[UNIT][GRAPHICS] Gemini

[The Martian]

I've created a new alien unit based on unused concept art from X-COM: UFO Defense of a unit that didn't make it into the finished version of the game.


For comparison here is the unused concept art image:


I'm calling this alien "Gemini" but please feel free to change the name to suit your style.

This unit pack features a complete set of a Unit Sheet, BigOb and a FloorOb.

The Unit Sheet uses drawingRoutine: 16 (Bio-Drone) along with adding deathFrames: 8 to the unit's armors: section.


By default most Unit Sheets only have 3 frames of death animation, if deathFrames: 8 is not added this unit will still work but you will be missing some of the visual effect when the liquid leaks out of the unit's cracked canister.


I've also included a version of the Unit Sheet that does not have any shadows in case you want to make the unit fly.
(Or for if you just don't like shadows attached to the unit sprite.)

[Yankes]

in OXCE you could use both version (put all graphic in one file with position offset) and swap depending if unit is flaying,
another thing is that you can make shadow semi-transparent.

[robin]

nice!
I suggest adopting a checkered pattern for the shadow, it would look much more natural.

[efrenespartano]

I like it!

Looks like two Celatids stored on jars. Personally i like it without shadow, but Yankes' and robin's ideas for it are very good.

[The Martian]

in OXCE you could use both version (put all graphic in one file with position offset) and swap depending if unit is flaying,
another thing is that you can make shadow semi-transparent.

I remember you mentioning customized drawing routines before.

@The Martian
You should not look too much to drawing routines, in OXCE you can effective roll your own, it could have lot more frames than normal game could even support.

How does the custom drawingRoutine: feature work? I've tried searching for it on the forum but could not find information.


I'm also very interested in being able to make parts of a unit semi-transparent. That sounds like it would be great for the Gemini's shadow. How do I make use of semi-transparencies currently in OXCE?

Is it possible to overlay the shadow in its own image frame from the Unit Sheet like an alien's arm or the Cyberdisc's energy image frame and only effect those frames with the transparent effect while leaving the rest of the unit sprite solid?


Without knowing exactly what is required to use a custom drawing routine I've made three versions of the Unit Sheet:






Would the version with the offset row before or after the death animation be better for use with the custom method, or does it not matter which one?

nice!
I suggest adopting a checkered pattern for the shadow, it would look much more natural.

Here is the Gemini with a checkered patterned shadow.

I agree that it looks less intrusive than the solid version.

I like it!

Looks like two Celatids stored on jars. Personally i like it without shadow, but Yankes' and robin's ideas for it are very good.

Perhaps the similarity to the Celatid was original author's intent?

Both what appears to be a Celatid and a smaller Celatid are also present in the same concept art file:


The UFOpedia entry did mention that "...The creature has the ability to clone itself at an alarming rate..." maybe these units were going to be part of the Celatid's growth cycle?

As other flyers do not have shadows for the sake of uniformity the "No Shadow" version may be the way to go.

Although without a shadow I worry that the animation makes the cylinders look like they are hopping up and down on the ground instead of hovering above it.
(Perhaps I'm over thinking it.)

[Yankes]

I remember you mentioning customized drawing routines before.
How does the custom drawingRoutine: feature work? I've tried searching for it on the forum but could not find information.

This is done by script hooks, you take some standard drawing routine and in unit script you alter what sprite is used finally.
Using this I make small mod that allow parrot (piratez use it) clap wings even if is not moving.

I'm also very interested in being able to make parts of a unit semi-transparent. That sounds like it would be great for the Gemini's shadow. How do I make use of semi-transparencies currently in OXCE?

First of all, transparency is archived as palette hack, you simply mix in some way background pixel with pixel of your unit, one way is get color of background and add only shade component of your graphic.
Topic I recently mention this feature: https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8793.0.html

Is it possible to overlay the shadow in its own image frame from the Unit Sheet like an alien's arm or the Cyberdisc's energy image frame and only effect those frames with the transparent effect while leaving the rest of the unit sprite solid?

This is done per pixel, you can "sacrifice" some color and all effect will only affect this one, or check what part of unit is now draw and change only this part.

Would the version with the offset row before or after the death animation be better for use with the custom method, or does it not matter which one?

One limitation is that number of frames can't be changed, you could alter each frame but total number will stay same. I recall that some time ago Meridian did change something with number of death frames but this could be my bad memory.

[Finnik]

One limitation is that number of frames can't be changed, you could alter each frame but total number will stay same. I recall that some time ago Meridian did change something with number of death frames but this could be my bad memory.

I think that was about hit animation. Death animation expanding would be cool, but I suppose it's much harder to implement.

[Yankes]

I think that was about hit animation. Death animation expanding would be cool, but I suppose it's much harder to implement.

Right, that was hit animation, and probably not so much, only problem is that this need be check in multiple places.