Group level ideas, suggestions

[RG]

We have all discussed a possible group level which would involve all of us to a certain extent, whether it is just providing good ideas to start with, or actually building the map, models(like the drill in my cavemaze), etc.

I'm just asking that you contribute something to the body of new ideas for a level. Anything will help.

If you think we're wasting our time, let us know that, too.

We're open for suggestions................

[fredlennium]

My first idea was to remake the first episode of dn3d, I started that but I didn't know enough about Prismed then to complete it...

[RG]

That's a good idea, Fred, but I'm afraid to do it right, we would have to take a lot of the textures from DN3D and convert them for use in DNMP. That could be a good project once we get the basics down, but I was thinking more of a simpler theme that would utilize mostly the shaders that came with the game, and monsters, so we don't have to make a mod or TC.

I may be wrong, though. Anyone want to discuss it more?.....

Fred, do you have a workable map that I could look at?

[fredlennium]

No I don't, but we don't have to add new textures, I'll try to do a part of the first level to show you, but I want to complete the tutorial first.

[Raziel]

I would prefer a small one too using existing textures. So we'll surely finish it.

However, I'm glad if I can help with something. Being it a remake map or a fresh one.

What about this one:

Airport

featuring:
-outside (skybox of an existing airport -> NY ? )
-large windows
-escalators
-elevators
-waiting rooms
-bathrooms
-terminals
-gates
-people walking around (existing models)
-air conditioning system
-shopping mall (in some of them you can walk in and "buy"health, weapons&ammo)
-chinese restaurant
-security door (you loose all your weapons when you pass it… except you find the secret area)
....

Main level objectives
-rescue babe
-get key (you must complete a certain puzzle to obtain it; for example the key is in a plattform surrounded by lasers, in some gates there are switches where you can disable one of the lasers)
-collect 10 nukes
....

[RG]

Raziel, you call that a SMALL level?

That's an episode! We could take one aspect, like the shopping mall, which could make one huge two or three-story level. Plus maybe a parking garage(multi-level).

I'm not sure how big a level you guys would want to tackle first. So, let's get everyone in on the discussion and see where it goes.

You have many excellent suggestions there, Raziel.

If anyone does have even a rough idea of the layout of the level he would like to make, how about posting a pic or drawing so we can get a better idea. Like the layouts of the maps in DN3D.

Until we all say so, no ideas are excluded.

BTW, Raziel, I have found that the current glass shaders in DNMP are not that good when applying to large areas, like shop windows. Is there any way you can make one or modify one of the existing ones to make it look more like real glass? I can convert a .tga or .png to a shader, but we need a different base pic to work with.

[Raziel]

Well, we dont have to do it all together . I was more thinking of an upgradeable level.
First of all the structure or the main level. Fully functional. Then you can still add tracks to other gates (other maps). Or for example an escalator to the shopping mall. But as long as it is not done you see just the escalator and an "under construction" with a stopper. Or an elevator that takes you to the underground parking and as long as it is not done just with a sign on it (not working).

This way you have already a main level that works and you can work on it (upgrade). So everyone that has an idea for a gate or whatever can do it when he has time and we just have to update the main level with the track to the new map.

I know doing it like that we'll have lots of small maps and most of them will not be connected to each other. But you can add a track on a gate to another gate for example or work with teleporters.

Everyone can contribute this way and we can share prefabs of chairs, plants, escalators etc.

IMO a big project with only 4 fellas with not a lot of time does not make sense. But doing a level that offers the opportunity to everybody to help could make it more interesting for others.

RG said:

BTW, Raziel, I have found that the current glass shaders ...

I see what I can do. We need a glass texture and a shader with transparency.

[RG]

You just articulated what I was basically trying to say about a main level to start with. The additional areas(even levels) are easy to tie to a main one. What we need now is the main level concept to get started with and some drawings, pics or detailed descriptions.

IMO a big project with only 4 fellas with not a lot of time does not make sense. But doing a level that offers the opportunity to everybody to help could make it more interesting for others.

Right. We should start small so the idea isn't too overwhelming and let it grow as we go, with a good basic concept.

I have made a few prefabs successfully, but so far, I have not been able to make a plant. If anyone has, please let us know.

All ideas are appreciated, so please contribute....

[EvilSonidow]

Hey there, I'm kinda new to this forum, but I wanna do some maps and help there! My main problem is with game tracks. If I only could set those up, I'm sure I could do a level or something, 'cause I have a lot of freetime, and could work a lot. If anyone here has MSN or AIM, contact me:
MSN: [e-mail]; AIM SN: Sonidow

Sonidow

[prowler4]

The best place to start learning the basics of prismed is look here.

www.geocities.com/dukempmaps/DNEPtutor.html

Here are also some demo maps from the game itself! Available through DNEP here:

www.geocities.com/dukempmaps/DNEPdownloads.html

Go to prismed sample maps.

RG and Fred have come up with some good beginner tuts. We will have more eventually, but two guys can't run a whole site that has really no support.

DAMN DOOM 3 AND HL 2!!!!!! ;D

Not to mention DNF that is never comming out......in our life time!

Hey, you stole my avatar Evil!!!!!! ;D

[RG]

Hey, welcome to the forum, Sonidow. I will try to catch up with you on AIM a little later.

Meanwhile, have you looked at the demo maps in the editor? Check out how they used the game tracks.

I will help you with them as soon as I can. My on-line time is rather limited.

The tuts that Prowler mentioned are good resources also. ;D

[EvilSonidow]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll take a look at the demos and give it a try. I'm sure I can find out what or where is my problem.

Hehe, no I didn't steal your avatar XD

[RG]

Sonidow, I was wondering, what is the name of your main DNMP directory? It should not have any gaps or spaces in it as the default directory has "Duke Nukem - Manhatten Project". For some reason this causes you not to be able to save your map files. You need a main directory name like DNMP, etc. See if you are able to save your .vex files. If not, you will have to change that directory name, or create a new map directory under the map_src directory and save your maps to that one. Try that and let me know.

When you can save your maps, name them like I named yours, save your maps every few changes that are successful, and you will save a lot of trouble if the editor crashes or there is a problem with a current map and you have to backtrack. Ex: sonidow1, sonidow1a, sonidow 2, etc. Have Fun! ;D

[EvilSonidow]

Yes, I've checked everything, the name of directory is DNMP and I've created the directory under the map_src, but nothing seems to work =< It's sad that I can't save my maps, I've learned a lot of things, and I could save them to use later