3rd party software request

[capnq]

A common problem with adding races is getting races that were designed for SE IV "classic" (v1.49 or lower). A pre-Gold race will produce a flock of error Messages in Gold every time its AI files are accessed. Instructions for converting pre-Gold races to Gold are linked in my sig.

I don't know of any software to check and fix this automatically.

[JLS]

Originally posted by Gandalf Parker:
Well I wasnt going to use MODs until I had played with the game abit. Maybe DevNull or TDM which seem to just add capabilities without trying to rewrite thegame (doesnt try to make the AIs harder or anything). Do I have those right?

I wouldnt mind increasing options, and increasing maps, playing with more races and neutral races. But I didnt want an extremely modified Version of the game

I do not know how this went from the 3rd party MOD Launcher search - to TDM: but I also Agree that TDM is the way to go as you said Gandalf Parker - "after new players have played the se4 game abit."

And agreed: se4 Players also enjoy MODs - whether they offer a MODED AI as with TDM and AIC or just Facilities and/or just Component styles, Vehicals, Mounts, Formations Etc... and of coarse ALL the above: Would you not agree?

= = = = = =
NOTE: I have noticed that TDM also changes the se4 Path to its folder, so the use of the Latest MOD launcher that we originally discussed will be of value all around

[ July 05, 2004, 19:16: Message edited by: JLS ]

[JLS]

Originally posted by Gandalf Parker:
Well I wasnt going to use MODs until I had played with the game abit. Maybe DevNull or TDM which seem to just add capabilities without trying to rewrite thegame (doesnt try to make the AIs harder or anything). Do I have those right?

I do not think TDM and for a fact AIC or DevNull (DOES NOT) - re/overwrites anything. Other then the PATH I mentioned earlier.

If you veiw the Zip File you will see that both DevNull and AIC just write to their own folder, and NO other: however, I would think you would know this, so please forgive my imprudence.
= = = =

I am unsure of TDM: because it has its own installer and I can not preview the file before hand or before it is installed; however, yes I think TDM is safe to install, I have played many memorable TDM games.

[ July 05, 2004, 19:19: Message edited by: JLS ]

[Gandalf Parker]

Well its becoming clear how I messed things up.

I do get the "slew of errors" so Im sure I added some of those races. Its too bad that they havent been upgraded.

Also, not all of the races installed the same. Some created paths as if from the SEIV directory. Some from the Pictures directory. Some with only a race-named directory as if it was already in the races directory. And one created a race-named directory off of its own race-named directory.

I got so smooth at cut-n-pasting races between two windows to get things where they should be, that I think I did it to the MOD directorys also (moved their races to the races directory)

*sigh* OK time for install #4 and do it all again. Does anyone happen to have nice full races, AI, Dsgnames, and neutral races which dont require any mods that would be willing zip it and send it? Or pop it into a webspace I can snag it from?

Gandalf@Community.Internet
(without the Inter of course)

[ July 05, 2004, 20:48: Message edited by: Gandalf Parker ]

[Fyron]

For your Design Names files needs, you want Design Names Anthology. It has most of the design names files from the various shipsets in it, plus many, many more.

Also, SE.net has a large number of shipsets available in it's Downloads database. Unfortunately many of the entries lack descriptions, and not all shipsets are updated to Gold compatibility... but they can be downloaded.

[ July 05, 2004, 20:51: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[JLS]

Originally posted by Gandalf Parker:
Well its becoming clear how I messed things up.

I do get the "slew of errors" so Im sure I added some of those races. Its too bad that they havent been upgraded.

DevNull, Proportions, AIC, Adamant, AST and a host of other MOD RACE files (THEY ALL ARE INDEED UPDATED to v1.91)
However, they may totally be incompatible with stock se4 because they have MODED DATA components and facilities etc. (and as such, should remain in that MODS folder) Please review reference below.

- - - -

I can assure you: if you want an up-to-date AI Files and Race Ship SETS - ONLY FOR unmoded Space Empires 4 v1.84 plus

TDM 1.30 is the best way to go.
However, if you do not have access to the MOD Launcher that we discussed - you may alter the TDM path file to resume your se4 game or any other MOD at anytime. Please review reference below


REFERENCE se4 PATH.txt file

================================================== ================================
PATH DATA FILE
================================================== ================================

This file must be located with the executable to tell it which directories to look in.
(very important from se4's Aaron Hall)
" If you make your own data sets or modifications, you should install them in a {{{new directory}}} under the se4 directory, and then modify this file to be that directory name."

Some how all this info gets lost with the 3rd Party MOD launcher and this critical se4 {its own "new directory" procedure} - entirely lost with a few MODS/moders.???

Using Mod Directory:
This indicates the name of the directory under which to look for for the game files. If this value is "None" or blank, then the standard SE4 files will be used. If this is set to a directory name, then the game will attempt to load its files from that directory first.

If a mod directory is present, then it must contain all of the files that are
in the original SE4 directory. The only exception to this rule is in the case
of bitmaps. If a bitmap can't be loaded from the mod directory, then the game
will still attempt to load it from the standard SE4 directories.

For Stock se4 play := None

================================================== ================================
*BEGIN*
================================================== ================================

Using Mod Directory := TDM-ModPack back to NONE ================================================== ================================
*END*
================================================== ================================

Or use the MOD path file that is in that MODS directory and/or just copy it yourself to the se4 Gold Folder - MOST MODS also have the Original Path File stored for you as an aid to resume se4

[ July 05, 2004, 22:41: Message edited by: JLS ]

[Atrocities]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
For your Design Names files needs, you want Design Names Anthology. It has most of the design names files from the various shipsets in it, plus many, many more.

Also, SE.net has a large number of shipsets available in it's Downloads database. Unfortunately many of the entries lack descriptions, and not all shipsets are updated to Gold compatibility... but they can be downloaded.

An update of this is in order too. I shall send you some files.