Preview: The Stormtrooper ???

[Dark Sheer]

Originally posted by nonnob3
Hi,
I can't get the unit Srormtrooper to work. In the game it has different colors and crashes then. And the FLICster that I have does not have all the features that Kryton told me.
I somehow need to edit transparency on the flc files.
But then when I do so , the backround becomes black!!!!
I need help!!!!!!
Can some tell how to fix this problem by using paint shop pro, animation or anything

Thanks

Ok, ok. In order to compile the flcs into a Civ3 flc using Flicster, all the flc must be properly named and the name must match those in the ini file, say StormtrooperAttackA.ini. In the ini file you will see the following:

file=StormtrooperAttackA.flc
xs_orig= 240
ys_orig= 240
x_offset= 68
y_offset= 62
anim_time= 1250
SW=StormtrooperAttackA_SW.FLC
S=StormtrooperAttackA_S.FLC
SE=StormtrooperAttackA_SE.FLC
E=StormtrooperAttackA_E.FLC
NE=StormtrooperAttackA_NE.FLC
N=StormtrooperAttackA_N.FLC
NW=StormtrooperAttackA_NW.FLC
W=StormtrooperAttackA_W.FLC

The first line tell Flicster that the compiled file is to be called StormtrooperAttackA.flc and the 8 lines at the bottom tells Flicster which file is to be used for each of the direction. The dimension of all the flc files must be the same (eg. All 100 x 100 or something).

The xs_orig and ys_orig is basically the max size of the flc, which is 240x240 and same for all unit flc. The x_offset and y_offset is basically when the top left corner of the flc is from the top max point of 0,0. Its basically x/2 and y/2 of your flc and that’s what keep the flc in the center when it is played in Civ3.

Anim_time controls the speed of the animation. Do remember that when you compile the flc in animation shop you need to make each frame with the delay of 1 only. A delay of 10 will become 10 frames when saved and that will make your real animation 10 times slower in Civ3.

As to your color problem, I believe it can all be solved with the palette. Just use load palette in PaintShopPro and edit to palette to contain the color you want. Keep the last one pink as that is your transparent background color. And when you create a new flc, do not create as transparent but instead create it as Opaque with pink (255,0,255) as the opaque color. If you have already created the flc using transparent, all you need to do is to create a blank opaque flc with the same dimension and insert your flc into this new flc by using add frames from file.

Lastly, the first 64 color in the palette is used for Civ colors and should not be used for other purposes. The last 64 color before the pink is used for shadow and it also should not be used for other purposes. You actually only need the last 8 for shadow unless you plan to have 64 shade for your shadow. Just fill the other 56 spots with some color your are not using in the flc and you should be fine.

Hope that helps with your problem.

 

[nonnog6]

To Dark Sheer,

Thanks, but when I try to view the flc file on FLICster, it gives me an error message.
When I created the Attackflc, Runflc etc
I attached each ,for ex, StormtrooperDeath_SW, Stormtrooper_S,
one after another then named the whole animation StormtrooperDeath.
I believe I did right.
Or is there another way to do it? I am so confused now.

The backround was already pink, then I clicked on replace color, and changed the backround transparant. But when it came to save the flc, it shows that the backround turns black.
So then I left it pink.
I will follow your tip by creating a blank animation and pasting the flc into it.
If that does not work, I will be asking your help by sending to you all my work (All the FLC files and wav files) and see if you can MAKE IT WORK
Please
I know I can count on your help (Krytens too...)

I think the problem may be how I put together,for eg, StormtrooperDeath_SW,StormtrooperDeath_S, StormtrooperDeath_SE, on the Paint shop Pro Animation.
Because if I just edit the single file, I mean just eg StormtrooperDeath_SW, it will give the breakdown x_,y_ etc...
I don't know.......I am LOST

 

[Grey Fox]

DOn't mind this post...

 

[nonnog6]

......Maybe it's the fLICster program?
I can't figure out what is the correct version to use. I see several patches on the Utility site.

 

[Kryten]

....hmmm....I'm using FLICster 1.0.0 (build 17) and have no problems. Try downloading this version.

I suggest one step at a time. Let's first get FLICster to work for you. Just concentrate on the original civ3 animations for the moment.

*Can you use FLICster to open and view any of the original civ3 animations?
*Can you use the control panel view all the directions/colors/Alpha Blend?
*Can you use export to open a new FXM file?
*Can you now use PaintShop Pro to look at this new PaintShop Pro Image?

If you can do this with the original civ3 animations then we're almost there.
If the answer is "Yes" to all these questions, then try following the readme that comes with the FLICster (it tells you to make minor alterations to the CossackRun.flc, but I suggest you use the ParatrooperAttack.flc instead).
If that has worked (and it should), then try copying & pasting some of your Stormtrooper images, ONE AT A TIME, like this:-

1) use the PaintShop 'dropper' tool and click the background of one of YOUR Stormtrooper images.
2) use the PaintShop 'freehand' tool and draw around one your figures (no need to be too accurate, but avoid shadows for the moment).
3) press ctrl+T then crtl+C to 'copy' that outline.
4) go to the original civ3 PaintShop Image and press crtl+E to 'paste' it.
5) now save that image and doubleclick the FLICster PCX Watcher Popup window to see the change you have made.

If it's there, but the colours (British spelling) are weird, then it is because you have made your images outside of FLICster and so you've used a different colour palette from what the civ3 unit has.

Give this a try.

 

[nonnog6]

Originally posted by Kryten
....hmmm....I'm using FLICster 1.0.0 (build 17) and have no problems. Try downloading this version.

I suggest one step at a time. Let's first get FLICster to work for you. Just concentrate on the original civ3 animations for the moment.

*Can you use FLICster to open and view any of the original civ3 animations?
*Can you use the control panel view all the directions/colors/Alpha Blend?
*Can you use export to open a new FXM file?
*Can you now use PaintShop Pro to look at this new PaintShop Pro Image?

If you can do this with the original civ3 animations then we're almost there.

I want to PERSONALLY thank YOU and Dark Sheers for spending your time on typing all this info to try to help me.
I am at work right now, I will arrive home about 3 hours, and I will follow your check steps.
But, I have tried also with a CIV3 animation to test it and I can view info or split, that's all that came up. I did not see any small window pop-ups to view animations. UNLESS I AM TOTALLY CLUELESS OR BLIND
I have got show much involved in creating this unit and it kind a gets my upset that I cannot get it to work
I really want to UNDERSTAND how to complete the unit by using this program. I'll make a bet it's probaly something so easy and I am just not catching it!
Give me a couple of hours and I will double check again and give the answers.
I have indeed the 1.0.0 version, but was there any patches to attach to it?
And thanks also for bringing my name up on your updated Horse Archer unit thread
Your
!!!
(Worse comes to worst, I will send my work to you or Dark, if you are willing to give me a hand ; even tho,of course, I know that you are already busy in creating the Phalanx )
Thanks again!

 

[nonnob3]

Kryton,

I updated the patach on FLICster...
And yes, I can view everything on a CIV3 FLC file. !
What's next?

 

[nonnob3]

Kryton,
last question of the four...

Will it appear on Flicster, Paintshop pro tool? Don't see or maybe you mean something else...

Why should I cut all the images when i already have all the animations completed...Can't I just transpose all of them at once into the paratrooper frames?

 

[nonnob3]

Thank you soooooooooo much Kryten!!!!!!!!!!!
I finally understand how to use FLICster!!!!!!!!!!
Only one thing left to do: I am trying to figure out how to change the colors so that the German color blue does not change the color of the Nazi Flag thats on the arm of the Stormtrooper:it needs to stay Red. What do you think? Can it be changed?
Thanks again.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am HAPPY NOW!!!!

 

[Grey Fox]

Originally posted by nonnob3

Only one thing left to do: I am trying to figure out how to change the colors so that the German color blue does not change the color of the Nazi Flag thats on the arm of the Stormtrooper:it needs to stay Red. What do you think? Can it be changed?

Try using another Red, any other red, even the slightest difference will matter...

 

[Dark Sheer]

I am so glad you figure it out.

Actually you cannot combine the flc with animation shop, you need to combine them with Flicster. But I guess you have figured that one out by now.

I was having trouble connecting to the forum yesterday, or else I would have answered that.

 

[nonnog6]

To Dark Sheer,

The whole problem was that I have not added the patch 1.018 of FLICster. Thats why I could not see what you or Kryton was talking about. After that, everything came in place
But your and Kryten tips gave me a lot of help as well.
I did read word by word the Read me in flicster, and then it was a "piece of cake."
Again, personally, thanks to the both of you.
I NOW will probaly finish this unit by the end of this week.
(BTW FLICster is an AWWWWWWWWWWSSSSOOME Program!)

To Grey Fox,
Thanks for the "Red" tip!

 

[nonnog6]

I am thinking how to set up the Stormtrooper unit on Civ edit:
cost=10
move=1
attack=9
defence=7

tech adv=espionage or when infantry is discoverd.

range attack an
foot soldier
blitz or "all squares our roads" (or both)

My question is : I know blitz is for Panzer, but what does it do?
Does someone know?
Thanks

 

[Kryten]

Originally posted by nonnog6
I know blitz is for Panzer, but what does it do?

Wotcha again matey,

Blitz = allows a unit to make as many attacks as it has move points left (so a unit with 1 move point would still only get 1 attack!).

 

[nonnog6]

Thanks Buddy
I guess then just "all squares as a road" sounds right.
Can't wait to get this unit done and in the game!

 

[nonnog6]

I would like for the German Stormtrooper to view the nazi flag on the arm as red, not blue.


I tried changing the color Red a little light or darker, but on the pop view the color is still showing blue.
Am I doing this right, or maybe it just cannot be changed?
Dark Sheer, Grey fox, Kryton...any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Dark Sheer]

Originally posted by nonnog6
I would like for the German Stormtrooper to view the nazi flag on the arm as red, not blue.


I tried changing the color Red a little light or darker, but on the pop view the color is still showing blue.
Am I doing this right, or maybe it just cannot be changed?
Dark Sheer, Grey fox, Kryton...any suggestions?

Thanks

Pick a spot in the palette between the first 64 and the last 64 (ie the 128 color in between) and change it to a shade of red you want (just make sure the same shade does not appear anywhere else in the palette) then recolor the arm band using this new shade of red.

 

[nonnog6]

Hi!
I have tested the Stormtrooper unit in the game after completing it using FLICster, but there are some problems:

a) There is no shade, I still can see the light green color.
b) Victory animation does not work( I haved created a wav. file saying "Heil Hitler" recorded on my PC,maybe that could be the problem. Could be that it has to have a certain format size?)
(Also I have not created Fortify and Fidget, could that be it also?)
(Or could it be because I assigned the unit on Civ Edit "all squares are roads"?)
c)I tried again what Dark Sheers told me to change on the palette the red color to a light/darker color (Stormtrooper Nazi Flag on arm), still does not work. Maybe I should try to figure out how to change the german color blue to some other color?
d) Image is offcenter in the build queue,( I then adjusted it on the pcx, and then the unit is offcentered in the game...arrgh) what to do?
I have used Paratrooper for FLICster.

Can someone give me help? Dark Sheers, Kryten,...anyone?.
Stormtrooper Unit is alsmost done...
Thanks

 

[nonnog6]

...I was just thinking, maybe if I use the Rifleman Default pcx, it will solve that "offcentered" problem....:enlighten

 

[Kryten]

We are begining to reach the limits of poor old Kryten's knowledge here!

I see your problem with the red colour. I'm currently looking at the colour palette for the Paratrooper, and all the reds are in the top 5 rows (these are the 64 hues that civ3 uses to show each nations national colour). The Pikeman, Infantry & Marine units are the same. I'm afraid I don't know how to change individual colours on the palette.

I also have no idea of what's wrong with your new sound file.
And I don't know how to fix the off-centre problem.
As for the StormtrooperVictory.flc, are you sure it's named right in the .ini file?

....I'm not being much help am I....

Ah! I CAN fix your shadow problem! It's difficult to describe, but easy to do (means more work though).
When you first use the FLICster export tab to create a PCX file, use windows explorer and you will see two .pal files were created along with the PaintShop Pro Image in the unit folder.
Doubleclicking this image opens it up in PaintShop with that 'orrible pink colour with green shadows.
Now if you click 'Colours' at the top of the PaintShop window, then 'Load Palette', now select the _Alpha.pal and the open .flc now has a nice grey background with CORRECT shadows (selecting the other .pal file turns the background pink again).

Now here's the trick: only cut & paste or use the 'Dropper' tool to draw your shadows WHILE THE BACKGROUND IS GREY. This makes the shadows appear grey in the game. If you just cut & paste when the shows are green then....well....they appear green in the game!

(Sorry this is so long winded, but I've just come back from the pub ....)