How do I attach particles to a box/sphere/entity or node? I'm sure the syntax is straightforward, I just can't seem to think clearly.
Also, will JME support animation from outside applications, ie 3ds Max? If so what is the code to load/move them?
Also, Are there any tutorials out there on Particles, animation and especially AI in Jmonkey?
How do I attach particles to a box/sphere/entity or node?
A ParticleSystem can be directly attached to any Node/Spatial... Just call something like:
node.attachChild(particleSystem);
Look at: jmetest.effects.RenParticleEditor.java to create very nice particle systems and export them as a .jme file, that you can load and attach to any node.
Also, will JME support animation from outside applications, ie 3ds Max? If so what is the code to load/move them?
When you import a file from an external modeling tool, JME imports animation code (in some formats, MS3D and collada, as far as I know). The scene graph that gets imported comes with a JointController (MS3D) or "the other one" (collada, don't remember). You can get the references for them trying the getController(int i) in the generated scene.
Look at: jmetest.renderer.loader.TestColladaLoading.java and
Also, Are there any tutorials out there on Particles, animation and especially AI in Jmonkey?
In the jmetest package there are some useful tests for learning particle system and animation (hard coded). Take a look at jmetest.effects.TestParticleSystem.java and jmetest.TutorialGuide.HelloAnimation.java.
AI is a field that we're still lacking a framework-like support. Feel free to suggest or contribute with ideas/code.