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ASSIGNMENT 1 INSTRUCTIONS
Assignment 1: Create Models for an Interactive Space
Our first assignment was to create 2 models working towards our final project—a futuristic interactive theme park. We were to use blender or any other 3D software to create our models before exporting our models to Unreal Engine. Before I got started with the 3D creation process, I decided to make a document to flesh out my concepts for the theme park and actually finalise my design direction when it came to overall creation process.
Concept Document
Ultimately, I decided on a water and fire elemental concept for my futuristic theme park—largely inspired from media like 'A Dance of Fire and Ice', 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and 'Lavagirl and Sharkboy'. However, to add a twist to the elemental concept, I pulled ideas from the movie 'Upside Down' and set on my sights on creating an upside down theme park which would both further anchor the futuristic requirement, though it was a bit dystopian.
My Models
Siren Wails Rollercoaster
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what's IN theme parks. For me (and for many others I'm sure), rollercoasters IMMEDIATELY pop into mind. Therefore, I set my eyes on making one! For this, I followed this tutorial I found on Youtube:
Though I didn't follow it to the bone, deviating from making the tracks, holders and whatnot identical to add my own original flair to the design. Along the way I named my ride, Siren's Wails, after the mythical water-dwelling creatures that mythologically lured sailors into traps with their enchanting voices—upholding the water and fire elemental theme. I even made the rollercoaster cart resemble a pirate ship (well, a mini one HAHA)!
From there, I applied basic materials to differentiate which colour went where before saving and exporting my models into Unreal Engine! It was there where I started to apply my 100% better PBR materials onto my project.
PBR Example Screenshot
Vulcan's Mallets Twin Hammer
For Vulcan's Mallets, I was largely inspired by the Tomahawk ride at Sunway Lagoon:
Thus, I wanted to include a similar ride into my theme park as I feel as though it would create a good balance between my 1st ride, Siren Wails. Now the process was largely the same (except, I didn't follow a tutorial this time), but I do want to give you some context on why I named it Vulcan's Mallets.
Vulcan's Mallets was chosen because of the Roman God of Fire and Metalworking, Vulcan (or if you're more familiar with Greek mythology, Hephaestus). I mean... could it BE any more perfect?! Though, instead of heavily relying on PBRs this time, I decided to try my hand out at interactive materials as shown in the picture below!
Material Creation Example Screenshot
ASSIGNMENT 2 INSTRUCTIONS
Assignment 2: Animate Models & Create Interactive Shaders
For our 2nd assignment, we were to build upon what we originally did and create animations for our existing (and new) models! Alongside this, we had recently learnt how to make interactive shaders so we applied that knowledge into our Blueprints as well!
My Models & Animations
Siren Wails Rollercoaster
This was animated using a combination of Spline curves (which resembled blender geometry nodes) and coding to make the cart recognise and move along the track!
Vulcan's Mallet Twin Hammer
Using just coding nodes, I used this to enable my hammers to swing/rotate 360 degrees, replicating the real life Tomahawk! Alongside this though, I also made the colours of the fire change between red and blue (both of which are colours of fire) as the ride progresses!
Waterfall Teacups
The most interesting and also the newest for last, this is my new model, the waterfall teacups! Not only did I use interactive shaders (specifically interactive shader instances) in this model so it can add a layer of interest, the teacups are the most unique animation wise! This is because they don't just rotate and spin around like teacups do, upon stepping into the box collision (at the teacup entrance), the teacups will change colours to orange! And when you step out, it's neither blue or orange but purple (though, when you step back in, it reverts back to orange). This was done entirely using code and is what I think makes this particular ride, stand out from the rest. I also made sure to add sound when going into the box collision. Only teacups and siren's wails have sound because they're both water based rides and water happens to travel faster in water than air, tough luck for the fiery rides!
FINAL ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Final Assignment: Create an Interactive Space(Futuristic Theme Park)
EEK!! It was finally time to add our final models, animations and also do our theme park design. This is where I really leaned into the upside down theme as you're about to see from the videos and explanations below!
My Models & Animations
Shooting Star
For my last ever model, I was inspired by those spinning (usually) dinosaur rides that a lot of theme parks have to cater to a younger audience (though, I must say I'm personally guilty of riding those as well HAHAH):
But obviously, a dinosaur wouldn't exactly go with our theme so I decided to make it a shooting star inspired ride instead! HEAR ME OUT cause there's obviously a twist HAHA! I did want to incorporate a star to further separate the water and fire rides (I'll explain in the next section). If you notice how fire is usually animated, it's three different colours slowly blending in with one another to eventually create a flame. I wanted to incorporate that concept into my design thus I made the flying dinosaur ride in a way that would include the several rings of fire and not include dinosaurs LOL. Thus, with the animation, I wanted the rings to move up and down with the star as the center anchor as the power that lights the flame! This was done purely with code!
Theme Park Environment
This is where I really applied my upside down concept and furthered strengthened my elemental one too! It's pretty simple but all water rides are at the bottom to signify it being well, underground. Whereas, all the fire rides are above as a flame tends to be shaped facing upwards (in this case however, burns down (oh my) since it's upside down). The sky is purple as red plus blue = purple and it's a colour that really well matches both colours as well, so it was the perfect middle ground in my opinion!
FINAL REFLECTION
Over the past 14 weeks, the Advanced Modelling & Animation module has provided a valuable and enriching learning experience. Through the completion of three major assignments, I have developed a solid foundation in modeling, animation, coding, and the creation of a fully functional VR environment. This process has significantly enhanced both my technical skills and confidence in using Unreal Engine. I am particularly grateful to my lecturer for their consistent guidance and support throughout the module. Although the module presented considerable challenges from the creation of the model to the coding, it has ultimately been a highly rewarding journey and I'm utterly glad I've managed to experience it this semester.
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