WHERE
DO YOU GET YOUR MODELS?
In a nutshell, I make them. All the objects in this
site where either major modifications on Maxis created items or are created
by me using Carrara Pro Studio or Maya and/or Milkshape. Most are created from
"scratch" using simple polys, spline and vertex objects. Next I attempt to reduce
the number of vertices and simplify the object (making it load faster and not
bog down older or slower PCs). I typically then use milkshape to texture the
item and fix the mapping. I do not purchase models from clearing houses such
as renderosity, 3D Cafe etc.
WHAT
ABOUT POLYGON COUNTS?
I am aware of the mixed feelings about polygon and
vertice counts and have read a number of opinions and taken them into consideration.
I heard that Maxis says they "shoot for" 800 vertices per tile. One of their
cool and complex dining chairs I checked for though was about 4000 v.
On the other hand, taking a very high vertice .obj off a 3D clearing house
and putting it in the game is bound to cause problems eventually. I have heard
that some of these objects can range from 10,000 up to 60,000 vertice range.
I have not counted any personally, but these are the numbers I saw batted
around on various boards. These seemed a bit high to me and given that my
machines are er...I mean, less than state of the art...I'm sure I would be
affected.
On the other hand, there is a large contingent of sims players that never actually
do much playing, or even move-in a family. Many of us (yes, I'm guilty too!)
spend a great deal of time making and decorating houses alone. We don't care
much about the vertices count provided its not so high that the texture quality
goes down.
So....here's what I decided. I read the advice of one seasoned creator who said
that if the object was under 3000 vertices/tile (like the vast majority of the
maxis ones) it wasn't much to worry about. This seemed a good compromise to
me, so I went with that cut off. Most of the items on this site are actually
much lower than 3000, varying generally between 60 and 1200 vertices per tile.
I have a tendancy to work towards economy, but didn't really think about it
much during my initial creation phase. Consequently, I *have* occasionally got
caught up in the process and made higher vertice objects.
For those with good machines, low downloads, who want to just decorate, or simply
haven't noticed much change in their games from higher vertices objects, I have
used a color code for higher vertices objects. Under the object detail, there
will be a vertices warning: a yellow light indicates a vertice count slightly
over my cut-off, 3000-5000 (probably safe to use in the game with little effect
on performance), an amber light, 5000-7000 (might want to limit the number of
these if you have a lot of downloads) and a red light is anything above that.
So far there are no red light objects on the site, but well, I might just get
kooky one day, so I made a light for it - lol.
WHY
DOES MY BROWSER WARN ME ABOUT "SCRIPTS" ON THIS SITE?
I use javascript language to open more than one frame at a time and for roll-over
buttons. These "scripts" may set off some browsers' security settings.
I hide no javascript, so you can always see the llittle functions that run
by right-clicking to view the source code. Just for your peace of mind, let
me just say also that this site contains no tracking or otherwise annoying
spy or ad ware. This site contains no 3rd party advertising.