I thought about diving into normal maps. When it came down to it, normal and bump maps were too similar to necessitate an added explanation. Sure computationally there is a lot more going on with a normal map, but to a regular gamer they're not going to notice much of a difference between the two. So I omitted it in favor of simplifying the article and keeping it a bit shorter.
But I do find normal maps fascinating... The methods of baking and perturbing normals, it's a pretty sweet technique. I wouldn't mind digging more into it.
Yeah, you're right, normal maps are very similar to bump maps as far as a gamer is concerned, but I do think it's something gamers will hear about a lot. Plus, it's such an interesting format since it isn't a simple gradient distance map.
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Also, awesome writeup. Keep 'em coming.
But I do find normal maps fascinating... The methods of baking and perturbing normals, it's a pretty sweet technique. I wouldn't mind digging more into it.
It's a good reminder that I paid attention in class!
Wahay, WELCOME to Icrontic my man! I also feel I should take this time to remind you that I hate you for having access to a 3D art class at IWU D: