Quote: --- Original message by: A post on /v/
Alright, in this short tutorial, I'll try to explain how to extract models from "next-gen" video games.

I'll start using wii games but keep in mind gamecube games are based around the same technology so the tutorial will apply to most of them too. This guide resolves around proprietary Nintendo 3d engines which are used in Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's mansion, Mario kart double dash, Chibi Robo, Super Mario galaxy 1, Super Mario Galaxy 2.

I'll be demonstrating using 3ds max.

1- First, rip the ISO from the game you want your models from. For that you'll need a Hitachi drive which can be purchased for about 50 bucks. They are also located in some Xbox 360 consoles, so if you have a broken 360 with a functioning drive, you can hook it up to the computer and it'll work just like a normal drive.

I know you wont do that but that's the most "legal" way to obtain the models I can think of. You could just search some torrent sites and download the ISO there too.

2- After that, you must download SZS Tools.
http://www.amnoid.de/gc/szstools.zip
Working download link.
Extract all the files from the zip into a folder, you're going to use it later.

3- Download the Gamecube emulator Dolphin. Keep in mind you do not have to start the emulation so no need for a powerful computer. We're simply exploiting a function which allows us to explore the ISO freely and extracting the files we want.
http://dolphin-emulator.com/
Download for your Operating system

4- Open and Set up Dolphin, NO NEED TO RUN THE GAME. Just right click on it and select "Properties". Go under the tab "Filesystem".I'm going to use Mario Galaxy 2. Open Partition 1 and open folder Objectdata. Extract the model You want. I am going to use Bowser (Demo Koopa).

The files have codenames so you're most likely going to have to figure out some of them by yourself. Trial and error.... joy!

5- Lets get back to out SZS tools folder we created earlier. After you extracted your arc file (The model), simply drag and drop it into yaz0dec.exe

It will create Demo Koopa.arc 0.rarc

Drag the newly created file (Demo Koopa.arc 0.rarc) into rarcdump.exe and it will create a new folder
with the file's name.

6- We're practically done. Now open the folder and you'll have all the files from the model including texture, models and animations.

7 (Bonus)- http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E7OL48AR

I hate using megaupload because the files will die after a prolonged period of time so get it while it's hot. It's basically a way to run the animations on the computer. They're set on loop and you can use the Pan cam to examine it from different perspectives.

8 (kinda)- You can extract more compatible models if you run the main initial file into bmdview2.exe .
Simply open the file and click on [file] and export model. Doing this will result in a much more stable/compatible version of the model which you will be able to toy with to your heart's content...

I hope this helped.

PS: Sorry for any typos, wrote this as fast as I could...

Quote: --- Original message by: abkarch
can that method do animations some how?

Quote: --- Original message by: CodeBrain
6- We're practically done. Now open the folder and you'll have all the files from the model including texture, models and animations.

7 (Bonus)- http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E7OL48AR

I hate using megaupload because the files will die after a prolonged period of time so get it while it's hot. It's basically a way to run the animations on the computer. They're set on loop and you can use the Pan cam to examine it from different perspectives.

Quote: --- Original message by: Julian




Yes.