tulcas wrote:
Here is the scoop from what i have gathered hacking through the .bic files:
These new files are pretty cool, they combines rules.txt and the map into one file and support for the file type is built right into the game itself (just select load scenario)...furthermore a .bic file can be just a map or a just modification of the game rules, or both
Unfortunately there seems to be no scripting (supported or hackably implementable), which is quite upsetting, and probably the reason why firaxis didn't put out any real scenarios (they couldn't).
On the plus side in the file header for each of these .bic files is the version number 1...I am sure that there will be a 2 and a 3 and so on as firaxis finishes coding Civ3.
Now responding to some of the big questions:
Starting Locations: Yes there are starting location tags which can be placed on a map...but they CANNOT be assigned to any particular race. So you can mark 16 spots on a huge map where you would like to see 16 civs start at, but there is no way to guarantee that the Germans start in Germany for example. This may be over come by editing a save game file, but that would require someone to hack the file...there is no direct firaxian support.
Now as far as what you can do with scenario's..
-No scripting as far as i can tell..Firaxis is gonna have to patch this to get it in
-No scenario's that are more complex than a map with starting locations assigned randomly to the civ's, and modified rules.
--These two together mean-->NO scenario the complexity of the WWII scenario from civ2 that is no scenario has predefined civ's with units and cities and a developed map, and NO conditions for victory beyond the default goto centauri get a load of culture etc. in Civ3 at this time
Once again if someone once to hack into the savegame files it may be possible to write an editor..everything in them is pretty straightforward, but even that will get you a WW2 with no specific conditions for victory, pulling that off would require hack the executable from as far as i can tell (70% certainty on the only way to add conditions is to hack hack hack) but i may be mistaken ...Can you confirm or deny any of this Gramphos?
Now onto some other things in response to Lemmy's 'Post:
this is what i know now:
change/add units ? Can Add by Hacking, then edit with editor
change/add techs ? Can Add by Hacking, then edit with editor
change/add government ? can add with editor and edit
change/add buildings & wonders (big and small)? Can Add by Hacking, then edit with editor
change/add terrain tiles ? Not positive but most likely: Can Add by Hacking, then edit with editor, though the images are gonna be tough to work out
change/add a new age ? Can Add by Hacking, then edit with editor but i am not sure how predicatable this is gonna be on gameplay, it will be a royal pain
change/add graphics ? Yes but the .flc format they use is proprietary, they mentioned that the game's engine may support uncompressed .flc files in chat i believe..furthermore i think that non animatted gif files may work as for units, but don't quote me there
change/add civs ? Can Add by Hacking, then edit with editor
change/add civ atributtes ? Actually, it's more detailed than that, Yes.
change/add victory conditions ? Nope from what i see but there may be a way to jimmy rig something
add levels of visibility ? Negatory
If there are any other big questions post them in this thread and i will answer what i can...Gramphos also seems to have a good grasp on what is going on too so he will be able to answer quite a bit as well...
Jack
