Lost Eden development thread

[Kilkakon]

I'm not sure if you need to worry about both versions being released around the same time.

Well it's more a case of I need to make the G version, at the moment I don't have one yet.

I think a lot of them are bilingual. Maybe one of them will translate the files for those who are not.

Alright sure.

You have "G" placeholders for the leader images and icons?

I am still to work out how to do G as I haven't made it yet. For most leader or other large graphic cases, it'll be the same image zoomed in to chop off the waist. I am hoping that all the current units will be acceptable (I'll PM Petek about those when I get home this evening actually).

Outside that, all units bar Charmander Defender have complete graphics (the defender is a normal char with "Defender" written on him). All leaders bar Rakash and Arko have graphics -- those two currently have their faction logo serving as the leader pic as well.

See if you can. I think this thread has evolved beyond its title.

I gave it a go but I do not think that it worked.

Once that ocean around Hopscotch Island is named.

I can probably think of something. Most of the seas are names based on Meora's story.

 

[vyeh]

I'll be honest and say that an alpha can be released at any time. Here's a list of what's left to do for this project:

• Finish the map (which is probably done at this stage, but we'll see as you said) -FOR ALPHA VERSION
• Update help files to suit recent changes. - FOR ALPHA VERSION
• Sunspots and Gold Rush random events should be renamed to something that fits the theme better. - FOR ALPHA VERSION
• Technology, faction and secret project quotes need to be written and recorded. I will probably do 3 of the leaders myself, I'll probably rope some friends for the others. Still to work this one out; it's one of those "I'll do that in the holidays" things. - FOR ALPHA VERSION
• Remaining artwork, including a few units, leaders, title screen, and other things like the HUD which is good but not finalised. - CAN WAIT FOR BETA VERSION/PG

Well it's more a case of I need to make the G version, at the moment I don't have one yet.

...

I am still to work out how to do G as I haven't made it yet. For most leader or other large graphic cases, it'll be the same image zoomed in to chop off the waist. I am hoping that all the current units will be acceptable (I'll PM Petek about those when I get home this evening actually).

Need "G" placeholders, even if it is just putting a black rectangles strategically, for alpha version - need to work with Petek via PM

I gave it a go but I do not think that it worked.

It didn't

I can probably think of something. Most of the seas are names based on Meora's story.

That would be good. Do you have an author and title for a book with Meora's story (in case someone reading this thread is interested)?

I suggest that once your exams have ended, you get an alpha version (G) out for this thread. Note that we don't have to worry about the friend providing artwork as that goes into the beta version (PG). Once the beta version (PG) is ready, beta version (G) will just be a matter of getting suitable images replaced.

 

[Kilkakon]

Yay I'm freeeeeeee!!!!! I'll probably have the night off though rather than rushing a release if you don't mind.

I'ld agree with your alpha/beta categorisation of the to do list, with the sole exception of qoutes. I can foresee that being hard to manage quickly and will probably take as long as artwork so I might as well leave until the beta phase. I like the phases that you suggested though. I'll PM Petek as soon as I have finished a message with the units just so there's no problem.

Provided the units are A-OK I could probably get everything that's flagged for Alpha done in a day's worth of work, including those AI runs I mentioned!

That would be good. Do you have an author and title for a book with Meora's story (in case someone reading this thread is interested)?

Haha oops I made it sound like a book! I was referring to the character (who doesn't appear as a faction but is involved) Hehe well if I do ever make a webcomic about the backstory of Lost Eden then I can reference that :lol.

 

[vyeh]

Yay I'm freeeeeeee!!!!! I'll probably have the night off though rather than rushing a release if you don't mind.

Isn't this your recreation? We definitely want to keep you out of the bars and other ungodly activities!

I'ld agree with your alpha/beta categorisation of the to do list, with the sole exception of qoutes. I can foresee that being hard to manage quickly and will probably take as long as artwork so I might as well leave until the beta phase. I like the phases that you suggested though. I'll PM Petek as soon as I have finished a message with the units just so there's no problem.

We can flag the quotes as something for the alpha testers to look at. You might want to ask Petek to change the title of this thread. At a minimum, I think you want the words "Lost Eden" and "mod" in the title. (And you might want "TC" or "total conversion.")

Provided the units are A-OK I could probably get everything that's flagged for Alpha done in a day's worth of work, including those AI runs I mentioned!

As a beginning step, you might want to create a scenario, placing the first seven factions (and homing the crawlers!). (Think of it as a Game of the Month.) Of course, players can choose to generate a game and play on the Lost Eden map or a randomly generated map.

Once the alpha is posted in this thread, I can post a notice at 'poly and CGN.

Haha oops I made it sound like a book! I was referring to the character (who doesn't appear as a faction but is involved) Hehe well if I do ever make a webcomic about the backstory of Lost Eden then I can reference that :lol.

Darsnan would write a screen with a back story for his scenarios. If you need a link, either Petek or I could find one at 'poly.

If we screen with the back story and a scenario file, you could post the scenario in the GOTM thread here (although it might be nicer if you started a new thread). I haven't seen any new GOTMs since June, so there might be an audience.

EDIT: Green light under your avatar!

 

[Kilkakon]

Isn't this your recreation? We definitely want to keep you out of the bars and other ungodly activities!

Hahahaha I'm free from my old self now, never looked back and glory to God. Not that ever went in bars though.

I was referring to doing some pigging out on the sofa with my DS. I'll probably do a little bit of work though, I can't resist.

We can flag the quotes as something for the alpha testers to look at. You might want to ask Petek to change the title of this thread. At a minimum, I think you want the words "Lost Eden" and "mod" in the title. (And you might want "TC" or "total conversion."

It's a matter of characterisation. Some people like Oblivion, Meora and myself are quite fleshed out so it's simple to make qoutes for them. Writing them is the first step, second is getting 15 voices for them all!

As a beginning step, you might want to create a scenario, placing the first seven factions (and homing the crawlers!). (Think of it as a Game of the Month.) Of course, players can choose to generate a game and play on the Lost Eden map or a randomly generated map.

Once the alpha is posted in this thread, I can post a notice at 'poly and CGN.

Okay sure! I may go with the placement thing, give everybody a starting landmass.

Darsnan would write a screen with a back story for his scenarios. If you need a link, either Petek or I could find one at 'poly.

If we screen with the back story and a scenario file, you could post the scenario in the GOTM thread here (although it might be nicer if you started a new thread). I haven't seen any new GOTMs since June, so there might be an audience.

Sure sounds like a plan! Bdanv said that a Lost Eden GOTM could be an idea too. I'll be honest though -- I would rather get into a scenario when I have at least a beta out and I can put a lot of effort into getting a really enjoyable scenario. I wouldn't want something that's just thrown together, you know what I mean?

EDIT: Green light under your avatar!

Hehe I'm here all night so I can chat away!

 

[vyeh]

I was referring to doing some pigging out on the sofa with my DS. I'll probably do a little bit of work though, I can't resist.

Pigging out is OK. You can still work on the computer!

It's a matter of characterisation. Some people like Oblivion, Meora and myself are quite fleshed out so it's simple to make qoutes for them. Writing them is the first step, second is getting 15 voices for them all! [/qutoe]

I was thinking of the text quotes.

I'll be honest though -- I would rather get into a scenario when I have at least a beta out and I can put a lot of effort into getting a really enjoyable scenario. I wouldn't want something that's just thrown together, you know what I mean?

That is good too. I was thinking of how to get the alpha tested.

Hehe I'm here all night so I can chat away!

I'll be leaving soon. I went to the gym for a 5:15 am spin class, then came back for breakfast.

 

[Kilkakon]

Pigging out is OK. You can still work on the computer!

Hehe sure. I'll have to get recordings in sometime soon though, I have let them slide with all the exam business.

I was thinking of the text quotes.

Oh so was I. I'm just wanting to have not only text quotes but voice ones too. We can start with text only ones though, I can deal with that. Hehe, maybe I should replace the computer voices! Lifeforms are a little out of date.

That is good too. I was thinking of how to get the alpha tested.

Sure I understand. I'll happily make a scenario that has starting locations and rehomed crawlers etc. though.

I'll be leaving soon. I went to the gym for a 5:15 am spin class, then came back for breakfast.

Ah sure. You must be a little tired! I don't have much to ramble on about though so feel free to go whenever you like.

 

[JH24]

I'm happy to hear your exams are over. Enjoy your well-deserved free time. I really hope the exams went very well for you.


I hope you don't mind me asking but what kind of study are you doing?

 

[vyeh]

Oh so was I. I'm just wanting to have not only text quotes but voice ones too. We can start with text only ones though, I can deal with that. Hehe, maybe I should replace the computer voices! Lifeforms are a little out of date.

Get the text quotes. What are lifeforms?

Sure I understand. I'll happily make a scenario that has starting locations and rehomed crawlers etc. though.

I think a scenario would be helpful for testing. At least you would know the starting point. Later randomly generated positions on the map and later randomly generated maps.

Ah sure. You must be a little tired! I don't have much to ramble on about though so feel free to go whenever you like.

Energized.

EDIT: The next post will be number 390 and that will equal the total number of posts in the next two most frequently replied threads!

 

[Kilkakon]

I'm happy to hear your exams are over. Enjoy your well-deserved free time. I really hope the exams went very well for you.


I hope you don't mind me asking but what kind of study are you doing?

Thanks for the goodwill! I am studying Games Technology, and going to pick up Computer Science as well. I want to be a games designer when I grow up. Oh wait, I'm doing it now...

Get the text quotes. What are lifeforms?

Sure, it'll be on my todo list! I was referring to the SMAC computer going "Indigenous lifeforms" (spelling) every time Mind Worms appear, which are natives now.

I think a scenario would be helpful for testing. At least you would know the starting point. Later randomly generated positions on the map and later randomly generated maps.

Alright sure.

Energized.

The best way to be!

EDIT: The next post will be number 390 and that will equal the total number of posts in the next two most frequently replied threads!

Haha yay! Thanks team.

 

[Petek]

I'm not issuing an official warning, but could everyone please stop with the off-topic chat? You can take that to PMs or such, if you like. Thanks!

 

[Kilkakon]

Sure no worries Petek, I think that it was a case of all the mod-related conversation had been dealt with by the point of last post!

But not any more! I aim to get a release out as soon as possible. I did get a reply from Moderatorman Petek, he said that he would discuss the units with the other leaders and let me know, which is fine. I should be able to finish everything else in a matter of hours though so keep posted!

Edit 1: Here's the final map version. Could you please try and update that Petek? If not I'll delete my file and update it that way.

 

[vyeh]

Sure, it'll be on my todo list! I was referring to the SMAC computer going "Indigenous lifeforms" (spelling) every time Mind Worms appear, which are natives now.

Does that appear in one of the text files?

Haha yay! Thanks team.

Next milestone is 400, which is easy.

all the mod-related conversation had been dealt with by the point of last post!

Uh, I think there is still a lot of mod-related conversation to go. How extensive is your list of bases for every faction? Otherwise, I believe SMAC defaults to Alpha Sector, Beta Sector, etc. (maybe that default can be changed).

I believe you said earlier that there was a crash in the Datalinks because the Unit Workshop is disabled. Would it be possible to let people choose infantry, hand weapons and no armor (i.e 1-1-1 and no special abilities)? Maybe that would eliminate the crash.

I don't remember. Did you start editing the datalinks files?

I aim to get a release out as soon as possible.

Good.

I should be able to finish everything else in a matter of hours though so keep posted!

Can you write up a short back story? I think a sentence or two for each faction, the good v. evil v. neutral and maybe why it is called Lost Eden.

Edit 1: Here's the final map version. Could you please try and update that Petek? If not I'll delete my file and update it that way.

Good. Are you sure you can delete the file in the downloads section?

 

[Kilkakon]

Does that appear in one of the text files?

No, I am referring to audio in this case.

Next milestone is 400, which is easy.

Yeah.

Uh, I think there is still a lot of mod-related conversation to go. How extensive is your list of bases for every faction? Otherwise, I believe SMAC defaults to Alpha Sector, Beta Sector, etc. (maybe that default can be changed).

Haha sure of course, I was just referring to that particular moment. Most factions have about 30 base names, some up to 40. I have already replaced the Alpha Sector, Beta Sector, etc. with new names, although unfortunately the game doesn't check if a name's already been used out of the text file when it uses one, which is a bit annoying. (e.g. I build Victory Road, AI builds Victory Road-2)

I believe you said earlier that there was a crash in the Datalinks because the Unit Workshop is disabled. Would it be possible to let people choose infantry, hand weapons and no armor (i.e 1-1-1 and no special abilities)? Maybe that would eliminate the crash.

As soon as I allow a chassis it will be possible for people to reverse engineer units, which is something I would rather avoid. Any ideas?

I don't remember. Did you start editing the datalinks files?

Everything has been done, yes. The only thing I have to do there is update Rifleboys/Clockwork Carriers as they are recent changes.

Can you write up a short back story? I think a sentence or two for each faction, the good v. evil v. neutral and maybe why it is called Lost Eden.

I can do that sure.

Good. Are you sure you can delete the file in the downloads section?

Yes I can.

The map is running on AI tests now.

 

[vyeh]

Most factions have about 30 base names, some up to 40. I have already replaced the Alpha Sector, Beta Sector, etc. with new names, although unfortunately the game doesn't check if a name's already been used out of the text file when it uses one, which is a bit annoying. (e.g. I build Victory Road, AI builds Victory Road-2)

Maybe more names?

As soon as I allow a chassis it will be possible for people to reverse engineer units, which is something I would rather avoid. Any ideas?

I forgot about reverse engineering. Could you describe the bug again?

The map is running on AI tests now.

How is it doing?

 

[Kilkakon]

Maybe more names?

Alright I can do that. Normally only factions like Oblivion ever get close to going over the top though.

I forgot about reverse engineering. Could you describe the bug again?

Spoiler :

Click on Chassis Types, Reactor Types, Weapons and Modules, Armor Types, Secret Projects or Special Abilties to crash to desktop.

How is it doing?

Pretty good, CyndaTech and Realm are the leading factions.
EDIT: It just crashed at year 221, strangely enough.

 

[vyeh]

Alright I can do that. Normally only factions like Oblivion ever get close to going over the top though.

Maybe only those factions needed additional base names.

Click on Chassis Types, Reactor Types, Weapons and Modules, Armor Types, Secret Projects or Special Abilties to crash to desktop.

Perhaps it is possible to edit a file so those categories don't show up.

It just crashed at year 221, strangely enough.

Maybe an overflow error. Perhaps there was a unit too close to a pole.

 

[Kilkakon]

Maybe only those factions needed additional base names.

Sure I can work on that.

Perhaps it is possible to edit a file so those categories don't show up.

I can change the titles, that's for sure. Perhaps to "Don't use"?

Maybe an overflow error. Perhaps there was a unit too close to a pole.

Oh okay! It was turn 221 which is pretty advanced into the game so overflow is possible. Still scary though!

Computer voices now done. It's Microsoft Sam!

 

[vyeh]

I can change the titles, that's for sure. Perhaps to "Don't use"?

No way to take the entry out entirely?

Oh okay! It was turn 221 which is pretty advanced into the game so overflow is possible. Still scary though!

The overflow occurs because a unit is too close to a pole (I think scient found some other cases) and values in one field leak into another field.

Computer voices now done. It's Microsoft Sam!

What is Sam?

EDIT: Next post is 400!

 

[Kilkakon]

No way to take the entry out entirely?

I doubt it I'm afraid. I could make it blank though!

The overflow occurs because a unit is too close to a pole (I think scient found some other cases) and values in one field leak into another field.

Alright thanks for explaining.

What is Sam?

Here's a YouTube vid with Microsoft Sam. It's been pretty enhanced pretty ridiculously though in that vid, but it's the best I can find at short notice.

EDIT: Next post is 400!

Okay Oblivion has 40 cities now.