Bridge Commander Central

BC Forums => BC Bridge Modding => Topic started by: cpthooker on July 28, 2006, 06:28:13 AM

Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on July 28, 2006, 06:28:13 AM
Well i have been away too long so i decided to get back to the bridge, started a new sensor display. Also included some pics of the bridge incase some people don't know

(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/sensors.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per76.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per74.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per73.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per72.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per68.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per69.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per70.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per71.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Sean on July 28, 2006, 07:04:00 AM
overall the bridge looks good... if a little dark... might i suggest with the lcars u pick a pallet and stick with those colours.. right now there seems to be too much colour variation between the displays..
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on July 28, 2006, 08:42:39 AM
updated the sensor display also made it smaller so it will load faster

(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/SENSOR2.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Glenn on July 28, 2006, 02:50:38 PM
Lovely work Cpt Hooker. Tell me how do you make your Lcars screens, I do mine in photoshop painting, copying and colouring shapes to make the right LCARS style but but this is a long and dull process and I end up getting bored and buggering off out. How do you do it and is it quick and painless!! :D
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Pegasus on July 28, 2006, 03:12:31 PM
Very nice piece of work there chief. I really like :)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on July 28, 2006, 03:17:52 PM
well i got help from Mark for some of the displays but it requires alot of time and patience to get it right. You also need to study the lcars very carefully to see how they are normally laid out.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: BCDS on August 04, 2006, 12:35:16 PM
Nice to see that the grid on the second smaller sensor display is straight....  :roll:

Lovely bridge btw, cant wait :)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on August 04, 2006, 12:40:33 PM
thanks, just getting a little project finished first then i will continue with this.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: blaXXer on August 04, 2006, 01:26:48 PM
neat!
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on August 12, 2006, 08:40:02 AM
This bridge upon release will be welcomed by myself, I love the Mantis class, and to have a bridge to match that ship would just rule.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 12, 2006, 12:39:48 PM
Its been a while since i did an update so here is one
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per84.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on November 12, 2006, 01:10:13 PM
Looking good.

*gets working whip out*

 :wink:
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 20, 2006, 05:55:25 PM
another update
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per86.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Billz on November 20, 2006, 07:52:18 PM
Quote from: cpthooker
Its been a while since i did an update so here is one


By any chance, is that wire frame image of the Mantis a rotating image? If it is, thats cool because from what Ive heard, animated LCARS are a s.o.b to master.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: General Master on November 20, 2006, 10:34:54 PM
Looks great man. I can' wait for it to be done.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 21, 2006, 01:48:04 PM
I will try to do animated one yes
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 21, 2006, 03:19:25 PM
Done some more work today, trying to blend the rear consoles
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per87.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per88.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Ryles on November 21, 2006, 04:52:09 PM
Outstanding.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Billz on November 21, 2006, 05:08:12 PM
As Wayne Cambell would say 'schwing!!' (Watched Waynes World again).


Rocks!!!
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on November 21, 2006, 05:35:04 PM
GERRIT RELEASED!!!!!11!!11!

 :lol:
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 21, 2006, 05:53:00 PM
thanks, just thinking of what to put in the spaces lol
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on November 21, 2006, 05:59:55 PM
How about a tv?  :lol: let's be honest they could then watch some dvd's while taking out the Borg :D
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: General Master on November 21, 2006, 08:30:16 PM
Looking good. Its about time we had a custom made bridge.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 23, 2006, 06:12:13 PM
well managed to do this tonight, got the other side to do, then the other console at the front to the right then thats the lcars done. I think (touch wood)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per89.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on November 23, 2006, 06:30:27 PM
Looking purdy  8)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: General Master on November 23, 2006, 07:30:33 PM
Awesome! This bridge is going to be great!
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 24, 2006, 01:58:20 PM
Fixed the messed uv mapping with the lights on the side of the steps
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per90.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Legacy on November 24, 2006, 02:36:59 PM
Looks very good.
I like the overall look of the bridge, so, pretty work on it.
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on November 24, 2006, 03:18:40 PM
*dies at that shot*


release this beauty.... :shock:  :shock:  :shock:  :shock:  :shock:  :shock:
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Billz on November 24, 2006, 06:23:34 PM
Let me beta test it for you!
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 24, 2006, 06:27:54 PM
thanks guys, still needs more work before i can release it :P
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 26, 2006, 05:34:07 PM
well done the other side of the rear consoles, just need to do the front right console then the textures are done
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per91.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per92.jpg)
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: Billz on November 26, 2006, 06:08:25 PM
Quote from: cpthooker
well done the other side of the rear consoles, just need to do the front right console then the textures are done


And they say we british are useless... (*sigh*)

Nice work dude
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on November 26, 2006, 07:03:56 PM
Quote from: cpthooker
well done the other side of the rear consoles, just need to do the front right console then the textures are done


 :shock:

 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
Title: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: General Master on November 26, 2006, 07:54:44 PM
Quote from: AndrewJ

 :shock:

 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:
 :shock:


seconded
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 27, 2006, 04:16:23 PM
I am having trouble deleting the old attachments, but I am using photobucket for the new ones
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 26/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 28, 2006, 05:10:33 PM
update, started on the lights for the viewscreen, and finished the last console
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per93.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/capthooker/Mantis%20Bridge/mantisbridge-per94.jpg)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: Darkthunder on November 28, 2006, 06:13:48 PM
The two forward consoles look to me to be a bit cluttered... perhaps a little less buttons on that console would be preferrable, so as to not overwhelm the officers seated there :P

As for attachments, this site has a built-in attachment system. Why use imageshack / photobucket etc to host images, when you can just attach them here?

EDIT: Under "Additional Options..." you will find the attachment settings (maximum 4 attachments) :D
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: Billz on November 28, 2006, 08:03:15 PM
The two forward consoles look to me to be a bit cluttered... perhaps a little less buttons on that console would be preferrable, so as to not overwhelm the officers seated there :P

I gotta say I agree with this aswell. Maybe tone those panels controls down a bit?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 29, 2006, 01:02:57 AM
do you mean the helm station/tactical station?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: Billz on November 29, 2006, 04:59:48 AM
do you mean the helm station/tactical station?

Yes.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on November 29, 2006, 01:16:03 PM
ok i will see what i can do
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: General Master on November 29, 2006, 10:17:36 PM
Yea I have to agree with them. It looks like they ran out of space so they had to cram everything to together.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: General Master on December 17, 2006, 12:32:48 AM
Sorry for double post but can we please have an update. I really want to see any improvements that you may have done.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on December 17, 2006, 05:30:08 AM
I am just doing the animation for the textures at the moment, nothing really to show.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: JimmyB76 on December 17, 2006, 10:09:17 AM
indeed - and updates will be posted as the author has them...  no need to ask for them :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: Vortex on February 14, 2007, 10:05:31 AM
indeed - and updates will be posted as the author has them...  no need to ask for them :)

There is now, have you seen how long it is since the last update? I got some screenies of it the other day though :D
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: JimmyB76 on February 14, 2007, 11:44:48 AM
indeed - and updates will be posted as the author has them...  no need to ask for them :)

There is now
no - there's not ;)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: cpthooker on February 14, 2007, 12:46:32 PM
i am working on animating the lcars and other sections, which i can't show on here ;)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: tiqhud on February 14, 2007, 02:15:17 PM
looking good CH
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 28/11/2006)
Post by: AndrewJ on February 14, 2007, 02:36:44 PM
i am working on animating the lcars and other sections, which i can't show on here ;)

Thanks for update :D this is one bridge I am sooooooo looking forward to.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 14, 2007, 06:20:19 PM
Tonight has been good for me, as well as work on the ship I did some on the bridge as well.
The main thing that bothered me was the central light so I scrapped it and started a new one which I think suits the bridge better. What do you think?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: Billz on June 14, 2007, 06:37:54 PM
I thought you had forgotten about this bridge. Excellent work.

Too bad it wont be ready for KM 1.0 (unless Mark or Defiant decide to delay KM just so they can put this awesome bridge in).
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 15, 2007, 01:31:39 AM
No I have not forgotten about this bridge, she always has been on my mind and I wanted to finish her. But I doubt it will be included in KM 1.0 as some people don't like the Mantis class starship, which is fare enough :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: Legacy on June 15, 2007, 06:30:36 AM
No I have not forgotten about this bridge, she always has been on my mind and I wanted to finish her. But I doubt it will be included in KM 1.0 as some people don't like the Mantis class starship, which is fare enough :)

I think the timetable would be more of a issue than the design itself.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 15, 2007, 12:02:12 PM
ok, doesn't bother me if its not included :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 23, 2007, 10:39:18 AM
Well I have started to do more on the bridge by adding more rooms. The captains ready room and the briefing room, not textures for the new furniture yet.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: tiqhud on June 23, 2007, 11:03:51 AM
good bridge
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 14/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 23, 2007, 11:27:12 AM
here are closer shots of the two new rooms
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: tiqhud on June 23, 2007, 11:39:18 AM
looks good, but need somethig more on the shelf in the ready room , not much but something more
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 23, 2007, 11:54:41 AM
yeah it will have more, just looking at other captains ready rooms to see what they have. I have developed a character for the captains position so I kinda know what sort of things he would have
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Legacy on June 24, 2007, 10:22:25 PM
looks good, but need somethig more on the shelf in the ready room , not much but something more

Yeap, make a ultra low poly version of the ship and put it in a display.. hehe
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on June 25, 2007, 01:03:45 AM
will have to be v1 as v2 is still not finished
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 10, 2007, 06:28:24 AM
done some lcars as I relised that the source bridges for some of the lcars I did didn't have any animated ones so instead of trying to make them animated, I thought I might as well do the ones I can't get myself. Here is one, its not much at the moment. Just trying to find what ships scan for in terms of particles etc
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Capt. Jon on September 13, 2007, 03:39:35 PM
Any plans on the release date?  :D
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: CaptainGMAN on September 13, 2007, 03:42:38 PM
Never ask for an release date!!
It's done when it done!
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 13, 2007, 03:44:52 PM
Well said lol
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Capt. Jon on September 13, 2007, 03:45:35 PM
Has it been released? or is it going too? what i havnt been here long enough too know... and this Bridge ROCKS!  :D

*Edit* well sorry i didnt know that i shouldnt ask for release dates! call me a noob i dont give a shat!
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/FaridsFire/RetardedStewie.gif)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 14, 2007, 04:54:00 AM
The bridge will be released as soon as its finished. Bridge making is a long process and I am struggling to get it done at the moment, but I do want to finish it. I may have to scrap the extra rooms as I feel it is not neccessary anymore and just adds more to the workload. But even when the textures are done I still have to do the character animation which I don't know much about.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Capt. Jon on September 14, 2007, 01:20:34 PM
Well let me say no more stupid SHAT and let me say your doing an EXCELLENT job and procceeding to porgress, i think it looks like one of the coolest bridges EVER! mainly because i want more futuristic bridges  :D hehe, but who cares about what i think its about how great your doing and all the progress your making!!!!! 

:dancebig
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: admiral homer on September 15, 2007, 03:17:14 AM
Love the bridge mate, shame your going to scrap the extra rooms would of been nice to have a bridge with extra rooms but never mind as this bridge by itself makes up for it. Nice work and nice to see a plucky Brit at the helm lol there are so  few of us
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 15, 2007, 06:36:34 AM
...Just trying to find what ships scan for in terms of particles etc

Neutrinos are always in the top ten in Star Trek :)
You also might use tachions, cronatons, antiprotons, leptons, etc..
They also scan for lifesigns, energy readings, gravitational fields/distortions, subspace distortions, and every conceivable (and unconceivable) astronomical phenomena.
Oh, and the bridge you're doing looks great. I love how you're making the captain's ready room
and the briefing/conference room as well, with walkfx bridges like that help you immerse more in the game.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Billz on September 15, 2007, 06:49:22 AM
Very impresive indeed.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 15, 2007, 07:22:25 AM
...Just trying to find what ships scan for in terms of particles etc

Neutrinos are always in the top ten in Star Trek :)
You also might use tachions, cronatons, antiprotons, leptons, etc..
They also scan for lifesigns, energy readings, gravitational fields/distortions, subspace distortions, and every conceivable (and unconceivable) astronomical phenomena.
Oh, and the bridge you're doing looks great. I love how you're making the captain's ready room
and the briefing/conference room as well, with walkfx bridges like that help you immerse more in the game.

As i said, I may scrap them as it will take me much longer to do, unless someone can give me a hand.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 15, 2007, 09:05:54 AM
What exactly do you need help with? Modelling? UVW mapping/texturing? I'd be glad to help you out if you want to.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 15, 2007, 09:09:38 AM
I need more objects added and the texturing done, I am working on the animated textures at the moment
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 15, 2007, 09:38:59 AM
OK, if you want me to help you, why don't we start with one of those objects you need done. I can model, unwrap and texture it for you. Would you be willing to help me out with animated lcars on my danube class in return? I can model and texture, but the rest of the modding process is a bit of a mistery to me, so I would appreciate any advice/help in this area.
Regardless, my offer to help you still stands.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 15, 2007, 09:49:58 AM
do you have msn?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 15, 2007, 09:54:25 AM
yep. sending you a private message with details.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: AndrewJ on September 15, 2007, 11:40:04 AM
yep. sending you a private message with details.


Cheers for helping him IF you can :D this bridge looks promising :D
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Capt. Jon on September 15, 2007, 11:41:22 AM
Yes very promising!  :D THis looks like one of the BEST bridges yet!  :D
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 15, 2007, 12:37:35 PM
By the way, what kind of a polycount are we looking at so far?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 16, 2007, 02:57:31 PM
its about 17,000 tris at the moment with the extra rooms, not sure if thats bad or not
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Billz on September 16, 2007, 03:33:21 PM
its about 17,000 tris at the moment with the extra rooms, not sure if thats bad or not

Most bridges these days go at about 20,000. Consider yourself lucky.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 16, 2007, 05:35:39 PM
Yep, I heard the intrepid bridge is 23,000 and there have been complaints. Not that 23,000 is a lot by today's standards, but there'll always be that someone with the 1945 machine complaining about performance.
17,000 sounds pretty good, considering the extra rooms. We'll just need to be careful with the furniture :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Legacy on September 16, 2007, 05:58:31 PM
its about 17,000 tris at the moment with the extra rooms, not sure if thats bad or not

Most bridges these days go at about 20,000. Consider yourself lucky.

Hmm.. actually that should say 10k not 20k.
Only the intrepid has gone over 13k so far and i would hardly consider this a standard.

17k is a lot mate, but as it includes other rooms, perhaps it's not that intensive, i just don't know how the game will handle it.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 17, 2007, 01:40:32 AM
well I will have to go in and remove polys
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 17, 2007, 03:43:00 AM
Hmm.. actually that should say 10k not 20k.
Only the intrepid has gone over 13k so far and i would hardly consider this a standard.

17k is a lot mate, but as it includes other rooms, perhaps it's not that intensive, i just don't know how the game will handle it.



Looks like there's been a mixup in at least one of the threads. Here's some of the things you guys told me when I asked for the polycount:

...on the poly count issue 20,000 is the average size for a bridge. the intrepid was 23,000 but people started moaning on lag issues. so yeh max prolly 23,000. i think

~Jb06

..one from Sean..

It was thought along time ago 7 - 8 K was the max poly count, tho through test Me and mark discovered that we could up that to 20K giving us more polys to create smoother, more detailed bridges.

..and one of yours:

...i would say 20k is a target with all the furniture, if possible, better keep it around 15k.


So now I have to ask - which is it? In my thread it could be deduced that bridges with 15-20k polycount should work just fine. cpthooker's bridge would fit this category, if true.
I'm asking because I'd like to avoid seeing great meshes ending up overly optimized and simplistic. Please note I'm not attacking anyone here, my intention is purely to find out what the tris limitations are, since now I'm faced with two opposite answers to the polycount, all from very knowledgeable people in this area.
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Sean on September 17, 2007, 04:34:39 AM
..one from Sean..

It was thought along time ago 7 - 8 K was the max poly count, tho through test Me and mark discovered that we could up that to 20K giving us more polys to create smoother, more detailed bridges.

So now I have to ask - which is it? In my thread it could be deduced that bridges with 15-20k polycount should work just fine. cpthooker's bridge would fit this category, if true.
I'm asking because I'd like to avoid seeing great meshes ending up overly optimized and simplistic. Please note I'm not attacking anyone here, my intention is purely to find out what the tris limitations are, since now I'm faced with two opposite answers to the polycount, all from very knowledgeable people in this area.
Thanks in advance.

my post was in response to a 20k+ test that me and mark conducted, however it should be noted that many people ran this test fine, although my computer struggled with it.. ironic aint it
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 17, 2007, 04:53:13 AM
I suppose it mostly depends on your graphic card.
But 20k doesn't seem that much for up to date machines..
I don't mean to hijack but just a quick question about my danube interior: it's about 15k
tris with all the rooms and furniture. Is that going to fly or should I go in and start
killing off some details?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Legacy on September 17, 2007, 08:20:14 AM
I suppose it mostly depends on your graphic card.
But 20k doesn't seem that much for up to date machines..
I don't mean to hijack but just a quick question about my danube interior: it's about 15k
tris with all the rooms and furniture. Is that going to fly or should I go in and start
killing off some details?

Actually the trouble aint only the polies on a bridge but the two layers of maps you put over it, plus the whole crew into it.

We know something around 15k can work fine in most systems, but i would hardly recommend that as standard.
Believe me, you can put a ton of stuff into a 10k bridge.
Most of the current bridges have about 8k, and when started, we had only 4k to work with.

As for the danube, i think my statement to matt's one stands, 15k is a good count as it has more than the bridge set only. We'll have to see how it'll work ingame wiht all the maps.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 17, 2007, 08:32:24 AM
Well I will still try to reduce the amount of polies, as there is some I can remove without sacrificing the detail.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 17, 2007, 08:53:46 AM
Gotcha. I'll see if I can shave something off the conf. table.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 17, 2007, 12:03:38 PM
thanks
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 17, 2007, 12:33:06 PM
well I managed to reduce the poly count down to 12,800 :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on September 17, 2007, 12:59:31 PM
That's a very nice optimization. Hope you didn't have to hurt the mesh too much to do it..
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Legacy on September 17, 2007, 01:20:50 PM
So do I.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 17, 2007, 02:24:47 PM
the only visual change was the light in the ceiling, everything else was out of view :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 27, 2007, 04:13:44 AM
Progress has stopped recently as it was my brothers wedding on Saturday and was best man so I was getting ready the week before. When we had the wedding and got back home I was in bed with food poisoning and only just started to get some strength back.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Excal_Luke on October 01, 2007, 02:41:10 PM
omg lol you wrote that so... beautifully, anyway, i love that front console, and i also like yer signature.
you show-offs in 3rd era, now you have cool signatures.
Seriously though, i really like the bridge.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Barihawk on October 01, 2007, 06:17:22 PM
I like it. It looks like a smaller variant of the Excalibur bridge, which seems to be the design Starfleet would adopt going into the 25th century.

The only criticism I have are the two extra rooms, which I see as "fluff" (not really necessary). However, you are doing very well on Polygons, so I don't mind :). Very detailed and looks amazing overall.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 02, 2007, 07:31:21 AM
Well I have more news, my new graphics card has decided not to work so I am going to have to borrow my firiend's graphics card again and get in contact with the shop about replacing it.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on October 02, 2007, 09:53:58 AM
The only criticism I have are the two extra rooms, which I see as "fluff" (not really necessary). However, you are doing very well on Polygons, so I don't mind :).

I disagree. If you follow that logic, any extra bridge is "fluff", or not really necessary, as they don't impact the way the game is played - you could just as easily install all the other extra ships and mods and use the stock galaxy bridge. In the exterior view, which is almost exclusively used when doing qb, you'd never know the difference. But, having great bridges creates that "I'm there" feeling which is so rare in games today. With walkfx and the entire deck 1 to explore, as opposed to just the bridge, that feeling should be achieved, bringing that much more to the gaming experience. I'm sure I'm not the only trek fan who always wanted to take a walk around a starship..
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 02, 2007, 10:36:18 AM
I always wanted to walk on a Starship and I am glad someone else is thinking that the rooms are not fluff :P. But I do welcome comments
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: CaptainGMAN on October 02, 2007, 11:09:55 AM
I like the rooms as well.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Barihawk on October 02, 2007, 11:22:56 AM
Never said anything was wrong with them, just that they were a little fluffy :P.

Great work, again.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 02, 2007, 05:13:13 PM
Well I have got my friends card so I can do some work now. Not a great card just a geforce 6200gs.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on October 02, 2007, 06:45:07 PM
Should be good enough for max.. just don't go playing Oblivion with full gfx :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 03, 2007, 12:56:33 AM
won't be able to play any games at full gfx ;)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 04, 2007, 08:16:38 AM
Now concering the textures. Do people want the bridge to have animated LCARS or have static LCARS but change when going to red alert?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Billz on October 04, 2007, 09:17:41 AM
Which ever is easiest to do.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: Sean on October 04, 2007, 10:12:56 AM
Now concering the textures. Do people want the bridge to have animated LCARS or have static LCARS but change when going to red alert?

i would say go with static ones to allow for map swaping
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: MLeo on October 04, 2007, 01:50:40 PM
Use BP Animated Textures for both states!

LJ and I did fix them for the last release. ;)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: CaptainGMAN on October 04, 2007, 11:25:23 PM
I'm with MLeo.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 24, 2007, 08:58:23 AM
My computer is not working at the moment so 3d work has stopped. I have borrowed a friend's spare pc till mine is sorted. Its spec is 500mhz celeron, 128mb ram, 6gb hd, built in graphics and sound. So no chance of doing anything on it lol. I have been able to do some teture improvements at work (boss is not here and had some mantis stuff on a usb stick) so I redid the MSD to match the v2 mesh of the mantis. Still needs more detail but here is what I have done so far. The size I was working on was over 4000 pixels to get the high detail, but reduced it for the forums
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 23/06/2007)
Post by: newman on October 24, 2007, 09:13:35 AM
Very nice. Hope you get that computer sorted soon.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 24, 2007, 09:17:31 AM
So do I lol
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Glenn on October 24, 2007, 02:22:01 PM
Very nice work on that MSD hooker, sleek indeed!!  8)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Dawg81 on October 26, 2007, 12:17:55 PM
very nice Hooker
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 27, 2007, 04:07:08 AM
thanks for the comments
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: CaptainGMAN on October 30, 2007, 11:07:01 PM
oooo so nice
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on November 07, 2007, 06:13:56 AM
Well did more work on the MSD since I was able to do some at work (boss isn't here lol)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: newman on November 07, 2007, 02:28:33 PM
I like the new gray lcars  :D
One observation; the two grays used for it are maybe a bit too contrasting; maybe darken the lighter one a bit and lighten the darker one, bringing the tones a bit closer?
Anyway, great job..
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 27/01/2008)
Post by: cpthooker on January 27, 2008, 02:00:43 PM
Well my pc is now working and I have managed to do more on the bridge by redoing the supports and the captains chair as they bothered me.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Bones on January 27, 2008, 03:06:15 PM
Looks amazing, glad you can continue work on this beauty. I really like grey LCARS it's about time to have something different than TNG-DS9/VOY-NEM color scheme.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Excal_Luke on January 28, 2008, 03:31:46 PM
Man that looks cool, i cant wait to see what it will look like under v-ray. :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Kirk on January 29, 2008, 07:06:28 PM
Looking awesome! Absolutley no complaints.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Aeries on January 30, 2008, 08:55:16 PM
Wonderful bridge, looks very militaristic.
Love the color scheme, love the layout, and the Lcars...
It's just great. :) Well done. If I don't get into making bridges from scratch, I'd love to re texture this for use with my current project... it would be some practice, anyways.

Edit: The walls/ceiling just above the aft consoles, as well as on the starboard, and I'd imagine port sides, look painfully dull. There's just nothing there, and it bugs me slightly. It's YOUR bridge, but if I may make a suggestion, perhaps put some alert light things (klaxons?) along those areas... similar, I'm thinking, to what Voyager had along the ceiling in the corridors... just so it doesn't look TOO bland, you know, yet still has some character on those blank slates. Up to you, it's all just imo.

-Aeries.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Viper on January 30, 2008, 11:49:05 PM
Very nice, Hook!  I like it.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on January 31, 2008, 01:04:39 AM
Wonderful bridge, looks very militaristic.
Love the color scheme, love the layout, and the Lcars...
It's just great. :) Well done. If I don't get into making bridges from scratch, I'd love to re texture this for use with my current project... it would be some practice, anyways.

Edit: The walls/ceiling just above the aft consoles, as well as on the starboard, and I'd imagine port sides, look painfully dull. There's just nothing there, and it bugs me slightly. It's YOUR bridge, but if I may make a suggestion, perhaps put some alert light things (klaxons?) along those areas... similar, I'm thinking, to what Voyager had along the ceiling in the corridors... just so it doesn't look TOO bland, you know, yet still has some character on those blank slates. Up to you, it's all just imo.

-Aeries.

Well the bridge is still not finished, its just finding the time at the moment to do it at the moment
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Aeries on January 31, 2008, 09:54:11 PM
Mmhmm, its just a suggestion for when you do have time. I do love the work you've done. :)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on February 01, 2008, 01:56:34 AM
Thanks
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Myxale on February 14, 2008, 06:48:36 PM
I really love this one! The design the setting and the "feel" is great. This Bridge will rock...well it does so already! :D
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on February 15, 2008, 01:00:33 AM
Thanks, still working on it just trying to sort some things on it
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on September 27, 2009, 05:23:47 PM
cookie
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Kirk on September 27, 2009, 05:26:55 PM
You can't even give cookies and this hasn't been updated in nearly 2 years!
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 27, 2009, 05:40:43 PM
sorry guys, it still is going. Been busy with Excalibur, but I was going over the model not long ago and was embarrassed by the quality of what I have done compared to my work now so I started from scratch and is looking better. I am going to be getting help getting this done as the Mantis is my baby and I want her finished
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Ryles on September 27, 2009, 06:40:54 PM
I, however, can give cookies... and this project still deserves one.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: hobbs on September 27, 2009, 08:38:51 PM
hi there just found this topic and thought id just say your bridge looks great :)

also today (yesterday lol) i was speaking to my fiance about bridges in this game and i said ive always wanted a bridge with more rooms then i find this post lol :D cool or what

i wasn't sure bc could handle bridges like this but i guess it can so im off to my designing table lol

cant wait to see your new version :) off to Excalibur now to check up on any updates lol:)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 28, 2009, 03:45:15 AM
Well I will be doing this bridge for excalibur for sure since I have more control to add other rooms, adding more to BC is harder due to the limits of the engine. I am suprised the topic is still on BC central and people are still interested in it. Anyway, here is the bridge in its original form and the one I restarted with. Which do you prefere?
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Bones on September 28, 2009, 11:16:15 AM
Quote
I am suprised the topic is still on BC central and people are still interested in it
You're joking right :wtf
This is one of the best bridges set I have ever seen, not to mention awesome color scheme as well as unique stylistics and LCARS... it would be great if this bridge could be finished for BC ;)

btw. Cookie  :P
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on September 28, 2009, 11:53:05 AM
ULTRA EPIC....hope its finished for BC soon because this is just too cool to not have!!!
BTW....
cookie
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Dalek on September 28, 2009, 12:03:22 PM
By saying "cookie" they don't just magically appear. By the time you've posted 50 times, then you can give cookies via magic button.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on September 28, 2009, 12:06:30 PM
oh
:assimilate  
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on September 28, 2009, 12:16:08 PM
Quote
I am suprised the topic is still on BC central and people are still interested in it
You're joking right :wtf
This is one of the best bridges set I have ever seen, not to mention awesome color scheme as well as unique stylistics and LCARS... it would be great if this bridge could be finished for BC ;)

btw. Cookie  :P

Thanks for the comments, when I came up with the idea for the mantis ship and bridge I never thought I would get this much attention.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on September 28, 2009, 12:45:42 PM
what do you use to make these models BTW?
:assimilate
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: hobbs on September 28, 2009, 01:48:24 PM
flarespire: most people use 3dSudio Max i think. (v expensive lol) there is a free down rated one you can use for practising you skills its called Gmax.

cphooker: personaly i like the original version... it seems closer to the ent-D than ent-E and i dont realy like the ent-E bridge lol
Also i like the partition created by the railing behind the captains chair.

I do however like the two forward positions either side of the conn/ops positions.

and in conclusion i have to say bothe look great! wish i could do that lol.

(sub note: if the bc engine struggles with more rooms would it not be posible to create a small bridge with faulse walls. what i mean is have a large bridge and put in walls that would seperate the bridge to give the illusion of rooms?)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on October 02, 2009, 02:26:57 PM
personally...i prefer the second...its sort of a mix between the d ,e and voyager bridge if you ask me(voyager in shape)
cant wait to see that one come out for release!!!
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: JimmyB76 on October 02, 2009, 04:22:48 PM
it will be in Excalibur but i am pretty sure it wont be released for BC...
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on October 03, 2009, 07:51:33 AM
great...just great...the one ST game i cant run, this mod will be in..........bummer. :assimilate
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Bones on October 03, 2009, 04:27:19 PM
My god flarespire !!! :wtf can't u use plain white standard font without those damn glows, colors, caps etc. ?!?!?!?

this doesn't make reading easier, does it ?

no offence mate but white vs black is friendly red vs blue is evil ;)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: teleguy on October 03, 2009, 04:37:30 PM
great...just great...the one ST game i cant run, this mod will be in..........bummer. :assimilate

How come? AFAIK they haven't posted any requirements yet.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on October 03, 2009, 04:54:30 PM
it just wont run game...it gets to the menu and crashes 5 secs after.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Bones on October 03, 2009, 05:13:12 PM
it just wont run game...it gets to the menu and crashes 5 secs after.
wait you mean NanoFX GE (the only available ST Excalibur part - it's game engine with basic options like flying around) crashes ? if yes then try reinstalling NET Framework and DirectX
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on October 03, 2009, 05:15:46 PM
dont worry because my HDD just died so i lost it.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: Bones on October 03, 2009, 05:41:50 PM
oh well...pity but crap happens, you can always download it again fom either NanoFX or ST Excalibur site ;)
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on October 04, 2009, 10:17:22 AM
Well I should be able to make the bridge by itself (no other rooms) for BC but for the others they will be in Excalibur
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on October 04, 2009, 01:34:25 PM
whew thats a life saver hooker!!
read my post in the cooles thing to happen to me post by DJcurtis....its epic.
:assimilate
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on December 31, 2009, 05:47:33 AM
Well I have done more work on this, model wise. I think she is nearly there for that, I will try to use most of the textures from the original bridge apart from the LCARs which will be redone by someone I know
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: flarespire on February 13, 2010, 05:41:54 AM
im reviving this to say well done and cant wait for this to be finished....well...im working on one on my laptop(when it gets back from being repaired...again) ill post about it. so dont shout at me for reviving im just saying well done.
Title: Re: Mantis Bridge (Updated 24/10/2007)
Post by: cpthooker on February 13, 2010, 05:47:23 AM
I have been working on the bridge on and off, but recently RL has taken over so I don't have alot of free time. But she is in my mind to be done :)