Modifications: Difference between revisions

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The mission modifications are even harder to produce. First, mission script for game must present in compiled form, which require use of special compiler/decompiler tools for any changes. Second, script language not officially documented, worse, each script editor have own interpretation of it. Finally, many script features depend on hardcoded functions in game executable, which can lead to unexpected troubles with different usage approaches, game region versions, official patches and even dependences on end-user hardware. These results with mission modifications are usually simple gameplay missions. Most often used mission script editor is ''Mission Builder'' by ''Barton Waterduck'' and its derivative, [http://sannybuilder.com/ Sanny Builder].
The mission modifications are even harder to produce. First, mission script for game must present in compiled form, which require use of special compiler/decompiler tools for any changes. Second, script language not officially documented, worse, each script editor have own interpretation of it. Finally, many script features depend on hardcoded functions in game executable, which can lead to unexpected troubles with different usage approaches, game region versions, official patches and even dependences on end-user hardware. These results with mission modifications are usually simple gameplay missions. Most often used mission script editor is ''Mission Builder'' by ''Barton Waterduck'' and its derivative, [http://sannybuilder.com/ Sanny Builder].


For Total Conversions tools that are even more specific are needed, like ped & traffic paths editor, [[GXT]] (texts) editor, interface (menu) editor and so on. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to do more than you are capable of. Do not expect to be able to recreate your favorite car in a few hours, many modifications take months.
For Total Conversions, even more specific tools needed, like ped & traffic paths editor, [[GXT]] (texts) editor, interface (menu) editor and so on. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to do more than you are capable of. Do not expect to be able to recreate your favorite car in a few hours, many modifications take months.


==Installing Modifications==
==Installing Modifications==


Vehicles, player and weapons modifications are usually constructed on replacement of already present game objects, because there are limits to number of objects of such kind in game engine, often already filled up by developers, and addition of the new model will require a lot of 'precision' editing in many game files. So the new car, weapon or clothes will replace existing one and all installation is reduced to work with [[IMG]] archives and little editing of one or two game files in text editor. Always do backup of files touched before any changes occurs!
Vehicles, player and weapons modifications are usually constructed on replacement of already present game objects, because there are limits to number of objects of such kind in game engine, often already filled up by developers, and addition of the new model will require a lot of 'precision' editing in many game files. Therefore, the new car, weapon or clothes will replace existing one and all installation is reduced to work with [[IMG]] archives and little editing of one or two game files in text editor. Always do backup of files touched before any changes occurs!


Installation of larger modifications, such as maps, depends on a method chosen by the developer of mod. Some mods are made as file replacements, mod comes in form of archive which you must unpack to original game`s directory. This simplified installation cost large files to download. Other mods come with special installers (''mod installers''), which automates work with IMG archives and text-files editing. Both methods usually uncompatible with other mods present, so you must install them over special fresh installation of the original game.
Installation of larger modifications, such as maps, depends on a method chosen by the developer of mod. Some mods are made as file replacements, mod comes in form of archive which you must unpack to original game`s directory. This simplified installation cost large files to download. Other mods come with special installers (''mod installers''), which automates work with IMG archives and text-files editing. Both methods usually uncompatible with other mods present, so you must install them over special fresh installation of the original game.
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Some gamers consider modifications to spoil the integrity and theme of the game - for example, they don't think a 2005 Lamborghini belongs in a fictitious 1990s world, although you can make your own decisions on these matters.
Some gamers consider modifications to spoil the integrity and theme of the game - for example, they don't think a 2005 Lamborghini belongs in a fictitious 1990s world, although you can make your own decisions on these matters.


Most modifications does not alter the status of your game. However, if you install a modification that edits or replaces the mission script file, you will have to begin a new game (except in rare cases), or use a provided savegame created for that specific modification. The game will crash immediately if tried to load an old savegame file.
Most modifications do not alter the status of your game. However, if you install a modification that edits or replaces the mission script file, you will have to begin a new game (except in rare cases), or use a provided savegame created for that specific modification. The game will crash immediately if tried to load an old savegame file.


Modifications that were badly coded (mainly missions) or contain many hi-quality textures and models may results with game performance degradation, jerky framerate and various graphical glitches, especially on old hardware.
Modifications that were badly coded (mainly missions) or contain many hi-quality textures and models may results with game performance degradation, jerky framerate and various graphical glitches, especially on old hardware.
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