Matrix Games Forums

Has anyone ever attempted to make 3d virtual bridges for frigate, destroyer, cruiser, and/or carrier classes? I think it would add a lot to the feeling of being a captain of a large starship.

Hi,

Not that I am aware of. But, doing this is on my to do list for my upcoming Solcom mod.

Creating capital ship bridges should be possible much the same way creating a smaller crafts cockpit is. The limition would be the tactical view presented. This would probably remain basically the same throughout.

I expect to add textures for the capital ship bridge interiors above and to the sides. This has to be done without hindering the forward view(s) too much. That's the plan anyway.

Awesome that you are doing this! Three questions though:

1) Are the virtual bridges for the stock game's ships, or custom ones you are creating?

2) Will you be looking out over the ship from the bridge? By this I mean will you be able to see the front half of your cruiser from the bridge (which is located midship for example)?

3) When do you expect a release of your mod?

wdboyd is founder and admin for the most active of any Starshatter site![X(]
 
His mod and others created by members can be found there...ships, tutorials, missions, and much more![8D]
 
visit http://www.starshattermods.com to find out more![:)]
 

Stonedzen,

There are currently no stock capital ship bridges. Not even all the fighters have cockpits. Any created bridges will be custom work.

It is entirely possible to see the surface of your ship if you place the bridge somewhere back from the front edge. All that is required is the correct coordinates for the bridge param in the def file.

V/R

Dragonlead

ORIGINAL: Dragonlead
There are currently no stock capital ship bridges. Not even all the fighters have cockpits. Any created bridges will be custom work.

I know, I meant are the bridges wdboyd is creating for the stock ships or ones he modeled himself.

ORIGINAL: stonedzen

Awesome that you are doing this! Three questions though:

1) Are the virtual bridges for the stock game's ships, or custom ones you are creating?

2) Will you be looking out over the ship from the bridge? By this I mean will you be able to see the front half of your cruiser from the bridge (which is located midship for example)?

3) When do you expect a release of your mod?

1. My invisioned bridges will most likely be on my own creations.

2. This will be the challenge. A cockpit(bridge) will need to be created or modeled. There will probably be limitations on the view presented. I will be experimenting with this to present a interesting and different view while still allowing sufficient tactical command observation.

3. When I feel it's worthy of release. No set timeline. I realise you commanders out there want your fleets and you want them now, but our shipyards(modders) aren't that fast.

Modding well is very time intensive. My SOLCOM mods initial release will probably just be the fleet ships themselves with weapons loadouts.

I also intend to later add interesting and challenging missions as part of a Solcom static campaign. Creating missions isn't my favorite part of modding. I think I'm pretting good at it but doing so is a pain to me. I have to force myself to create them.

In addition, I have a desire to delve into creating a dynamic campaign for the mod. A lofty and thitherto undone project by any modder, that I am aware of.

Creating a quality mod is much like developing a fine wine. It takes attention to detail and time. I also have other associated projects roaming around in the deep recessed of my fertile imagination.

All this while meeting the administration requirements of starshattermods.com. I have a pretty full plate.

Would it be possible to change the position of the stock games tactical view so it sits right in front of the bridge? Kind of like what wdboyd is doing only without the 3d virtual bridge.

I know there is a modarchiver available at www.starshatter.com. Could I use this to do so?

There is a chase view and a bridge view...what are you referring towhen you say tactical view?

V/R

I refer to the games normal forward Hud view from the F1 position as the tactical view from the cockpit or proposed bridge.

Cluttering up this view with bridge detail will have to be minimal as to not unduly interfere with the normal F1 view.

ORIGINAL: stonedzen

Would it be possible to change the position of the stock games tactical view so it sits right in front of the bridge? Kind of like what wdboyd is doing only without the 3d virtual bridge.

I know there is a modarchiver available at www.starshatter.com. Could I use this to do so?

Yes, this F1 view position can me re-position from within a ships .def file.

Which section of the def file do I edit? I opened the asher.def file and all i saw was ship stat info... thruster locations, ship description, weapon info, etc.

I'm assuming the F1 view section has x,y,z coordinates. Any ideas where to find it and how to edit?

Look for this:

bridge: (0, 320, 60)

The coordinates within the brackets determine the location of the ships bridges location on the 3d model.

Offhand I say the 0 is along the ships centerline left or right. - left, + right.

The 320 is the position along the ships length forward. If I wanted to move it forward I'd try 340+ and check the results.

The 60 is the eleveation up or down on the model. Up is usually + numbers... while down is usually - numbers.

Sorry for the late reply, but I already found it. In fact I have as of now relocated the chase view to right in front of the starships' bridges. Adds a very intimate and intense feeling to starship to starship combat. If anyone wants, I can post the def files online.

Good to see you succeded. [:'(]

Yup, I appreciate all your help btw!

One more question though, is there a way I could activate mouse looking for chase view mode? (Like what is available in 'virtual cockpit' mode in fighters)

Not that I am aware of. [:(]

ORIGINAL: stonedzen

Sorry for the late reply, but I already found it. In fact I have as of now relocated the chase view to right in front of the starships' bridges. Adds a very intimate and intense feeling to starship to starship combat. If anyone wants, I can post the def files online.

Yes! Please post the def files! Anything which improves the original campaign is great.

My upcoming Solcom ships will definately have 3D bridges.(cockpits). [;)]
 
Two different versions actually. The models have been completed.
 
Images can be seen on the forums at www.starshattermods.com

SolCom Fleet Mod released for download. [:'(]

SolCom currently includes twelve(12) craft. Attack, fighter, (2)LCA, courier, corvette, (2)frigates, destroyer, cruiser, carrier and a battleship. The battleship should be considered a Super ship.

All capital ships have a virtual Bridge. [;)]

Smaller craft have virtual cockpits. [;)]

Shuttle over to our Antari Shipyard and requsition this fleet. [:D]

http://www.starshattermods.com