Hi all. I've begun my first map. While reading the forums and trying to get an idea of how to get started, I came across some broken links for the Sandbox manual in PDF format. Does anyone have a working link to the manual? I have downloaded the MapMaking FAQ, which is helpful, but the manual would be best.

Thanks.

Edit: Also, when I open the sandbox it says it's the Beta version...do I need to patch to 1.4 to get the full version?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PJLE30,

If you have 1.3 or above then you have the latest version of SB.

The manual is in your FarCry folder in Support/Manual/Editor Manual v0.1(beta).pdf

v1.1 manual...

http://farcry.gamesweb.com/downloads.php?release_id=75

Dj Barney

How strange that the v1.1 manual was not part of the v1.4 Patch... it only includes the v0.1 beta manual...

You know if someone were to create a good Wikipedia Sandbox page with resources listed then this kind of thing would'nt happen (hint, hint, hav'nt much time myself, etc etc).

DJ Barney

As far as I can tell... it is far to late for that to happen or be worth it.

Everyone will get into "Far Cry" mapping again, with Crysis... and there such projects would really be of some worth.

I only hope Crysis can be made to run on my DX9 rig.

Yes, very true. Crysis is the latest thing.

But I don't understand this mentality.

Each game has it's own strengths and weaknesses. I still play Unreal Tournament which has a certain manga like, cartoon quality.

Are we here to play games or just compare the latest rigs and pixel counts ? What rocks, rocks IMO.

Sure, Crysis looks like a triumph of game design. I just hope it lives up to all the hype !

But take say, Pixar. Now all the new computer generated cartoons have come out, is Tom and Jerry "obsolete" ?

Is 2001 "dead" because George Lucas made Star Wars ?

I see the potential of gaming becoming a very mature medium with "Animactors" and complex story telling. There will always be a place for frivolous gaming, but I don't think every game should be thrown on the trash heap everytime a new one comes out! LOL! Some people with less resources (and money) can do a LOT with these old engines, I'm sure.

DJ Barney

So I'll put my money where my mouth is...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_%28video_game_editor%29

I even mention the "next generation" Crysis editor, so everyone should be happy.

If you hav'nt used Wikipedia before ... then wade in! Just hit the edit button. But remember anyone can also edit what you put it ;-)

DJ Barney

Check this Unreal Tournament Mod, to be released sometime this summer (well the full release)...

http://mods.moddb.com/6265/the-chosen-one/?page=2

It looks GREAT ! See what I mean ?

Not that I don't think Far Cry kicks butt bigtime, but ya know ...

DJ Barney

You are right, just because the next new thing is out does not mean the old is obselete.

Blade Runner, Alien and 2001 are still the best SF movies, no matter what other "trash" is released.

UT only impressed me back then because it hat Bot support out of the box. It was a lot of fun playing it. At one of the German Lan Parties (GXP I think, way back) we even had a pre-release version of UT to play test on 8 or so machines.

But I always preferred Quake III Arena, and still prefer to map for that game. It is only missing terrain and proper vegetation alas

quote:

Originally posted by DJBarney24:
So I'll put my money where my mouth is...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_%28video_game_editor%29

I even mention the "next generation" Crysis editor, so everyone should be happy.

If you hav'nt used Wikipedia before ... then wade in! Just hit the edit button. But remember anyone can also edit what you put it ;-)

Reading the text, you may want to add a few comment:

• Differing from id Software based (BSP) editors that let the mapper manipulate geometry e.g. architecture on a per polygon basis. Sandbox only allows for direct terrain and vegetation manipulation. Any specific geometry (huts, items, walls, indoor areas, etc.) needs to be creates in an external modeling tool, like 3D Max.
  
  This makes it a lot harder for your average mapper to add custom content. Plus requires modeling skill.
  
  
• Sandbox was the first editor to feature real-time editing. This includes placement and testing of lighting (in almost real time), testing of AI, painting and editing of terrain, placement of vegetation and brushes (models).
  
  Sandbox basically runs the Far Cry engine in the main 3D window in real time.
  
  This real time component it fairly new to editing, also supported by DOOM 3's internal editor. Half-Life 2's editor Hammer e.g. has no real time components (well other than manipulation of geometry and item placement), but always requires lengthy compilations.
  

The UT / Quake fight continues ? :-P

Yeah, I think keeping a bit of game nostalgia going, just like with movies, for memories, and just cus their good, should be encouraged.

It wonder if it improves game production by the industry, because games are'nt just geared towards a "quick fix", but superficial, design (usually intended to make a quick buck).

Thankyou for the editing tips ! I'll put them in when I can.

Unreal Ed was always marketted on it's "realtime" design, but Sandbox actually delivers IMO. I suppose it depends on your style and skills but I just love the features of Sandbox because you CAN import models made in an external editor ... using all the power of Blender or 3DS, or whatever. Unreal Ed was never any good at importing, but some people DO like building it all IN the editor.

IMO someone should code a Blender export plugin for Blender. There's just no reason that it should be tied to a very expensive piece of 3DS Max kit ! Blender export/import could be scripted with Python (assuming you can get hold of the engine model specs). A Crysis function could be thrown in, in later versions ?

DJ Barney