Creating Structures In Aztez
When I set out to build the first environment as a proof of concept, I took an unusual approach by creating a texture that I was going to use on my 3d models BEFORE I created any 3d models. This texture is just a collage of interesting Aztec-inspired patterns that tile properly.
Once I was done with the image I went into Maya and started building modular structures that the player could view from the top or the sides, and in some cases from the bottom as well. I didn't really have specific designs in mind when I started modeling; I was acting on more of an impulse I had developed by looking at Aztec structures for years and years. Once the object was done I applied the texture and started arranging it in real-time until it looked good. As with the model, I did not have a specific angle of attack when I began this process. It both cases, it was a very quick and very satisfying process and it is exactly how I built all of the modular pieces that the existing environments are built from. Using this method I was able to build the marketplace proof of concept environment in under a week.
As you can see in the progression, the outline around the object is what completes it. This outline is an integral part of the game's style and is applied to all environment objects. I create this outline in the traditional manner: once the object is complete, I create a duplicate of the object, scale it up a very small amount, texture it black, and then invert the faces so they face inside out. The scaling part requires a little bit of love; often times the outline object does not require the same amount of faces and things get a little goofy around corners but it's nothing a reasonably experienced modeler can't massage out. This is what you're actually looking at when you're gazing upon these magnificent structures in the game environment.
Here is some interactive Unity content you can play with that showcases the techniques discussed here in addition to being a good example of the game's visual style. You can use the left and right arrow keys to run and the up arrow to jump.
Aztez is being made by Ben Ruiz and Matthew Wegner. Unsurprisingly, they are both incredibly violent.
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February 2nd, 2010 - 22:51
I liked the graphics so much I now have to change my pants.
I know the code isn’t fully done, but I’d like to point out that you can double jump, and pressing left and right arrows at same time results in a slow walk, just pointing it out incase you didn’t know.
Great job. Keep it up
February 3rd, 2010 - 07:29
Oh man I totally didn’t know about the slow walk! Haha! And thanks for the kind words.
That right there is a perfect example of how people will inevitably uncover things about your own product you didn’t know about. Luckily for us, this demo runs on hacked together Benscript (although I did know about the double jump) and that Matthew would never let something like that slip through the cracks.
12-21-10 EDIT: The interactive content has been updated and there is no longer a double jump or slow walk.
February 7th, 2010 - 14:08
Fantastic work there. I would strongly suggest you put some characters in the market place which are doing daily activities for example buying stuff or talk in groups…
It would give your well modelled environment much more impact… it would feel livelier when the player is viewing it.
Hope i gave you good advice.
Keep up your good work!
February 7th, 2010 - 14:22
I agree! There will be a lot more to these scenes in the game than there is this demo. I’m essentially taking a fighting game approach to the environments in Aztez where we have details in exchange for scope; smaller but livelier!
April 29th, 2010 - 00:19
Wow Great job. If u add some people and other object it will be more great.