Camera question

[Taterific]

I feel like this probably comes up a lot. I searched the forums already and couldn't find anything specific enough to help me. Maybe you can't do what I want? I'm not sure.

I'm definitely new to Alice but I say I learn rather quick.

I'm trying to make something similar to the flight simulator example, the only thing I don't like about that example is the camera.
Setting the camera to the biplane makes the camera roll with the plane.
Which... looks like the whole world spins around the plane.

In the example the camera will move toward the plane when it's some distance away. So what you get is a throbbing look where the camera moves toward the plane, the stops, then moves toward the plane, then stops.

In the simplest way possible, I want to make the camera a 3rd person camera, and follow the plane more loosely than just setting it to the biplane.

If I could describe what I want perfectly, it would be a camera that follows it right on, but doesn't roll with the plane, and IF possible [I could live without], when the plane dives down or pulls up, the camera will... not follow so sharply. Let the plane get a head start if you will, so it doesn't look like the world is moving around the plane.

Maybe this is to hard for me? I don't know, I want to know if it's possible.

This is hard to explain, it is a common camera in most flight simulators outside of Alice though. If that helps...

[x2495iiii]

Well, you could have the plane move with a dummy object that the camera's vehicled to, and have them both constantly moving forward, but having the dummy unaffected by the left and right arrow keys and differently affected by the up and down arrow keys.

[Taterific]

Wow that was a great Idea, unfortunately it didn't work just right.

The controls of the plane are more realistic than the example. I have the plane [to turn left] he rolls to the left and then you pull up, and vice versa for turning right.

So to have the dummy not roll, when the plane rolls and pulls up to turn, the camera will just look up [because of the up arrow key being used to make the plane turn] So the plane flies off camera to the right and the camera looks up...

Maybe this is just too complex? It would be cool though, maybe I just need more experience.

Thanks a lot though. You've inspired a lot more playing around in Alice. =D

[x2495iiii]

I think it can still work, and if you feel like playing around with Alice, this should be fun for you.

If the dummy is set to the exact centerpoint of the plane at the start of the world (Dummy set point of view to plane), you may be able to use the "asSeenBy" modifier on the turning method of the camera to get it working right. To access the modifier, click the more option at the end of the method. Try setting it to plane and see what happens (I'm not sure if this will work, hopefully it will, and if it doesn't maybe it will give you another idea).

[Taterific]

Oh my god, I love you.

I wasn't exactly sure how to use that "asSeenby" and I'm sure one day I'll figure it out.

Alas, you have inspired me.
Instead I used an If/Else for turning the plane up or down.

The problem was I wanted the dummy to stay with the plane no matter what, but not have it rotate. The answer came to me so easily when I thought about how I set the dummy where it needed to be in the first place.

If the dummy is within 1 meter of the plane
Set point of view to biplane. this will keep the dummy AT the biplane no matter how much rolling and spinning it does.

Now because the camera is set to the dummy, it won't roll, in fact unless the plane is going up or down, it won't look at the plane... "technically"
but since the only way for the plane to turn is to roll, then pull UP or DOWN. the camera is forced to look at the plane.
It's genius!

Thank you kindly! You've helped so much.
[I feel like I just ranted a bit... oh well.]

[x2495iiii]

Good idea! You're off to a great start in Alice! Glad I could be of some help.

On an unrelated note, have you played Resident Penguin yet? If you haven't and you have some extra time, could you tell me what you think of it? I love getting feedback on my worlds, especially that one.

The link's in my signature.

[Taterific]

Wow that game is oddly addicting.

The ending reminds me of Duke Nukem 3D somehow. Probably the field goal thing...


That's cute. =]

are their more weapons? Or did I just die to quickly I didn't see them yet?

[Classic Resident Evil = Throw a guy into a zombie infested area with a pistol and 5 bullets.
Good luck!]

[x2495iiii]

Depends. Which version did you play. If you played 3.1 or 3.5, you had the option of pressing Space to pause the game and access a menu of weapons and upgrades that could be purchased with the points you earn from capping zombies.

And in my defense, the fight against Tyrant gave you infinite rockets....didn't it?

I don't actually know, since I've never played any of the RE games. I just figured "hey! zombies!" and linked the 2 together.

[Taterific]

I did play the latest and didn't notice the space bar thing...

Whoops. I'll give it another shot. =]

And resident evil is a fun series, if you have the patience for it. :]
you run away to find ammo more than you actually fight zombies.
And in the later ones they're not even really zombies. Just... strange virus infected Spaniards [RE3] or Africans [RE4].

I guess you can call those zombies though..

[x2495iiii]

Well, I love shooter games, but I don't like excessive gore, so RE was just never very appealing to me. I drifted more towards Uncharted 1 and 2, inFamous, and stuff like that.

[Taterific]

I feel like we're a little off topic.
However, I definitely loved Uncharted 1, 2 and some infamous.
Good stuff right there.

You should look at Red Faction: Guerrilla if you haven't already.
A very VERY cheesy plot.
Bad guys are evil kitten-hating children-hating candy-haters.
They hate rainbows and want to kill all small cute fuzzy animals.

So it's a little cheesy.
Ex. The commander gives orders to just 'Kill some random civilians'.

But if you can look past that, it's a great game.

[x2495iiii]

Actually, I was kind of tired of shooters for awhile after I'd beaten so many of them and I wanted to change it up a little. I wanted something quick and entertaining, but simple and enveloping (I guess something like Arkham Asylum, which is my favorite game of all time, but has low replay value). I couldn't really find anything that suited it exactly, but I narrowed it down to Dynasty Warriors for the PS3 or Punch-Out!! for the Wii. I ended up getting Punch-Out, and I like it, but it's a little TOO simple: memorize the order of attacks and counter accordingly.

Any thought on what games might fit that bill?

[Dameria]

I'm pretty sure that Punch-Out for the Wii got a 1/10 on Game Informer, just remember reading it somewhere. It was definitely a boxing game for the Wii, but they completely slammed it when they did the review.

[x2495iiii]

Kinda unfair, if you ask me. It's really not too bad a game. Nothing outstanding, nothing groundbreaking, but not terrible, and certainly not only a 1/10. I bet they just weren't in the mood to play a game like that, is all. Most people are content with their gory shoot-em-ups, which Punch out is practically the opposite of.

Like I said, it's mostly just pattern memorization. If you don't practice, then it's got more of an element of unpredictability and reflexes to it, but you're also much more likely to lose.

If you think about it, though, most games can be boiled down to pattern memorization. How many boss fights involve repeated attacks which you have to learn, dodge, and counter in order to win? Probably all of them, right? If you think about it like that, Punch out is kind of like a string of boss fights.

I'd give it a 6/10 at least.

[Taterific]

Best boss fight games I can think of are the Metal Gear Solid series.
And Shadow of the Colossus. Then again, in the latter, all you fight is bosses.

I used to love Dynasty warriors. Can't think of any games that comes to mind right away.

Brutal Legend was sweet if you're into an adventure/comedy game. It's got a low replay value, but beautiful scenery. I feel like you're in a living album art for a metal band.
But I'm a metal fan. \,,/ ^-^ \,,/