realistic explosions

hey, i'm using 3d spheres textured with a flame like texture for my explosions in my 2d shootem up. problem is, i can get them to look realistic. they look ok but not what i'm looking for

here's my rough code

Graphics3D 800,600,32

SetBuffer BackBuffer()

camera=CreateCamera()
PositionEntity camera,0,0,-500

light=CreateLight()

explode=CreateSphere(16)
EntityAlpha explode,0.1
PositionEntity explode,-60,0,0
Dim texture(1)
texture(0)=LoadTexture("fire.png",2)
texture(1)=LoadTexture("fire1.png",2)


While Not KeyHit(1)




If KeyDown(2) Then Gosub createexplosion




Gosub updateexplosion

UpdateWorld
RenderWorld
Text 0,0," tris="+TrisRendered()
Flip
Wend
End

.updateexplosion
For e.explosion=Each explosion
	e\scale=e\scale+4
	ScaleEntity e\entity,e\scale,e\scale,e\scale
	TurnEntity e\entity,3,3,3
	If e\scale=>250 Then FreeEntity e\entity:Delete e.explosion
Next
Return

.createexplosion
e.explosion=New explosion
e\entity=CopyEntity(explode)
EntityTexture e\entity,texture(Int(Rnd(0,1)))
PositionEntity e\entity,0,0,0
TurnEntity e\entity,Rnd(0,359),Rnd(0,359),Rnd(0,359)
e\scale=0.1
ScaleEntity e\entity,e\scale,e\scale,e\scale
Return

.setup
Type explosion
	Field x,y
	Field entity
	Field scale#
End Type
Return

press 1 to generate explosions. you'll need to have 2 textures named fire and fire1 both in png format for it to work. anyone got any ideas??

I usually use pictures of an explosion on a flat/sprite. If that looks too flat for your needs you may want to use crossed flats (like how trees are often done for games) or use a particle system to create the explosion.

I use a particle system for the explosions on my Lander game. Each explosions has about 10 particles for smoke, fire, explosion, shrapnel etc, all of this is used to make it look more full bodied.

Oh Rob you do do some great things with particles.

Darkheart

Look for my free particle source code examples on code archives. LINK It's arguably the simplest to use.

I agree Doc... those look real nice.

--Mike

Rob's engine trails and thrusters look really cool too, Lander has some lovely stuff like that.

Darkheart

thanks alot guys. Rob i'll give your particle system a look. Looks sweet :D