level-run-around?

[neverknown]

my english is bad so ill try to describe it as best as i can ..

i ve always wondered how the level-run-around works in generic..
for example: if you run around in a city and find some stairs and you decide to go them up (slaps myself, silly english >_<) it feels or looks like a bit 3D.. but the background is 2D.. how does this work in generic..

i only need a starting thought..
like.. maybe there is some grid all over the background
(invisible of course) or something like this..

[halkun]

It's called a "walkmesh"

There are 3D planes that are defined in each field file. The engine uses this as the "ground" and as a refrence point for the movement calculations. They are always flat or slanted at an angle (Like ramp) They are not defined as polygones but as 3d mathmatical planes set up in a marix that you can walk on (hence, "walkmesh")

[neverknown]

thank you mr halkun ^^

is this a common way to code such games?
or are there "better" techniques?

[Kislinskiy]

This is the common way to code such games.  

[trickstar66]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this not the way the FF9 battles and everything but the world map in FF8 and FF7 done? Isn't this also how Mode7 works for sprites on GBA (Doom)?

[Cyberman]

A walk mesh is a 3d surface that 'contrains' a 3d object to only move in certain areas. For example in NWN all the tile sets have walk meshs. You cannot walk on some things in the tile set because they do not have a walk mesh.

All a walk mesh defines is that "you can walk on this" to the 3d engine. It has NOTHING to do with mode 7 which is actually a hangover from the Super NES and improperly used over and over and over again.  This has nothing to do with a particular graphics mode

Cyb

[trickstar66]

has nothing to do with a particular graphics mode

oic...

[neverknown]

could you give my some keywords for google so i can look for some tutorials..? my english isnt that good >_<

[Cyberman]

I know this might seem redundant BUT
try walkmesh
Look at this to get started

[neverknown]

I know this might seem redundant BUT
try walkmesh
Look at this to get started

^^ already tried that after i read the thread one more time..
it seems i get results realted to neverwinter nights only :/

[Cyberman]

I know this might seem redundant BUT
try walkmesh
Look at this to get started

^^ already tried that after i read the thread one more time..
it seems i get results realted to neverwinter nights only :/

That's because NWN uses them heavily (and it's one of the most anoying problem with it).  However READ the NWN tutorials and you will learn about walkmeshes (believe it or not!).

Which reminds me.. anyone want to make some FF7 NWN background models? (could be a lot of fun .. ).

Cyb

[neverknown]

thx