How do I create new weapon graphics?

[Sorrow]

As in the title.

 

[Lexx]

With a 3d modelling tool and some graphic editing software (paint.NET, gimp, etc). It's not very easy to make fallout-like looking graphics.

 

[Jesterka]

Idea -> sketch(es) -> modelling -> texturing -> converting into 256 colors -> making a FRM -> making a prototype -> putting in at fo2mapper.

What a surprise, I must say.

 

[Continuum]

modelling -> texturing -> converting into 256 colors

And where is lighting/rendering?

---------------------EDIT

Also, 256 colors? Where? IIRC, it's only 228 + that blue-ish, transparent one.

 

[Ardent]

Alternative way if you're not much of a 3D artist:

1. Find an appropriate uncopyrighted photograph/image on the Internet. Look for an angle and lighting that suits your vision.
2. Edit it with GIMP or Adobe Photoshop, removing its background, toying with brightness, contrast and the like.
3. Fish out the blue colour that serves in the Fallout palette as transparent and make a solid color background out of it.
4. Change the image mode to Indexed colour applying a custom palette (Default.ACT) - you have to download it from somewhere.
5. Save as GIF or BMP.
6. Use the Frame Animator, start a new project, add image (this will be your GIF/BMP), save FRM.
7. Copy the FRM file to Fallout2/data/art/inven, open the inven.lst file using e.g. Notepad, type your new frm file name at the end of the list, save.
8. Create a prototype in the Mapper.

 

[Ohaimerk]

Kind of off topic, but does anyone know the kind of software/techniques black isle used to make fallout graphics? Wasn't it clay modeling and scanning them into a computer to animate? Was the clay modeling used to make inventory item sprites as well?

 

[Josan12]

Kind of off topic, but does anyone know the kind of software/techniques black isle used to make fallout graphics? Wasn't it clay modeling and scanning them into a computer to animate? Was the clay modeling used to make inventory item sprites as well?

The critters were made using 3D modeling. Not sure what program but i would guess maybe Lightwave or one of those other old pre-3D Max classics. To my knowledge few games were made using clay-mation. XCOM Apocalypse is one that i like.

@ the OP: by weapon graphics do you mean a new inventory item graphic or new weapon critter animations?

 

[Jesterka]

modelling -> texturing -> converting into 256 colors

And where is lighting/rendering?

---------------------EDIT

Also, 256 colors? Where? IIRC, it's only 228 + that blue-ish, transparent one.

I always say 256 to people. Not so scary.

 

[Sorrow]

Thanks for the replies.

@ the OP: by weapon graphics do you mean a new inventory item graphic or new weapon critter animations?

Inventory item graphics.

Generally, what free programs should I use and where can I find the best tutorials for them?

 

[Continuum]

Generally, what free programs should I use and where can I find the best tutorials for them?

The best freeware 3d package is Blender. It can do everything and compete with commercial programs. But people complain A LOT about its UI As for 2d painting program: try to use GIMP. As for the learning: well, use Google or check out forums dedicated to Blender. You may try to start from here or here. Or go here, or here for tutorials.

 

[Sorrow]

Thanks .