3D and everything else

Photoreal, closer to reality

MCDesigns — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:16:26 +0000

A some may know I am quite patriotic and as such really support our troops and what they do daily so I can sit in front of my PC and do what I do. Since Flightsim allows for LAN flights with others around the world, I have had the privilege to fly with some of our guys stationed overseas in the virtual skies.

A couple of years ago I set out to do some some scenery and objects for FS9 that loosely depicted some operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan. the scenery was very popular and I have had several requests for new scenery in Afghanistan for the current version of Flightsim, FSX. Seeing as my knowledge and skill level have increased since FS9, I wanted to do something that would surpass my previous work and also make it more realistic,…. cue photo-scenery!

I was able to find decent resolution satellite imagery for a big chunk of Afghanistan, mainly the area around Kandahar city and just south of OAKN. This data processed for use in FSX has greatly improved the visual flying experience over the default ground textures in FSX. There is still quite a bit of work to do including adding auto-generated objects (autogen) and custom scenery for OAKN, but the project looks very promising so far, just need to find the time to get it all done, LOL. Here are a couple of images in the new Cera bell 212 to give you an idea of what it’s like flying over it.

Michael

Otter Run for FSX

MCDesigns — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:36:06 +0000

After getting a CGI project done and shipped off, I found a burst of inspiration to work on a flightsim project I have been working on for the past few months. Otter Run is a fictional trading post nestled in a picturesque valley in FSAddon’s TongassX landscape. It features a long, sloping runway, custom object models , some with animations, and custom ground textures with seasonal variations. For anyone that knows me and my work, they know I like the little details that make for a visually realistic in game experience and with the detail level available in FSX, this scenery will have plenty of ambiance.

I still have a bit of work to do, several more buildings/objects, finishing the seasonal textures and possibly some AI flights. This project relies on the user having the TongassX addon, so it might not work in a default FSX installation. Hopefully I can test this out before release and find a way to make it work.

Enjoy the sneak peek and be on the lookout for the release in the near future.

Michael

State of the art or just state of awe?

MCDesigns — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:19:57 +0000

Well I just got back from seeing Avatar for the 4th time (3 times in real 3d and one in I-max). Each time I find new things that simply amaze me, both in the technical and even in the storyline. As someone that has spent way to much time making/rigging/setting up models, redoing shaders and plugging in animation in Poser, Carrara and 3DSMax, I can truly appreciate the tremendous amount of work that went into the 3D aspect of this film during it’s making. It’s rather sad when I look at the exotic plant life on Pandora in the film and wonder what material settings/UV maps they used on the models, LOL.

I am even more thrilled when I see the news on how well Avatar is doing at the box offices. Here is a great site for movie info http://www.the-numbers.com/

While I am happy for Mr. Cameron on his success, I am more thrilled with how many doors this will open for those in the CGI field. New camera technology, bigger budgets for 3d studios, new techniques, possible advances in render technology, etc. it boggles my mind to think of what movies may be like in say, 20 years, even 10. For now though, I am anxiously awaiting the second and possibly third installment of this franchise.Personally, I’d like to see more of Pandora explored, possible interaction with more species, even other aliens. And being a sappy romantic, wouldn’t mind seeing more on the budding relationship between the two main characters.

Anyway, enough blabbering, if for some strange reason you have not seen this film, you really owe it to yourself to check it out on the big screen, it is more than a 3D movie, it is an experience!

Michael

Time to evolve

MCDesigns — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:49:22 +0000

Well with all that I have going on I figured it was time to set up a place to communicate about my projects and thoughts in general, so here I am in the blog universe.
I guess you could call me a “gamer”, but I prefer the development side more than the actual playing part. I’ve modded for several games/communities, but seem to spend more time with the MS flight Simulator series more than any other, probably from my love of aviation, who knows. Currently, I have several scenery projects working for their latest version (I won’t say last, not just yet), FSX. I’ll be posting updates and info on these as well as thoughts on other, non FS related projects and thoughts in general. So check in every so often if you have an interest and I hope to see you around.

Michael