Compatibility between V4/M4 and V5/M5 and add-ons
As a new user, I get confused by the compatibility issues. Purchasing V5 and M5, I assumed I would have the latest versions, so wouldn't have to worry about outdated products.
Yet, I am looking for free stuff, and a lot does say it works for Victoria 4.
Example:
http://www.artraiders.com/download_page.php?file_id=365
or
http://www.artraiders.com/download_page.php?file_id=405
It's said that I have to apply to Victoria 4.2. Won't it work on Victoria 5? At least, I haven't been able to figure out how to install correctly Yoko and apply her to Victoria 5.
If I want to benefit from the great collection of existing characters that seem to apply only to Victoria 4, do I have to purchase Victoria 4 even though I have Victoria 5?
Comments
V5 is based on Genesis, V4 is not. Clothing for V4 can be used on V5 via Autofit, and skins for V4 can be used on any Genesis base by changing the UV Map in the Surfaces pane.
If you want to use V4 characters on V5, you will need to use a plugin called GenX which is for sale here in the store. You would set your base Genesis model to V4, and then apply the converted character from GenX. Genesis is a brand new figure, and is completely different to V4 so it will always be a workaround.
If you want to transfer a V4 character to Genesis using GenX, you would also need to own V4 to do it.
What I am wondering is what is really the difference between the 4 and 5 generations. Are there more polygons? Any technical specification that characterizes the evolution from one model to the other?
In other words, are v4 based models of lower quality than v5 based models?
The base mesh of the fourth generation figures has more polygons than Genesis - over 70,000 to nearly 20,000 - but Genesis is designed to have SubDivision applied so that doesn't affect the smoothness of the final mesh. Genesis, being a weight-mapped figure and apply the SubD after posing, has better bending than the older figures, as well as useful features such as adjustable joint centres (well, the older figures could do that in DS but aren't set up to do so) and alternative uv maps (again, could be done with the older figures but wasn't).
Interesting. So, does that mean that what Gen X does is to adjust the v4 models to the Genesis standard by applying subD and reducing the number of polys? Or am I completely missing the point?
Gen X projects the shape of the V4-based character into the Genesis mesh, so that the Genesis mesh can assume the shape of that character. You need to have the V4 shape for Genesis to do this, since the morphs are additive.
Morphs are alterations in the point positions of the mesh, without altering the basic structure or number of vertexes.
I am starting to get it. Does that mean that the huge collection of characters based on Victoria 4 are not usable on Genesis unless I purchase both Victoria 4, the Morph++ for Victoria 4, and also Gen X?
That is about the height of it.
All of the Gen 5 figures are based on Genesis, and all of the Gen 4 female figures, A4, She Freak 4 etc, are all morphs of the V4 base figure.
The (more or less) equivalent of Morphs++ for Genesis, is the Evolution Head and Body morphs. They give a great deal of range to the figure.
Example that might help. To transfer a V4 Character that uses Morphs++ ,Elite Morphs plus the Custom morphs of the figure to Genesis you need all this. V4 Base, Morphs++ for V4, Elite Morphs for V4, and the Custom Character for V4. Then you Need the GenX plugin and the V4 Shape for Genesis as well.
In my point of View I think its alot of NEEDS for just one Character. I do V4 for Genesis, Evolotuon Morphs Bundle for Genesis, Muscle Morphs for Genesis and then just dial my own figure that I like for Genesis. Then I use any V4 texture I like including the free ones. I save money and have pride of knowing its all my work and my idea for the new character.
Yes, good points... how to you do v4 for Genesis though?
I also realised that I had the same problem with Stephanie. I bought a character based on Stephanie, and obviously the texture doesn't match with the shape. Anything I should do other than purchase Stephanie?
Then I have all the Evolution Morphs for Genesis as well
http://www.daz3d.com/genesis-evolution-morph-bundle
http://www.daz3d.com/genesis-evolution-muscularity
I hope this helps.
Then I have all the Evolution Morphs for Genesis as well.
There is a Stephanie 4 for Genesis too: http://www.daz3d.com/stephanie-4-for-genesis
As Jaderail suggests you can start from the V4/M4/S4 shape for genesis and use the Evolution Head and Body morphs to create something like the character you bought or your own creation that looks good in that skin.
So, I've been all the way to actually purchase Victoria 4.2 starter pack as well as the Gen X add-on... this has allowed me to see in the scene the v4-based characters that I had acquired. All things good so far.
But I don't know where to find Gen X in Studio. I would like these characters to become Genesis-based, which is the point of Gen X, but I don't know how to do that. Any hint?
I am using 4.5.1.6, and GenX is available in Window > Panes (Tabs) > GenX, at the bottom of the Window drop-down menu.
There is a good readme with GenX, and there are some videos on YouTube too, and a few threads on here too.
Thanks for that. It's not in my menu. I guess a reinstall is in order.
Oh God. I had purchased the update for Gen 4, not the full product. I had to repurchase the whole stuff. I lost 11$ in the process :(.
Not surprisingly I got the menu now. Thanks!
Jimmy, since you seem to be used to Gen X... I still have a problem. As explained in the tutorial pdf, I drag my characters (in Actor format) to the Transfer tab, and the cursor turns into a +, but when I release, nothing happens.
Can you help me figure out what they consider a "supported figure"? What format should it be and what should I ensure is has?
OK, I realise I had to drop a .cr2 file, not a .duf one. Going on....
Hello, Eric. Regarding the 11$ you spent on the wrong product - you can simply file a support ticket to Sales Support and they will give you the money back. DAZ company has a money-back guarantee valid for all items you have bought within the last 30 days. I assume you bought the Gen4 update just now, so you are eligible for this. Just scroll down the page to Help - Contact us and send the ticket. It takes about 2-3 days before they respond. They will usually give you the money as store credit, if you want it any other way, you have to specify this in your support ticket.