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[Fish]

ChromaForces is indeed my primary DF-programming project these days, but I thought - why not also show the other one that has been paralelly developed and is also soon (matter of days or weeks) to be released as freeware. It's called Dark Dimension.

Here's the screenshot. It's quite large, so instead of inserting it right here, use the link.
http://df-21.net/projects/fish/Dimension.gif

As you can probably see, it's a utility for 3D viewing Dark Forces levels (in LEV format), using the anaglyph (3D red+blue) glasses. I have finished the engine a few days ago and this is a screenshot from a first operable vesion. If you've got these glasses, check out how you like the screenshot.

It is going to be a very small utility that will just view from different angles with a few parameters, and not do much more. The idea is to help visualise the architecture better while designing a level, and the players to understand how to move through a difficult level.

If some of you would ask if it were possible to create a complete 3D level editor using this technique, the answer would be yes. However, unless someone offers to maintain me until year 2020, I don't have time for doing that (although I will give the engine code to whoever will like to use it, for any reason).

I don't plan spending too much time on this tiny project - it does what it has to do, and cramping it with unnecessary options would just be a waste of time.

Expect the release quite soon. Like with ChromaForces, feel free to offer some extra options or possibilities.

[Barry Brien]

Looks good, but unfortunately I am without 3d glasses. As a matter of interest what level is that Fish?

[Fish]

Mt. Kurek. I use it, together with your colossal AoNS as a test level for this program, as these two have plenty of advanced architecture and complex geometry.

[Fish]

Dark Dimension is now also ready for a launch. I've uploaded the installation file here to DF-21, so expect it available soon.

In the ZIP you will find the installation self-unpacking executable and a few basic notes how to use it. As usual, I'm looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

This is by far not as serious or complex project as the ChromaForces, so don't have too high expectations of great improvements in the future. However, if there will appear to be some serious bugs, I will see to it.

I don't know what's the easiest way to find these 3D glasses if you don't have them, but I think they are shipped free with some movies filmed using this technique. You can also buy them through online services for some little cash.

[Jackson]

And it's up!

Looks very good, Fish. I'll have to get my hands on a pair of those glasses!

[The MAZZTer]

[Fish]

If you intend to make a home-made 3D glasses, I've heard it works quite well if you take just any ordinary cellophane and paint it using the correct colour markers.
The other idea is to print the red and blue region on a foil for the overhead projectors - of course, using a printer. However, it should be able to print really clean colors (with high saturation), to avoid the "ghosts".

[Darth Oosha]

I tried using transparent Lego parts once.

[Fish]

Lego? Absolutely cool!
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