FreeGameDev

When discussing a the lack of a vertically challenged track (read: a track with jumps), I started designing a track that challenges gravity.

My suggestion is below; I'm thinking of re-using the racetrack stadium as a backdrop. Comments please....

This seems interesting
The main question would be, how would unwanted shortcuts be avoided?

Hi,

yes, I would love a track like this. Yes, shortcuts would be a problem, but that can probably be solved (e.g. make the curves wider so that some kind of barrier can be placed there).

The stadium backdrop is rather compute intensive iirc, but it would be a good starting point

Cheers,
Joerg

no, i think the stadium backdrop wasn't really the problem. stuff like the tire stack barriers were a bit wasteful with polygons.

Auria {l Wrote}:The main question would be, how would unwanted shortcuts be avoided?

Valid point. I'll built in a series of consecutive check lines so that any trespassers will not have their lap counted. My first estimate would be that I will need at least 12 of them. Also in the big jump there will be a transparent plane with reset=yes, so that when you don't make the jump you get placed back on the ramp.

horace {l Wrote}:no, i think the stadium backdrop wasn't really the problem. stuff like the tire stack barriers were a bit wasteful with polygons.

Have you seen the cube lately? It features very nice sculptured tertis barriers - 122 kTris baby!


P.S. What was the link to the media repository again?

Media repo is https://supertuxkart.svn.sourceforge.ne ... dia/trunk/

asciimonster {l Wrote}:Valid point. I'll built in a series of consecutive check lines so that any trespassers will not have their lap counted. My first estimate would be that I will need at least 12 of them.

No, I think this is a very bad idea. Check lines are only meant to prevent cheating (like driving little circles over the start line), not to prevent any kind of shortcuts. Players won't get any feedback that they did an 'invalid' shortcut with checklines, and will be very frustrated. Track design must take care of shortcuts. Have a look at some Mario Kart pictures of a similar track:
http://www.supercheats.com/guides/mario ... i-stadium/
http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/2/27 ... _super.jpg
Having (potentially small) fences or (dirt) barrier, together with (if necessary) an invisible wall extending further up to prevent cheating would (imho) be a much better option.

Also in the big jump there will be a transparent plane with reset=yes, so that when you don't make the jump you get placed back on the ramp.

That sounds good - perhaps even a complete tunnel around the acceptable way to fly.

Cheers,
Joerg

Are you going to develop a motorbike kart to go with it? (Assuming it is supported.) I like the idea though.

I have uploaded two options.