Genesis3D FAQ v.092

 

What do I need to get started with Geneisis3D programming?

Microsoft's Visual C+++ v 6.0 or higher for starters. All do a search at Barnesandnoble.com 
or amazon.com , for Genesis3D, Genesis 3D, the game programmer starter kit contains helpful info for beginners
as well. Last time I looked it contained the Beta4 version, but my guess is that a second edition is out now.

This program cost about $25 now if you look around you can find it.

Look at http://www.genesis3d.com/links.htm to see other optional programming and scripting languages.

Recommended hardware?

Is Glide supported?

Use Direct X 6.0 or higher, that's what it was designed. Glide is going way of the Dino, 
I suggest you get you system up to D3D regardless.

What is GDEMO1?

A technical demostration of what G3D can really do when the right people use it. 
The source code is a separate download and worth the time alone. Get GDEMO1 and install and watch it. 
It's a great inspiration and motivator to get you going, and you can see what can really be done with Genesis3D

What version is the latest version out now of Genesis3D?

Now v1.1 as of 11-4-2000. expect a newer release in the spring perhaps.

What is required to program G3D as far as programming knowledge?

The original source code is C/C++, object orient programming. Get in touch with you vectors, 3D math, and DirectX know-how. 
Knowing some windows programming is also needed. 3D programming isn't really taught at very many schools,
so you'll have to probably dig up web info on this website or go book shopping. Artificial intelligence,
is a different thing, mainly because you'll wanna to study it as a separate entity. Learn different A.I. algorithms, etc.
again look on this website for allot of free online info.

Look at http://www.genesis3d.com/links.htm to see other optional programming and scripting languages.

What game have been made with Genesis3D?

Budget titles like the "A.I. wars series", Gsector, and Pack rat, then there is "Barbie: Girl gotta groove" sold by Mattel was
made with Genesis3D and on the top ten video games list for several weeks.
This to name a few, if you poke around you would be surprised to find many more.

What game engine does Genesis3D best compare to?

We would say Quake2, but G3D is better because unlike Quake2's engine it offers:

Do I have to use a straight palette like with Quake?

No, create your textures in any colors, then reduce the image to a 256 colored bmp (windows bitmap).
This helps keep more colors in the game, away from those Quake drab browns, and military greens.

What key color is for "transparency" on images? (see-through)

Any color in the #256th (last) slot on a texture will render invisible in the game. Commonly used is lime green (like neon green) 
and a hot pink. Mainly these colors because they are rarely seen and used in games, and can easily be recognized on an image.
Proper setting in the editor is required to make the texture show invisible in the game. this is great for grates, vents, spider webs, etc.
But you'll notice it takes some practice for more advanced textures used as objects like a tree.  
I think that the same goes for 3D models, in that ANY color you place in the #256 (last palette position) will be invisible in the game.

What about Windows?

Semi-transparent images are done adjusting the brush face properties in the editor of that which the image is applied. Here the whole image
is affected not just a selected area with a special color palette. 

Texture sizes? And specifications?

Square in the following formats: 32x2,64x64,128x128,256x256, I would make your game with the smaller
sizes like 64 when you can't notice its pixelated. As witha  tile floor. Else, use the 256 size to stay on top of the games
today with sharper more real textures.

How many Polygons do you recommend the 3D (actors) models should be?

We would try to stay between 800 and 1200, but with todayts standards, probably better at 1000-1500.

What is a standard measurement for my world as I build it? I don't wanna make it too small.

Set your world editor to 32 texels, now one foot=one grid=32 texels. You'll have to zoom in to see the real size of the grid spacing.
If you set it this way you won't have to resize your DEMA "gal" 3d model when placing her in the level.
Which means that this is probably what
the Genesis3d creators used as a guideline when they made the sample levels for "GTEST".

What exactly is GTEST?

GTEST is a sample application that will run a map you build so you can test it and look at it.
Your game level can be executed from the world editor so that you can see you game level in GTEST.

Can I use GTEST to run my game?

No where does it say you can't simply modify the code to your own game but it would be better to
make your own app or use one form this website or WOG.

Okay I made some textures, how do I get them in the game?

Make sure there are in the right specs or you'll get a crash or error.
You need to use "T-pack" a utility that imports and compresses you textures in to a named file with
the extension your file *.txl. Read more about the utility on this website. It is easy to use like a PAK file.
So this txl file sits in your Genesis3D directory in a sub folder "levels", rename the old one, and replace it with the new. 
Or name a new one. here you will have to tell the world editor in level options what the file name is.
Get a quick over view of this program HERE

What is best format/method to use for music and sound?

Compressed music, like sound formats is too CPU intensive. Use WAV for sound files and consider
music keyed straight from the CD music. On our game we will use WAV for music as well as sound.
You can use MP3, but only if you are not publishing or selling you game. I think there is a code out there for this.
MP3 are compressed, plus you will always owe a royalty to the writer for every game you sell.
So there two reasons to not use MP3's.

Does that Genesis3D logo have to be there at the game start up?

Yes, unless you buy the source, this is part of the deal that makes the engine "free". It is with conditions.

HOW do I get a 3D Model into the game? 

This is a programmers thing, you will have to add a line of code. 
Too bad it isn't as simple as saving the act file to the proper directory. 

Read more about this stuff here; file:///D|/Unholy_textures/websites/public_html/G3DU/g3dprog.htm