Units and building graphics, questions

JackYsback

Hi there fellow modders !

I have some questions, if someone is willing to help me

I managed to extract Xbf files with a little tool created long ago, from the game Emperor for Dune. ( Xbf editor, u can google it, but if u want i can share u the files ( i'm not the owner so as always use them at your own risk))

I used then the extract tool for each mesch ( name it into a folder to find them easily) so i get 5, 10 or more ms3d files.

I merge the files in ms3d ( not all, some are used for additionnal efect ingame, or placement), so i get the unit in 3D.

Questions :

- Do i need ms3d, or is there a way in blender or other open source 3D editor to import and merge them ?

- Can i export them in a file compatible with Z-brush ? Its the 3D software i used the most

- Is it better to use color in 3D editor, or color each file after exporting faces in 2D, like TGA files ?

- Is there any tutorial to make fit the game ( resolution, pallette, transparency ... )

I think i can do well in Z-brush to improve 3D models and then convert them into TGA files, the results could be awesome, i could do this for other unit projects if its working.

One of my plan is to get a render of kane face and put it on a unit ( Imagine a unique kane infantry playable ingame !!!

I dont know if i was clear, feel free to respond, ask questions or submit ideas.

Best regards,

JackYsback

Mig Eater · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2020 7:55 pm Post subject:

So you want to convert the E:BFD 3D models to C&CR..?

I tried to extract & convert the E:BFD models for RA2 a few years ago but soon gave up. There is no automatic way to merge the mesh files together, you have to import & merge then together manually one at at time. Which is impossibly tedious & quicker to just make new models from scratch.

Good luck if you decide to give it ago, in the past 19 years I've yet to see anyone get anything usable out of the E:BFD models though.

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JackYsback · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2020 11:25 pm Post subject:

I begin to understand it yep, maybe better to use templates directly in Z-brush and alterate them.

Or it would be to make a conversion of E:Bfd, but it will be a lot of work for nothing, cause thoose 3D models where just low res and polygon.

I will try for one cause i already merge mesch, so why dont try :p

For the last questions, i would be really interested on a tutorial or hint for SHP resolution and colors, in order to prepare final image for importation.

Thank you Mig Eater Smile

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