[C4:AC][Programming][Graphics] Terrain textures

[Rubin]

I did a quick attempt at modifying the sunny terrain of Civilization IV into a more "Planet-like" appearance. I changed only 3 files to see if the results would be any good:

desertblend.dds
plainsblend.dds
grassblend.dds

At first I used the default texture, changing the Red/Green/Blue values for the entire texture. While this may be a good approach, it turns out that I am no good at balancing the color values to produce a "balanced" look. Hence, I went with the original SMACX textures instead (found in the texture.pcx file).

Here's an example of the result. (Moist tiles in bottom left (plains); rainy tiles in bottom right (grassland); arid tiles in the top center (desert).)

[Senethro]

Heh, looks surprisingly good although still an eyesore. Nothing to do with you, just SMAC's original palette . Recently I've always been using wgabrie's terrain mod as its a bit easier on the eye. (founhd here http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=136883) Does anyone have ANY idea as to how terrain height might be represented?

[Rubin]

Here's another screenshot. I've been puzzling with the idea of an easy implementation of Xenofungus. I tried "fallout" to represent some kind of fungal swarms, but the result is terribly poor at best. However, we have access to both forests and jungles--which are able to spread to an adjacent tile. Perhaps we may be able to modify the jungle feature into genuine Xenofungus..?

[GeoModder]

Looks *the* color for a possible mars scenario.
What program is used to view these .dds files, and is there a free version of it?

[Rubin]

GeoModder, I use the DXTBmp application for accessing the .dds files. Have a look in this thread:

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141670

[Darsnan]

Originally posted by Senethro
Recently I've always been using wgabrie's terrain mod as its a bit easier on the eye.

I've been doing the same - wgabrie really did a great job with the fungus graphics!

Rubin: I notice you named the city "U.N. Headquarters". Is this from the XML file, or did you simply rename the city when you founded it? If its the former did you solve the issue I was having with the "TXT_KEY_CITY_NAME_" issue? If not then I'll work on that today.

Regardless, GREAT work here Rubin!


D

[Rubin]

Darsnan, the city name is from the .xml file. So, yes, I did solve your problem (I did send you a PM about this as well).

I've temporarily uploaded the modified .dds files. I changed the plains texture a bit. The unzipped files may be placed in:

...\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4\MODS\SMACX Mod\Assets\Art\Terrain\Textures

grassblend.dds: Edit: File deleted.

plainsblend.dds: Edit: File deleted.

desertblend.dds: Edit: File deleted.

[Darsnan]

Originally posted by Rubin
Darsnan, the city name is from the .xml file. So, yes, I did solve your problem (I did send you a PM about this as well).

Well, I finally figured it out - stupid on my part, but thanx for the PM on this as well.

So what all have you edited in the CIV4CivilizationInfos and CIV4GameTextInfos_Cities files? Reason I am asking is that there is no sense in me going back and doing the same thing if you've already done it.
Also, if you have made more progress on the above files than I have (I've only replaced Saladin with Lal so far) can you E-Mail me the relevent files (or better - post them here!)? I'll then pick up from there continueing to update, as opposed to me doing the same exact thing you've already done.


D

[Rubin]

Here's a screenshot with a different plains texture (corresponding with the uploaded .dds file).

[gkclarkson]

I'm stunned...

really...

This is awesome

by the way

UN HEADQUARTERS


I recommend turning the jungle tiles into xenofungus, and changing the growth rates

[Fosse]

This stuff is so exciting. Keep up the great work guys.

[Illuminatus]

Really great work guys.

[gkclarkson]

what program do you use to open the .dds files? I can't get them to work in photoshop

I'm thinking of making hi-resolution versions of the textures

[Illuminatus]

Please look here.

[gkclarkson]

Ok - I've just redone the Grassblend texture, with four times the resolution of the original, weighing in at a hefty 5 mb when zipped, 10 mb otherwise

Take a look, try it out

I'm not the best photoshopper, but it looks pretty decent

http://files.filefront.com/Hi_ResGrassblendzip/;4373353;;/fileinfo.html