Modding newbie questions

[FM WarB]

I have done scenario design in HPS games. I've created new units files. I've created oob files, pdt files, etc in Wordpad. I am impressed with how open this game is to modification. I have learned to do things incrementally, so when something fails, you can find the error without too much delay and foot stomping/hair pulling.

What are the best ways to do scenario and oob modifications for BoA incrementally, testing as you go, without affecting the rest of the game?

Of course I'd like to see a fully featured scenario/oob editor, but think I can figure out what's available with some guidance.

[lodilefty]

I have done scenario design in HPS games. I've created new units files. I've created oob files, pdt files, etc in Wordpad. I am impressed with how open this game is to modification. I have learned to do things incrementally, so when something fails, you can find the error without too much delay and foot stomping/hair pulling.

What are the best ways to do scenario and oob modifications for BoA incrementally, testing as you go, without affecting the rest of the game?

Of course I'd like to see a fully featured scenario/oob editor, but think I can figure out what's available with some guidance.

First, surf through the mod forums to get a feel for what has aready been asked and answered. Since BoA, NCP and AACW all use the same script language, you can learn from all the mod forums.

IMHO, you should always use the database - csv - csv splitter method. It's harder to learn the file parsing, but easier to make changes. The DB is a set of Excel spreadsheets [I use Open Office], and the files are available in the forums.

Second, if you build you mod with format for JSGME [ Jones Generic Mod something something ], it becomes very easy to swap your mod in and out. This means being careful what files you change or add, but it's better in the end....

There's a bit of a learning curve, but there are a lot of people that can help you through it.

Good Luck, go get 'em....

[FM WarB]

Thankyou for your reply.
I saw JSMGE link on another thread. I shall use it.
I have Quattro Pro vers 11 as my spreadsheet program. It can save files in XLS or CVS format. I have been using it to look at various BoA "database" files in XLS format. Should I be able to use it for editing as well?

[lodilefty]

Thankyou for your reply.
I saw JSMGE link on another thread. I shall use it.
I have Quattro Pro vers 11 as my spreadsheet program. It can save files in XLS or CVS format. I have been using it to look at various BoA "database" files in XLS format. Should I be able to use it for editing as well?

Yes. I usually 'save as' a new spreadsheet to preserve the 'vanilla' files for reference. The edit away! I've based everything I've done on existing scenarios, events, etc. by shamelessly copying and editing!

I haven't found a comprehensive reference for all the commands and variables as used in the database, although the attached file has a lot of good info [in case you haven't already found it!]. The 'newer' BoA engine has brought in some of the AACW capability, so reviewing those DB and such can also stimulate some good ideas...
The AACW wiki has some good mod info, but it approaches this via direct editing of the text fies [that were generated by the splitter or the scenario editor].

Double check your csv files 'save as': you MUST be able to define the 'Field Delimiter' as ; [semicolon], and 'Text Delimiter' as blank or nothing. Else the splitter will likely throw a gagging fit.....

There are a few critical files that I haven't found a way to use the DB. If you're getting into weather, region editing, 'grand areas', or such, we'll talk. Maybe we can solve that puzzle together!

Take your time to understand 'Models' and 'Units' before changing them. This is where I created the most errors for myself until I got the drift....

Sorry if I've bounced around a bit.
I'm learning new stuff every day. It's fun!

[FM WarB]

Double check your csv files 'save as': you MUST be able to define the 'Field Delimiter' as ; [semicolon], and 'Text Delimiter' as blank or nothing. Else the splitter will likely throw a gagging fit.....


Take your time to understand 'Models' and 'Units' before changing them. This is where I created the most errors for myself until I got the drift....

Sorry if I've bounced around a bit.
I'm learning new stuff every day. It's fun!

It doesnt appear Quattro pro allows me to define field and text delimiters.

I've been studying models and units, as that's where my initial modding interest lies.

Thanks for your reply.

[lodilefty]

It doesnt appear Quattro pro allows me to define field and text delimiters.

I've been studying models and units, as that's where my initial modding interest lies.

Thanks for your reply.

I'm not familiar with Quatro Pro, but these delimiter definitions should be there somewhere? separators? maybe it uses Export vs. save as?

For a test, save as csv and see what it's using.....

Models and units:
The model defines the basic element. That's where all the attributes, abilities, ranks, etc. get defined.
Units are the groups of elements that actually get called into the game.

To mod leaders, you do the Model file, then the units using that model automatically get it.
To do a new leader rank [while keeping the old one], you modify or create new in both models and units.
New units are handy for things that aren't there now, like Canadian Regiments fighting for the USA.

Tell me if I'm belaboring the obvious, as once I get going, I can't shut up!!!!

[FM WarB]

Have no fear of belaboring; (semicolon, not comma) You are probably only pre answering another question!
Those deliminator changes are not possible in Quattro pro, and the file generated uses commas, not semicolons. I guess I'll have to get that open office.

Re. Canadians fighting for the Americans; I try to come up with a good idea every once in a while, too.

[lodilefty]

Have no fear of belaboring; (semicolon, not comma) You are probably only pre answering another question!
Those deliminator changes are not possible in Quattro pro, and the file generated uses commas, not semicolons. I guess I'll have to get that open office.

Re. Canadians fighting for the Americans; I try to come up with a good idea every once in a while, too.

Good ideas are hard to find. Keep them coming!

Best news: Open Office is FREE. Really! I dumped my old MS Office [which was 'orifice' 95 anyway]

[FM WarB]

Nice to meet you, Lodi,
I am in Green Mountain boy country. (Where is the independent republic of Vermont region?)
I've been studying up on this era lately, and think this game engine enhanced, no doubt with BoA2 can model this warfare well. I'm a military historian, oob researcher by avocation.
I shall have to get that office program. I've used Quattro pro for so long, I'm used to it, and its better than Exel. I only use my Wordperfect to read documents posted in that silly MS Word format. (I Hope Bill Gates is not reading this post.)
I'll probably have to stick a second 512 RAM card in my machine.

Why has no one responded to my What is an Element post?

Warren