Varied Science [modeling] Created 14 years ago2009-09-19 09:40:16 UTC by monster_urby

Hey guys.

Just wanted to show off a little something I've been doing recently. Basically, after seeing Black Mesa's flex modeling technique that can create hundreds of unique faces, I decided that the science team in HL1 could stand to be a little more varied.

So, using the Blue-Shift model Rosenberg head as a template I created 4 sub model heads, all the same size but with major adjustments to facial features. Once that was done I created 3 different skins for the head mesh. The result was 12 unique bald scientists of varying age. Yay!However, by adding another set of sub models for hair, and another for facial hair and possibly another for accessories (glasses, pencils behind ears and so forth) there could be an overwhelming number of variations.

Here's my problem, I cannot model worth a shit. I would like someone, preferably with a decent amount of modeling and skinning experience to create hairstyle models. The general head shape is the same for all 4 sub models so 1 hairstyle would fit all 4 heads. However if all 4 hairstyles used the same skin, then they could easily be re-coloured by myself to fit the skins used on the faces.

If your interested in helping out, let me know. If you just like the sound of this project, you can let me know that too.

I like it. This needs to have code to implement it in HL and Spirt, methinks.
'Course, the source files for the different heads would have to be released too, because not every mod will want the same model.
If you finish this in time, I may implement it in the scientist models I've made for my next project.

Spirit won't need additional coding. It already has a models and skins selection option in the monster_scientist entity.

EDIT: Hair and Accessories models would need coding you're right. Anywho, the source models are included with every HL model. You just need to decompile them.

I guess, as long as you don't mind me decompiling your work!

What about those DM models?

I lost interest tbh. The servers popularity was dying down and I started this to get me back in the mood.

You can actually create a simple variation system with a little work. There was a tutorial to on VERC, explaining a variation system for models by using bone scaling. What you need to have is some coding/modelling knowledge, and some extra bones/polygons (on head) on mesh you want to edit.

http://www.twhl.co.za/articulator.php?art=145
http://www.twhl.co.za/articulator.php?art=100 (probably not related)

Ooo...K?

I have no idea how either of those are supposed help me out.

Ooo nice! Add sunglasses and some gold to the last row and you can have a whole array of gangsta mothafu scientists - All you need now is Will Smith to do the voice acting

Maybe not in HL1, as it'll be harder to distribute, but this would look great in a HL1 mod.

I have no idea how either of those are supposed help me out.

I know, but it would only be if you want a fat scientist. Besides, modeling is easier, as long as it's just moving verticies to change shape a bit.

Whatever, I'm up for modelling anything you need (as long as you provide me with your source files). Keep in mind, you can create countless variations (using low memory) with system I mentioned in my previous post.

I'm not after fat scientists though. Just different variations in the face.

All I need is someone to model and skin hairstyles.

And code to implement the 3(+) skins, submodels after the head and needle submodels, ect.
Sorry to add to your workload, but the model is useless if you can't use it.
But damn, it sounds useful.
Also, AI's HD scientist model has the head models set up so the glasses fit without modification, I think... You could use the source from that that as a more permenant model after the prototype is finished, if you want to.

DPGames has a coder so I'm good to go on that front.

Other mods who want to use the model will have to get the coding done themselves.

Aww...
Oh well, at least I can decide what features I want if I get a coder.
Now I don't need to give HD Luther a white skin!

Get whatever mod this model is for done so we can all see it as a Proof Of Concept. I want to see this ingame, dammit!
EDIT: Or release a POC minimod then get to work on the actual mod!

Hey, this is good stuff. If it's ok with you, we could implement it in Static Friction

As soon as the hairstyles are added. I'm thinking the hell with it. I'm going to have a go at modelling hair today. If not, I will just add a load of silly hats.

The mod I started this for is "Complex Opinion." Its been in development for over a year and thanks to ATi, it's on hold indefinitely.

Its been in development for over a year and thanks to ATi, it's on hold indefinitely.

DAMMIT!
You need a new graphics card then. One that likes OpenGL.

Seems silly to buy a new graphics card just to use one program.

Unless being able to use that program is important to you.

The graphics card stays. Its pretty awesome. I'm holding out for a fix for Hammer. It'll happen...right?

Heh, anything's possible

I'm holding out for a fix for Hammer. It'll happen...right?

1. Does ATI know that you've found a problem with their card, and that it's important to you that they get it fixed?
2. Does valve know about this problem with hammer and ATI cards as well?
3. Do either of them care about an old piece of software, that has stopped being catered to, being rendered useless by a graphics card?

...Just wondering, I want to see some Goldsource maps out of you.

1. ATi have been notified several times according to a forum I checked out when I started experiencing the problem.

2. They know, but they don't care.

3. Valve? No. ATi? Unlikely.

However, its like Penguinboy said. "Anything's possible." I'm sure that somewhere within the vast HL mapping community, there is a dedicated programmer looking into the issues that Hammer 3.x has and improving them.

That person is awesome.

If not, someone better get to it.
I just found out today that the laptop of one of my friends had an ATi card. So much for teaching him how to map for HL...

Sorry for the bump, but did I get any takers on this? I really want these guys to be finished and I can't do it on me todd, savvy?

I would if I could. I hope someone does take this job.

'Fraid it's not within my skills.

@ Urby: Your picture link is not working, it's showing instead a "404 Not Found" error.

Ah yes. Server change. Hold on.Ping!