27 replies to this topic

[ThElderGod]

I wanna start a bit of modding experience, I am a fast learner. But I need help.

Can someone give me links, or at least a direction to the Programs I'll need?

[Ridder Geel]

http://www.the3rdage.net/
Visit that site... Alot of information and downloadable programs and such which you may need
Also there are many beginner tutorials to help you get started

[ThElderGod]

Thanks =]

[Kwen]

Make sure to focus on one element of modding at a time (start with skinning for example).

Trying to tackle all aspects at once is suicide. Trust me.

Edited by SDK Kwen, 04 May 2009 - 10:35 PM.

[ThElderGod]

I hope I can build my skill soon. I'm great with photoshopping, So, I'm going to take these tutorials then I'll check back.

[Gfire]

Try here.

The Community Project will also be great for you to get some experience. It would be great if you just got a little practice with a few parts of modding while we are deciding the content of the mod there.

I'd love to help you in any way I can.

BTW, have you done any mapping?

[ThElderGod]

Ive done some mappings. They're okay. 1 v 1 though.

[Gfire]

Well, that's good. Mapping doesn't really count as modding but most mods do include maps, so it is a good skill to have. Mapping combined with modding can really produce great work, so keep that in mind.

Um... No map.ini work, though, right?

[ThElderGod]

Elaborate, I'm a hands on guy, not good with terms. I'm working on a make "Northern Celos River" right now. It's NorthEast to Lebenin, looking good so far. How do you make the maps graphics look like BFME official maps?

[Ridder Geel]

As in the Symbol in the map selection menu or just make them look good?

[ThElderGod]

Yeah, the symbol in the map selection Menu and the Loading map picture.

[m@tt]

Minimaps: http://www.the3rdage.net/item-111

Loading Image: Make a 128x128px image, save it as mapname_pic.tga

General advice: http://www.the3rdage.net/item-311


The symbol - I presume that indicates whether it is an official map or not. This is decided by the mapcache.ini file, which is present in Maps.big and in your My Battle for Middle-earth Files. You could try editing the latter and changing Official=No to Official=Yes, but it may get overwritten by the game or WB.

[Ridder Geel]

If the mapcache is auto generated that will be overwritten, but its the only way, so if you want the one that is always official you would need to generate one for your map and make it built into your mod

[ThElderGod]

Thanks for the help. Well, when I finish this map, I'll show you guys, then I'll begin to view to tutorials for textures and things.

[Gfire]

Oh, you fixed your quote. I was wondering if it was supposed to be that way

On topic. You are referring to the map.ini? A map.ini is kinda like a mini-mod for your map. It allows you to change things about objects, just for that map. Try here for a tutorial on them.

Coding on a Map.ini is a simpler, easy way to start coding. It is a little less overwhelming, because it is all in one file. I taught myself the basics of map.ini coding (from looking at other map.inis from maps I got online,) before I even knew what a mod was.

[ThElderGod]

Laugh out loud. (Yes, I spell it out 67% of the time) Yeah, I was in a hurry when I first registered.
Anyways, I'll take that tutorial a bit later, I'm making banners personal use right now. I love to photoshop.

[Gfire]

Yes, me too.

Skinning has come pretty natural to me. I've only made a handful of skins, but I was quite good in photoshop to begin with... You may be the same way. I'd love to see what kind of skin you can make.

But one thing at a time. I don't want to rush you.

[ThElderGod]

I'm good at making fabrics and metals. Faces, no. Any suggestions on it?
Oh, don't worry about not rushing me. I'm a busy person.
I love being busy, Its a hobby =]

Edited by ThElderGod, 05 May 2009 - 03:27 PM.

[Gfire]

Well, i've never scratch drawn a face for a skin... I don't think there are any tutorials on it, either. Generally I just paste a face in, or use one of EA's faces... if I'm doing BFME2. I can't really reuse anything EA did for BFME1. Sometimes I use a combo of images and EA's faces. One time, I used the upper half of Gamling's face, from a picture, with the lower half of EA's Aragorn face... It actually looked pretty good, once I got the lighting all consistent.


For something like a normal unit, it doesn't really matter what the face looks like (as opposed to a hero who's in the movies, where you'll need a specific picture), so I usually just use any good face I can find that seems to fit for something like that.

[ThElderGod]

I suppose thats a great Idea all in itself. I guess I will try that after I finish the map. You familiar with the Celos River?