Forum posts
WorldCraft is an older version of Hammer. I wouldn't recommend it to newbies. It's not so much more easier, instead, it lacks some helpfull extra's. Just stay at Hammer.
Half-Life 2 is not out yet. Have patience.
A working link would be welcome...
Geocities is such a bad webhost for downloading files from... When people cannot directly access the file they probably won't take the time to cut'n'paste the URL. You might try www.websamba.com for webhosting. It's better in my opinion.
As for the map, I think it looks pretty good, despite the non-fitting modern lighting (candles fit more in the theme). Although I miss some atmosphere, it's all too quiet. Maybe the map is a little too complex too, but after all, nice map.
Oh, at the bomb-spot with the money case, the ladder and the sloped floor are a bit too high I think. The stairs could be a little lower and the floor less steep. Especially the sloped floor feels way too steep (the crate looks like it could fall at any time).
As for the map, I think it looks pretty good, despite the non-fitting modern lighting (candles fit more in the theme). Although I miss some atmosphere, it's all too quiet. Maybe the map is a little too complex too, but after all, nice map.
Oh, at the bomb-spot with the money case, the ladder and the sloped floor are a bit too high I think. The stairs could be a little lower and the floor less steep. Especially the sloped floor feels way too steep (the crate looks like it could fall at any time).
You might want to look here:
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=func_tracktrain
Sites that contain tutorials (yes, there are a LOT of tutors):
http://collective.valve-erc.com/
http://www.vlatitude.com/
http://articles.thewavelength.net/
http://www.snarkpit.com/
And of course this site has some too.
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=func_tracktrain
Sites that contain tutorials (yes, there are a LOT of tutors):
http://collective.valve-erc.com/
http://www.vlatitude.com/
http://articles.thewavelength.net/
http://www.snarkpit.com/
And of course this site has some too.
It wasn't me but if it was for the content it could have been me easily. I fully agree to that man, whoever he is.
From the VERC's entity pages:
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=game_text
Note: Entering message text longer than 127 characters will cause problems, most likely ending in Worldcraft crashing. This issue will hopefully be resolved in the next release.
Maybe that's what causes the problem, maybe not. Make a small testmap to test out different settings for the game_text.
Alternately, you might try the env_message, although it requires some additional work (but the advantage is the text can be changed without having to recompile):
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=env_message
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=game_text
Note: Entering message text longer than 127 characters will cause problems, most likely ending in Worldcraft crashing. This issue will hopefully be resolved in the next release.
Maybe that's what causes the problem, maybe not. Make a small testmap to test out different settings for the game_text.
Alternately, you might try the env_message, although it requires some additional work (but the advantage is the text can be changed without having to recompile):
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=env_message
Pointfile doesn't always lead to the leak. In some cases it does, but in most cases not.
One might notice an entitiy outside the level also counts as a leak. Either enclose them with a bruh or put them inside the level will solve that problem.
One might notice an entitiy outside the level also counts as a leak. Either enclose them with a bruh or put them inside the level will solve that problem.
Place an info_player_start first might help, because that's the size of a human (the player) in-game.
Generally, 128 units is the 'standard' ceiling height. In the office levels in HL, the walls were 128 units high. That might help a little too.
After all, you just got to get the hang of it again. You'll do within some time...
Generally, 128 units is the 'standard' ceiling height. In the office levels in HL, the walls were 128 units high. That might help a little too.
After all, you just got to get the hang of it again. You'll do within some time...
You have all mapped way too much! Now where are your real stunning blowing-me-away maps? 
I know, I'm slow too with releasing...
I know, I'm slow too with releasing...
Riiiight...
I like to draw a lot, but I keep it as a hobby while I want to study Informatica. Seems like a good decision when I hear your story!
BTW, you have some art on-line?
BTW, you have some art on-line?
An Art College without actually making art? Man, you shouldn't even have gotten into that if you knew it beforehand! What you're forced to do is the Art of Boredom! 
A bad thing to hear how talents can be wasted in a professional matter.
A bad thing to hear how talents can be wasted in a professional matter.
- Well, anyway, you've mapped to much when you put a compile log of your life on your thumbstone.
We had no security against installing programs when I did so...
- When you get interested into engine code because you're sick of all the engine limitations. Hey, wait, I am...
JB, OpenGL has better ways to see your faces, e.g. 'gl_wireframe 1' and 'gl_wireframe 2'. So to run software mode for that two console commands is pretty odd. IMO.
Hehe! Sometimes other keys than the available ones do work, but most don't. When it's a different type (sprite - model) it doesn't work, if it's the same type it might work sometimes.
For example, you can use the 'body' key to identify what bodyparts a model should have. This works for grunts just as well as it does for monster_generic or monster_furniture.
For example, you can use the 'body' key to identify what bodyparts a model should have. This works for grunts just as well as it does for monster_generic or monster_furniture.
Auch... You really can't use other render modes than software mode?
What system specs do you have then?
What system specs do you have then?
'r_drawflat 1' and 'r_draworder 1' where the console commands for software mode, if I remember correctly.
OpenGL incapable? Then you use Direct3D I hope?
OpenGL incapable? Then you use Direct3D I hope?
A search on Google DID result in a lot of textures:
Bottom of the page:
http://www.telefragged.com/wally/downloads.shtml
A level-designer and texture-artists site:
http://blaz.csbanana.com/textures.htm
Counter-map also contains textures:
http://countermap.counter-strike.net/Textures/textures.php
An old Half-Life site:
http://jchq.vibrants.dk/textures.htm
You might also consider using CS textures or other mod's textures (be sure to have permission from the creators).
Bottom of the page:
http://www.telefragged.com/wally/downloads.shtml
A level-designer and texture-artists site:
http://blaz.csbanana.com/textures.htm
Counter-map also contains textures:
http://countermap.counter-strike.net/Textures/textures.php
An old Half-Life site:
http://jchq.vibrants.dk/textures.htm
You might also consider using CS textures or other mod's textures (be sure to have permission from the creators).
Ehm, badong? No. The 'scale' key isn't recognized.
Although, when modeling, there is an option to scale the model within the .qc file, it's a compile option.
Although, when modeling, there is an option to scale the model within the .qc file, it's a compile option.
Then try it out yourself. I did.
Yes, there are a lot of false theories about compiling, then why do you think I try it out myself?
Yes, there are a lot of false theories about compiling, then why do you think I try it out myself?
- When you say your previous job was mapping.
I've tried out several things with the hint textures and that tutorial seems pretty right to me. When I tried out thicker walls I didn't see any difference. So I don't know exactly how you think they can be better for VIS-blocking... maybe you should try it out once, Seventh-Monkey?
- When you mapped the computer rooms of your school IN that computer room to impress your classmates on site...
- When you reskin the grunts with heads of classmates and teachers...
- When you install Half-Life on a schoolcomputer and test others maps on school...
Ehm, I'd say model reflection can be faked too, place a cycler underneath the floor to act as the reflection, and trigger an env_render when you pick up the real weapon to make the reflection of the gun invisible.
But I'm not well known with the way things are reset after a CS round, so it might not work in multiplayer. Try it out!
But I'm not well known with the way things are reset after a CS round, so it might not work in multiplayer. Try it out!
Err... basic school, ieatmonkeychow?
Anyway, I have the same problem. I have to learn for my exams but mapping seems so much more interesting... hey, it IS just more interesting!
Anyway, I have the same problem. I have to learn for my exams but mapping seems so much more interesting... hey, it IS just more interesting!
There are skies available for other games too, and with some modification (make them all 256x256, put them in tga format) they work for HL too.
Badong wants (wanted) to create his own but it seems he has a lot of problems with making them seamless.
Anyway, start simple, badong. You'll get better troughout time.
Anyway, start simple, badong. You'll get better troughout time.
As far as I can see after some tests, thickness of walls has nothing to do with VIS blocking.
You might want to read this:
http://countermap.counter-strike.net/Tutorials/tutorial.php?id=2
Nothing about thick walls. I think the thick walls in that test you heard of affected the shape and placement of these VIS blocks, what caused a better result. I think. But then again, I should have seen that tests.
You might want to read this:
http://countermap.counter-strike.net/Tutorials/tutorial.php?id=2
Nothing about thick walls. I think the thick walls in that test you heard of affected the shape and placement of these VIS blocks, what caused a better result. I think. But then again, I should have seen that tests.
Just to get things straight: what exactly do you mean? Thicker internal walls... you mean brushes that touch the void have to be thicker, or brushes not touching the void, or... ?
Maybe you can draw out what you mean and post it.
Maybe you can draw out what you mean and post it.
You have a link to that experimentation?
Why are thicker walls better then? Aren't the planes of the faces more important for the compile process?
I don't know but I'd like to get to know that.
I don't know but I'd like to get to know that.
I've seen your site and I've seen some of your scrap material (concept art). The maps look good for as far as I can see on those tiny screenshots, it gives a better impression than a story-only. You really should put links to your modelers sites on your mod site.
Anyway, lots of succes to your team!
Anyway, lots of succes to your team!
Paint can be usefull although it doesn't have so much functions. It's main power in my eyes is it's simplicity. I always use paint to make the base-form of a texture.
But it's personal preference-based off course.
But it's personal preference-based off course.
JB, you just said that the edges of the brushes should be sloped to ensure you don't get extra faces? Sloped insidewards, well, anyway, I get what you mean.
It's not true. I've believed this too before but the compiler is pretty good able to combine these faces when it's made with method 2 shown up here. As long as they have exactly the same texture properties (scale, offset, angle). So, don't worry about manipulating your vertexes for such purposes anymore. It sometimes even has some disadvantages (splitting up faces outside of the block due to that sloped inside!)...
If you want, I can post a screenshot of my test map to explain it more in-depth.
It's not true. I've believed this too before but the compiler is pretty good able to combine these faces when it's made with method 2 shown up here. As long as they have exactly the same texture properties (scale, offset, angle). So, don't worry about manipulating your vertexes for such purposes anymore. It sometimes even has some disadvantages (splitting up faces outside of the block due to that sloped inside!)...
If you want, I can post a screenshot of my test map to explain it more in-depth.
Teleporting the player will not keep it's exact view angle and relative location, so the player will suddenly be moved a little and his view will be reset to straight ahead (although the view angle is changable in the info_teleport_destination entity options). So...
Although I do think multiplayer maps better aim for about 800 instead of 1500 since combat area's require some less poly's to still run smooth.
About the 800 poly limit...
Why do we worry about software mode anyways now? I'd like to know that... Modern days computers can handle 1200 - 1500 poly's easily!
Why do we worry about software mode anyways now? I'd like to know that... Modern days computers can handle 1200 - 1500 poly's easily!
Half-Quake: Amen. Indeed.
Yegh, don't remember me to that name!
Yegh, don't remember me to that name!
Err... I wouldn't advise the HL prefabs anyway, for several reasons.
1. They get so boring, because your by far not the only one that uses them. To me (personally) it makes a lazy impression.
2. They aren't specific made for your level, your environment, and may not 'fit' in the theme so well.
As for using prop models instead of brushes for detail, yes, it's advisable for smaller objects or natural things (trees and so). However, due to the different rendering of models (they don't use lightmaps like the world geometry does), it looks quite ugly when you use it as large scenery. It doesn't light up like normal walls too when you turn your flashlight on.
But, because of this different rendering, model polygons seem to take about 12 times less calculation time than world polygons. I don't know if that's a factor 12 but at least it costs less time.
1. They get so boring, because your by far not the only one that uses them. To me (personally) it makes a lazy impression.
2. They aren't specific made for your level, your environment, and may not 'fit' in the theme so well.
As for using prop models instead of brushes for detail, yes, it's advisable for smaller objects or natural things (trees and so). However, due to the different rendering of models (they don't use lightmaps like the world geometry does), it looks quite ugly when you use it as large scenery. It doesn't light up like normal walls too when you turn your flashlight on.
But, because of this different rendering, model polygons seem to take about 12 times less calculation time than world polygons. I don't know if that's a factor 12 but at least it costs less time.
It requires changes to the code... But it's possible.
Sigh...
Then just start making textures to GET that experience! How do you think I made the textures for Sector Gamma? By sitting there saying "I don't have enough experience"? No! By just starting!
OK, I don't wanna talk about the first textures I made, they're of bad quality, but hey, so were my first maps! And as with mapping, also my texturing skills have increased... or so other people say.
Then just start making textures to GET that experience! How do you think I made the textures for Sector Gamma? By sitting there saying "I don't have enough experience"? No! By just starting!
OK, I don't wanna talk about the first textures I made, they're of bad quality, but hey, so were my first maps! And as with mapping, also my texturing skills have increased... or so other people say.
When you put the Spirit dll's in your mod folder, people can play it correctly without downloading Spirit. Since they download Spirit's dll's within your mod.
path/wavename.wav
Oh, you can just type ambience/hammer.wav, HL automatically searches in the valve/sound folder already.
Oh, you can just type ambience/hammer.wav, HL automatically searches in the valve/sound folder already.
Nope, esmajor. How would you measure a rotation in units? Also, scaling 20 units up, just select the stuff and enlarge it with 20 units. Can be done manually.
I think none of them is better than the other. Try out both and type 'gl_wireframe 1' and 'r_speeds 1' in the console, to show the difference between the two ways.
Anyway, I personally prefer the second way. It's easier to work with for me (maybe because I'm used to it... :)).
About hollowing a brush to create a room: it's quick, but on the long term very hard to work with. About adding doors, putting a door brush in front of a wall often looks bad. Instead, slice the wall brush in two, create some space between them and put in a thinner brush there (and a normal brush above it, doors don't reach the ceiling very often). Be sure to check the floor, sometimes I forget there's a hole there... leak...
Anyway, I personally prefer the second way. It's easier to work with for me (maybe because I'm used to it... :)).
About hollowing a brush to create a room: it's quick, but on the long term very hard to work with. About adding doors, putting a door brush in front of a wall often looks bad. Instead, slice the wall brush in two, create some space between them and put in a thinner brush there (and a normal brush above it, doors don't reach the ceiling very often). Be sure to check the floor, sometimes I forget there's a hole there... leak...
Executing console commands cannot be done with entities as far as I know.
I remember having seen a sadistic mod somewhere, that featured puzzles in the style of: Search the right 3 buttons and press them in the right order. Do so within 2 minutes or you're dead. Notice the walls are covered with about 200 buttons.
I haven't even bothered downloading it. Maybe that was because the mappers only used white, grey, black and brown in their maps... Anyway...
I haven't even bothered downloading it. Maybe that was because the mappers only used white, grey, black and brown in their maps... Anyway...
Some can. Search for NURBS and what they are. They're not based on faces but on a mathematical function. Much easier to render (for the computer) and looks very smooth.
But I doubt there are much engines that use it right now. But it is possible. Several modeling programs use it.
But I doubt there are much engines that use it right now. But it is possible. Several modeling programs use it.
http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?ent=multi_manager
You didn't notice the 'game entities' link next to the 'search' link? Almost all entities are covered on the VERC.
Also, multimanager gives only 3 results, where multi_manager gives a lot more. Since it's called multi_manager in Hammer too...
You didn't notice the 'game entities' link next to the 'search' link? Almost all entities are covered on the VERC.
Also, multimanager gives only 3 results, where multi_manager gives a lot more. Since it's called multi_manager in Hammer too...