17 replies to this topic

[Sir BillyBob]

With all the tools out there, which one(s) allow you to strip out the main storyline and replace it or totally convert it to something else? Are there any tutorials on conversions? Will the tools work on both BGII and IWDII or just the BG games?

[Shed]

There's no tool that automatically strips out most of the game. What you seem to be after is "ToB light", something Ken was working on before TBG went down. I don't know if he is still contactable or working on it, though.

[hlidskialf]

All the tools can work towards a TC without stripping it to the bone first. I recommend you just start by stripping out the dialog and script biff files. Those are what drives the story. You can then build a custom worldmap, areas, populate those areas with creatures/people and give 'em scripts and dialog of your choosing. Add a dash of fancy conversion ideas and you're off and running.

[SConrad]

All the tools can work towards a TC without stripping it to the bone first. I recommend you just start by stripping out the dialog and script biff files. Those are what drives the story. You can then build a custom worldmap, areas, populate those areas with creatures/people and give 'em scripts and dialog of your choosing. Add a dash of fancy conversion ideas and you're off and running.

...and will continue to run for quite some time.

[Rastor]

With some interesting scripting, you could actually get WeiDU to strip out all the game files by using a batch file. I wouldn't recommend doing this, however for two reasons:

1. It makes uninstalling the mod pretty much impossible unless you reinstall it off of the CDs. This will also permanently screw your game if you strip it down before you are finished with your TC.
2. This method will not work on Mac OS.

Rather, do what hlidskiaf recommended and simply strip out the script and dialogue files. Depending on the size of your total conversion, you may also want to remove/rewrite the dialog.tlk file and/or chitin.key.

As far as installing the TC goes, definitely use WeiDU. You'll get the smallest possible file size (which saves on bandwidth and doesn't alienate dial-up users) and you'll have the easy uninstallation of your mod if you decide not to strip out files.

Stripping files out of the game is certainly not a necessity in making a TC.

[SimDing0]

DLTCEP (at http://www.dragonalncetc.com/, which is generally a fairly good model of successful TC development anyway) has facilities to strip the TLK, I think. However, the stripdown idea is questionable at best and it's more likely that you're going to be better off developing your stuff without removing the bulk of the game resources.

Uninstallation of a TC is easily done by simply having the installer backup key files and the override.

There's little to no point using WeiDU to distribute a TC. Dialogue development is a distinctly different issue, however.

Edited by SimDing0, 15 December 2004 - 07:41 AM.

[Cuv]

There's no tool that automatically strips out most of the game. What you seem to be after is "ToB light", something Ken was working on before TBG went down. I don't know if he is still contactable or working on it, though.

I have been wondering this myself. I was testing the TCCoreToB for him and have it. But it wasnt finished. Does anyone know if he is still working on it at all? I wouldnt want to upload it anywhere without his direct permission.

Cuv

[Seifer]

His financial scenario last I heard didn't give him ideal preperation in which to continue so its unlikely.

[SimDing0]

Why does everyone still want the core in spite of what I say? PERHAPS I AM JUST OBSOLETE blah blah blah.

[Seifer]

The core was developed before my time. Why are you so against it?

[Avenger_teambg]

Why does everyone still want the core in spite of what I say? PERHAPS I AM JUST OBSOLETE blah blah blah.

I wonder why do people want a TC core when they don't intend to do a TC.
Proof: if anyone wanted to do a TC, they would have already made it.
Summary: I think missing the TC core is just a poor excuse.

Anyone wants a stripdown, just nuke your .dlg files. Most other files are useful.
And don't plan on stripping your dialog.tlk, it threw back DLTC development by months if not a year just to fix missing strings then. All our strings were *!*-ed and some are still.

Edited by Avenger_teambg, 15 December 2004 - 01:12 PM.

[SimDing0]

The core was developed before my time.  Why are you so against it?

I made it.

And personal experience tells me that it's pretty much useless. Listen to Avenger.

Edited by SimDing0, 15 December 2004 - 01:14 PM.

[Seifer]

I knew you made it but I see Avenger's response.

Cheers

[Sir BillyBob]

I had thought that TCs required a tool like Ken's but I didn't want to loose the spells and items. I just need to create all new areas and people. I also didn't know that a TC could be easily uninstalled. I have never bothed to download and play one so I am still in the dark about this concept. That is one of the reasons I was curious about any tutorials on doing this.

So far, it doesn't sound all that hard to do. Once my other projects get finished, I will have to look into this in more detail.

[Seifer]

Doesn't sound that hard you say?

The sole success in the TC arena has been DLTCEP. I really, really think you should look at how they've done things as well as the sheer talent they've got before making such rash statements.

[hlidskialf]

I think he was referring to the prep-work of the TC there Seif. THAT part is easy. It's the building of the new content that's the killer!
Having done work both on the original stripdown, and playing around with my own projects, I recommend going with my original suggestion. Strip out the dialogs and scripts, leave the rest. If you want to remove something later it's easy, but it's a pain in the arse to try and put them back in!
Oh, as for Ken's project, he and I never agreed on the value of a complete stripdown. (He was pro, I was against.) However I did like the idea of his "programable" installer which would build a TC directory, copy over the original game files used, and depost the new TC files all with a single click, thus leaving you with a virgin game and a TC to play as well. I didn't/don't see it as particularily practical to make mind you, (Considering that every TC would be different, and they are not so common as to require a customizable installer.) but it was still a neat idea.

[Sir BillyBob]

The prep work was what I was mostly worried about. Since I had no idea what was involved. I can easily leave the original game in place and just remove what isn't needed, or even leave it since it wouldn't effect my mod.

As for a successful TC, I suspect part of the problem for most is that players expect to play SOA, not some other storyline. Therefore, they aren't inclined to install a TC (I know I never was). So the hard part may be getting people to accept that difference.

[SimDing0]

It's distinctly harder to actually MAKE the TC than it is to get players to accept it. While there are always going to be people who won't install them for their own obscure reasons, the DLTC demo had the most successful launch (in terms of download count) of any mod in the last few years, which indicates that there is a market out there.

Edited by SimDing0, 16 December 2004 - 07:50 AM.