Mod System Analyised (long)

[Darwin]

I went through and tested everything about the new Mod system. I must say its a VAST improvment. Way to go Arron.

Analysis of v1.27 Mod System

Ai Directory.
If the Mod Directory contains a directory named AI, this directory will be used instead of the SE4/Ai/ directory. This Directory must contain all the Default_Ai files.
Defualt_AI_Anger.txt
Defualt_AI_Construction_Facilities.txt
Defualt_AI_Construction_Vehicles.txt
Defualt_AI_DesignCreation.txt
Defualt_AI_Fleets.txt
Defualt_AI_General.txt
Defualt_AI_Planet_Types.txt
Defualt_AI_Politics.txt
Defualt_AI_Research.txt
Defualt_AI_Settings.txt
Defualt_AI_Speech.txt
Defualt_AI_Strategies.txt

There can be any nubmer of Sub-Directories under this Folder and they may contain any or all of these files. If a file is not contained in these sub-directories, the program will defualt to the defualt files listed above. These subdirectories will be the choices listed under minister sytles during Empire creation.

Data Directory
If the <ModDirectory>/Data directory exist it must contain all of the Data files, If the directory does not exist the game will use the Data directory in the base se4 directory.
Abilities.txt
CompEnhancement.txt
Components.txt
Cultures.txt
DefaultColonyTypes.txt
DefaultDesignTypes.txt
DefaultStrategies.txt
Demeanors.txt
EmperorNames.txt
EmperorTitles.txt
Events.txt
Facility.txt
Formations.txt
Happiness.txt
IntelProjects.txt
PlanetSize.txt
QuadrantTypes.txt
RacialTraits.txt
RepairPriorities.txt
SectType.txt
Settings.txt
StellarAbilityTypes.txt
SystemNames.txt
SystemTypes.txt
TechArea.txt
VehicleSize.txt

Dsgnname Directory
If the Mod contains a Dsgnname Directory these will the only DesignName lists text avilible during Empire creation.

Empires Directory
If the Empires Directory exists in the Mod, Only the saved Empires contained in here will be those avilible to open, Further this directory (if exists) will be the defualt save location for .emp files.

Fonts Directory
If Mod direcotory contains a Fonts directory, these will beh the fonts used by the game. Without the ability to modify fonts I couldn't do extensive testing. But if a single file is missing the game will still run, the fonts mearly look different. If anyone can test more completly please send your results to me.

History Directory
As far as I can tell, If a history directory exists within the Mod directory, the game will lock up upon end turn command, saying File not found. Will look into this further, but it doesn't seem needed.

Manual Directory
The game ignores the Manual Dirctory within the Mod Directory, and will continue to link to the Manual Directory in the Base Se4 directory upon clicking the Manual button in help.

Maps Direcotory
If the Mod Directory contains a Maps directory these will be the maps avalible for load, and this will be the defualt save location for saving maps. This works the same as the Empires Directory.

Savegame Directory
Same as Empires, and Maps

Scenarios Direcotry
If this directory exists within the Mod directory, These will be the Scenaries avilible to load. This direcotory SHOULD include scenaries names tutorial, or the tutorial will not run.

Sounds Directory
If this exists within the Mod directory, this will be the sounds used for the game. (Extensive testing was not done here.) Files do not appear to defualt back to base directory. If file is not found system will play speaker beep instead.

Temp Directory
If Mod contains Temp directory, this will be used for temporary files instead of these Temp directory contained in the Base Directory.

Pictures Directory
Saved this one for Last as it is the most complex. And must be broken down in separate directories.
If Pictures Directory is not include the game will use the Pictures directory in the Base directory.

Pictures/Combat Directory
If this directory exists these will be the files used for combat animations and images. If an image is missing the default will be used.

Pictures/Components
Same as Combat

Pictures/Events
Same as Combat

Pictures/Facilities
Same as Combat

Pictures/Game
Same as Combat, execpt if game directory exists, mouse cursors must be included for the game will use defualt windows mouse cursors.

Pictures/Planets
Same as Combat

Pictures/RaceGeneric
Same as Combat

Pictures/RaceNeutral
The subdirectories here will be those avilble as nuetral empires for random generation. If images are missing the defaults will be used. If RaceNeutral directory exist but contains no subdirectories the game will cuase error upon game creation, if neutral empires are used.

Pictures/Races
The subdirectories here will be the only RaceStyles avalible for Players or AI. If Races directory exist, must contain at least one subdirectory with AI files, if images are included they will be used, if not the default in the base direcotory will be used.

Pictures/Stellar
Same as Combat

Pictures/Systems
Same as Combat

I hope this is benificial to the Mod making community. I have done my best to make sure information contained within is accurate. If not please contact me, Whiteflame74@hotmail.com