FictionalBreger wrote...
Hmm.
So, you took the original textures from the game (low-res versions), scaled them up, slapped some filters on them to sharpen them, and then manually edited some blurry areas?
Well, it does look better in-game from your screenshots, but I always hesitate to call that high-res.
That picture you posted to compare your version with the original? It says all. The upscaled version is larger, but also edgier, which removes the quality somewhat. I know there isn't much you can do about it, but still.
It is high-res in the sense that it is larger, but the sharpness isn't as good as if it was made from scratch/original texture in original size (the one BioWare scaled down to that 128x128 texture).
Not trying to clank down on you, just saying how I feel about high-res textures (all those high-res textures for Skyrim are the worst, though. If you ever look at them, most of them are just double the size, and then had a ton of sharpening filters thrown on, and that's it).
Still, they do look slightly sharper in the game, so kudos to you for that! And don't let anyone get you down, as there is a lot of work behind this. I know, I've also done this before.
Just out of curiosity, you use Photoshop, right? Which version?
Well, there's a bit more to it than that, but yes, that's my process. I also create completley new specular maps based on the sharpened textures, which is really the key to adding detail and reducing aliasing, since most of the stock spec maps are at half-res or look like they've been hastily constructed. Keep in mind, the game rarely allows an upscaled texture to be displayed at full resolution (even during closeups, they're usually at half resolution), which is why I have to make them so much larger. And you're right, of course, there is only so much one can do without professional image enhancement software or the original, full-size textures.
I do say in the OP that I'm, by no means, a freehand artist, or really an artist of any kind. I've never taken any classes in graphic design or 3D modeling, but I try to do both, mainly for enjoyment. And hey, if someone else likes what I've come up with, all the better. Frankly, though, most of my mods for this and other games remain unreleased, primarily because it's almost as much work maintaining them online and deflecting criticism as is creating them in the first place. Kinda takes the fun out of it.
I'm not exactly secretive about my process, but I essentially use multiple layers on top of the original (upscaled) texture with different levels of sharpening/blurring at varying radii, strengths and opacities for each layer, which produces a decent sharpening effect when they're all combined. Just slapping on a stock sharpening mask creates too many artifacts. And again, these are works in progress, so I'm constantly trying to improve. Basically, what I do is equivalent to a very thorough blur-sharp shader.
And I'm using Photoshop CS5 64-bit, which helps quite a bit.
I usually avoid forums like the plague, but I started this thread more to generate ideas and gather input than to get a slap on the back. Doesn't seem to be working too well : /
@smarteck
Thanks, man. It's easy to get discouraged sometimes. My intent has always been to create/modify content so players can better enjoy their gaming experience. I don't care much for personal glory, nor do I seek it.
Your textures are great and I'm glad we could help each other along the way.
Keep it up!
Modifié par InBleedingRapture, 06 mai 2012 - 10:15 .
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