General Modding Questions (EM)

PLBever · Post by **PLBever** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:50 pm

Hello all,

I'm very new to the modding field and have seen some awesome works here on the forum. Some of them have given me ideas on some things I'd like to do with the game, but I have no idea what types of programs I will be needing.

Could someone name a few programs they use to, say, create a new cockpit enviroment? Or perhaps create new ship models and skins?

Scavenger4711 · Post by **Scavenger4711** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:56 pm

I think Milkshape 3D is quite often used for 3D modelling. I can't tell you where to get it or how good it is, because I actually never used it ^^. But as far as I know there are also additional plugins for that program.

PLBever · Post by **PLBever** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:59 pm

Thanks for the quick reply.

I can look in to that program, shouldn't be too hard... having the Infinite Resource at my fingertips and all. ^_^

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 4:01 pm

For modding Evochron Mercenary you need to Download the Evochron Mercenary Customization Kit first and then use a Graphics Design Program.....I have not made any mods so I will not know what programs to recommend!....

PLBever · Post by **PLBever** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 4:04 pm

Thanks Maarschalk, I have already downloaded the Kit. I'm just searching for the optimal programs to use because I am a newb when it comes to modding... at all.

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:36 am

Gimp - Free 2D graphics editor
Metaseq - Free 3D modelling program. I like the way it functions for making 3D models. Seems more intuitive to me than other programs and has .X file format support.

-Accountant

[Edited on 1-25-2012 by Accountant]

PLBever · Post by **PLBever** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:41 am

Accountant,

I've scoured the forum and seen your work. I feel honored that you have taken an interest in my little thread here. Thank you for those two links.

I've messed around with Milkshape and Blender, still trying to get used to their interfaces, but I think I'm starting to make some progress.

There seems to be a lot of mods for HUDs and backgrounds, but not a lot of ship models. Are any of the older files on the forum compatible with EM?

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:24 am

I am glad to help any budding modder get established. I like to see other people's ideas turned into reality.

I do not know for sure if the older models are compatible with EM, but off the top of my head I cannot imagine why they would not be. If you want, try putting the models into a folder named "ships" and name them the appropriate name according to the customizing kit. Then see if EM loads and the ships work as expected.

-Accountant

Post by **Marvin** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:20 am

IIRC, EM has an extra texture layer ... converting EL to EM might require some adjustments in that area. Other than that, I'd go with Accountant's suggestions ... expecially since EM uses the x-format.

PLBever · Post by **PLBever** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:39 am

Yeah, seeing that giant Scuba guy got me to thinking... why can't we fly Winnebagos or craft from other movies (I personally liked the Valkyrie from Titan AE), but there were a lot of other ship models that really caught my interest.

Hopefully I'll have some models to post in a few days.

PLBever · Post by **PLBever** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:42 pm

Ok,

I gave one of Accountants old models (The Swallow) a shot and the textures were black when launched to space. Also, the component parts had to be hidden when I selected it as a new frame so it looked pretty ugly, not sure if I missed a step or something.

If someone could give me advice on how to convert the older models I would be more than happy to try and make them available.