AnimTree Aim Offset Node headachs

[Havoc89]

Hi folks,

I've been trying to think of a good solution for making a custom character anim tree that can easily swap animations to suit different weapon profiles. Now the best solution so far is how gears of war does it. Have a set of generic names for the animation in the anim tree, and simply swap the animation set for each weapon. The only problem I can find with this solution lies with the aim offset node.

The Aim Offset node has to bake the animation, so it cannot be updated if the animation set changes the animations. Because it would still be using the default animation set's aim positions cuz they are baked into the animtree. So I'm trying to figure out a work around for this conundrum. Any ideas?

[slowJusko]

Check out AnimNodeSequenceBlendByAim.
Works in the same basic way as AnimNodeAimOffset with out baking the animations.
While it doesn't support profiles, you can change the animation names or just add/remove animsets (ala Gears of War).

[Havoc89]

Yes I did have a look at them, but they are just animation outputs. How would I blend with the rest of the anim tree? If I blend per bone, then the upper half would become very stiff cuz it would be blending to the 1 frame poses of the 9 aims.

[slowJusko]

Convert the 9 aim animations into additive animations (http://udn.epicgames.com/Three/AdditiveAnimations.html) and use an AnimNodeAdditiveBlending to blend them with other animations. Just make sure to pick the right base animation when creating the additive animations and everything should be fine.

EDIT: Here's a picture.
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2053/animnodeadditiveblendin.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/animnodeadditiveblendin.jpg/)

[Havoc89]

Heh, that works great. I actually just realized that right after making my post :P

Much appreciated, thanks.

[alvarofer0021]

sorry to bump this really old tread but since my question dident deserved its own here i go..

i have all my 9 pose animations to blend with the animnodeblendbyaim node

but now, How would i go about turning them into additive animations? i.e wich ones would i choose first etc

i dont understand too well how the hwole system works so if anyone could provide pictures or a step to step guide i would really love it

or just a hint about how i would go about it