Desert's
Hi,
I'm designing a level, that it's basically a desert, or a wasteland.
Designing a forest, a tropical scene, a swamp or something like that is rather easy to get a complex scene going, some trees, some rocks, water,etc, and we end up with a good environment.
But for a desert, to have a good looking environment is quite hard in my opinion, because, well, there's just sand.
I have some ideias on what to fill the level with, some rocks, some skeletons, some dead trees, but no matter what, i don't think the level can end up as beautiful looking as the previous environments that i spoke about.
Any ideias to spice up a desert scene ?
thanks,
Bruno
Maybe some ruinous buildings in the background. Things left there from thousands of years before, whithered away by windstorms and covered with sand.
That could add some interesting elements to the scene. Would also break up the monotony of endless sand-dunes.
That could add some interesting elements to the scene. Would also break up the monotony of endless sand-dunes.
Your best bet is to simply reference desert photos. Check out Pbase.com and search for deserts - I guaruntee you find some terrific shots to get ideas from.
Imaginative forests of cacti.
The geometry of the terrain can also play a much larger role. Sand dunes can take on any form, large or small. Keep them interesting with that amazing windswept ripple pattern they get, not just flat sand that you would see on a beach.
Don't forget the role of the sky. If you're able to switch out your skybox texture for something more dramatic and colourful it would go a long way to keeping the whole place interesting.
Otherwise, yes. Deserts are boring =P
The geometry of the terrain can also play a much larger role. Sand dunes can take on any form, large or small. Keep them interesting with that amazing windswept ripple pattern they get, not just flat sand that you would see on a beach.
Don't forget the role of the sky. If you're able to switch out your skybox texture for something more dramatic and colourful it would go a long way to keeping the whole place interesting.
Otherwise, yes. Deserts are boring =P
Quote:Original post by Bruno
But for a desert, to have a good looking environment is quite hard in my opinion, because, well, there's just sand.
Just sand? Have you ever been to a desert? Sure, there are a couple of deserts (the Sahara comes to mind) which consist primarily of sand dunes, but those are the exception.
desert
another desert
Deserts aren't just sand. I live in New Mexico, and there are cacti, bushes, lots of different stuff.
Picture
Picture
I did a desert tileset in the original Golem, and it turned out okay. Threw in some saguaro, some ocotillo, a couple barrel cactus, etc... Never did get started on the other varieties of foliage (mesquite, greasewood, mahogany, blue sage, etc...) Seriously, a desert isn't just bare rock and sand. (Or, at least, most deserts aren't). Sure, throw in some areas of such stark barrenness, but remember that for the most part a desert has plenty of vegetation and life.
Clicky for screenshot
Clicky for screenshot
There can be some very pretty lighting effects on the rocks and sand in deserts if your game/engine can handle them.
Yes, it would really help if you take a look at pictures of New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. Nevada, is in my oppion, the best example because the wide variety of desert landscape; it will give you the most ideas.
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