Hapslash's Improved Stormtrooper

Infinity Blade · 01-30-2004, 10:27 AM

Well, I finally got around to helping Hap in the past week or two, and for the most part the model is finished. For those that don't know, this is as the subject says, an improved stormtrooper model over the one that came with Jedi Outcast.

We've still got some ironing out of textures, a little this, a little that.... but it shouldn't be long now.

And for those that have been waiting... here's a shot of it in-game with Hap's Blaster model too. It's a "side by side" with the original JO models.

http://wat.midco.net/eggnog1/st-ingame.jpg

More coming soon....

Hellfire Jedi · 01-30-2004, 10:51 AM

Looks very nice indeed. Its great to see its finally getting there.

Will there be a JA version? D:

LightNinja · 01-30-2004, 10:54 AM

Wow that makes the stormtroopers look very real

TK-8252 · 01-30-2004, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hellfire Jedi
Will there be a JA version? D:

Umm... all Jedi Outcast models will work in Jedi Academy.

Hellfire Jedi · 01-30-2004, 11:14 AM

But with the saber bug, thank you very much.

TK-8252 · 01-30-2004, 11:15 AM

Picky, picky.

Infinity Blade · 01-30-2004, 01:01 PM

I've worked the model so that both versions should be identical. The weighting is the same, it's just the tag that controls the left hand's saber and such is weighted to a different bone in JA.

I think Raven should've been able to fix it easily in their conversion process, as it's only one tag... but who knows.

Regardless... making a JA version of a properly weighted JO model (not using the extra bones in JO) should be a very quick task. I can take the model as is, spend 5 minutes max to reweight the tag and compile with the new GLA, then it should be ready to go.

Neverhoodian · 01-30-2004, 02:16 PM

Excellent work as always.

I've been looking forward to this new stormtrooper for a long time. Judging by the screenshot, it's been well worth the wait. The stormtrooper looks a lot more like how they're seen in the movies now.

Again, excellent work.

Zappa_0 · 01-30-2004, 02:27 PM

Yea nice work and it really looks real indeed. Hope to see this released soon.

t3rr0r · 01-30-2004, 08:08 PM

it's been a long wait, but well worth it... and maybe andy could help with spec mapping for that nice realistic shine, since he seems to be a natural at it.

Infinity Blade · 01-30-2004, 08:46 PM

Hmmm... I dunno. The lighting system in JO kinda makes whites glare as is.

And while I'm no shader expert, I'd think having a shader that covers 90% of the polys on his body, then being the most common enemy on the screen, would possibly slow down some of the less moderate machines out there.

It'd most likely look better, but is it cost effective?

t3rr0r · 01-30-2004, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Infinity Blade
It'd most likely look better, but is it cost effective?

actually, i think specular mapping takes up less resources than having an environment map... so it'd be worth a shot.

Infinity Blade · 01-30-2004, 09:19 PM

Lol... well ... yeah... but who said anything about environment mapping...

Can always fiddle around with it though.

Antizac · 01-30-2004, 11:37 PM

I always thought there was something wrong with those stormtroopers!

I must have that model, for The Rising Empire (that is, if part 1 ever get's finished.)

Excellent work. Looks like they're streight from the movies, now.

Darth Stryke · 01-31-2004, 05:00 AM

Ya know, I never realized there was a problem with the old ST models..that is until I saw that screen. Very nice work, can't wait to get it.

Mex · 01-31-2004, 12:57 PM

Jeezum crow on a stick, is that realistic or what?

guest · 02-01-2004, 07:23 PM

Any updates on this model?

~ Michaelmexp

DarkLord60 · 02-01-2004, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by guest
Any updates on this model?

~ Michaelmexp

I wish

TK-8252 · 02-01-2004, 08:06 PM

If you don't already know, HapSlash has posted the multiplayer icons at his site. Go see 'em if you haven't already.

HapSlash · 02-02-2004, 06:29 AM

As I'm putting together the final mesh needed for the Improved E-11, Infinity Blade has been ironing the last of the bugs out of the model.

As you can see, something just wasn't quite right,...

This problem has been fixed now, and we haven't found any other major problems with it yet, but we're going to keep looking at it until I can get this blaster done.

Casper · 02-02-2004, 02:59 PM

I know Darth Alex would like this. ROFL!

guest · 02-02-2004, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HapSlash

As I'm putting together the final mesh needed for the Improved E-11, Infinity Blade has been ironing the last of the bugs out of the model.

As you can see, something just wasn't quite right,...

This problem has been fixed now, and we haven't found any other major problems with it yet, but we're going to keep looking at it until I can get this blaster done.

Thats a bit freaky.. ^_^ Take your time with the model anyways. I won't be playing it any time soon.

~ Michaelmexp

HapSlash · 02-02-2004, 10:03 PM

I've hit a snag with the first person blaster,...

I keep getting an error message of 'overflow of 128 in 128' and the blaster is only visible while firing...

Any ideas?

RJW_ca · 02-02-2004, 10:14 PM

I know this will turn out to be a great model!!!
It's looking amazzzzzzzzzing!!!

RJW_ca "OUT"

TK-8252 · 02-02-2004, 10:58 PM

AHHHHH!!!! It's the headless shadow!

Well if the Stormtrooper is finished before you fix the E-11, release the Stormtrooper without his blaster, we all need that Stormtrooper really really badly... (And the Sandtrooper.)

Mex · 02-03-2004, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TK8252MJL
AHHHHH!!!! It's the headless shadow!

Well if the Stormtrooper is finished before you fix the E-11, release the Stormtrooper without his blaster, we all need that Stormtrooper really really badly... (And the Sandtrooper.)

I agree with TK, you should forget about the gun for the time being and focus on pushing the model out.

[Also, when is that Vader model being released? Have you abandoned it or just taking a break from it?]

Infinity Blade · 02-03-2004, 03:22 PM

Quote:

[Also, when is that Vader model being released? Have you abandoned it or just taking a break from it?]

I doubt he's abandoned any of his models...

Hap has roughly 20+ models he's working on, so the situation with any given one probably depends more on what he feels like working on at the time...

That probably goes for the stormtrooper rifle, too.

Mex · 02-03-2004, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Infinity Blade
I doubt he's abandoned any of his models...

Hap has roughly 20+ models he's working on, so the situation with any given one probably depends more on what he feels like working on at the time...

Well the Stormie seems to be what he is working on the most now, so I hope to look forward to a release soon. Now that my computers all fixed. ^_^

Pahricida · 02-03-2004, 05:22 PM

Damn I'd really appreciate if some Models would be released anytime soon...

Like a Scout Trooper or Hoth Rebel Soldier.

If the model and the skinmaps are done ... why don't you give the models people you trust to do the "dirty" work?

TK-8252 · 02-03-2004, 08:03 PM

OMG Michael... you've already got the new Stormtrooper as your avatar.

Archonon · 02-03-2004, 08:35 PM

Superb job on the Stormie Hap as always! Will this be released as a stand alone or some sort of Stormie pack?

Also OT, brilliant skinning of Aeryn Sun, I'm dying to see the rest of Moya's crew especially Crichton and D'Argo once Aeryn is done. Are you still waiting to release these in a Farscape pack also?

Great job Hap, glad to see you're still around.

Mex · 02-04-2004, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TK8252MJL
OMG Michael... you've already got the new Stormtrooper as your avatar.

Yup.. ^_^; Jeealous?

Anyways, really looking forward to this guys release.

TK-8252 · 02-04-2004, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michaelmexp
Jeealous?

Jealous would be the proper spelling. "Jeealous" is not a word.

DarkLord60 · 02-04-2004, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TK8252MJL
Jealous would be the proper spelling. "Jeealous" is not a word.

Who cares dude

TK-8252 · 02-04-2004, 09:39 PM

Michael is a friend of mine, I think it's alright to joke with a friend if you don't mind.

HapSlash · 02-04-2004, 10:30 PM

Hmmm, lots of questions, looks like I'll have to write this answer in parts.

THE STORMTROOPER

To be honest the Improved Stormtrooper is virtually done. The textures are all finished to my satisfaction, and the model works great in game. There are 2 versions, one for Jedi Outcast and another for Jedi Academy.

It doesn't have any new sounds or shader effects though,...

As he is the primary enemy for Outcast, having a bunch of shiny troopers on screen may bog down the game a bit. And due to him being white already the glossy shader might not show up very well anyway.

New sounds would be nice, but as he's just a replacement model anyway, they're not necessary. I don't have the equipment to record any decent sounds myself, and lifting different clips and mashing them together wouldn't work very well. If someone wanted to make sounds for it that would be okay, but I have very high standards about what I'd want.

Other than that he's done. I could release him now, but I just thought that the blaster completed the model. I was even thinking about including a new pistol with the Improved Imperial Officer as well.

http://wat.midco.net/eggnog1/dh-17_01.jpg

DARTH VADER & OTHER MODELS

None of the models have been totally abandoned, but there are a number of them that I've put into storage for a while. The Darth Vader model, in addition to being a MP model, was originally intended for use in the cut scenes for the Dark Forces Mod. But, since they decided to drop the in-game cut scene format, the project has been put on hold. And since there are already a few Vader models out there, I didn't think there was a great need for another one right now anyway.

In the meantime, projects for the DF Mod have priority over any new projects.

I'm not sure what's going on with the Farscape stuff. It didn't go over very well here, but it did catch the eye of a french mod team determined to make a Farscape mod for Half-Life 2,...

ASSIGNING WORK

As for handing out work to other editors,... I can be pretty picky about what I want. I've seen several well made models ruined by bad mesh weighting (ex. Darth Maul). Not only would I need to find someone that I trust, but someone who likes me enough for me to drop all this work onto them,... Because it's not just weighting one model, it's weighting four, all with hand & facial animations. Then optimizing the mesh for the JK animations and repairing any UV-W anomalies that pop up. Writing the skin file, testing it in-game, and solving any problems that arise and going back to fix them. Then in the end, as some one put it
to me, "do a thankless job for little to no credit",...

I have gone to others in the past, but usually after five or six days they stop working on it, and I get nothing but the "I'll finish it up this weekend" answer for 3-5 weeks straight before never hearing from them again.

RJW_ca · 02-04-2004, 10:52 PM

well I know HAPSLASH will do any model justice anyway!!!

Anyway I can help I would-- I can add sounds for your stormtrooper if you like all you have to do is tell me what you'd like--but you know that I'm always here to help you already.

RJW_ca "OUT"

TK-8252 · 02-04-2004, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HapSlash
he's done. I could release him now

Go ahead, we're all ready.

No need for new sounds, the game's Stormtrooper sounds are fine. Although the Jedi Academy Stormtrooper does have a shine shader on it. Maybe consider using that one...?

Quote:

Originally posted by HapSlash
I was even thinking about including a new pistol with the Improved Imperial Officer as well.

http://wat.midco.net/eggnog1/dh-17_01.jpg

Finally! We got the DH-17! I'm very glad you decided to make the DH-17, Hap. This blaster was used by many people in Star Wars. Rebel Troopers, Imperial Officers, Imperial Navy Troopers...

Darth Stryke · 02-05-2004, 12:00 AM

I agree, if you could, use the JA stormtrooper shader on the JA version so they would be all shiney

TK-8252 · 02-05-2004, 12:29 AM

Don't let the blaster hold up the Stormtrooper. The blaster can be released later. We need that Stormtrooper!