Heroes IV, a likely source for unit animations?

[Yorgos]

I think I should have brought that a long time ago. The strategy game Heroes IV (recently V came out) can be a great source for new fantasy units. The models are exactly what civ3 uses, only significantly bigger. The problem is how to turn them to flc format. The only way I can think of is using a capture screen program, which requires a lot of patience. I am not interested in doing this, but there might be other people out there who would like to give a try. If anyone needs more information or screenshots, just ask.

 

[Partizanac]

I have Heroes IV, and I am willing but where can I find a program that captures the videos on screen!?

 

[WildWeazel]

What format are the animations in? If it's something standard, there might be a tool available to convert them into frames.

 

[Yorgos]

That's the problem, they are not in a standard format. Most of the games' data lies in a huge 600MB file. Only one with good programming skills may find a way.

There are various free or demo capture screen programs available on the internet, though most of them are poor. Of course there is always the possibility of frame by frame capture, but I don't even want to think how much time it takes. But I'm sure we can take advantage of the sounds easily, at least.

 

[TopGun]

sounds alot like hacking to me... I don't think that would be a viable option. One thing that's made these forums such a success over the years is the high ethical standard. I wouldn't want to compromise that.
Just my 2 cents...

 

[Yorgos]

sounds alot like hacking to me... I don't think that would be a viable option. One thing that's made these forums such a success over the years is the high ethical standard. I wouldn't want to compromise that.
Just my 2 cents...

I can see your point. But considering that Heroes IV came out about 4 years ago and that there's a new version in stores now, I don't think it's unethical or property stealing. If something, it would work more as an advertisment. And units have been converted from other games in the past as well.

 

[odintheking]

Yeah, AoK and SW:GB unit files are coded like that too.

 

[TopGun]

And units have been converted from other games in the past as well.

Yes, but AFAIK, they were converted with the explicit OK from the respective game publisher. Ask Steph how he went about getting the OK if you are that interested in the Heroes IV units.

 

[Plotinus]

Also, I don't see what difference it makes that the game is four years old. That hardly puts it out of copyright!

 

[Stormrage]

Release the source code! For everything!

 

[Virote_Considon]

I agree with the above statement. The source codes should be released for everything. Especially Civ3.

 

[WildWeazel]

Or, we could make our own source code.