Any Dundjinni reviews

[terrainguy]

Here's links to to some screen captures of a dungeon I made using the demo.

Full Dungeon
Slightly Zoomed
Store Room
Garden
Pools
Office

Overall I was pleasantly surprised with this program. The little map I made took about an hour or so with me just fiddling around (didn't bother reading the instructions). I did scrap my very first map that was just a mish-mash while I played with all the buttons. I would have to say that I felt the interface was very intuitive and easy to pick up on. The few nitpicky complaints I have: Doors don't seem to fit very naturally unless you carefully construct the entry way to the exact right size. Many times my doors appeared to "float" above the walls.

For that matter I'd really like to seem them make it so that you can choose how items layer rather than always being bound to their specifics. For instance they have a category called "cover" that includes hay. The transparent effect of it lets you sprinkle hay over anything you might want. Unfortunately the hay is alway on top. So if I wanted a hay bale sitting on a floor strewn with hay I can't do it. Instead the bale would sit on the floor with the hay "cover" all over it. Minor, but something I noticed.

All in all I was impressed with the product. Enough so that I plan I purchasing it. I love the rich colors and detailed images they're producing for the maps and I anxiously look forward to getting my hands on the extra art packs that will come with the full release since the demo has an extremely smaller number than the full release will have.

I'd be happy to answer any questions I can.

Deke

 

[argon_the_red]

For that matter I'd really like to seem them make it so that you can choose how items layer rather than always being bound to their specifics. For instance they have a category called "cover" that includes hay. The transparent effect of it lets you sprinkle hay over anything you might want. Unfortunately the hay is alway on top. So if I wanted a hay bale sitting on a floor strewn with hay I can't do it. Instead the bale would sit on the floor with the hay "cover" all over it. Minor, but something I noticed.

There is a default layer order, but you can change the "z-order" of objects once they are placed -- with some minor restrictions. For instance, floors are always on the bottom layer. Select an object, and the top toolbar shows a "rotate", "up", and "down" button. The up and down are what you need.

On a related topic the rotate button will allow you to rotate the object at any angle. Hold the shift key down for 45 degree increments or do freeform. There are many other tips on the Tips forum.

 

[terrainguy]

There is a default layer order, but you can change the "z-order" of objects once they are placed -- with some minor restrictions. For instance, floors are always on the bottom layer. Select an object, and the top toolbar shows a "rotate", "up", and "down" button. The up and down are what you need.

On a related topic the rotate button will allow you to rotate the object at any angle. Hold the shift key down for 45 degree increments or do freeform. There are many other tips on the Tips forum.

Hey look at that! Right in front of my face!

<playing mid post>

Sweet! my doors aren't hovering over my walls any more. And really the right mouse button object rotation is damn handy. Thanks!

 

[tmaaas]

Heads up, everyone!

Looks like Fluid is paying attention to us.

They will be releasing a new demo aimed to alleviate both Cerebus (other thread) and Mercule's issues.

In particular, the new demo will have a new installer which should solve some of the Java issues, it will contain some enhanced functionality (changes since the last demo), and they will be putting a documentation link on their download page.

After this demo comes out, I play with it some more and give a more "formal" review.

 

[Fluid]

I really liked the easy at which I could create a tavern or other similar structure. However, passages seemed to be more difficult because I had to create a long, thin hallway and then erase the walls. (I might have missed a tool on doing them, though.)

edg

On the top navigation bar (the strip of tools that rests under the menu bar), you can change the way you draw walls. The marquee tool defaults to drawing rectangles. But you can also draw in freehand, circle, and polygon. Use freehand to get at those cavern walls.

Hold the shift key down to combine wall marquees (control key to subtract). INnthis wall you can draw a circular tower, switch to freehand marquee, and then hold the shift key down to add a natural tunnel.