v1.1
This map demonstrates the use of "clipdist".

This description is for Duke Atomic v1.5. Although I *think* this information applies to Duke v1.3 also, I'm not positive. (And I'm just too lazy to check)

In CLIPDIST.MAP, the 3 sprites are identical except that their clipdist attribute has been altered. The sprite's clipdist values are as follows:

     left sprite - 5
   middle sprite - 100
    right sprite - 255

The values can be altered in 3D mode by placing the cursor on the sprite and pressing ALT+D. Possible values are 0-255.

There may be other reasons for this attribute, but at least one of the effects is obvious. There is an invisible 'force field' around the center of each sprite in the shape of a square aligned with the map grid.

   +-------+
   |       |
   |   O   |
   |       |
   +-------+

When you walk up to the sprite, if that sprite is BLOCKED, you are stopped by this invisible field. The default seems to be 32.

If you place the cursor on the sprite (in 3D mode), press ALT+D and enter 5, this force field will get smaller...

   +---+
   | 0 |
   +---+

...and you can walk RIGHT up to it.

If you increase it to 180, it will get much bigger and you won't be able to walk right up to it...

   +-------------------------+
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |            0            |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   |                         |
   +-------------------------+

The largest value accepted is 255. This is the equivalent to the largest grid square in build which is 1024 points accross.

   +---------------------------------+
   |                                 |
   |                                 |
   |                                 |
   |                                 |
   |                                 |
   |                                 |
   |                                 |
   |                O                |
   |                                 |
   |                |<-------------->|
   |                                 |
   |            max clipdist equals 255
   |            which equals largest grid square in build 
   |            which equals 1024 units
   |                                 |
   +---------------------------------+
                    
This attribute can be altered via the CON file also if the sprite is an actor. Any clipdist declaration in the GAME.CON will override anything that is done in BUILD.

One more thing... it would appear that the clipdist attribute only works on SOME sprites. At this point there is no definable reason or it to either work or not work. It would appear to be random. (Go figure)

Joe Barta
jbarta@apk.net
