These Bloody Conversions.
These bloody conversions.
tempted to call this Assassin Sims in Paris.
More Posts from Felidae-sims and Others
SimPE Material Definitions Index:
DW link for a more legible layout. Another thing I made for myself and might as well share. Definitions have links to wiki. If I made any errors feel free to let me know.
Further Reading:
Texture Mapping – Wikipedia.
Materials in general – Unity Manual.
In SimPE – PixelHate's Guide to Material Definitions [TXMT].
Definitions:
Material Type: StandardMaterial (stdMat).
alphaRefValue – (I forgot)
deprecatedStdMatInvDiffuseCoeffMultiplier (idk)
reflectivity
stdMatAlphaBlendMode – Alpha Layer Settings (Responsible for Transparency).
stdMatAlphaMultiplier
stdMatAlphaRefValue – Reflection?
stdMatAlphaTestEnabled
stdMatBaseTextureAddressingU – Base Texture Settings (The Main Texture).
stdMatBaseTextureAddressingV
stdMatBaseTextureAlphaReplicate
stdMatBaseTextureEnabled
stdMatBaseTextureName
stdMatCullMode – Backface Culling Mode.
stdMatDiffCoef">0.8,0.8,0.8< - Diffuse Reflection – Coefficient [pretty sure. Isn't that Albedo?].
stdMatEmissiveCoef">1.00000,1.00000,1.00000< - Emissivity Coefficient.
stdMatEnvCubeBlurFactor">0.000000< - Environment Cube Map Definitions.
stdMatEnvCubeCoef">0,0,0<
stdMatEnvCubeLockedToCamera>0<
stdMatEnvCubeMode>none<
stdMatEnvCubeTextureName
stdMatFillMode>solid<
stdMatLayer>0<
stdMatLightingEnabled">1<
stdMatMinLightRangeHint">4<
stdMatNormalMapTextureEnabled – Normal/Bump Map Settings.
stdMatNormalMapTextureAddressingU
stdMatNormalMapTextureAddressingV
stdMatNormalMapTextureName
stdMatSpecCoef">0.53,0.53,0.53< - Specular Reflection & Specular Map Settings.
stdMatSpecMaskTextureEnabled
stdMatSpecMaskTextureName
stdMatSpecPower">1e+002<
(Not in SimPE - Albedo Map)
stdMatTextureCoordAnimMode">none<
stdMatTextureCoordAnimNumTiles">1.000000,1.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimOrigin">0.500000,0.500000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimRotSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimRotStartEnd">0.000000,1.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimRotWaveform">triangular<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimScaleSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimScaleStartEnd">0.000000,1.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimScaleWaveform">triangular<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransEnd">0.000000,0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransStart">0.000000,0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransWaveform">triangular<
stdMatTextureCoordTileAnimSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatUntexturedDiffAlpha">1<
Great info! That's the reason some conversions from newer games have flat and unsaturated textures.
It's a great method for shading even if you don't have a normal map. Make one out of the texture with an image editing software, or with Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter. If the texture is too flat, it can be made out of the mesh itself in blender, like so.
Shout-out to people converting objects to TS2 from other games. Don't ignore normal maps!
You can retain many details by desaturating (the right way) normal map and using it as overlay.
Sunrader's tutorial is exactly what I was looking for:
Terraform Right Side Up | Flipping SC4 Terrains for Sims 2, by Sunrader Sims.
Recent finds I really like: Different Colour Standards into hexes, here's RAL:
Royal Skies' fast tutorials for Blender. He has playlists full of knowledge, here's one.
Ambient CG, a website for free & ready to use materials. Has really good stuff.
Nvidia’s vMaterial Library, it's fantastic. It’s free but requires registration, 2gb~ of textures.
Free section at Poliigon has some good stuff as well.
22.04.25: Free 3D models at CG Trader's free section. Really interesting stuff.
Resources for Creating: My Go-To things.
Update: I’ll be updating the list on this page from now on, since Tumblr can’t handle so many hyper-links in one post, on Dreamwidth - right here, so I won't have to update it multiple times. Please note: I keep updating this list, and updates aren't showing up on reblogs. Please check the original post for the most up to date list.
Sooo this is going to be a long comprehensive list. I got back to this game after a long time and with a different computer, with a dedicated graphics card, hurray! It made me want to return to making things, so while gathering back all the necessary stuff, I've complied this list. It might be is updated as I go along, but these are the main things I use. Maby one day i'll even finish something. So here are my go-to resources & tutorials; I'm posting it here for safekeeping, and hopefully others will find it helpful. Everything that's listed is here free. So many wonderful things for free under the cut.
Programs – General:
Creating: Blender. Blender Addons: 3D Print Toolbox – comes with blender, enable it from within the program. Originally for 3d printing. Good for fixing flipped normals, and some quick general repairs. Source Tools And source tools wiki – for exporting as SMD!!!! (SimPe: to enable bump maps for the mesh on import). GMDC Addon for Blender 4.0+ by Nopke.
GIMP. GIMP Addons: G'MIC-Qt. Resynthesizer. Nvidia dds?. Doesn’t it come with Gimp?
Other: Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter (iirc it works with all graphic cards that are compatible, doesn’t require Nvidia). For making Normal / Bump / Cube Maps. For high quality compression.
NormalMaps - Online, For making all types of maps, has good setting menus. A very cool tool.
Converting: Umodel, for Unreal Engine (Static meshes: export as gtlf.2. Animated meshes: export as psk. Requires Add-on). AssetStudio, for Unity. AC Viewer, self implied (+ USD Addon for blender). QuickBMS* and support forum, for basically everything else. (don't forget the required scrips, down the same page). *I haven’t tested it fully yet, but it was recommended here. A tutorial for it is listed further down. Works like a charm.
UV Mapping: UV Mapper, Classic (free) and the most recent Demo (for visualization).
Programs – Sims:
Never Mind the Bollox, Here's Osab and MAGIkarp to the rescue!
Latest version of SimPe, works with a non-default installation path. Chris Hatch's updates.
Home Crafter installation, Post by Huge Lunatic at Sims2Artists.
Repository Wizard, by Pick'N'Mix Mods. A game changer.
DBPF Compare, by Pick'N'Mix Mods.
Object Relocator, also by Pick'N'Mix Mods.
SMD Tools, by Lazy Duchess.
The Compressorizer, by JFade – Lazy Duchess's edit.
Bulk Rename Utility, to change file names in well, bulk. As explained by io here.
Lot Adjustor, by Mootilda at MTS.
Tutorials:
Override the game's graphic settings via Nvidia, as explained by iCad. The settings to Nvidia Profile Inspector she linked to at MTS have been deleted for some reason, here they are via WebArchive.
Meshing in Blender:
Mesh Optimization Info (and links), by Crisps&Kerosene.
Additional - Reducing Polycount:
Tutorial, by Flaming-Chickens (another username on other sites perhaps?)
Edge – Un-subdivide, a quick one by CG Link.
Transfer high poly details to low poly object in Blender, by 3Dnot2D.
Shrinkwrap Modifier - Blender Tutorial for Beginners - Basics, by in2vert.
Placeholder for this Addon that I want to try but haven't found, something for AR that was on facebook's defunct AR.
Scaling tips, by Blender Secrets.
How to fix inverted/ flipped normals, by ipaintsmallthings.
Converting: How to Extract 3D Models, Textures, Music from Unreal Engine Games, by iwanMods.
Extract 2D/3D/SFX Unity Assets fast & easy from your Unity Game, by iwanMods as well.
How to use QuickBMS, by darkhorse.
Guide to Converting 3t2 and 4t2 Part 01 and Part 02, by Chiaroscuro/tenlittlepandas.
Converting TS4 Windows and Doors, by Crisps&Kerosene.
Using Different Material Maps as Shading/Details for Base Texture, in Gimp or Blender, by Pineapple Forest & Crisps&Kerosene: https://www.tumblr.com/crispsandkerosene/764893644571525120/great-info-thats-the-reason-some-conversions?source=share
Texture Editing in GIMP:
Using Gimp Add-ons: G'MicQT. Resynthesizer. Both by Davies Media Design. This guy's channel for Gimp in general – here's a good one to begin with. And another one about layer masks.
Making a texture Tile Seamless: 1. My favorite - How to Make Seamless Textures for Cinema 4D - 3 Levels of Photoshop Wizardry using iPhone Photos, by School of Motion.
2. Simple Trick for More Realistic Texture Patterns in GIMP, by Davies Media Design – Quick and simple, using the Resynthesizer plugin. Good for patterns.
Making walls in SimPe out of a square texture, with minimal quality loss. To be written.
SimPe: Cloneable Objects: A List of Good Objects for Cloning, by IgnorantBliss at MTS.
Huge Lunatic's Tutorials, Her website.
Object Creation for Absolute Beginners, by Moune.
Sims 2 start to finish Object Creation Tutorial, by JWoods, Numenor, Lethe_s & IgnorantBliss.
The Material Definition (TXMT) Guide, by PixelHate – very comprehensive. Part 5 is about Bump/ Normal maps.
Null (Texture-less) Groups, by Skell. For bodyshop, for Objects see an elaboration by Midge the Tree below.
Crisps&Kerosene discovered how to add specular maps to objects! It's incredible there are still new things to discover in this ancient game.
More on Specular Maps, by Pineapple Forest.
Making new flooring & walls with SimPE, by Charisa. Includes adding Bump/Normal maps. She added a file to clone from in the comments below. It works for normal maps as well. Here's cool discovery in the game files.
Expanding footprint: a mini tutorial, by Deedee.
How to add correct drop shadows to objects, by Yuxi, via Wayback Machine.
Making Objects Viewable in Neighborhood View, by iCad.
Making Objects Visible In Build/Buy Mode, Invisible In Live Mode, by Midge the Tree.
Making Seasons-Friendly Trees, by Echo.
Io/ Serabiet's resources list, mainly for Bodyshop but not just.
Pineapple Forest's Tutorials, useful tips for efficiency and optimization.
MTS modding forum in General.
The Sims 2 Tutorials, on Tumblr. A database, is more updated.
Sims2Artists tutorials section.
LeeFish modding forum.
Garden of Shadows, Tree of Knowledge section.
Troubleshooting: What to do if you get a System.OutOfMemoryException Error, SimPe Forum, via WayBack Machine. Thank you @fanseelamb for the find.
How to read object error logs: I just want to know what causes it!!, by Episims.
Common TS2 errors, by Midge the Tree.
General game fuckery: How to Stop Sims 2 Crashing (Memory Allocation Fix and 4GB Patch Repair), by Jessa.
Graphics card problems, LeeFish forum.
Graphics help - DIY, by Kiri. How to fix faulty Texture Memory allocation, and the problems that stem from it. Tumblr can't handle anymore hyper links so here it is: https://celebkiriedhel.tumblr.com/post/189431721483/graphics-help-diy
General: Switching between save folders without renaming them, by Nopke.
Resources:
3D Models Online*: Various furniture designers' websites: Porada, Zanotta, Muuto, Hay, Poltrona Frau, many luxury furniture designer basically.
3D Warehouse, belongs to Sketchfab (get the Collada files).
Scan the World.
Wikimedia Commons. And more.
*(NOT OPTIMIZED).
Textures: Architextures.
Fabrics & Wallpapers: Natural Stones: Wall Plasters:
iCad's Woods. Shastakiss's Cluedo Metals, Yeti Metals, Pirate Woods. Goat's Woods.
Textures from other games: Dishonored, Thieve and much more, by Saricoya at GoS. Dreamfell by io.
Resource sharing threads at Garden of Shadows.
SimPe - General: CEP Extras list, HugeLunatic at Sims2Artists.
TXMT settings for different materials, by Hafiseazale.
Extended SimStandardMaterial Shader for the Sims 2 + Optionally Brighter Sims, by Crisps&Kerosene.
Custom CubeMaps, by Crisps&Kerosene.
Shiny TXMT Settings & Cube Maps Packs, by Pineapple Forest.
Build/ Buy: Templates for Recoloring Maxis items; MTS Templates sction, Hafiseazale (+cc), ZeroDark.
Template for Seasonal Trees, Gwenke at Sims2Artists.
Making Roof Recolors, Tutorial & template by Numenor, great template by iCad.
Pack for making food clutter usable, by DeeDee.
CAS: Default Makeup Packages - BYO Packages, by Huge Lunatic.
Body shape, Io/Serabiet on Tumblr.
Skin template, Io/Serabiet on Tumblr.
Hair texture, iCad.
Color Actions, Pooklet on Tumblr.
That's it for now.
Edit: forgot about CEP extras. Added more links. Edit 02: Added Troubleshooting section under tutorials.
I thought so too but then remmembered it was actualy ATS, around the sims, I was thinking about. Its ts1 section is still up by the way.
Petition: Dedicated TS1 download section on MTS.
With the release of the Legacy collection, the original The Sims game has seen a resurgence in its modding scene. While much of the modding community is currently located in places like Tumblr or specialized sites such as Simblr.cc, most sites don't have the sort of infrastructure, history, or community that MTS does.
While other sites such as TSR had a section for The Sims, they've recently locked them and prohibited new submissions. Additionally, TSR has a history of being driven primarily by profit while MTS is almost entirely driven my fans. It seems wrong that one of the oldest, and most established, Custom Content aggregate sites doesn't have it's own dedicated section for The Sims as so much of the games' original custom content from the 2000s disappears.
MTS having its own section would make it one of the only custom content aggregate sites to have a functioning download section for the original game.
Hey sim 2 players there has been news that vegan-kaktus's uploads have also been compromised i know thats a sims 2 archive thats trying to preserve S2 cc from being lost
Can anyone confirm that vegan-kaktus has also been compromised? Do they have .exe or .bat file extensions do they have zips that get flagged when downloading?
As always be safe while checking have your anti Virus running while doing so.
For those who’ve been concerned about losing quality with smaller texture sizes, I thought this might be worth showing. This is a texture I made just for this purpose in 2048x2048 and then resized it. All textures were built with DXT3 format and file sizes are the compressed ones. In my opinion 1024x1024 looks the best in-game. 512x512 is what Maxis originally used for this sofa and it would be a better option performance-wise, though.
These pictures were taken with a full HD display, meaning that it can show resolutions up to 1920x1080 (but not anything beyond that) and with a game that’s set up to use that resolution too. Please keep in mind that the lower your game’s resolution is, the less likely you would notice a drastic difference between 512x512 and 1024x1024 textures in-game.
Got an answer from lovely Pooklet. I will change the sims' narrow face and scrawny neck one day...
Hey, i ran into your recent post [Anonymous asked Do you mind people editing sims you’ve put up for download?] in which you talk about editing sims' faces in milkshape. would you mind elaborating on how you go about it? mainly what do you export and how do you import back? I have in mind putting a mesh from another game as a sim's face, that's the goal anyway. I use blender if that matters. Thanks in advance, and have a great day/evening.
hey friend! i posted a semi-tutorial a while back on editing faces in milkshape here, but i'm not actually sure if it would be possible to do what you're talking abt in sims 2, unfortunately. i know it is possible to import other head "objects" (like monitors or helmets or anything that will completely cover the head) as an accessory or hair. that's how we have stuff like screen heads and lord woot.
but ☝️ i don't know if anyone has had success replacing the existing head mesh. from what i have heard, it just breaks the mesh, because sims 2 is so so ancient and not compatible with anything ever. you could possibly do something similar to Drachenfels's skeleton skin which i believes makes the default head invisible with a skin and then you equip the skull as an accessory/hair (don't remember which in this case), but it won't have any facial rigging/animations and would basically be a static object. that's how i understand it anyway.
full disclosure: i could definitely be wrong abt this now or in the future. for a very long time we thought custom sliders were impossible but that is obvs no longer the case. could be that there is a way to replace head meshes and we just haven't found it yet.
Experimenting with Replacing the Default Sims 2 Face Mesh
So, after uh, whew, months(!) of experimenting with attempting to change the default face mesh in Sims 2, I’m here to basically share what I’ve found to be possible, what I still am struggling to get working, and what parts of my findings are still useful for a LOT of modding and custom content purposes, even if I couldn’t achieve my initial goal. I’m really tired of this project and I’d rather move on to doing stuff that are more doable (and more quickly doable) for my gameplay goals, rather than trying to do what seems to be a gargantuan task for my level of skills.
In this post I’ll mostly focus on what is doable *in principle*. There’s lots of subtleties and tricks in getting things to look decent (well, at least I think I got it to look decent) which I won’t go into. Or try not to. I go into tangents a lot.
I’ll also not go into step-by-step details. Mostly because I suck at it but also because this post will be super long anyway. If you wanna know, ask!
For those who just want a brief summary: What I could get to work: a default replacement face mesh, with working templates and sliders, for adult sims. Though the procedures are the same for the rest of the ages.
What I still have trouble with: Basically, getting the game to recognize different parts of the face. This means applying the templates to different parts of the mesh, and, of course, genetics, don’t work yet. I have ideas about what could get it to work, but I’ve failed to do it so far.
Awesome things you could still do: My major finding here is that face animations can be applied to *any* CAS object. Clothing, accessories, and of course, nude skins (see below, this was an outfit with a bit that changes with eyes, proof of concept). This means that you can have specific sims with additional face parts and/or accessories and clothing that respond to face animations, or alternatively, you can have skin tones/body morphs that have face pieces which will not mix together between the parents, but are still heritable (with some limitations)
Oh, and full disclosure, the tools I used were simPE and blender 2.9. Nothing else. Don’t know how to do other stuff.
Thank you @simnopke , @rudhira , @withlovefromsimtown and many others for your help and encouragement in all this! I think there’s potential for some really good modding here.
Keep reading
4t2 Novvvas Buena Kitchen
Master meshes- counter, cabinet, shelf
Slaved meshes - counter left, counter right, island counter, cabinet left, cabinet right, shelf open
Standalone meshes - Bosch stove (full functionally), Bosch ovenµwave (decor), barstool, Bosch cooktop
4 marble and 4 wood swatches, price 1$
This is my first kitchen conversion, so mistakes are possible, sorry
For any questions please contact me
All meshes and textures by @ts4novvvas Special thanks for help @lowedeus and @beautifulnerdkitty
Download SFS / Mediafire
Buy me a coffee
-
illustep liked this · 1 month ago -
lowedeus liked this · 1 month ago -
felidae-sims reblogged this · 1 month ago
Female, 30's. Sims 2.Elsewhere: CC Finds Side Blog, Art Reblogs, Dreamwidth (Main Sims Place), GoS, Simblr.cc, Pillowfort, Bluesky, Pinterest.
86 posts