CurvedSurfaceEntity - Any tips on usage?

Larryboy · Post by **Larryboy** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:18 pm

I've just been playing with the Curved Surface Entity and its friends. Looks like you can make some interesting shapes that would normally require lots of Polygons. But it seems very awkward to use as you don't see what you get until you compile and I can't understand the relationships between the entities and the final shape.

Anyone got any tips, tutorials, experience???

Post by **QuestOfDreams** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:24 pm

http://realityfactory.info.ms/onlinehel ... rfaces.htm
http://realityfactory.info.ms/onlinehel ... urface.htm

Larryboy · Post by **Larryboy** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:44 pm

Hadn't seen the tutorial. many thanks.

Larryboy · Post by **Larryboy** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:15 am

Hello again

I have been doing the Curved Surface tutorial and I am completely stumped by the bullnosed corner. I've spent loads of time on it.

I have assumed that the instructions given in these tutorials are from for the front view.

Where I get stuck in the bull nosed corner section:

Step 6 This is the tough part. You'll need to look at your level and imagine how your corner will look. Take the CurvePointEnt with the value of 8, and move it so that it is next to the CurvePointEnt with the value of 4. The 8 should be the same height as the 4 when looking at them in the Side or Front views. Now take the 8 in the Top view and drag it away from the 4 at about a 45 degree angle.

<< which 45 deegree angle is this? there are many ways to go >>

Step 7 Take the CurvePointEnt with the value of 7, and place it next to the CurvePointEnt with the value of 2. The 7 should be the same height as the 2 when looking at them in the Side or Front views.

Step 8 Take the CurvePointEnt with the value of 9, and place it next to the CurvePointEnt with the value of 6. It should be the same height as the 6. Now drag it out at a 45 degree angle so that it is directly under the 8 in the Top view.

<<again which way - I guess until you're under 8, but the way I've done it they will be in the same place - is that right?>>

I have put together this diagram to help with any explanation

Many thanks

Larryboy · Post by **Larryboy** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:41 am

Actually I've decided to use static meshes instead as curves are too weird.

And judging by the number of replys it looks like nobody else uses curved surfaces either. At least your player can walk on Static Meshes.

Just workin' through the manual..........

GD1 · Post by **GD1** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:17 pm

I tried using curves and thought the concept was nice but abandoned it because it was too much of a hastle. although Star Wars: Jedi Acadamy used these extensively and with very good results, so I wouldn't call it impossible, just difficult until it is learned.

Its something I would use in the last phase of development to put a finishing touch on a level.

jonas · Post by **jonas** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:35 pm

Yes your right it is alot easier just to use a staticmesh.

@GD1 yes they pulled that off very well. offtopic: I loved that game, I hated that it was so short, I don't like being able to beat a game in a day.

GD1 · Post by **GD1** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 6:38 pm

well, it took me longer cause the fog didn't function correctly on my computer and i would have to walk through entire levels blind. It was weird, like the BSP geometry got culled unnaturally. All in all i liked it though.