aesthetic opinions

[Hyperbolic]

I'm aboutto embark on a DBA-'inspired' game using Visual Basic. (For those who don't know, it's a visual programming, um, program). A little ambitious for a few weeks of college work, perhaps, but I like to aim high.

My current conundrum concerns the representation of elements: Photos of models or artwork? Top-down, Angled, Frontal?

All thoughts / opinions welcome.

[David Crowell]

DBAoL uses a top down view of CGI painted elements so you can get an idea of how that looks. Personally I like the idea of an angled view, perhaps from above and to the front.

[Kachoudas]

Originally posted by David Crowell:
DBAoL uses a top down view of CGI painted elements so you can get an idea of how that looks. Personally I like the idea of an angled view, perhaps from above and to the front. Actually I think it's hand painted in DBAol.

The angle may not really matter as long as it is coherent with the board.

[imported_PhilipOfOregon]

It's really a question on where you'd rather spend your time.

Do you want to learn how to draw images of Knights, Blades, etc? or

Do you want to learn how to make players alternate turns, move elements, determine ranges, resolve combat, etc? or

Do you want to learn how to coordinate turns between computers on a network? or

Do you want to learn how to make the "ultimate Artificial Intelligence General"?


If you are more interested in learning how to get your interface to translate and rotate elements, I would recommend you use simple rectangles (but mark which side is "front"). That way you don't get distracted by graphic design, reading images from files, rotating images, etc.

On the other hand, if you want to learn how to manipulate images, look at the "Paper DBA Armies" section on Fanaticus. This could give you some ready-made pictures to start with.


DBA Online has it all (the AI General is the opponent named "Snowflake", who even gives advice ;) ). The programmers did a wonderful job; then they hired artists to paint the armies. The last step was adding the real images to the program.


My point is -- if you want to learn to program, don't worry so much about how the elements look. On the other hand, if you want to design 'aesthetically pleasing elements', you may prefer to use a draw/paint tool instead of Visual Basic.


Phil Jansen

[ March 27, 2003, 19:58: Message edited by: PhilipOfOregon ]

[Hyperbolic]

It would seem I'm going to have to cut back the original grand vision, leaving something veerry simple but achievable (with my limited VB knowledge).
The bulk of the work will go into the mechanics of the thing, so I'll be looking to use top-down photos or art, depending on what I can get hold of.
Which leads me neatly on to my next request :rolleyes: : any chance of some top-down element photos? Doesn't really matter what they are, but a selection from any particular army would be nice. I'm aware it's quite a request, but I feel sure some of you are kind-hearted souls, who would enjoy nothing better than helping a feller out smile.gif

[imported_PhilipOfOregon]

Fanaticus has some good pointers at:

http://www.fanaticus.org/DBA/guides/nominis.html

Martin Hogg and Will Johnson have done some very impressive stuff.

I've also used Alexei Gartinski's "Universal DBA Elements". They are pretty abstract, but they get the point across, and are generic enough to work for all possible(?) armies.

These images work real well for people who can't paint the side of a barn, but have access to a color printer.

Good luck!


Phil Jansen