Overview

The Medieval4D toolset is a combination of both a simple 3D modelling program and a ‘core’ catalogue of pre-built 3D objects and textures. To create medieval structures such as houses, Inns, shops etc, you simply drag and drop these objects in to the modeller then move/rotate/scale/texture them as you see fit. You can then export the finished model in .x format to be used directly in your games.

 

Benefits of Medieval4D

1. Textures and Objects are already made for you - You don't need any artistic skills
2. Allows the construction of different LOD levels. You can create very simple models for distant renders, but also create complex and and detailed closeup models
3. Create true structures. M4D can create internal structures, not just external.
4. Collision Objects. Create simplified collision models on top of your structure and export them as seperate .x files.
5. Standard vernacular and colour palett so all finished models share the same visual traits as each other
6. Easy to use interface ( make models in minutes rather than days)
7. Instant access to a large and growing number of user built models that you can then use or modify
8. Multiple export options ( although .x is currently only available) for different game engines.
9. Affordable. The early adopter licence will be about US$30 when its ready

 

Ease-of-use

The M3 application and interface has been designed to be as easy to use as possible. Unlike other 3D applications, you don't need to hunt around in different folders for a particular texture or model anymore as everything is automatically loaded in to M3D in a hierarchical menu system. This simple menu system means that adding an object to a scene and then applying a texture to it will take only seconds.

The manipulation tools in M4D include the standard widgets such as translate, rotate and scale, but there are also a few special UV tools to assist with texturing including, UV locking, UV scaling and UV offsetting.

 

Objects

An 'object' in Medieval4D refers to a 3D model which represents a certain structural element. There are hundreds of these 'objects' to use, ranging from chimney pots and door handles to ornate door frames and room sections. To add an object to the scene you first select the 'Type' of object you want from the left-hand menu, (such as Doors, Windows, Chimneys etc). Once you've selected the 'Type' you can select the actual object model from the updated menu at the bottom of the screen. There are currently about 80 objects to use, but many more yet to come.

 

Textures

Texturing an object is even easier. Each time an object is selected in the scene, the Texture list on the right hand side is updated with all the possible textures it can use. To texture your selected object, just click on the Texture icon you want. Because each object can use several different textures you can create a wide variety of different looking buildings on the same model. For example, you might have one house model that is textured so it looks new and clean, then use the same model but texture it in grimy and dirty textures. You get two different buildings with very limited work required.

 

Structures Database

The structures database is where finished models made by users can be shared with the rest of the M4D community. If a particular structure looks useful, just copy the .m3d code from the website and paste it directly into the M3 application. The model is then instantly built for you. There are currently 17 prebuilt models ready to be used in your games.