Hello Everyone!
I’m proud to announce the release of DTiles!
Basically, DTiles is a software app that lets you build your own miniatures scale tile sets - but unlike the static pdf tiles you can make your tiles any way you need them.
I designed it to be really, really easy to use too, so you don’t have to spend hours learning how to use the tool - you can just whip out tiles or a whole dungeon literally in a few minutes.
Right now the Essential Toolset is available and there will be additional expansions released in the coming weeks with loads planned for the future!
Check out the free demo on www.undermountaingames.com
Here are the system requirements:
- A video device that supports DirectX 9.0c and Shader Model 3.0 or higher (Nvidia GeForce 6100 / ATI Radeon x1300 or greater).
- Windows XP, Vista, 7.
- .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and XNA Framework 3.0.
Have fun and let me know what you think!
First impression (without having dl'ed the demo):
This looks neat, nice page design also. However, I feel that the website is lacking several critical bits of info that I as a customer would look for. For example:
- How many tilesets are included?
- What do they look like? (Examples gallery!)
- How much support have you planned (i.e. new tile sets, their release schedule, pricing etc.)
- Will it be possible for users to build their own tile sets?
I don't think everybody will download the demo just to get answers to these questions. Maybe you could provide them :).
I'm looking forward to see where this will go.
First impression (without having dl'ed the demo):
This looks neat, nice page design also. However, I feel that the website is lacking several critical bits of info that I as a customer would look for. For example:
- How many tilesets are included?
- What do they look like? (Examples gallery!)
- How much support have you planned (i.e. new tile sets, their release schedule, pricing etc.)
- Will it be possible for users to build their own tile sets?I don't think everybody will download the demo just to get answers to these questions. Maybe you could provide them :).
I'm looking forward to see where this will go.
Hi Dance of Ruin,
Thanks for checking out the site and for the great suggestions - I'll put up some more informative pages shortly to cover these points. To answer you questions directly:
Q. How many tilesets are included?
A. DTiles actually lets you design your own tile sets from the assets in its library. So, you can choose a floor and wall pattern and then paint out your own chamber with walls and doors where ever you need them.
Q. What do they look like? (Examples gallery!)
A. Good point - I'll get one up! There are three example maps you can print out from the demo. In the mean time, the tiles you create will look something like the background image on the main page on the web site.
Q. How much support have you planned (i.e. new tile sets, their release schedule, pricing etc.)
A. I have a couple of expansions lined up to be released in the coming weeks and loads more planned for the future! The additional expansions will contain more floor and wall styles as well as a host of items (traps, treasure, all sorts of details and items, etc.) and some will also include new functionality. Unfortunately I can't give you a "set in stone" schedule other than to say they will be released regularly. Pricing isn't set just yet, but the expansions will be priced less than the Essential Toolset, which is required for the expansions.
Q. Will it be possible for users to build their own tile sets?
A. Absolutely! That's exactly what DTiles is all about! :-)
I have just downloaded the free demo, and it is remarkably easy to use, and looks really good.
Just a couple of questions:
What does the full version have that the demo doesn't?
What is included in the price, are the additional bits included or will they need to be bought separately?
Thanks
Hi Sanwah,
Glad to hear that it was easy to use. That's one of the things I focused on when making DTiles. I wanted a mapping tool that didn't require work to use - so you can spend time making maps instead of wrestling with UI.
The only difference between the demo and the full version is that you can save, load and print your own tiles instead of just the demo maps. Oh, and you can turn off the startup tips too. ;-)
The Essential Toolset has the meat of the functionality of DTiles in it and the expansions will contain extended library assets and in some cases additional functionality. The expansions will be priced lower than the Essential Toolset. This way, you can get into DTiles for less than the cost of other tools, and you only need to buy the expansions you need.
Along those lines, what kinds of dungeon items and map styles would you like to see in DTiles?
I put up a new page on the web site at www.undermountaingames.com that has some good screenshots of DTiles and shows just how easy it is to make a tile.
One neat thing about this tool is that you can make the map as many pages wide and tall as you want. Then you can paint your entire dungeon and print all the tiles out at the same time.
Check it out! :-)
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Along those lines, what kinds of dungeon items and map styles would you like to see in DTiles?
Ok, let's see.
Some outdoor flooring like desert, dirt etc, with the ability to place trees, bushes, cactus, rocks, etc.
I would like to see some water for flooded sections of dungeons, or pools of water.
Standard dungeon furniture like chairs, benches (or pews), tables, chests and bodies :).
And the ability to drop your own stuff in (like carpets, rune circles, etc).
.NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Too bad, that means it won't be able to run under Wine.
and XNA Framework 3.0.
What is that one?
.NET Framework 3.5 SP1Too bad, that means it won't be able to run under Wine.
and XNA Framework 3.0.What is that one?
XNA is the DirectX extensions for the .NET Framework. DTiles is a video game half-breed. :-)
Some outdoor flooring like desert, dirt etc, with the ability to place trees, bushes, cactus, rocks, etc.
Yes, the outdoor assets will be coming in future releases as well as town/city & castle assets - but the dungeon and cavern expansions are lined up first.
Standard dungeon furniture like chairs, benches (or pews), tables, chests and bodies :).
Don't forget blood splats, scorch marks and spiked pits! ;-)
I would like to see some water for flooded sections of dungeons, or pools of water.
Including a water brush would be really cool. Imagine being able to just paint water around over the floor sections, varying the depth of the water with the mouse wheel - I like that idea.
As well as the points/items listed above, a few markers that could be labelled by the user could be useful.
Eg. Select star shape, pick a fill colour for the star & then user labels it Goblin. They then select say a circle colour it blue & say its player Zumii.
This way the software could be used for the pbp adventures to indicate who & what is where, as well as the standard tabletop game =).
I did try the demo & loved the ease of use. Can't wait for more addons to become available =)
Looking for a copy of this mapping software. it has a specific aesthetic that I appreciate.
Does any know where I can download this now or something very similar?