I've had the X-bug for some time now, and i've been looking for good models to add to the game. I've discovered that an old mod for 'Homeworld' called 'New Rebellion' (i don't think it's available anymore) has models that can be easily converted to 3ds and added to X2. These models come complete with textures that are only slighty less detailed that standard X2 models. All ship models for the original Homeworld game can be added to X2/3.
After playing about with Gmax for a while, i've been able to put a TIE Fighter into the game, although i'm still to texture it, and properly put in a cockpit and guns. I'm still low down on the GMax learning-curve, but rising fast.
You can see a pic of it here- http://img75.imageshack.us/my.php?image ... n30je8.jpg
There are a total of 40-50 ships that are available to be added, from fighters to frigates to cap-ships, and two monster-ships. Over the next few weeks, i hope to mod at least the best ones into X2. If anyone else is interested, you can find the mod here-
http://jstonline.homeworldarchives.com/ ... warsnr.htm
You can find loads more mods (BSG, B5, SW, ST etc) on that site, that could be used to rip models out of. I'm also wondering if weapon/sound effects can also be extracted. You have to use a program called 3D Explorer to convert the peo file to 3ds and the LiF textures to jpg.
I'd also like to point out that the game 'Empire at War' has a plug-in available that lets you extract the ship models to 3ds Max. They're damn fine models, and would look great in X3. If i don't burn out first, i'll get a trial-version of 3ds 7 and convert them for use in Gmax too.
What i'd really, really like to see is a mod for X2/3 that introduces star wars ships and weapon/handling configurations in line with the old X-Wing/TIE Fighter games. A redrawn galactic map would be even better. Although i have a horrible tendency not to finish what i start, if i keep at it that's what i would like to achieve. Jumping into a rebel sector and scrambling the TIEs from your star destroyer to dogfight X-Wings is just soo damn cool.
Although i have X3, it's too slow on my computer for me to play it on a larger scale. I'm happier with a fully-featured X2 than a crippled X3. Somehow, taking apart games and putting them back together is so much more fun than playing them.
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