6 replies to this topic

[lovalmidas]

Now that the map editor has been out for a while, some of you might have been meddling with it and making hellspawns across the Internet and discord space. You cheeky little devils. >:-D

 

I would like to share with you some of the more interesting techniques I have developed and/or used over my past work in MO3.0. They don't number too many, but it is enough to give players some headaches.   

 

Note: If you do not know how to create a simple reinforcement using the map editor (and related editing tools like Notepad), ignore this thread. Learn the basics first. Maybe someone would be able to create a tutorial, or you can figure things like how we figure out LEGO.

 

The first entry will be in my next post.

 

 

[lovalmidas]

Randomizer

 

Purpose:

To create a trigger set to emulate the random function. RA2 does not support direct randomization, but there is a way. We will find a way. >:-D

 

Requirements:

• Some proficiency in Trigger management. (must be proficient in using the Enable / Disable Trigger actions) 
• One initialization trigger to start the randomization process.
• Several triggers for each random outcome (not limited, but recommended not to go over 20.)

 

Setup:

See below image:

Early Uses (not limited to these):

• Allied Coop: Attack on Buggy (Escorts for the Bomb Buggies, Bomb Buggy paths are randomized after the 2nd bomb buggy)
• Epsilon Coop: Brain Reset (Russian barracks 'production', Chinese and PF reinforcements)
• Soviet Covert Operation: Archetype (spawning the Soviet Tech Center)

[lovalmidas]

Binary Counter

 

Purpose:

To create a trigger set to emulate a counting function. RA2 does not counting everything (especially not very customized conditions), but there is a way. We will find a way. >:-D

 

Requirements:

• Did not fail at Math (know at least how to count in Binary)
• Some proficiency in Trigger management. (must be proficient in using the Set / Clear Locals actions) 
• Have a basic proficiency on using Local Variables.
• One Local variable to toggle 'addition'
• One initialization trigger to perform the 'addition'.
• Several Local variables to store the counter, one for every power of two.
  • Powers of two: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, ...
• Several triggers to handle the 'carrying over' process to save the addition to the counter.

 

Setup:

See below image:

Early Uses (not limited to these):

• Allied Coop: Attack on Buggy (There are ~12 Bomb Buggies to intercept, this counter monitors the number already destroyed by you)

[DoctorEvil]

Thank you a lot, lovalmidas! These might come in handy someday. I have planned to create a mission map (called "Hallowed be thy name"), so teaching us advanced techniques is indeed very swell!

Right now I have one question in mind concerning scripting:

 

How do I include better functioning texts?

At the moment I use the text script with underlines, which (ingame) creates a text like this: "MISSING: Yuri:_"How_puny_of_you!"" This technique works, but looks really stupid and amateurish in my opinion, not to mention that it's uncomfortable to read for the players. Is there a way to implement texts without manipulating the .mix-files? I know there was an easy option in the "C&C 3: Kanes Wrath"-Worldbuilder by adding it to a seperate text file, but how can I do this in Final Alert 2?

[Terminal Velocity]

You need to create a String Table (.csf file). You can do it with XCC Mixer, or download a nice tool called Turbo String Table Editor. From what I understand, that file has to be placed in a game's root directory and must be named stringtablexx.csf (replace xx with a number).

Edited by Terminal Velocity, 12 April 2018 - 12:22 AM.

[DoctorEvil]

Hmmm ... this sounds good, thanks. I'll try this out. I assume that this only works in skirmish, unless the players also download the .csf-file manually.  

[Derxwna Kapsyla]

If you make and distribute maps with custom text, you'll need to distribute the .csf file to go along with it.