Hi, I'm new to Darkbasic [after having used 3D Gamestudio] and wonder if anyone can point me in the right direction..?
What I really need is the Ultimate Level Construction Tutorial/Guide...
The manual and online tutorials are a start but do little to explain or recommend a way of working or explain the benefits, pros and cons of different methods and what can be achieved by each. Even the "beginner's Guide" [game development series] book only talks about the stock 3D objects.
So far I know I could use for levels:
-Stock 3D objects.
-Directx level models
-BSP files.
Questions like:
-Which of these can use all the features[effects] available?
-I guess each can be used in combination with the others?
-What limits are there to the above?
-Is a there a guide to the type of shapes [numbers of sides],etc you should use when building a level before converting to BSP with the Darkbasic compile tool?
-Cant find much info on light maps? Its listed as a key feature.
-Does each method react differently to light sources?
-Myself, I would rather not use "worldcraft", "Hammer" because I want to be able to cross platform/cross software the level designs for different applications [eg rendering a high poly movie intro]. Tips/recommendation..?
-etc,etc,etc
Its fustrating picking the odd bit out of the forums/tutorials and lets face it game play is very important but you always want your work to look great. I really, really want to use Darkbasic, but Quest3D is looking more appealing all the time [see their light map tutorial and character blending]. I want to learn, but if it becomes a major hunt for info, I dunno... Trial and error is OK if you have time. The Darkbasic programmers know the software's potential, how would they create the most beautiful level..?
My only compliant is the depth of info covered in the manual, books etc. With the vast potential of DarkBasic its a crime to leave it unexplained.
I hope I have been stupid and missed the obvious, that there is a wealth of knowledge out there, that I've just missed it. Or is it only on the Developers [pay to join] forum?
Cheers
