2D Map with 3D animated objects

Engines, Libraries and Tools Java 3D
#1

Hi, i’m making a small RPG game and i was wondering how one would go about making a 2D map sort of tile based and then being able to place 3D objects on top of it that move on the map.

Perhaps i’m getting this mixed up…Should I instead create a 3D plane and then create an image with the tiles painted onto it and then set the plane’s texture to the image.

Or is there a way to make a 3D terrain and then have 3D objects moving on it while keeping with the elevation if there is a hill or something?

Much help appreciated,
Weastmann

#2

Terrain following itself is pretty easy in Java3D, you can just use a pick ray through the center of your character and then see where it hits the first terrain polygon. I did that i nan early version of Java3D.

HOWEVER the next thing you will likely want (I did ) is collision with the environment. It turns out that collision and floor following can both be handled by a relatively simple physics model. Im currently using code from IMI for that. The Jar is up there with JNWN and you can see from my class called PhysicsBehavior how its used, but there is no source to the IMI code because I don’t own that.

#3

hey, thanks for replying,

Where can I find your code for the physics behavior?

Also, the simplicity of what I think i’m looking for is maybe just an engine that handles collision between circles or spheres. Something like that is what I’m in need of.

So a sphere collides with another and it halts the object from continuing to move in that direction.

If sphere collision is too heft on the computer then maybe rectangle collision is ok.

Thanks,
Weastmann

#4

Have you looked into Picking in Java3D? That lets you judge basic collisions quite easily.

#5

jnwn.dev.java.net

If you want to run the app yo uwill also need to install NWN or download the “linux data” downlaod from bioware’s site.
(Id give you the link but ist down right now.)