surfaces so there is no real need to model it.

Thanks for the responses.

EDIT: my bad on the QC file. I was looking at something else. the actual is below or what is now the .qc file for the short stack. I don't think it's much different on the whole stack. what's wrong with the .qc?

$staticprop
$modelname "kdmodels/stair_column/stair_column"
$scale "1.000000"
$body "Body" "stair_column_ref"
$cdmaterials "models/kdmodels/stair_column"
$sequence idle "stair_column_ref"
$surfaceprop "concrete"
$autocenter
$collisionmodel "stair_column_phys" {

$concave
$automass

}

My AMD Athlon 3200 came in with a dismal 33 seconds PI time...

Time to upgrade the board and chip again....lol

The func_detail really doesn't hurt the map....I was just trying to help the map out a little bit by modeling the somewhat complicated stairs. And no, the stairs aren't that complicated--no rounds. Most of my textures are set to .25 anyways and I always budget for this. I don't do the floors or ceiling this way most of the time but I really try to use the .25 detail.

Like I said, I made a short stack and it works fine. Just wanted to know if it was really worth all the trouble that I am putting into it. Guess not.

I was poking around the model viewer last night and noticed alot of complex models that render just fine.

Maybe I do need to learn a new program...lol

I have been experimenting with propper and models and am a little confused with a few things. I do not wish to learn another program so don't suggest a real model program cause it ain't going to happen right now. Propper is nice for my needs but I think I am probably missing a few things.

Is it a good idea to make large complicated models with complicated collision models, i.e. large columns of stairs. And is it really good to make surface that you have to walk on into a model?

I have done a few models with propper and haven't had any problems. However, everytime I make something complicated it doesn't want to take it or I get engine errors when I go to compile, i.e. triangle errors. I never get this error and I assume it is model related cause the map works fine after I delete the prop.

I made a smaller section of the stair column to stack and it works just fine, with no compile problems. I don't mind stacking four models on top of one another but the whole point was to model the whole column to help the map compile better. Am I just wasting my time?

Should I just func_detail it and get over it?

I am glad you responded Atom cause I gave that puppy another try and
low and behold it works perfectly. I have L4D and mapping for it wasn't a problem. I know it's under the 2009 engine so I didn't understand why EP2 didn't work for me. Thanks for the little dose of inspiration to try again.

Caesarea Maritima would be my pick for historical. I don't know if I will have time to actually finish it though. It's a really rough map and like someone said, it is best to start fresh with these compos.

Sort of like plagiarizing yourself....lol

Episode 1 still works like a charm for me and where most of my work is.

However, I did recently, like within the last two weeks, bought EP2 and I am having those same weird glitches, and grid problems. Loads the maps just fine but hammer is definitely screwed up. That lovely update screwed up a few of my other mods too that had some custom coding.

Would refreshing the SDK really help these problems?

I think pushing EP2 to the newer engine is the bigger problem.

Thanks Valve! (i want my money back for EP2)

I have a bit of a request if anyone is up to it....

I am not making a new mod or anything. And I usually don't ask for help cause I like to learn on my own but the coding thing is just not me anymore. Making a MOD can sometimes be....frustrating...if you know what I mean?

I would like to "ADD", not modify a new weapon into my HL2 MOD. I had the dang thing working just fine before Valve decided to rewrite their code earlier this year. I think they do this just to piss people off!

Anyone played the SMOD MOD? Well, I have the "REDUX version 8" now and would like to ADD the "SVD Rifle" to my MOD. I already have the models, materials,scripts, and sounds where they need to be. I even have an .fgd file that I coded to allow the items to be placed in hammer. All this works, no problems but obviously it needs to be coded. Again, I don't want it to be a replacement, it needs to be a NEW weapon. I would like it to show up on the HUD but this is not necessary. You could code the ammo too but it's not really necessary since the map it's going into has alot of console commands that give you ammo already. I really just need the rifle to work. And I don't want any of the other rifles that are already coded. That "harpoon" Overwatch Rifle is really nice but useless.

http://sites.google.com/site/smodredux/

This is a link to the files that I currently have. MOD name is "halflifearena" is this a relevant and this is a Half Life 2 MOD. Episode 1 if that matters. I have EP2, I just have all my stuff under 1.

Also, it's a single player map so the multiplayer DLL doesn't necessarily have to be coded. Any help would be much appreciated.

And no, I am not installing and messing with C++. I just don't have the time anymore. I barely get to map anymore.

Got to keep dem skills sharp....

and if nobody wants to help, it's all good...

Morristown, Tennessee

Couldn't believe there was actually a page....lol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morristown,_TN

Captain - The advantage is that it helps the overall performance of your map. A good example of this would be an office building with 50 of the same desk. You could use propper or any modeling program and make that desk a prop_static. The 50 brush desks are going to take up alot of faces, lighting, and other things. The 50 prop_static's are going to do just fine and really help your overall performance when rendering the map. These models are unlit so bigger object could look a little strange with no lighting. I am sure there are plenty of ways around this.

I just found this program myself and actually installed it last night so I really haven't made my first model yet. Could have used this little program a long time ago. And no, I don't have reams of time to learn the modeling program for anyone who would make a comment.

And no, I didn't die or drop off the planet. I got into a bad car accident a month or so ago and had to recover a little. This is why I haven't been on really. Like anyone cares....

I won't bother posting cause I haven't changed mine yet....

Been too busy with vacation, car accidents, car repairs, and work....

What's up fellas!? Haven't been on in a minute...anyone miss me?

Don't answer that...lol

Isn't PHP more suited for things like video sites or sites where the content changes like daily? I used to have a little video site and it was a pain updating thumbnails everyday manually. I am not much for code so yes, it was all in standard html. PHP would have helped me dramatically there.

Dude! That is awesome! Track is a little smallish but it's all good.

I had an Atari 800 and an Amiga 1000 back in the stone age. Still have the Amiga in the closet with an original Amiga Monitor that still works. I think it's got the big 10 meg HD--yeah, that's megs.

Oh yeah, get some flags or something. You know? The streamer flags.

Map on!

I love that! you went and found actual stores in Johannesburg....

I stand corrected! (and I am not mad!) (I am laughing my ass off!)

Ok, let's put this one to bed then and say that I am dumb ass who asked a dumb ass question and I really should just stay in dumb ass America cause everyone in Europe is going to laugh at me anyways. lol

I could move to Antarctica and open a computer store.....I am sure the penguins need some parts and internet hook-up. Gotta evolve right?

Have you been to Johannesburg lately? or anywhere in Africa? I don't think so or you would know that you can't just go anywhere in Africa and buy a computer--well, not anymore. Africa used to be booming before apartheid. Like I said, my daughter has been there and I don't think she mentioned any computer stores--just bombed out buildings--high rise buildings. I think she said her and mom were run out by a local gang before they could finish their tour.

And you really can't compare rural areas in America versus rural area(s) in Europe cause trust me I am pretty rural where I live and I can still get whatever I need pretty easy--like I said--5 minutes to the store.

And just an add for ZombieLoffe...what do you u think would have happened if we didn't get involved in WWII? We would have had to fight the Germans eventually. Better be glad that Mexico didn't cooperate or Hitler would have tried to invade the mainland of the United States early on cause he wanted the fight--he knew he would have that fight sometime in the future. Not like we were going to sit back and watch the show and never be involved so to say that "we bailed out Europe" is sort of misnomer because the fight was already set in motion from the very beginning.

see, there were a few very informative answers...thanks guys....

Striker has put a little light to what I had already thought. Good and services are somewhat different in some places in Europe. I capitalized that one for ya soup so you won't have to pop that blood vessel.

And I don't really think I am generalizing Europe. I am generalizing the goods and services--let's stick to the subject. I am sure the whole of Asia is somewhat different as well when it comes to their goods and services. I don't know about that one either because I have never been out of the country.

My daughter has been to Africa three times and trust me the goods and services are quite different--almost non-existent. We, here in America have many many choices--almost too many for most people in my opinion. I know in my own little town of only 20,000 people there are over 150 used car lots and over 200 churches. That's alot of choices! If I want a new computer I could easy go to OfficeMax or even Wal-Mart which is 5 minutes away. I say the choices narrow quite a bit when you go anywhere in Europe cause there aren't 200 churches in a small town or 15 burger joints all in a line. Even Striker somewhat hinted that it was easier to order.

And really Soup...no hard feelings....you just know how to pick...

I think I capitalized everything for you sir so no need to correct my post. I think you get a little too correct sometimes but it's all good.

Ok then, If I wanted to move to lovely Sweden...what would it be like for me there. I know they have plenty of stores but I still wouldn't know about the services. Online research only gives you so much.

let me sit back and think about my response for a minute. I can't stay long cause my power supply fan is chunked and my power supply will be red hot here in a few minutes. yeah, I am going to replace it today with parts right down the street--lol.

And soupy...you are getting on my last fucking nerve dude....you have a huge freaking ego don't you? If you were to actually read some of your messages you would realize it is you that pick on every little detail. Who care's about a proper pronoun? I will write any way I want. Don't read it.

As far as europe goes I guess I am just digging a big hole. Sorry if everyone thinks this is an insensitive thread. I was just asking how easy it was to get goods and services. I am aware that europe is a big place and I am aware that most of it isn't as barbaric as they world would think. I have never been there so I just wanted to know if America was just overblown about the whole goods and services thing. We have a huge overabundance of everything here. Moving somewhere else is going to be culture shock anyways so I guess I will just deal with it as it comes. I won't bother you good people with my stupid questions.

And it's not like you have been there either soup so keep you comments to yourself. Just because you graduated college doesn't give you a degree on europe or world history. You really don't know anymore than myself.

I would like to get back to the thread now.....

oh good grief--you people can't do anything without wanting to lynch someone. You take EVERYTHING out of context...

Let me back peddle a little bit ok. I have never been to europe!

Socially, Europe is 20 years ahead of everyone else. I think what I was asking was is europe set-up for convenience like the united states. I know a few of you said that you were in more rural areas. In my town I know I can go down the street to any one of three stores and pick up a copy of windows 7. This is why all americans are spoiled because we have SO many choices. Can you just go to a freaking local store, in europe, and buy computer parts or DO YOU HAVE TO ORDER THEM?--because, perhaps...it is easier. Are the services the same? Like I said, I have never been to europe.

I was not in any way trying to insult ANYONE that lives in europe. I don't think the rest of the world needs to be like the united states anymore than we should be like anyone else. Being different is ok. We are the screwed up ones--most of the rest of the world has it figured out already.

I bash America all the time. It's really not all it's cracked up to be. And yes, I love my freedom but I can't stand what this country is turning into. And no, I am not going to get into the what--everyone knows what.

I didn't know you were so close soup. I used to live in North Carolina for a bit and I will be there in a couple of weeks for my beach trip. Got a house in Kitty Hawk (outer banks) and will be visiting some relatives in Maiden afterwards before returning home.

You guys have given alot of insight into yourselves. Is technology in small europeon countries the same? I guess it is or you wouldn't be able to map or get on the net. That is my only worry about moving to europe. I know amsterdam is a little freaky with cell phones. From what I read you literally have to get a temporary sim card for your phone while there and basically pay a single service for cell phone use. This is just what I read--could have changed since it was written.

Can you just buy windows 7 in a store in europe or do you have to order it?

I know...I am a dumb american....humor me.

I was merely saying that there is more than enough talent here to create an awesome software development team. I don't think alot would come from just getting together--a big ass party! ok, I'm in.

And I don't know striker???? maybe a nice neutral European country?

grin

I see most of the principal users and leadership here has opted out of my little survey. What's the matter guys? Scared to have a real conversation?

Thanks to all of you who actually responded. I see we have a mixed bag of people here and that is awesome.

If I had lots of money I would put you all on a worldwide development team.

Let's pray that I hit the lottery....(hold on--I have to play first) LOL

Alrighty then....

I am interested in knowing where all you people are from. You could add a little about your heritage if you want--this is optional. Where do u live?

My last name is Dunivan and I am Irish. I was born in Virginia, USA. Lived in the Washington DC area for about 15 years. Moved to Tennessee, USA about ten years ago and this is where I currently reside. Plans are to move to Europe soon, possibly Amsterdam but no definite plans are made as of yet.

you'll have to click this one.... (actually open in new window)

Panama Canal Construction 1913

I am always the over sensitive one huh?? lol

maybe I am sometimes....

you have to admit that most of my posts get some sort of negative response. I was pointing out a FACT--cause mine IS in fact--in upper case. But I suppose most people don't use the good old classic theme anymore.

and you guys ARE rough sometimes for someone who is just trying to fit in. I couldn't even post my wallpaper last month without someone commenting harshly on it. I don't make superficial negative comments--only facts.

And I really am a nice guy...ty

And yes, maybe it is because I use the classic theme. I did realize this fact after I posted so chill whoever you are.

People are so dang defensive on this site.

I made an observation and commented on it....get over it dude.

I was right.

Me thinks he didn't look at my desktop.

I have the english version of XP and mine "S" is in uppercase.

next theory please....

I can open the .rmf file with hammer (source).

I will get my HL1 stuff setup right again...when I can find some time.

I don't usually intrude on someones bsp's. If you haven't included the source file then I don't crack it all open just to look at it.

I gave you a semi-rating already. I downloaded it but I don't have really have HL1 set-up correctly so I opened it in hammer(source).

Really good map although I cannot see all the "workings".

The third floor is a little small and has no exit or door.

Other than that it was a nice map!

Atom: Liked yours too! You are a good mapper. Alot of attention to detail and not just the inside but everything you can't see as well.

ok, you are all right and I am wrong......blah blah blah

and GOW3 is a sequel as well so it's not like they actually did any work since they have that plug and play engine you are talking about. lol

I would just like to see a NEW, brand new story line somewhere and the people at valve are the people to do it. EP3 will just continue really.

Not like they haven't made enough money to put a team together to create something entirely new---or are they?

And I can too compare ps3 games with computer games. It's all the same code my man--just arranged a little differently to make it work. And I am not all that impressed with God of War anyways so don't get your panties in a bunch. EP3 will be bad ass so I will wait--patiently--like a good little single player person.

And yes, Left4Dead is bad ass if you like mindless zombies kills for hours and hours. Do not get me wrong, all the game play minus the zombies was awesome and I love the maps. I created a map right after playing it for the first time. We all here appreciate good maps.

I have been waiting on EP3 for a minute as well! I wish they would just make the single player episodes as they make all these "new" improvements to the engine--which isn't much. And the engine is entirely older than three years--the whole engine is well over 10 years old. God of War III spanks anything valve is doing right now. I think we need a break from portal and all this multiplayer madness and concentrate on something different.

Don't get me wrong. I know everyone likes multiplayer but you can't match the story mode that goes along with playing a single player game. I think they are having a hard time coming up with new material. Seems like they are just re-hashing old things---again.

Give us something to really sink our teeth into!!!!

And Hammer with Java? Please!!!!! shoot me now.

I let all map ideas "brew" a little. The more you try and rush something the more it's not going to happen or your get bored to tears with it. I usually create what I can for the day and when the ideas stop coming then I give it a rest. I find that I get more good ideas if I think about the map "away" from the computer rather than sitting there trying to make something happen.

Did anyone get to look at my source cubicle entry wip screenshots?

yeah, I have to admit that it was pretty unintelligible. It was a little hard to explain in the first place but I think I got my point across.

And yes, this is a pretty critical place sometimes. Just wish we could stick to being critical with the maps instead of being crtical with the people. I like you guys that's why I stick around. Can't find people anywhere else on the planet like you guys. Keep up the good work.

I ain't mad!

and my entry is almost done but again, it's source. lol

Soup Miner:
"When in doubt, include your texlights file with the rest of the map source"

I think the Captain answered the question quite adequately and I think he understood me. I work for a living and was a little tired last night so excuse my poor message--it was a little confusing--I had to read it again.

and excuse me soupy...but this is a hard place to be sometimes. Not like ANYONE gets any slack around here. People like to point out every little things. Let's stop reviewing the people and stick with reviewing the maps!

if I was to -wadinclude will the texlight info be included or not?

or would you have to include the rad file as well when uploading?

for new textures of course...maybe that's where you got lost. obviously anyone using a stock hl1 or hl2 texture would already have the base rad file.

you sort of answered it already soup. stop scratching your head.

thanks for the vote of confidence captain....

sorry captain....I too use photobucket. I will forthwith change to imageshack for further image postings.

lol

all you have to do is open it in a new window and it comes in fine (no edit)

i was wondering about that myself. so....even if you compile the texlights the actual values for them are not? does this apply to source as well. you would figure with all the values it already saves for the textures that it would be able to do this with the rad file. i like texlights...i think they give off more even lighting. I am not good at lights anyways so I am lazy.

you can most certainly use water in the skybox. This is pretty much the only way to get that endless water effect. There is a tutorial somewhere--dunno where I saw it. I have never been good with skyboxes so getting it right can be tricky.

And to answer the question about the water_lod_control: this all depends on how deep the water is. the size of the water brush is the volume for your water. says it's 512 units--you would want to end that somewhere around 256 or less depending on how dark and murky you want the water. Most of the water textures have particles in them so it looks pretty real.

I was going to post this lovely map I had map a while back. Well, since it had been made awhile back I took it upon myself to use a few new mapping skills (cough) and improve what I had already done. Mind you, the map worked fine before I started screwing with it.

Below you will find three solids:

Top solid is obviously sky texture
Middle solid is the upper canal wall
Bottom solid is the lower canal wall

Ok, before I "fixed it" nothing had been vertexed and the walls at the intersection and turns were sticking into each other. Seemed to work fine but I would prefer that all my vertexes are aligned and the map is all tidy.

Well, when I get done with this grand overhaul and modification of the skybox.......i get massive portal errors. Spent two days tracking down exactly what was going on. It all worked before.

If you take the middle piece out it all works fine or if you take the top and the bottom piece out it seems to have to no errors at all. If you turn the middle block into a func_wall, func_brush, or func_detail it's all good until you try and seal the obvious hole and then you get pretty much the same portal errors. Any kind of tool brush I can put there to make this problem go away.

Never really tried this shape for a skybox before so I am not sure what's up. Its shaped exactly the same way on both ends and no I haven't copied and flipped anything. I have thought of all the obvious fixes including ghosts. I copied the whole map into new.

Last note: oddly if you delete the brush left-top from the top lit brush--the error goes away as well. Is it in that corner somehow?

here's my big "source" cubicle entry....still working on it.

I see everyone has started to upgrade all the avatars. I know certain people do this regularly but I have noticed that everyone is changing.

comments?

rimrook: dude....I really kinda identify you with the old avatar. I know it's not christmas anymore but i can not get used to that new avatar. lol

atom: that pic is a little scary for some reason. like you are watching me.

soup: gotta love soup but i was starting to think you were a girl. I checked and all is good. sorry for the confusion. lol

and hey, i have been here for a minute. can I get a little change on my name? People actually call me Dunivan. My name is Kendall Dunivan. Don't even start--I had enough of that in school--yes, I am a guy. But, I would like to change my login name from kdunivan to dunivan so people here can refer to me in the right way. And no, I don't do ficticious names anymore--people call me dunivan. I used to have some good ones but they are all gay now and I don't use them.

Ok, here's a good laugh for ya! Queststar was my old D&D name. I think I used Cutter and Grog too. Grog is not bad but I am not a big person so I couldn't use that anymore. Cutter is simply gay along with Queststar. couldn't ever figure out why people laughed but now i do. Laugh on!

Who do I see about the name change?

robbas: it's not the point whether we are slow or not. you really have to "assume" that everyone is slow. Would you design a game that couldn't be played on any older systems? Plus, who, besides graphic designers even use .bmps anymore? Doesn't your screen capture program use .jpg? The only reason I use a .bmp is if I want the image to STAY crisp and clean. You can edit a .bmp and it will never change. Edit a .jpg and it will add a layer of "dust" every time you edit it.

yes, friends, it is true! please don't argue with me over this, ok?

I know you guys...

discostu: you kinda took my idea a little. I was trying to figure something like you have but couldn't get the friggin thing outta my head. The floor, although against my design methods, looks pretty good. I always like to design something like I was actually going to build it and I don't put carpet in diagonally but who's to say it wasn't made like that.

I am working on a source cubicle entry cause I simply don't have HL1 installed or set-up to map anymore. If I remember correctly it's a pain to set up so I will just stay where I am at. I am used to source now. Had another nice map to post but I have one diagonal solid that won't be nice.

I know this thread is getting old but I had to comment on The Book of Eli.

Loved the movie...Denzel is good as always, but....

it kinda lost me with one of the last scenes where it shows the guy putting the bible on the shelf. The one that he just got finished getting from Denzel's head. Well, it said the King James version....lol

Why in the world would god want Denzel to translate some bastardized version of his word to the new world. Didn't the writers think of this?

Last good movie I saw was "The Prestige". Came on the other night and I had never seen it. Loved the whole thing all the way to the end.

Was really disappointed in District 9 but I dunno what I was expecting so it was a big loss.

Avatar was good but a little unbelievable...will be hard to follow up and yes there are two more Avatars to be made. Read it somewhere. Wiki I think.

I just wanted to see what music you listened to soup. my evil plan worked well i see but I do actually remember you mentioning something about bassnectar a while back. I actually have a bunch of old techno computer music from my amiga 1000 (the one I was talking about the other day). some really good stuff too--I will have to set that back up one day and send some of it to you.

Look's like we actually have a wide range of music heads here. Awesome!