multiple layers in pets -- will it cause problems later on ...

[amjoie]

As I started trying to "fix" the really bad examples of breeds that EA Games made, like the "Goopy-Poodle," (go here to download my much improved version of poodle: http://www.virtualpetz.net/id21.html) I realised I was using several layers per pet. So far, I've got little Cocker Spaniel type small dogs, a sort of small Scottie/Terrierish dog, a large sort of spotted long haired setter/spaniel, an Abyssinian and Tonkinese that more closely resemble actual cat breeds, etc. And I'll be posting them on my site, soon. They are all much better than EA Games breeds. Of course, that doesn't take much. BUT ....

Now, my question is, will using several layers per pet eventually become a problem for the game? I am assuming that pets are like other sims, in that they never actually disappear. So, when they die, do the layers evaporate or does the information have to be stored with the pet for potential ressurection? And if so, will deleting a pet tombstone delete the extraneous layer info? Just how much added info are the layers, and will it even be a burden to the game?

If someone could look into the bowels of the game and tell me if I should be very careful with how many layers per pet (and keep track of the number to post on my site like they do for meshes), or if I can just have fun with my artistic "painting" using layers without any fear, I would really appreciate it.

[Sleepycat]

I have no idea if the layers will cause problems down the road or not but I will have to remember to keep an eye on your site for the cat breeds you plan to do 

btw I know Minibyte too    my poor petz are all in folders stored away.

[amjoie]

Then you may want to take a peek at my site right about now. 

BTW: In the petz world, it's hard *not* to know Minibyte. I love her website.  Isn't it great to have your petz, and your pets, too?  LOL

[Sleepycat]

Wonderful! I'll be downloading them in just a few mins!


yes that is true about Minibyte (I'll never forget the hours I spent emailing her a bunch of my hexed breeds - with really crappy dialup it was hell) and Carolyn Horn also! I made so many hexed breeds with tons of color choices thanks to what Carolyn taught me *laughs* I haven't played Petz since I got hooked on TS2 though so I'm really glad my sims can have pets now 

[J. M. Pescado]

If someone could look into the bowels of the game and tell me if I should be very careful with how many layers per pet (and keep track of the number to post on my site like they do for meshes), or if I can just have fun with my artistic "painting" using layers without any fear, I would really appreciate it.

Layering seems harmless. Maxis has used for some breeds about a dozen layers. The impact on character file size is minimal, since it's not actually storing every single layer's texture: You can only choose from preset textures anyway, so the game merely needs to store what you chose from the selections.

However, it *WILL* cause a processing hit to use a lot, so I wouldn't fill a lot with 30 15-layer pets.

[Brynne]

However, it *WILL* cause a processing hit to use a lot, so I wouldn't fill a lot with 30 15-layer pets.

That sucks.

[amjoie]

Layering seems harmless. Maxis has used for some breeds about a dozen layers. The impact on character file size is minimal, since it's not actually storing every single layer's texture: You can only choose from preset textures anyway, so the game merely needs to store what you chose from the selections.

However, it *WILL* cause a processing hit to use a lot, so I wouldn't fill a lot with 30 15-layer pets.

Well, that's good news about no long term problems, but not so good news about the processing.

I did a quick check on the cats for layers and the Himilayan cat breed that came with the game is 24 layers. That's probably tops. But any cat with boots, additional leg color, and facial markings is going to be up there in layers, especially if it has pink ears.

The dogs are not slouches, either. The Australian Cattle Dog is 21 layers. The Rottie is 12, and the Collie 16, the Aussie is 18. These are all EA Games default breeds.

So, I don't feel so bad. Here are my layer stats:

Dogs:

AMjoie Poodles change by color, but range from 1 (blue) to 5 (blush apricot)

AMjoie Chocolate Lady Julie Spaniel  9
AMjoie Lilac Lady Julie Spaniel 10

AMjoie Liver Rolf Setter, both miniature and standard   8   (will be uploaded soon)

AMjoie Black Jacque Terrier  2   (will be uploaded soon)

Cats:

AMjoie Tonkinese  5

AMjoie Aby  15

AMjoie Silver Snowshoe  15
AMjoie Lilac Snowshoe   19

Since my highest, the Lilac Snowshoe, has as many markings as the EA Games default Himilayan but is 5 fewer layers, I don't feel bad at all. I've been frugal.  LOL

[LauraW]

Your pets are wonderful! I have a red Aby and your version is so much better than the Maxis version. I tried creating one and its fine but not as good as yours. I also made a copy of my gray Siberian kitty and I like the way that one turned out.   Thank you for making yours available for our use.

[Ambular]

Heh, I wondered when someone else was going to mention Petz.  My kid and I have been putzing around with them on and off since the original version came out...