Convert 3D Models to 2D Sprites
SpriteWorks is a flexible application that takes 3D models in .X, .FBX, .XSI, and of course .DTS and turns them into 2D sprite textures. This can be used to produce very realistic sprites from well lit and normal mapped 3D models. You can also select any animation sequence attached to a DTS shape to create an animated sprite sheet.
SpriteWorks is based on XNA and, of course a running instance of the Torque X Engine. However, the images that are produced are translucent .png files that will work with any 2D graphics engine, including Torque X 2D and TGB. The sample sprite sheet here is a web-friendly, but non-transucent .jpg file. In the video above, SpriteWorks is used to take the Boombot sample DTS model that comes with Torque X, select an animation (in this case “run”), generate the animated sprite sheet, then import it into Torque X Builder 2D. But it will work with just about any DTS file, from Kork the sample player to the many buildings and vehicles sold as content packs. And with support for .X and .FBX, you can even look to resources, including TurboSquid.com for even more models that can become textures for your 2D game… and some of them are free.
Amazing! This will solve a lot of the animation draw artist vs animation 3d artist problems. Since so many people can do 3d nowdays, but few can draw an animation.