Mods vs. Shipsets

[Daeromont]

Due to an enormous amount of information to search against a short supply of time, I'm asking for an explanation of mods vs. shipsets, etc. I am a player...not a programmers, so forgive my ignorance.


1) I've downloaded several shipsets of various races; however, I've noticed that I often have to 'move' files around into different directories to get them to work. I have NO idea what I'm really doing...and somtimes I don't know where to put certain files, nor do I know if I'm just downloading pics or AI files...or if they are always congruent.

2) Do 'shipsets' automatically modify the AI?

3) I am loathe to use any MOD's as they change the 'parameters' of gameplay (if I understand them correctly). Is there a way to 'save' the original files or does one need to reload the game every time you want to change back to the original parameters?

4) Are shipsets and .emp files MOD-specific or can they be used interchangably?

5) In PBW games, do all players have to use the same shipsets, etc, for AI players?

6) Is anyone working on a Manual...or a reference guide for technologies, etc?

Thanks for any answers in advance.

[LazarusLong42]

1. Usually shipsets are just ship pictures/race pictures/etc, and don't change the game at all.

2. No. Assuming the author has put together just a shipset. Oftentimes, you'll see the shipset advertised "with AI files". But even these files modify only the AI that uses that shipset.

3. Depends on the Mod. The TDM Modpack changes no gameplay aspects; it adds only new AIs. Certain other Mods are compatible in the same way.

All Mods, however, have to be installed to a new directory--so retrieving the "original" files is very easy, and often the Mod will have simple directions.

Also, Matryx (I think) has created a mod-picker. You may want to check that out.

4. They're interchangeable.

5. Not sure what you mean. Players can use whatever shipset they wish, as long as it's been uploaded so that other players can download the pics. Is that what you mean?

6. Not that I know of.

LL

[Atrocities]

quote:

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1) I've downloaded several ship sets of various races; however, I've noticed that I often have to 'move' files around into different directories to get them to work. I have NO idea what I'm really doing...and sometimes I don't know where to put certain files, nor do I know if I'm just downloading pictures or AI files...or if they are always congruent.

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Installation:
If you have the full Version, unzip all files into a folder named "illuminati" in your "...\Space Empires IV\Pictures\Races" folder.
If you're using the demo, the problem is that the demo has the option to install new race styles disabled. The only way to try any new race styles before having the full Version of the game is by renaming all the files to overwrite one of the existing ones.

quote:

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2) Do 'ship sets' automatically modify the AI?

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As stated, only for “that” ship set. No other AI is effected.

quote:

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3) I loathe using any MOD's as they change the 'parameters' of game play (if I understand them correctly). Is there a way to 'save' the original files or does one need to reload the game every time you want to change back to the original parameters

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Mod’s are kept in there own files, and do not effect the original game. For example, the TDM mod has it’s own folder in your Space Empires directory called “ TDM-ModPack, where all of it’s files are kept. The only thing that is changed is the PATH text:
(Using Mod Directory := None) To (Using Mod Directory := TDM-ModPack)

quote:

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4) Are ship sets and Emp files MOD-specific or can they be used interchangeably?

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Ship sets and Emp files can be used in any Mod. You simply have to put the set and Emp files you want into the Mod directory files. I.E. the Ship sets into Pictures\Race\ShipSetName and the Emp files into the Empires Folder.

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5) In PBW games, do all players have to use the same ship sets, etc, for AI players?

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In order for the other players to see your sets, they too must have them and you must have the ones they are using in order to see them as they are designed to be seen. Read the PBW Q&A at http://seiv.pbw.cc/index.jsp

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6) Is anyone working on a Manual...or a reference guide for technologies, etc?

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There are already tons of info regarding Manuals and or reference guides for technologies and other aspects of the game. Check out this site for strategies: http://www.spaceempires.org/

Topics of interest: http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/001389.html http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/002249.html http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For.../003247-2.html http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/003136.html http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/003157.html

Info: http://www.sandman43.fsnet.co.uk/vikingshipnotes.htm


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"We've made too many compromises already, too many retreats! They invade our space and we fall back -- they assimilate entire worlds and we fall back! Not again! The line must be drawn here -- this far, no further! And I will make them pay for what they've done!" -- Captain Picard STNG
New Age Ship Yards

[Lemmy]

quote:

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6) Is anyone working on a Manual...or a reference guide for technologies, etc?

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i believe Dubious wasa working on womething of a guide, not sure what's in it, or if it's finished...

btw. i was looking for this guide in the mod archive and weren't there 4 SE4 topics, now there are only two

[Mudshark]

Lemmy any forum has a "show only Last 20 days" Geoschmo pointed this out to me when I asked what happened to the scenario achives. Glad I'm not the only person that has added his name to the exalted list of those that have emulated Homer Simpson "Doh". How many others have felt the same way?

[dogscoff]

Atrocities - thanks for the mention. I wasn't sure anyone had even read that page=-)

This page might also be relevant.

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SE4 Code:
L GdY $ Fr- C- Sd T!+ Sf-- Tcp-- A% M>M+ MpD! RV Pw Fq+ Nd- Rp+ G-
/SE4 Code
Work out your code at http://www.sandman43.fsnet.co.uk/se4main.htm

[This message has been edited by dogscoff (edited 31 August 2001).]

[Daeromont]

This info really helps! I've been frustrated at my lack of understanding in this area... what I've needed is the "Idiots Guide to Mods and Shipsets.'
I thank you for your replies and advice; and, if I have more problems I'll be back!
Peace.