Graphics for Freeciv 2.0 and beyond...

[CapTVK]

Synopis:
This thread is part of a project for using Civ2 type graphics in a new tileset for Freeciv 2.0 . It is also a primer for Freeciv in general.

Note: see end of text for updates


Freeciv, the open source version of Civilization has entered the beta stage for a major release. In the last few years there have been some major upgrades in the Freeciv engine. Including AI diplomacy, various mapping topologies (hex based maps for civ), a general effects model (less things hardcoded., you can create your own city improvements in the rules file), more MP functions...etc... the list goes on.
Certain aspects still need some work. A major issue still standing is the graphics. Freeciv still uses the tileset it started with a decade ago. Despite a number of improvements to the Freeciv tilesystem: PNG, flexible tileset formats, 200+ ingame units. So what´s the problem?

If there´s a problem here it´s pathdependency. Most players prefer it because it´s the only consistent tileset. Bland graphics but functional and practical. After 10 years it still uses an evolved version of that tileset (more on that later). With 2.0 in the pipeline it is time for a new one. Based on the best of the best...

...and it´s gonna be brilliant when it is ready.


More posts to follow in the coming days.


update: 22 dec '04
All units in the tileset will be marked with the author's personal tag/symbol/sign.

[Boco]

Hexes!

[curtsibling]

We have a vast amount of graphics and excellent artists here.

If you could make a full list of required units and other elements in this thread;

I am sure we could all pitch in and cover the bases...

[CapTVK]

Originally posted by Boco
Hexes!

Yes, I tinkered with them when the first set came out. Back then it was still projected on a standard map. The mapping system didn't allow hex based maps back then. This time they're genuine.

---- ===topology - Map topology index===

Freeciv maps are always two-dimensional. They may wrap at the north-south
and east-west directions to form a flat map, a cylinder, or a torus (donut).
Individual tiles may be rectangular or hexagonal, with either a classic or
isometric alignment - this should be set based on the tileset being used.
   0 Flat Earth (unwrapped)
   1 Earth (wraps E-W)
   2 Uranus (wraps N-S)
   3 Donut World (wraps N-S, E-W)
   4 Flat Earth (isometric)
   5 Earth (isometric)
   6 Uranus (isometric)
   7 Donut World (isometric)
   8 Flat Earth (hexagonal)
   9 Earth (hexagonal)
  10 Uranus (hexagonal)
  11 Donut World (hexagonal)
  12 Flat Earth (iso-hex)
  13 Earth (iso-hex)
  14 Uranus (iso-hex)
  15 Donut World (iso-hex)
Classic rectangular:       Isometric rectangular:
      _________               /\/\/\/\/\ 
     |_|_|_|_|_|             /\/\/\/\/\/ 
     |_|_|_|_|_|             \/\/\/\/\/\
     |_|_|_|_|_|             /\/\/\/\/\/ 
                             \/\/\/\/\/  
Hex tiles:                 Iso-hex:
  /\/\/\/\/\/\               _   _   _   _   _       
  | | | | | | |             / \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \      
  \/\/\/\/\/\/\             \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/  
   | | | | | | |            / \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \      
   \/\/\/\/\/\/             \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/    

Level: Vital.
Category: Geological.
Can be changed during a game.

Minimum: 0, Default: 1, Maximum: 15

Value set to 0
---- ===generator - Method used to generate map===

0 = Scenario map - no generator;
1 = Fully random height generator;              [4]
2 = Pseudo-fractal height generator;             [3]
3 = Island-based generator (fairer but boring)   [1]

Numbers in [] give the default values for placement of starting positions. 
If the default value of startpos is used then a startpos setting will be
chosen based on the generator.  See the "startpos" setting.

Level: Vital.
Category: Geological.
Can be changed during a game.

Minimum: 1, Default: 1, Maximum: 3

Value set to 0

[CapTVK]

Originally posted by curtsibling
We have a vast amount of graphics and excellent artists here.

If you could make a full list of required units and other elements in this thread;

I am sure we could all pitch in and cover the bases...

Thanks for the offer. I've been browsing through various threads here and there are plenty of potential candidates.

[jim panse]

I could only second Master Curt's plan! Post it

[CapTVK]

Freeciv the elder: Trident and Isotrident

I´m getting to that Jim panse. All in due time...

First I´ve got something to tell about tilesets via some screenshots. First up is Trident the classic tileset.

[CapTVK]

And his brother...

And here´s one in IsoTrident . Notice the similarity? It´s exactly the same map with a different (isometric) tileset!

So what does that mean in theory? Depending on the map system (rectangular, isometric) you can create a tileset in any format. From 1x1 till 120x120 or even higher.

In practice you have to create one first. Making your own from scratch is tricky however*. For that reason most people stick to the standard formats. Trident has its roots in the original Civ1 format. IsoTrident uses the Civ2 format. There other formats as well but these are most regular.




*Although there is an easy way if you use the right formats. But that´s for later on.

[CapTVK]

For starters...

Ok, I'm almost ready to start. From tomorrow on I'll start posting units that could be included. It won't be the definite set but iI'll go a long way.


I'll start off with the modern era. First up tomorrow: planes

But in the meantime I'll show you what the current set looks like now (the new one is going a lot bigger ):

[CapTVK]

Before I forget, the 4th beta has just been released. Windows binaries are also available at

http://www.freeciv.org/index.php/Freeciv

[fairline]

What palette will be supported? Can you use 16-bit?

[CapTVK]

Ok, I've made an initial selection of planes, plus some missiles and AA. The ones without a sig are from from Curt Siblings "Vendetta" scenario. The only plane missing is right now is an AWAC. Does anyone have one at hand?

[CapTVK]

Originally posted by fairline
What palette will be supported? Can you use 16-bit?

FC uses PNG. I can use 16/24-bit plus transparency levels. For the moment I will concentrate on the Civ2 palette when possible as most units are based on that. Aside from a couple of tweaks here and there.

[CapTVK]

And here is the updated set. (now with AWACS)

[vodkakov]

One AWACS...