Using 3d Software; Parallax mapping

[phoenix1988 1]

Would it be possible and good on the eyes to make a rpg maker vx ace game with parallax mapping using 3d images, im working on an entire chipset right now using only 3d models textured with Photoshop, and the maps are put together with gimp, anyways im just looking for opinions, for example do the realistic trees look okay or do the toon trees blend in better? Also I'm trying to figure out the best way to make these images where I can put them together seamlessly which is proving most difficult!

[Uriel Everos 9]

Toon trees = World map or Zoomed out places.
Realistic = Grand scale. e.g. tree of mana

 

But that's in my opinion only though.

[phoenix1988 1]

Toon trees = World map or Zoomed out places.

Realistic = Grand scale. e.g. tree of mana

 

But that's in my opinion only though.

I see what you did there, clever idea! Thanks!

[Gui 61]

I did all the paralaxes of my prototype with 3DS Max and found more efficient to make the complete maps on the 3D software instead of making separate elements of a same tileset: like this, I can combine the different elements seamlessly, while it is almost impossible in using a tileset IMO – or you could try to do several renders of a 3D model, seen on different angles to get different elements from a same model, and then compile these various pictures onto a same tileset...

 

Otherwise, the realistic trees in your screenshot look far better than the others, which had to be expected: toon graphic style is very difficult to do.

[phoenix1988 1]

I did all the paralaxes of my prototype with 3DS Max and found more efficient to make the complete maps on the 3D software instead of making separate elements of a same tileset: like this, I can combine the different elements seamlessly, while it is almost impossible in using a tileset IMO – or you could try to do several renders of a 3D model, seen on different angles to get different elements from a same model, and then compile these various pictures onto a same tileset...

 

Otherwise, the realistic trees in your screenshot look far better than the others, which had to be expected: toon graphic style is very difficult to do.

Is there any way you can post a pic of a map made in the 3d engine, just looking for pointers, not sure if i would be able to set the camera right for it not to get smaller the for the objects further away from the camera.. im going to try this thanks for the advice!

[+ TBWCS 953]

Although you would have a big problem over passability issues. For example, how would you handle the passability of trees that would coinside with the characters when they pass through it? Parallax Mapping won't be able to have that much of an effect on that part.

As for your question, I suggest that you use either Blender 3D (with the Cycles, they're good mix ups), 3DS Max, Autodesk Maya, Zbrush or even a small 3D software like Wing. However, some of these is in need for you to actually model the 3D object, which I assume you already know as why you're asking such question. Now, it would be best to render them and place them in Photoshop. If you want to make them accurate as possible, I suggest you do the same grid from RM on Photoshop, as it serves as a guide to where and what you should be placing.

 

This however needs a lot of in game testing.

[Gui 61]

 

I did all the paralaxes of my prototype with 3DS Max and found more efficient to make the complete maps on the 3D software instead of making separate elements of a same tileset: like this, I can combine the different elements seamlessly, while it is almost impossible in using a tileset IMO – or you could try to do several renders of a 3D model, seen on different angles to get different elements from a same model, and then compile these various pictures onto a same tileset...

 

Otherwise, the realistic trees in your screenshot look far better than the others, which had to be expected: toon graphic style is very difficult to do.

Is there any way you can post a pic of a map made in the 3d engine, just looking for pointers, not sure if i would be able to set the camera right for it not to get smaller the for the objects further away from the camera.. im going to try this thanks for the advice!

 

You can check out a pic in this topic.

 

Otherwise, you can download the pre-alpha in following the link into my sig, to see by yourself how I did this and that...