2010-08-30, 06:19 AM
Bad News:
The maximum MDL texture size appears to be 256x256. There's still a possibility a 512x512 mode may be discovered, but this seems pretty conclusive. Kind of expected / easy to work around.
Worse News:
Som does not appear to support the 24bit TIM mode. Therefore all MDL files are limited to 16bit color... or technically 15bit. I understand the TXR files may be 24bit. But I gotta advise not using all 24bits if you want your art to be consistent, because afaik MDL files are necessary because MDO don't seem to ever be used where animation is involved.
On the upside:
If you need better than 15bits it shouldn't be too much trouble for Ex to replace Som's textures on the fly with whatever you have.
EDITED: Assuming 24bit is even possible with TXR files. You might consider doing items and details in 24bit. Because items appear in closeup in the menu and might not hurt to make them stand out. And details like a painting and other curios for example might benefit from the extra depth without appearing out of place.
The maximum MDL texture size appears to be 256x256. There's still a possibility a 512x512 mode may be discovered, but this seems pretty conclusive. Kind of expected / easy to work around.
Worse News:
Som does not appear to support the 24bit TIM mode. Therefore all MDL files are limited to 16bit color... or technically 15bit. I understand the TXR files may be 24bit. But I gotta advise not using all 24bits if you want your art to be consistent, because afaik MDL files are necessary because MDO don't seem to ever be used where animation is involved.
On the upside:
If you need better than 15bits it shouldn't be too much trouble for Ex to replace Som's textures on the fly with whatever you have.
EDITED: Assuming 24bit is even possible with TXR files. You might consider doing items and details in 24bit. Because items appear in closeup in the menu and might not hurt to make them stand out. And details like a painting and other curios for example might benefit from the extra depth without appearing out of place.