2011-11-01, 03:32 AM
New player-spell models can be made in Metasequoia just like any other model. Then you can swap out the new model for an existing spell, thus making a new spell graphic. The spell's basic behavior won't change (seeking projectile/area attack etc), but you can make some nice new effects.
Enemy spells are more flexible in that they are built from multiple effects (FX) that are chained together. So you can assemble a new spell by linking together existing sounds and FX into a something that looks new. Or you can make a completely new 3d model and make a new FX (same as for player spells). The PRF Editor lets you 'assemble' enemy spells.
One limitation is that x2mdl (which converts Metasequoia models to SoM spell format) can't make semi-transparent models so if you make a new spell model, it will look solid. That works well for rock-projectiles etc, but it doesn't look too good for 'light darts' etc.
Now that you mention it Todd, I remember that Tom had his skeleton's inflict dark when you got close and I don't remember it flashing. But I tried DoM now and it does flash- I even loaded it on VirtualPC with an emulated video card and Dark flashes- weird? Maybe Microsoft changed something in DX.
Enemy spells are more flexible in that they are built from multiple effects (FX) that are chained together. So you can assemble a new spell by linking together existing sounds and FX into a something that looks new. Or you can make a completely new 3d model and make a new FX (same as for player spells). The PRF Editor lets you 'assemble' enemy spells.
One limitation is that x2mdl (which converts Metasequoia models to SoM spell format) can't make semi-transparent models so if you make a new spell model, it will look solid. That works well for rock-projectiles etc, but it doesn't look too good for 'light darts' etc.
Now that you mention it Todd, I remember that Tom had his skeleton's inflict dark when you got close and I don't remember it flashing. But I tried DoM now and it does flash- I even loaded it on VirtualPC with an emulated video card and Dark flashes- weird? Maybe Microsoft changed something in DX.