The main goal of the redesign was to give the resource tower a more bulky appearance, while also reducing the overall footprint. We wanted the main body to appear similar to a storage tank, and also incorporate the more armored look that the marine technology has in Natural Selection 2. We also wanted to include additional animated parts to give the resource tower more life when it's active. With the redesigned structure, the "bellows" on the sides move in and out as it pumps resources from the node and the computer screen animates to display its activity.
Here's the new concept sketch that Squeal_Like_A_Pig created:
The model and texture were then created by Marcus Dublin who is one of our off-site artists. During the modeling and texturing process, Marcus sends us renders from 3D Studio MAX so that we can evaluate progress and give feedback. Here's the final renderer from 3D Studio MAX:
This model was created right after we posted the siege cannon which Marcus also created. You'll notice the resource tower texture has more wear and grunge than the siege renders. This is partly based on the role it fills in the Natural Selection universe, but also partly based on community feedback.
We're still working on some of the details like getting the specularity just right on metal surfaces, but here's what the final resource tower model looks like rendered by our engine:
Creating assets for Natural Selection 2 is a lot more involved than in the first game, but if you take a peek at the resource tower model from the first Natural Selection, it certainly seems worth it!
Excellent, there are certainly plenty of Natural Selection fans including myself. It's always great to see teams strike out as indie developers. Congratulations and keep up the good work.
ive actually never played natural selection before.... but this is looking pretty awesome so i might have to try out the original.
Cool.. looking good guys... will be a huge step up from NS1...
Alright! The Moddb page got updated!
Trust me when I say we should keep the moddb people in the loop.
They have a volunteer dedicated to just their ModDB profile now, so it should be kept up-to-date from now on.
Actually we have three people who will keep this updated now! Thanks for your help guys!
Natural Selection has got to be the best mod ever made. i cant wait to try NS2 and kick some alien butt :P
Or omnom some human scum XD.
That looks awesome :D Woop Woop