Reddonquixote's BAT thread

[Xander Dax 310]

Looks Amazing, we need more buildings like this in Simcity 4.

[Roger51 381]

 

To be honest, I can imagine that this BAT won't do SC4 a favor. 

 

Don't get it... What do you mean?

 

I think he is talking about SimCity instead of SC4, otherwise I have no idea what it means. I think it will do fantastic wonders for SC4!!

[gutterclub 2,729]

To be honest, I can imagine that this BAT won't do SC4 a favor. 

 

Eh?

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Hi, I haven't got any new updates.. my computer is busily exporting like mad. I've exported day-models for all arts precinct pieces (NGV International (i.e. Art Gallery), the annex garden, and the combined Arts Centre Spire/Hamer Hall). The Darknite and Maxisnight versions for the gallery and annex are nearly finished, then I need to do the biggie, the Spire at night.

 

In terms of releasing, here's what I'm thinking:

Release 1: Melbourne Arts Precint Part 1 - NGV International (incl. Annex)

Includes the Gallery and Annex both in Darknite & Maxis Night versions

 

Release 2: Melbourne Arts Precint Part 2 - Arts Centre Spire & Hamer Hall

This release will include 4 static models in Blue, Red, Green & Purple. People can pick which one of the four colours they want to use, these will be Darknite only.

In the same release, a single Maxis night version, in the Blue colour only.

 

Release 3: Melbourne Arts Precint Part 3 - Arts Centre Spire & Hamer Hall (Multicolour version)

This release will include the Spire/Hamer Hall but with seasonally changing spire colours (not that I've actually worked out how to do a timed prop yet)

This will be darknite only. (and I assume a hefty file size will be attached to it, hence a separate release)

 

I know this will dissappoint some people but the night renders for these models is literally going to take days, possibly a week, for all four colours, I don't have a lot of internal motivation for doing it all again in maxis night   Maxis night users will have to be satisified with static blue version only.

 

I'm posting this because I'm keen to get your views on whether this is a sensible way to release these BATs? Take your time... I'm about to start exporting the Spire and thats going to take a while

[__A 792]

AHHH A multicoloured version!!! That's epic!!! I cannot wait!

[ROFLyoshi 1,760]

I'm liking that plan. You've catered well.

Now gimme gimme gimme! 

[Toothless Stitch 2,901]

Some people seem to misunderstand me. This means that SC4 will need to nibble at it since it is pure perfection. 

[Cheddar 119]

Seems like a good plan. Could be a little confusing for new users, but it's a good plan

[Yukky1986 21]

very very nice

 

i have an idea for your next BAT!

 

maybe you can do the Pitlane Building or some tribunes from the Albert Park and do some road puzzle pieces to create a racetrack maybe curves with curbs and some gravel beds

 

Simcity needs a F1 track :-)

[Jack_wilds 550]

its a good game plan...    don't see any real issues with it as its rather clear for the 'whys-n-whatfors'...    it sounds all promising to add to my 'centralia' city...

[shinkansen1 84]

Static blue only, that is my one source of concern with this. (darknite has caused me more trouble than benefit) I know that MNite BATs clash with DNite, but is the opposite true as well?

[urielgarcia 344]

So sad.....i get to use only the blue version....so sad...   but you're the boss (your explanation is acceptable)....I am just glad to place these amazing bats in one of my cities.  Looking forward to the release.

[Jasoncw 11,840]

Static blue only, that is my one source of concern with this. (darknite has caused me more trouble than benefit) I know that MNite BATs clash with DNite, but is the opposite true as well?

 

MaxisNite BATs have a light blue tint that matches normal night conditions.  DarkNite has a dark tint that matches DarkNite night conditions.  If you put a maxisnite bat in a darknite game it will look too bright and if you put a darknite bat in a maxisnite game it will look too dark. 

[shinkansen1 84]

 

Static blue only, that is my one source of concern with this. (darknite has caused me more trouble than benefit) I know that MNite BATs clash with DNite, but is the opposite true as well?

 

MaxisNite BATs have a light blue tint that matches normal night conditions.  DarkNite has a dark tint that matches DarkNite night conditions.  If you put a maxisnite bat in a darknite game it will look too bright and if you put a darknite bat in a maxisnite game it will look too dark. 

 

I love the light blue tint on the buildings. It makes my cities look light polluted, or at least gives a morning twilight atmosphere.

[Jasoncw 11,840]

It's actually kind of funny because for a long time now I've been using darknite in my game, and when it first came out I thought it made night look much nicer, and I still think it looks nice.

 

But a few weeks ago I was making the STEX images for Version 2 of my Sojot Building BAT, and since the original wasn't darknite I couldn't use darknite to do the before and after comparison.  So I saw my city in maxisnite for the first time in years!  And it reminded me of those architectural photographs that are taken just at twilight, where it's still bright enough outside that you can see everything, but it's dark enough that the lights are on and give the image a lot of color.

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Hi everyone, thanks for the votes

 

Well... I'm on my second failed export now

 

The first night export took pretty much a full 24 hours, but inexplicably there was a piece missing from one of the LODs on one of the zooms so I had to do it again. On the next export I somehow missaligned the LODs altogether and only half the model showed in the exported BAT

 

Anyway, I took advantage of the break and started on the underpass piece. Its still a bit crude looking but thought I'd post current progress with it. I need to try and get the underpass tunnel to extend under the overpass, and I think I need to place an invisible piece where the overpass would go in order to create a shadow. I also need to find a neater way to end the road walls, they need to taper somehow, and the tunnel entrance piece that butts onto the overpass looks like its sitting up too high, and the textures are just placeholders atm. Bit of work to do really, its more conceptual at the moment I guess.

 

 

[Darknono35 3,137]

I can't wait

[Cheddar 119]

Looks pretty good. Just like you said, could use some work. Other than that, looks good. 

[Xander Dax 310]

Wow i agree can't wait to have these babies

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Here's an update to the (completed?) tunnel pieces, and an aerial shot of the whole area. I feel like I need to do some work on the Botanical Gardens now... even though this city wasn't meant to be an actual city, it was only created so I could plan out the lot sizes, but as I put more work into it I'm starting to want to build it up into an actual city . To finish off this series of BATs though, I want to create the first piece of the Southgate waterfront. But my head hurts just thinking about it .

 

Don't worry about the gap in front of the Arts Centre, I've already plugged it ready for the next Spire export. Clearly I need to do more work on the Hamer Hall exterior texture too.

[RepublicMaster 428]

Looking great! Shame about it only being in Darknite, I suppose I should really switch over. Just one question, will this lot be able to be placed on flat ground for people who aren't recreating Melbourne?

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Yep, most definitely. It's a normal flat ground BAT, this underpass is just optional and is also why it's built as a trench rather than part of the BAT itself. Also, there will be a Maxis night version, but it will only come in blue

[Cheddar 119]

Awesome. Of course, I myself may not use the tunnel, but the tunnel does look great at its current state.

[Jack_wilds 550]

Patience is a virtue acquired over time... don't give up withe the rendering issues, you may need a check list of sorts to help with all good to go items...   

 

I would ask for NAM help on that underpass... as it looks promising   ...

 

morale boosting duckies come to the rescue... :ducky: :ducky:

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Thanks for the motivations

 

I've spent the morning modding and now the Art Gallery is a 'Major Art Museum' and the Spire is an 'Opera House'

 

Now, deep breath... about to hit the button on the next night export for the spire. Crossing toes, fingers, everything this one works!

[ROFLyoshi 1,760]

I feel like I need to do some work on the Botanical Gardens now... even though this city wasn't meant to be an actual city, it was only created so I could plan out the lot sizes, but as I put more work into it I'm starting to want to build it up into an actual city .

If you're serious about making this into a real city, may I recommend that you use these seawalls?

Also, I'd change the water texture. It is the river that flows upside down, after all

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Thanks, that would be good for inspiration, but I will still need to make my own BATs to recreate Southbank.

No matter what happens though I refuse to use brown water! Lol

[DamienMB 58]

Have you considered using/creating canal pieces for the Yarra?

Like these ones by Pegasus: 

I find they look a lot better in urban environments then the default water (which usually has ugly cliffs for river banks) and are easier to work with since they don't require finicky terrain editing.

 

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

Actually, I had thought of it but I always felt like it was cheating a bit for some reason... on the other hand it would really help with when it comes to making the bridges. I think I will do this!

 

Thanks for the suggestion :kitty:

[Reddonquixote 4,338]

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