Context:
I am working on a realistic combat simulator (inspired by DCS), and a major component of it would be air combat.
-
What do you want to achieve?
A lightweight solution for scripted particles, specifically for smoke and its characteristics. -
What is the issue?
Roblox’s particle system, although well optimised, can be limiting in the regard that there is a render distance limit, with particles rendering only within a certain radius of the camera. -
What solutions have you tried so far?
I’ve tried using modules to clone parts containing billboard GUIs, tweening the size, position, transparency, etc to the desired effect. This does solve the issue of render distance, but is fairly heavy on the server, as to effectively replicate the desired effect (seen above) would require a large number of instances to be rendered.
From afar, the particles don’t look to bad. But when viewed from the side or closer up, due to the low rate of emission i set it to (to keep it mildy light), it lacks the continuous/laminar smoke-like feel seen in an earlier picture.
I have an ideas on how that could be possibly done;
Possibly using beams that can be oriented, almost like a chain, to seemingly link up with neighbouring particles. This would allow for the appearance of continuity however, would be hard to tween and manipulate.
(This could resemble the contrails on the F14)
I have considered trails, but likewise, they lack scriptability, and have a paper-like appearance.
I’d primarily like to consider the appearance, and optimisation of a solution.
Feel free to discourse on possible solutions or any clarification needed.