So as I'm sure with just about every mapper in the NS community we're all getting a little impatient with the NS2TR and would like something to work with. So to kick things off I'm making my own textures... However I've never dabbled out of hammer and done anything like this before.
I've got about 2-3 textures "done" so far, mostly just for practice but generally in the same theme. Two of which are pretty plain and the third one shares a striking resemblance to flr_grate from the ns wad I'm looking for critisizm and tips to improve.


http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj275/s.../wallmetal1.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj275/s.../metalwall2.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj275/s...floormetal1.jpg

Wow haven't seen you in a while!

Just to let you know, it is kind of public knowledge now that NS2TR alpha 1 and 2 have been released, these are basically models and textures (nothing from NS2 tech in there yet). So it is more of an artwork release...

Both released versions are only available to a select few mappers (on the mailing list or something), I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to post this. But some of the DEVS also posted about it on the public forums, so yeah it is kind of public knowledge as I said before

KFDM will edit this post faster then a lightning strike, if I'm in violation of the LAW
*As far as I know you're fine* - KFDM

Now to comment on your textures


I'm with you on this, 1 and 2 are bland and kind of need more, how do ya say... umph? with this I mean I'm not sure what they are supposed to be with just a metal plate look. They kind of need more defining features to make it clear what they are. I do like texture 3 though, good oldschool NS1 look with NS2 quality! On question though, do ya only have the textures or also the mapping textures (kind of mandatory for source texturing (special effects etc...)

If by do I have the mapping textures you mean have I converted them to be useable in source yet and added the bump mapping and such? then the answer is no I haven't I think I'll do that with the floor texture though.

Damn good first attempts!

I'd agree that the first one needs a bit more 'oompf'. Perhaps make the gaps between the squares a bit bigger and more bevelled.

The second could use the same. Careful on this one though, it doesnt look like it would tile vertically. You should probably add the same curve at the bottom.

The third looks too clean, yet at the same time, too grungy. I'd add more layers of grunge but on different settings. The layer you have there is to thick and strong, it looks like its been spraypainted. It also cuts the top and bottoms too much and too right-in-the-middle.

Keep tinkering with them, you're off to a great start.

Keep in mind too to not make any blatant detail markings, and they stick out like a sore thumb as soon as they are tiled more than once. All of these three textures need to tile at least one direction (due to their types). Use the OffSet filter (under Others, i think) to check how they tile.

The actual metal texture looks a bit flat. Maybe check out this tutorial and this one has some nifty metal tips.