Project Monster. (No longer in the works, sorry)

[Mat-Allum]

The video was okay, but here's what the new garage looks like with the new textures!

[JBrossack]

just my opinion, but a red diamond plate would look better on the ramps. The caution stripes get washed out by the striping on the floor.

[Mat-Allum]

Okay, I changed the platform color and made a LOT of truck changes. The biggest physical milestone (not visible) is that the shocks and shock rams are now attached to the truck via an invisible skeleton, which is exactly what my original plans were.

[XtremeRTM]

I was just wondering if you was also thinking about being able to move the shock bars(what bars moving in and out ouf the shocks) so that they can be tilted like on some trucks and not just up and down?

[JBrossack]

Well, what it looks like he's doing here is following a trait of 1NSANE in which the shocks and suspension links were modelled as part of the main vehicle model, and via the invisible skeleton, parameters are set that they act accordingly. I cannot speak on behalf of Mat, but I would say yes if this is the way he's done it.

Mat, you're showing some good progress. I look forward to see what you come up with.

[Mat-Allum]

You're right about the model skeleton that controlls the movements. All the parts, however, are actually separate models. In fact, the positions of these objects is determined by individual vertices of the part skeleton.

About the shock tilts, that's sort of a hard thing to set up, so I was thinking of using what currently exists until a later update when I know things are working right.

[METH]

Hey Mat, if you dont mind me asking , what game engine are you useing? I have tried a few of them and was just wondering.

By the way, everything looks great so far.

[Mat-Allum]

Thanks

You aren't going to believe this. I was going to say "I am using 3D Game Studio (www.3dgamestudio.com)" but I made a typo (twice) and accidentally said:

I am suing 3D Gamestudio.

I guess everyone's prone to ypots lol. (That's another one hahaha).

I can't think today. Oh well, after I get the axle bars properly aligned on the part skeleton, I can work on the physics engine!

[Slayer]

What you figure your % done is matt?

[Mat-Allum]

Percent of EVERYTHING that will be included in final game: 2%
Percent of actual game core, minus tracks and trucks that will be included: 40% or so

The good thing is that once the core is done (when it gets to about 5% of everything), production is going to skyrocket because tracks and trucks will be considerably easier to do, and because you guys will definitely be lining up to help with that part.

Progress update!

I just finished lengthening the axle bar position bones. The middle half is the location of the axle bar, and now the front (or rear, if on that end of the truck) end of it controls the height of that part of the axle, providing practically endless combinations of suspension position. The axle bar position no longer influences the shock positions, so it's not as realistic but it's WAY easier to implement and no one will notice the visual error anyway. The truck still looks about the same as the previous shot.

Edit: In case you haven't seen it, here's a picture of the truck exactly as it looks in its current state. You can see a working close button, a red mouse cursor, and gray shocks. Some truck parts have multiple colors you can select.

[JBrossack]

Two things I have to bring up.

Where are the upper four-link bars, and are you copying MTM2 in using the same model and direction for the axles housings, or could a more realistic housing be implemented?

[Mat-Allum]

1. Don't worry - the next thing I add will be the upper set of four-link bars.
2. I've had that axle model since some of my first Project Monster tests. It's not realistic and doesn't go along with the rest of the ideas. Don't you worry, I'll be making a much more realistic one, with adjustable colors as of the rest of the parts.

Oboy, another picture. You'll find this one sort of ugly, but it shows that the part skeleton makes every part hold its own ground on the truck frame regardless of where the frame has been moved. It's an early physics demonstration.

[Mat-Allum]

Okay, I've got the upper four-link bars in place, and moved the whole assembly away from the tires so that A, you can see it better, and B, to demonstrate that it is still attached. I outlined the new bars in white so you can see them better.



I already implemented a simple suspension that moves the shock rams and four-link bars. It looks pretty cool - now to get it running.

[XtremeRTM]

I think it looks great so far Mat. I was wondering how are you thinking on doing bodies and such. Inclosed windows or non? I guess it depends on the type of computer. Anyways, keep up the good work.

[Mat-Allum]

The bodies will be the same detail of the frame - lots of polygons, solid colors on textures, etc. The windows will be completely invisible, but with a reflection attached. That's like real-life windows - you can't see them (unless they're tinted), but you can see the reflection that is bounced off them.

[Alex]

The windows will be completely invisible, but with a reflection attached.

All the glass, or just the windshield/rear glass? it would be more realistic if the side windows were basicly "holes."[/quote]

[Mat-Allum]

Yes, monster trucks don't have side windows, and this won't be an exception. In fact, the bodies themselves only have a windshield. The back window is attached directly to the frame as well as three other panels to protect the driver from stuff the tires kick up.

[ThisxTimeXItsxWar]

i must say, this is looking very, very promising!




the only question i have for the moment Mat, is revolving around playability.

Will we be able to download this game , or maybe get a cd from you with installation data and such (and i'm willing to pay),and play it offline?

or is this going to be something we have to load on the internet every time?

[Mat-Allum]

Nope. You can either download it onto your comp or use sort of a form (my invention) to send for a CD copy. Both options will be entirely free of charge

[carcrusher]

thank you. i think it would take like 4 straight days to download a game like that with dial-up.