Sort of coming from this, maybe we could have objects that seek a path to a set position? So, they try and avoid collisions and get to the specified x/y/z point in space, or another object. Kind of like basic AI...

I'm no expert, this is just a bunch of if functions! I basically did this a while back, it only works now with the proper variable system, now that they are saved between frames.

Unfortunately, flexible (deformable) geometry is totally impossible with the current engine. You could probably make stuff bounce, but that's it. Bouyancy would be a useful setting, but as far as porous objects... maybe something can increase gradually in density when it enters the bouyancy plane? True fluid simulation has already been ruled out, although some physics engines support it, SU probably can't handle dynamic geometry that complex. I see what you're saying about smoothness though.

I agree with you, but specific settings could come in handy. Maybe there could be a general blanket effect, but with user-defined exceptions? The laws of physics have already been thrown out of the window ... flying cars, anyone?

Finally got around to getting my toggle script working with the global variables; here it is, in all its absurdly long glory!

if frame==1;setVar("repeat",0);setVar("toggle",0);end;if joybutton("a")==0;setVar("repeat",1);getVar("toggle");elsif getVar("repeat")==0;getVar("toggle");elsif getVar("toggle")==0;setVar("repeat",0);getSetVar("toggle",1);else;setVar("repeat",0);getSetVar("toggle",0);end;

And the more readable version:

if frame==1;

	setVar("repeat",0);
	setVar("toggle",0);

end;

if joybutton("a")==0;

	setVar("repeat",1);
	getVar("toggle");


	elsif getVar("repeat")==0;

		getVar("toggle");


		elsif getVar("toggle")==0;

			setVar("repeat",0);
			getSetVar("toggle",1);

			else;

			setVar("repeat",0);
			getSetVar("toggle",0);

			end;

There's probably an easier way, but this could be useful for stuff like landing gear, doors, and switches of any kind.

What I'm really interseted to know is if we can use multiple physics materials in the static mesh... so you could have slippery mud next to rock and sand, all with their own settings. I've noticed that the realism becomes pretty unreliable if you use more than one static mesh in a large model, so that's not really an option.

I suppose that could be useful; something like rubber could have the same friction value as rock, but it'd stick to glass really well.

Ah... I tried a loop in an early test track; because SU's camera doesn't like going upside down, it's very hard to control, and the camera goes crazy as you go up and come down.

Oh, don't forget setVar("var") and getVar("var"). This creates and retrieves global variables that carry between frames.

Sure beats my explanation... in the future, it simplifies things if you post your answer in the FAQ thread, Chris will delete it when he's copied it to the main post.

That's how it SHOULD be IF it's implemented. That's (I think) how it works in the newton physics playground, so the same kind of thing could be done with SP.

The jump is hard, but I expect you're just missing the boost

It's mapped to the A button on the joypad. Change every 'a' in my script to key("space") to play. Again, the jump is hard... start boosting once you're on the straight, and don't turn too much or you'll miss. You shouldn't need to install anything, joypads are normally plug 'n play... but if it comes with software, install it. This, and most other SP games will work best with a 360 style pad, IE with analogue triggers.

Next I'll add some signs, to show you where to go when it's not that obvious... then I'll make a new map, I think muddier... jungle if SU can handle it... then more vehicles for both!

So, so close now; there's a small track, the size of most SP games at the end of the main track. Everything to do with gameplay is basically there, the details that you see but don't play are what makes up the next 20%. Use previous link to get the newer V0.8

Thanks. I am almost there, but I'd like to get a program to tile the textures I'm using, so I can compress them further without hurting the look of the game.

The physics material would be entirely separate from the SketchUp material; so you'd be able to set a box to behave like wood, but it could be painted as steel. These materials would be like templates, with settings you can modify, like density and friction. Maybe a material manager could be implemented? The UI's kinda crowded.

Sorry mate, it's too much hassle for me to add keyboard at this stage; I will eventually change the script controlling all aspects of the buggy so that keyboard and joypad can work, and if that's not possible I'll add a separate file; but only once the level is finished.

It isn't! That's the problem! It resets to the default 30 degrees, when the simulation started at 70. This happens in MotorSketch Mesa, at least to me.

I think he means showing it in authortime, without running the simulation...

Thanks! Is it really that hard? I've been playtesting it too much! Jumping straight on the bridge is essential; I'll see if I can't make the landing easier. It's taken quite a while, but I enjoy making stuff like this.

Good idea; breakable finish line should look great! What do you mean by the loop? Like a mini-track?

This has grown from an original plan of less than half the size; by keeping the static mesh simple, cheating with the car's body, bumping up the gravity, and having most of the model set to ignore, I've been able to make a nice looking, very playable, and HUGE level. Also has a nice camera rig, which can be controlled with the right stick. With the textures, it's way too massive to upload here, and only just fits on the warehouse; it's still not finished, so I'm gonna compress the textures even more. If the textures upset your computer, switch to the shaded view... chnage the framerate to suit you, but I've only tested up to 6.

Download at: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=1ecbf5daa2d898966cd8ad826e9017b8

Camera/Field of view

Drag like the zoom tool or type a number... but I'm not sure if that's what you mean...