View Full Version : Chronicles Mod: We need scripters
Spawn Hazard
05-07-2008, 05:13
Hello everybody, I am the leader of the Chronicles Team. We are making since last year a modification for Star Wars Jedi Academy (as we are affiliated with MovieBattles as you can see in this website, although that link is outdated), and now we are desperately in need for a map scripter, else this project won't go much far. We are serious and we want serious people to work with us; we are not professionals, but we are doing our best, so I expect everyone that wants to help to do the same. We need people that are active too because we already have 2 scripters but both of them are constantly away from the team so that's why we are in need for it with some urgence. We are thinking about launching a demo soon, but we need people working in our maps. If you want to help us, visit our forum (http://chronicles.lightbb.com/index.htm) and make a thread in the Application's section, you will be anwsered very soon.
Thanks,
Spawn Hazard
Edit: Some of you guys from this community seems to not like the idea of another mod or something or think that our work isn't big deal but I have to say that it is. We are not professionals, but we take our work seriously and we compromise with it to have a quality work, not some wierd **** released in one month. Some of you may think otherwise due to our first screenshots, but that's only development ones to show that we are "actually working". I assure you guys that the final product will be worthy of time and download, but to get there we need your help.
Btw here is our Moddb page so you can get more info about the project: http://www.moddb.com/mods/chronicles-total-conversion
Ah, nice to see you guys didn't give up. I hope your affiliation with the MB Team helps you!
There's a problem: people have to register on the forums to check it. I know you guys need a growing community, but unfortunately people usually don't want to register an account on a forum just to be able to check it out.
Anyway, good luck guys.
Gunther's right. If you want people to check stuff out, you need to have it available for casual views.
Spawn Hazard
05-07-2008, 17:24
Hmm I guess you guys are right about that.
I think there are scripters in the MBTeam, you should contact them. They're supposed to help you anyway.
Also, post on Filefront forums, Lucas forums, etc. I'm sure you can find some good scripters out there.
Spawn Hazard
05-07-2008, 18:58
Yeah we are trying everywhere... I think so too Gunther, but the MovieBattles Team seems to avoid us when we try to contact them. I've tried to contact Wildebeest many times for example but he never anwsers me...
tanguezo
05-07-2008, 19:18
I think there are scripters in the MBTeam, you should contact them. They're supposed to help you anyway.
The other scripter, Mace, is in vacation, so he can't help us either.
Azuvector
05-07-2008, 19:26
I think so too Gunther, but the MovieBattles Team seems to avoid us when we try to contact them.
What're you needing done, exactly? If it's just "general work on everything, come join our team" not many people are likely to be interested if they're already involved with something else, eg: MBII.
Also depends on what sort of scripting you're needing done: Map scripting, npc scripting(I believe you guys said at some point you were doing an SP mod?), coding(Impossible for SP in JK3) confused with scripting?
Spawn Hazard
05-07-2008, 19:41
It's map scripting, sorry. We need people to make buttons, doors, npcs (enemies etc) working in the map, that's it.
It's map scripting, sorry. We need people to make buttons, doors, npcs (enemies etc) working in the map, that's it.
Wait a minute, you say you are proud of your work but you can't even create a simple button/door/trigger entity?
It's map scripting, sorry. We need people to make buttons, doors, npcs (enemies etc) working in the map, that's it.
So basically you need someone to make the whole mod for you?
prilladog
05-07-2008, 23:20
Why is everyone being rude to this guy for asking for help? -_-'
Spawn Hazard
05-07-2008, 23:41
@prilladog;
Thanks a lot, I wish there could be guys like you around here.
@Frost;
I'm sorry but I do not map or script, I'm just a public relations guy. I never said such thing and neither that this is "my work" since this mod it's being made by a team and not only by me. But since we have only mappers that do not script, we need scripters to work on the map.
@FordPrefect;
I'm just asking for help, you don't need to be rude.
We are trying to make a mod but we can't do everything alone. I think it was a mistake trying to ask for help here.
GoodOlBen
06-07-2008, 01:14
I think you should point your mappers to richdiesal's tutorials. Those are very useful at teaching how to do buttons, npcs etc.
http://www.richdiesal.map-craft.com/tutorials/index.html
So basically you need someone to make the whole mod for you?
buttons in a map is not what i call the whole mod, how rude of you ford :(
@Spawn Hazard: can't the mappers do this themselves? i would think that the things you need for your maps are aspects of mapping that all mappers should know, at least a little :P
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 02:23
Well, I think so Frog, but unfortunately isn't my reality.
Well, I think so Frog, but unfortunately isn't my reality.
you need an irc channel, for lulz and conversations!
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 02:46
Well, just say a server and I'll make it.
We are trying to make a mod but we can't do everything alone. I think it was a mistake trying to ask for help here.
It's shame that some people feel like bashing people's effort.
I don't think it was a bad idea, you guys are AFFILIATED with the MB Team, and even if they can't help much, you should except a minimal support from them.
Just don't listen to those trolling kids...
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 03:13
Thanks Gunther for trying help us. It's difficult to put up with people like those and in the end, we are making this mod for all of you.
Gunman121
06-07-2008, 03:26
Why is everyone being rude to this guy for asking for help? -_-'
Rather ironic.
What the hell is going on lately, prilla dog being nice and everyone else being a jerk o_O.
What's the world coming too!
@Spawn Hazard: I wouldn't mind helping you guys out but I'm kinda tied up with MB2 and another project for the next few months. If something frees me up in the near future I'll look you guys up. I'm really glad to see that the mod is still active; good luck.
UnsungHero
06-07-2008, 03:44
All of the things you listed can be done by the mapper in Radiant
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 04:09
Well I have to be frank with you all, I was thinking about restruturate the Chronicles Team because there are so few people online. Actually there is only 1 mapper that we have news and he is working. Three are missing and one is retired. So we need mappers and scripters :P
WorldsLargestIpod
06-07-2008, 04:47
Why is everyone being rude to this guy for asking for help? -_-'
+ 500XP
+ Light Side Points
The idea of this mod sounds Great; Except for the name... There's a name for this mod i think would be much better but if i said it i'd run the risk of getting banned.
So i'll keep silent.
The JKA mod scene is dying.
There are few people with skills, and even fewer with time.
Post everywhere you can, but don't expect much.
Yea you'd be better off trying this in a completely different engine, one thats newer, allows you to make SP mods with no coding restrictions and has a more active base of modders.
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 07:33
Hmm, for example? I was thinking about that too, but it's difficult to find one. I thought about source engine, but I think is not a very good idea... It's being so difficult already for these guys to make The New Era.
@Frost;
I'm sorry but I do not map or script, I'm just a public relations guy. I never said such thing and neither that this is "my work" since this mod it's being made by a team and not only by me. But since we have only mappers that do not script, we need scripters to work on the map.
I'll apologize on behalf of Frost. He's a bit harsh. He doesn't believe in sugar coating anything at all. It's more helpful to some people, and more harmful to others. The reason for his brutal honesty, Spawn Hazard, is because good mappers should know how to do the kind of scripting you're looking for.
Hell, even bad mappers (like me) know how to do a lot of what you're looking for, and I'm sure I could even figure out how to do the things you're not through simple tutorials.
I don't mean to offend you; I'm simply explaining to you where the harsh, somewhat rude reaction is coming from so that you're not completely confused.
buttons in a map is not what i call the whole mod, how rude of you ford :(
Ford's used to how things work in MB2... you know, where Ace and Wilde make lots of bugs, Azu makes other bugs, and adds some awesome FA stuff, and the mappers do all the positive things.
/hilarity
@prilladog;
Thanks a lot, I wish there could be guys like you around here.
:eek: be careful what you wish for there bud.
It's being so difficult already for these guys to make The New Era.
Haha, Spawn Hazard, the person you just replied to is the project lead of The New Era.
Assassin
06-07-2008, 07:47
Hmm, for example? I was thinking about that too, but it's difficult to find one. I thought about source engine, but I think is not a very good idea... It's being so difficult already for these guys to make The New Era.
Source engine has to be the most mod friendly engine I've ever had the pleasure of using, however if your team's computers can handle it I would suggest the Crytek engine as it's extremely flexible.( be warned though, with great graphics comes a much higher demand for good looking assets)
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 08:26
I thought about Crytek engine too, but I guess only a few of us can handle it, so isn't good for anything. But I'll consider Source engine since I have some experience with it already and we could have some aid from the guys of The New Era, why not? :P
And I guess it's easier to find guys to work in the mod too.
But I'll consider Source engine since I have some experience with it already and we could have some aid from the guys of The New Era, why not? :P
And I guess it's easier to find guys to work in the mod too.
Why don't you just join them instead of working on a separate mod ?
Oh right, you're a public relations guy.
In all honesty, if you have mappers that don't know their stuff, you are doomed to failure. You should had considered getting good mappers instead of average joes and only then you should be asking for particular (read minimal) help in a editing forum like MapCenter or LucasFiles.
My faith in your project wasn't high when you guys started and it just got lowered. Seriously, if one starts to develop a SP mod that aims to recreate the saga battles with mappers (mappers are the key members here since basically you can't fiddle with SP code) that don't know how to make a simple door or a button, you deserve to be bashed.
There are a couple of good to excellent tutorial sites/forums with lots of people that can help you better than us, I'm sure.
PS: When I said "your work" in my previous post here, I actually meant your team's work. Not your specific one, which seems to be null.
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 08:58
@Frost;
It wouldn't be a bad idea but I don't think they would accept me and I have faith in my project. You have the right to say whatever you think, I don't expect everybody to like the mod or I don't want to force no one to do so. Maybe you are right about the mappers, that's why I'm considering changing our paths now, but there is no need to be hard with us, we are trying and we deserve respect.
If you think that my work is null, then I'm sorry for you. Isn't easy to lead up a project and it takes time, it needs a coordenate and organized mind to do it and I accepted the job after a long time without a leader to say what the guys should do. And I am a 26 years old guy that has a real job which takes lots of my time, so I can't stay focused as I wanted in the mod, that's why I rather stay in the public relations, because I can't find enough time to learn how to make stuff. I'm sorry too if you are good enough to actually mod something, something that I don't do, but there are some guys out there that have to work hard to be someone in life and they can't waste their time doing that. Still, I want to make a mod, and I am sure that I can lead one.
tanguezo
06-07-2008, 12:17
Hello guys.
I'm one of the few active members from Chronicles' team.
I agree with those who says we should change of game engine and going to Source Engine but we are going to crash ourselves even more if we start our work anew without a good staff. Joining the New Era team would be truly awesome for us, but would them accept us?
What I mean is that we are even more stranger to Source Engine that we were to Quake Engine (well personaly I am). Well, on an other side I'm sound engineer, so the game engine isn't the biggest point of view for me.
So maybe if we make a kind of section inside of the The New Era mod for us that is meant to make a solo way of the same mod it could be realisable. But I don't think starting anew on Source Engine would be reasonnable, this kind of decision goes to New Era's leader (Lindsey, if I'm not wrong).
One thing that we learned with our community is that they don't care what you do. They want you to deliver and they want it now.
In my view (and we already discussed this before), the public relations guy is that lazy guy with no talents that wants to be part of a mod. Leading takes skill, sure, but it strikes me as odd to have leaders that never really made stuff for their own mod.
If you don't have enough time, then it would make sense that you got a co-leader or something like that in order to make the mod move.
Your mappers will get my respect when they show that they can make basic stuff in Radiant. Till then I suggest they take a look at one of these:
MapCenter (http://www.levelmakers.com/community/viewforum.php?f=75&sid=5ba0acba15e4422c0dc68e403838d57b)
Lucasfiles (http://www.lucasforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=540)
=Someone=
06-07-2008, 16:36
@Frost;
It wouldn't be a bad idea but I don't think they would accept me and I have faith in my project. You have the right to say whatever you think, I don't expect everybody to like the mod or I don't want to force no one to do so. Maybe you are right about the mappers, that's why I'm considering changing our paths now, but there is no need to be hard with us, we are trying and we deserve respect.
If you think that my work is null, then I'm sorry for you. Isn't easy to lead up a project and it takes time, it needs a coordenate and organized mind to do it and I accepted the job after a long time without a leader to say what the guys should do. And I am a 26 years old guy that has a real job which takes lots of my time, so I can't stay focused as I wanted in the mod, that's why I rather stay in the public relations, because I can't find enough time to learn how to make stuff. I'm sorry too if you are good enough to actually mod something, something that I don't do, but there are some guys out there that have to work hard to be someone in life and they can't waste their time doing that. Still, I want to make a mod, and I am sure that I can lead one.
Sorry if this sounds a tad harsh, but a "PR guy" should excel at argumenting convincingly and be able to put his mod in the right light when under fire and you're really not doing a good job at all, at times you're - in all honesty - not even decent in english.
As I said, no offense meant, but if you really value your mod, you might want to consider to give that job to someone else or take the time to look how people who are successful in the same position (Leader and PR manager) handle it; Darth.Hunter (Leader of TNE) would f.i. be a good example.
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 17:13
I'm willing to learn something and being useful too. PR isn't exactly what I wanted to be called either, but considering my lack of time, it's difficult. In other hand, I have some experience with source engine and I might be able to help more in this one, but is not a promise. I know I am not being such a leader now, but I'm just asking for help because I don't know what to do next because it doesn't depends only on me; we have a team and what they decide I'm in. And I am not a lazy guy that wants to be part of the mod, I started it and I am planning to go further.
(Sorry for the english in the lastest posts, I wrote that at 4 am or something, and sorry for this one either, I don't pay time to review my english all the time)
I fully agree that you should get a leader who has a lot of time and holidays (ie: an University student), who can help making the mod (even if he can only make basic simple tasks, like sorting the boring PK3 stuff, etc.). If you don't have much free time, you should get a leader, or a co-leader if you really want to stick to your place.
I suggest you put order within the team and get a true leader. Right now you guys really can't go far with such crappy organization. Being affiliated with MBII won't magically help you much.
Anyway, hope I help, and good luck!
If you're looking for somebody who can script SP stuff talk to Wector the guy who did the movie duels mod.
But I have to agree with Frost and Someone you need to sort it out or your mods just going to die out like so many before.
To be fair, I think they tried to get the best mappers they could. I don't consider myself a great mapper (by any means) but I certainly got an invitation to join the team early on. I had to decline for much the same reasons I mentioned above, but I disagree with the lazy comments. As I understand it, one of the driving forces behind this mod is to do what a certain other mod promised without actually, you know, ripping people off and being generally nasty. For that I give them props and wish them well.
@Spawn... It sounds like you're not taking any of the crits personally. I think that's good because a lot of good points are made that would benefit the mod in the long term.
(TBH I don't know if attempting to join TNE is a great idea though... for TNE or Chronicles. I totally agree with Plas... hooking up with Wector (if he's down with it) would be a great idea. The death of the JKA mod scene is tragically exaggerated IMO.)
tanguezo
06-07-2008, 19:32
In my view (and we already discussed this before), the public relations guy is that lazy guy with no talents that wants to be part of a mod. Leading takes skill, sure, but it strikes me as odd to have leaders that never really made stuff for their own mod.
I'm sorry but I totally disagree with you. Spawn is the one who has as much motivation to take care of our forum, website, to take care about applications, to what must do what and stuff like that. Stuff like other guys like me couldn't do ;)
I'm sorry but I totally disagree with you. Spawn is the one who has as much motivation to take care of our forum, website, to take care about applications, to what must do what and stuff like that. Stuff like other guys like me couldn't do ;)
And he's busy. He has a job and not much free time. He can't lead properly, you need a real leader who has time, as I said earlier. He might be motivated and all, he just can't be the leader.
Don't get me wrong, I fully support him and Chronicles, that's why I'm saying having a real leader would improve the development considerably.
I'm sorry but I totally disagree with you. Spawn is the one who has as much motivation to take care of our forum, website, to take care about applications, to what must do what and stuff like that. Stuff like other guys like me couldn't do ;)
Im sorry but I meant actual mod work. Not formalities like site management.
And he's busy. He has a job and not much free time.
And you think that we don't have jobs and lots of free time? Get serious, please.
eGL|Darth.Hunter
06-07-2008, 20:20
That's a difficult situation you guys are in. You basically want to achieve (with honest means) what KotF has promised and failed at. The biggest problem with your project is that there is no singleplayer SDK. Although I'm no coding expert and I don't know how exactly this has been done in MB2, I would already be wondering how you would for instance add a Droideka to the game, which surely plays an important role in these singleplayer missions.
The second difficult part is that with rapidly developing technology, the expectations (visually) are high. MB2 is currently the only project that really keeps up the flag for JKA and they're famous for their great assets. Doing an SP mod for that game will surely raise the expectations of players that follow the development of your mod.
As a conclusion, the level designers are definately the key members in your team, as others mentioned as well. The task of a level designer however is not restricted to visual work only, but also the functional part - which is what you mean with map scripting.
Just to give you an example: In Movie Battles B15, I had the idea that the gameplay from Counter-Strike's dust2 would fit in the mod well. The first community map "Assault on Mos Espa" was brought to life. Unfortunately however, MB2 had no such entity as a bomb. So, I had to use the given entities to create a construct that would work similar to an actual bomb entity.
This turned out to be a massive amount of work. I ended up using NPC scripting code to do the countdown and detonation for the bomb. If the demand had been higher (more maps of that kind), coding such an entity could have become an option for the coders. By doing a JKA singleplayer mod, you don't have this option, so the level designers will need to find ways to have enough interactivity to make their missions enjoyable.
And here comes the bottom line: When a level designer starts working on an SP level, he has a storyline and a level flow in mind. This concept already contains interactive parts and events. Because just slashing through a level without anything happening (scripted scenes, surprises, traps or else) is not very attractive.
Now, imagine a level designer that has good ideas for the level he's working on, but doesn't really know which scripting possibilities he has. This will ultimately lead him into dead end and it might turn out that the map geometry no longer makes sense.
To avoid this, level designers should be aware of the possibilities they have. It won't bring your team much forward if you only 'employ' other people to do the scripting. You need to educate your level designers so they can do it. By doing so, they can also exchange their ideas and help one another. You don't run into bottlenecks as if you were taking external people just for scripting.
That being said, MapCenter and Richdiesal are pretty much the best resources you can get to learn interactive map scripting.
As much as I understand your situation, this is my best suggestion I can give you. Level design simply contains visuals as well as functionality. If your designers do not learn this, the mod won't come far - at least that's my personal prediction. I have experienced this situation frequently: Level designers having awesome ideas, building very detailed and complex maps, just to find out at the very ending that it won't work out. This can make people very frustrated, eventually ending in them dropping out of the project entirely.
And you think that we don't have jobs and lots of free time? Get serious, please.
Seeing how it takes almost a year to release a new build, I'm pretty sure you do. But I'm talking about the leader anyway. Their mod has still pretty much no base right now, because their leader has not much time to spend for the mod. The project is just not progressing.
They need a leader who has enough free time to make things move.
What I'm saying is obvious.
tanguezo
06-07-2008, 20:58
And he's busy. He has a job and not much free time. He can't lead properly, you need a real leader who has time, as I said earlier. He might be motivated and all, he just can't be the leader.
Don't get me wrong, I fully support him and Chronicles, that's why I'm saying having a real leader would improve the development considerably.
He isn't really our leader, well he doesn't want to be. I already proposed to get a leader who has free time, I started some kind of elections but Spawn refused that. He says that Chronicles had no leader and it won't start for now. For me, I think we should get one... however, he said too that he should be someone that the team know perfectly (like someone who's already a member) but we are only 3 and I don't think any of us could be ready for this, kind of stupid problem :rolleyes:
Spawn Hazard
06-07-2008, 22:14
Yeah, indeed Tanguezo is right. I never asked to be a leader, but times have changed and to avoid letting the mod die, I had to act. The thing is, it's difficult to accept anyone to be a leader of a mod because it needs to be someone that have responsability and this person must at least stay on the lead until the end of the mod, but how do you know such things in one minute? You need someone that is already known by everybody, but like Tang said, there are only 3, 4 members working... What I am saying is that we can't just take a person that wants to be a leader if you don't know this person well.
I thank Darth.Hunter for coming here giving some nice hints.
@p!ng, Gunther;
Really thanks for the support.
Yea you'd be better off trying this in a completely different engine, one thats newer, allows you to make SP mods with no coding restrictions and has a more active base of modders.
you mean an engine that is so saturated with mods that every time one gets released it receives about as much attention as a fart in a tornado?
Personally I think its a little harsh to treat these guys with such well..rudeness. Granted a faux pas was made in this thread in regards to mapping and it has become apparent that they as a team need to learn some fundamentals if they are going to get anywhere, but it isnt an insult or an act of aggression to ask for help.
The reason the Chronicles mod are affiliates is because they are respectful, genuinly nice people who just want to attempt a mod project. If they end up kicking things up a level then our affiliation can become beneficial for both sides, but if they dont manage to make that step up its not like it harms anyone.
^Weedsmoker
07-07-2008, 02:58
Mods come and go, but insutling creators sure doens't help modders stay in the community...
selman_akinci
11-12-2008, 20:50
Hello guys,
I am jedilight from Chronicles Team, also a full time noobish Mb2 player in AOD. For those who dont check Moddb.com or Jk3files.com I wanted to post the demo here so maybe we could get more feedback, opinions or even volunteers.
Regards,
Enjoy
LINKY to download: http://www.moddb.com/mods/chronicles-total-conversion
Jack of Blades
11-12-2008, 21:43
Everything ran smoothly for me.One time i just got freaked out when i somehow touched qui gon and he ahayahahah charges me.I can't wait for the full realise.
You are advertising a mod on another mods website? But then again it is for sp so it doesnt exactly clash with mb2 but w/e anyway great mod ive played the demo and you might want to change the bit where you have to step in a certain place when you are near the door that qui-gon tries to saber through
selman_akinci
11-12-2008, 22:07
You are advertising a mod on another mods website? But then again it is for sp so it doesnt exactly clash with mb2 but w/e anyway great mod ive played the demo and you might want to change the bit where you have to step in a certain place when you are near the door that qui-gon tries to saber through
Well, this mod is the affiliate of Mb2 and this topic's main purpose was not advertising actually... I hope i haven't done anything wrong :D
The demo was released a month or 2 ago so we already fixed that problem and changed the trigger to a timed one instead of a walk in one..
They are affiliated with us, yes. I'll check out your mod to see what you have achieved.
Let's see if I was too harsh or not in my previous criticisms :p
Golden Mando Bro
11-12-2008, 22:18
Seeing how it takes almost a year to release a new build, I'm pretty sure you do. But I'm talking about the leader anyway. Their mod has still pretty much no base right now, because their leader has not much time to spend for the mod. The project is just not progressing.
They need a leader who has enough free time to make things move.
What I'm saying is obvious.
Really, you do realize how much work is put into every build..., to avoid flaming infraction points, im just going to let you figure out why that was a stupid comment.
Ok, I played the demo.
Level Design
Level Design plays a very important key on SP mods. Since you can't change the code, it's really up to the level designer to come up with new ways of entertaining the player.
The level design seems unimaginative, with huge loads of corridors copypasted over. While the hallways are nicely recreated from the movie (lighting needs some touches in some areas), they get boring if that's all that you are going to get in the level.
Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with loads of hallways as long as the gameflow leads me in the right way without me having to go back and fourth trying to find the right door to move on. This is something that will need some looking into because it is very important from a gameplay point of view. Some additional rooms with goodies in them wouldn't hurt to break it up.
Another thing that I noticed is that sometimes the enemies just spawn out of thin air. There was this time in a hallway where I was walking and suddently I look back and 4 droids just show up out of the blue. Additional rooms would fix this. Make them spawn inside something and then coming out to get you.
Gameplay
Well, I know there's not much to expect here since it's Base JKA but I think the level designing and scripting can make it worth the while if they know how to pull it off using the limits they are given. I found a wide array of bugs with sometimes taking a bit of Qui Gon's health leading to Mission Failures without any possible explanation as to why (he was still alive).
While Obi Wan's stance is meant to look cool, it's really annoying from a gameplay perspective since it becomes godawful frustrating trying to hit your enemies clean with schizophrenic swings.
The door breach sequence was cool even tho it felt too short. There should be more droids storming in before the dekas come. When the dekas finally arrived it's not a good idea to stop you from moving just to play out an almost unhearable dialogue while being shot at by rolling balls of death.
As soon as I'm finally able to get away from those dekas, quigon seems to disappear as soon as I go through that door. Weird.
So I did the rest of the hallways alone. This is where I got stuck for a while. The final tunnel, apparently only opens if you kill all your enemies. Since I decided to steal the droids guns and have them running away, I ran around wondering where should I go next..
Scripting
I'm slightly divided on this matter. Sometimes you managed to pull it off convincingly, some other times you didn't. I appreciate the effort on trying to recreate the Episode 1 intro but I feel that maybe it should had been addressed better with the real movie scene rather than an ingame sequence (I know that there's copyrights, but since you ripped off the sound from the movie, ripping off some movie scenes too wouldn't hurt at all)..
I personally would start the ingame phase from the hangar bay where Obiwan and Quigon get taken to the poison room. I would shorten most of their walking around tho. Feels boring.
In terms of enemy scripting, I think that you can do alot more with the waypoint technology and behaviour controlling for the droids. Right now it's too much of linear course.
Would be nice to see some minor puzzles too.
Presentation
I noticed some minor replacement in the sounds to fit the movies a bit more. Adds a nice touch. I suggest that you get your hands on some nifty efx replacements too to further enhance the movie experience. It help alot to improve JKA's outdated visuals.
There's not much to say about the models, they're good stuff when they were released some years ago, I just don't like the battledroid models you chose. There's a better one out there.
The menus look fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.
The HUD needs a huge rework. I use to say: the simpler the game, the simpler the HUD. While what you got is simple in quantity, it just takes too much of the player's view and gets distracting rather than helpful. White for the HUD frame looks bad and it takes too much of the players visual attention. I would go for something smoother, perhaps even semitransparent and that contrasts better with the stats color.
Another thing: never switch the color code around for the diverse types of stats. Using green for health is really confusing when there's another stat that uses the red color.
Final Result
3 out of 5
Not as bad as I expected. Still, for a demo, it leaves much more to be desired. Looks like you're on the right way but there's alot that you can improve for it to be worth the while and a overall good SP mod.
selman_akinci
12-12-2008, 04:57
Some additional rooms with goodies in them wouldn't hurt to break it up.
Yes, I realized we need more rooms, this demo didnt really have missions in it, it was planned as a droid hunt. The game will have some real missions in it like planting bombs, taking out shields.
Another thing that I noticed is that sometimes the enemies just spawn out of thin air.
Fixed
I found a wide array of bugs with sometimes taking a bit of Qui Gon's health leading to Mission Failures without any possible explanation as to why (he was still alive).
We have experienced some difficulties with qui-qon attacking you out of nowhere, as one of the testers i have never seen it, we are trying to find a solution.
While Obi Wan's stance is meant to look cool, it's really annoying from a gameplay perspective since it becomes godawful frustrating trying to hit your enemies clean with schizophrenic swings.
We are looking into some new saber animations but a SP code would make everything more beautiful
The menus look fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.
We (I as UI coder) will be trying on doing a some kind of galaxy map which will launch all missions saving you from a long save list. I know menus are basic but I am glad at least I was able to make one :D
The HUD needs a huge rework.
Will be done, I am also thinking about a HUD changer so people can choose whichever HUD they want but I am not sure about the possibility.
Not as bad as I expected. Still, for a demo, it leaves much more to be desired. Looks like you're on the right way but there's alot that you can improve for it to be worth the while and a overall good SP mod.
Thanks, we are also trying to give the best experience and achieve to be a mod like Mb2 but many people are scared of our idea due to our ancestor KOTF who owned same goal.
Spawn Hazard
12-12-2008, 06:02
I thank you Frost and everybody else for the commentaries. As you may know, a demo holds a lot of bugs, some visual problems and a simplicity of everything. Modding for SP is quite difficult already without the sources, but we try to do our best to make it a quality mod. I think the HUD looks very simple in fact, it was made in a hurry for the demo release, but we will try to come up with something better next time.
Guys, a demo (short word for the "demonstration") is what players will get as the final product with the exception of some minor bugs. You should had named this "beta" or "alpha" if you plan on changing the game further..
LewsTherin
12-12-2008, 07:34
I'm impressed. I think this would be incredibly epic if done on a newer, modable engine.
Damn this looks interesting! Downloading.
Spawn Hazard
12-12-2008, 16:49
Yeah, I wanted it to be called Beta, but the guys decided it should be called demo.
Jack of Blades
12-12-2008, 16:53
Id like to ask the makers.Does the demo have realistic sabers mode on.I have so much stuff in my game that i realy arent sure.When i touched Qui Gon with realistic saber he did atack me.Check it out if you havent tried.
Spawn Hazard
12-12-2008, 17:27
Yes, it does.
Yeah the scenes weren't the best and the voice useage weren't all to great, a script would definitely smoothen the whole mod out. As for the maps it really needs more detail... Since it's a SP map every wall needs atleast detail shown in movies etc.
Also if possible I'd like to see Moviebattle's saber fighting in it, not the Base JKA one don't know if it can be done but if it can... do include it :P
Same for gunning etc...
I also disliked the way the NPC's spawned behind you etc. Just spawn them immediatly the map starts, and set the triggers smarter now, further away and make them come to you, not standing still and script will help with this aswel. Ohh well good mod though. :)
Played the demo, thought it was pretty good. I agree with what Frost and ixin have said; if you can improve the visuals, effects, and if possible get the mb2 saber, gun fighting system it would be awesome. The base JKA fighting annoyed me, can't even block :confused:
Also, yeah if you could give Obi Wan the original blue style from base and mb2 and not the tavion/cyan stance, found it hard sometimes to hit them damn droids. Another thing there should be an option on each mission to play as a diff character, so basically in the mission from the demo, you should be able to play as Qui Gonn or Obi Wan.
This mod could be epic if done right.
Spawn Hazard
14-12-2008, 02:22
Yeah the scenes weren't the best and the voice useage weren't all to great, a script would definitely smoothen the whole mod out. As for the maps it really needs more detail... Since it's a SP map every wall needs atleast detail shown in movies etc.
Also if possible I'd like to see Moviebattle's saber fighting in it, not the Base JKA one don't know if it can be done but if it can... do include it :P
Same for gunning etc...
I also disliked the way the NPC's spawned behind you etc. Just spawn them immediatly the map starts, and set the triggers smarter now, further away and make them come to you, not standing still and script will help with this aswel. Ohh well good mod though. :)
If you read, the NPC's spawns were corrected already. About the voice usage and script, could you be more clear? :rolleyes: What do you mean with script? The lines are the same from the movies (exactly the same). We actually thought about casting people to make the voices but unfortunately it's hard to find people that has voices similar to some characters.
About the saber system, of course we would love to make a better one, but keep in mind that this is singleplayer, so we can't do much (although we are already trying).
It's difficult to come up with stuff for the missions based in the movies because most of the scenes do not include so many details (for example, the demo's mission is based on a fight scene with a few droids in one spot of a corridor), but we always try to come up with something different and original. But that was only a beta, so most probably there will be differences between this version and the final product.
Played the demo, thought it was pretty good. I agree with what Frost and ixin have said; if you can improve the visuals, effects, and if possible get the mb2 saber, gun fighting system it would be awesome. The base JKA fighting annoyed me, can't even block :confused:
Also, yeah if you could give Obi Wan the original blue style from base and mb2 and not the tavion/cyan stance, found it hard sometimes to hit them damn droids. Another thing there should be an option on each mission to play as a diff character, so basically in the mission from the demo, you should be able to play as Qui Gonn or Obi Wan.
This mod could be epic if done right.
Just like I had to mention to ixin, some features (read: mostly) that have in MB2 for example can't be used in singleplayer because we don't have the sources. But we are trying to put some stuff like a new saber system, so we will keep everybody informed about it.
The Episode I game had plenty of fill in spaces on the Trade Federation control ship, for example. It's a really good reference on how to find ways to extend gameplay of such a small scene from the movie. I suggest you take a look at them. ;)
Frost ? what kind of job you work in ?
I'm a professional douchebag.
selman_akinci
14-12-2008, 18:51
I'm a professional douchebag.
Wow, no need to be that humble :D
I mean having stationary NPCs just fail you need to add some cool cinematic effects, like once he reaches 50 HP he'll go there with a waypoint etc this will give it a better effect.
Also those droidekas were huge lol :p
With scripting I also meant Waypoints, something you should figure out.
selman_akinci
18-12-2008, 00:25
Is any one here free to help us in our mod? I know most modders here are already engaged in developing Mb2 to be a better mod but still... We would very much appreciate it...
You need to be more specific please. In which areas, do you require help ?
Or did you meant, all ?
From what I've seen, the areas in which you need some help are scripting and mapping. Is there anything else ? Skinning perhaps ?
selman_akinci
18-12-2008, 05:35
We have a really nice skinner and enough time to get models ready, but a little short on mappers and scripters since they take the most time... We have some tatoonie maps, a swamp map and coruscant map on the list... Also some minor editing jobs that are not worth mentioning, also scripting the newly coming maps. Lastly we finished the dotf duel and going on to some theed scripting now..
We have a really nice skinner and enough time to get models ready, but a little short on mappers and scripters since they take the most time... We have some tatoonie maps, a swamp map and coruscant map on the list... Also some minor editing jobs that are not worth mentioning, also scripting the newly coming maps. Lastly we finished the dotf duel and going on to some theed scripting now..
Duels with base fighting system...sigh. If only SP could have RC1's saber system.
peripheralvision
30-12-2008, 01:42
I might be able to help you with the mapping and scripting part of the mod. I'm not a great mapper, but I've been working on my skills for a year and a half now. So I'm somewhat capable; and I definitely know how to do all the things you listed (triggers/doors/NPC's/Buttons/etc).
You should also direct your mapper to this site: http://www.map-craft.com/Tutoriaux.html
It's extremely useful, and here are some of the tutorial links which can show you how to do just what you listed.
Buttons which control doors and which switch textures based on whether door is open or closed (Tutorial by me :rolleyes:): http://www.map-craft.com/modules.php?name=Tutoriaux&rop=tutoriaux&did=150
^^That's one useful tutorial but there are lots more on the main site. And PM me if your interested in my offer to help.
selman_akinci
30-12-2008, 02:57
Thanks a lot, I am trying to map myself too but it is really hard and it would take me years to create maps good enough for our mod...
selman_akinci
03-01-2009, 21:14
*Psssshhhh Double-Post for news"
Also If an admin knows how to embed youtube, it would be really appreciated
Our member Eltran, who is also the maker of the Stalax mod is working on .dll injection which is kinda like editing SP SDK in way (I am just guessing I am not really pro)... I would like to introduce you to the concepts he has been trying to implement to SP. If he suceeds, many opportunities will be opened..
First of all; Guided Missle
This is a really cool thing, imagine being maul and being trained by sidious. He tells you to destroy a shield generator but it is too high so you get the nearby rocket launcher, launch it and use force to control its direction to hit the target, when you destroy the shield generator, the door opens and level continues
http://www.youtube.com/v/H4JB5yCgGOs
Flying without wings;
This can be a real good interest for the podracer mission we will have, we can truly have anakin's pods half destroyed and add a whole lot realism to this years old game. It has some developing to be done like reducing the destruction so that wings fly off when you have a lower health..
http://www.youtube.com/v/yZE8EK8HGq0
Ingame Menu
I am guessing with some editing, this can be turned into a puzzle game where you try to hack a door open.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ApbuKKe16jw
Planting a bomb/Picking up objects;
I am really thinking this for the Trade Federation Ventilation map where quiqon has the bomb, you try to cover him through the tunnels and when you reach your objective he plants the bomb and countdown begins (Probably 2 minutes) and you have to prevent droids from defusing the bomb....
http://www.youtube.com/v/BwQ1Zq1D7WI
Physics Engine;
As you see this is not an potential thing to change gameplay but it is a huge improvement for realism, but only problem, i am afraid about the fps rates. It still needs development.
http://www.youtube.com/v/TscOs75YdsQ
Interaction with Characters;
Here you see an awesome example for some really cool objectives, for example;
You are with jarjar in swamps map, you ask jarjar to walk you to otoh gunga, and you try to cover him while following him...
You are in otoh gunga map with jarjar, you ask a gungan to walk you to their leader
http://www.youtube.com/v/bxkDcq3CiTE
As you see there some really cool improvements for Chronicles Mod. But know that these are just beta for MP and it all depends on the success of Eltran implementing them onto SP. If this becomes possible, one of the first thing would be start on a system that lets play as any character you want and allows you to switch them...
What do you guys think? Any ideas?
Keep to the basic storyline first. Then add further missions if you want to be a specific character (like the Darth Maul one you refered).
Being a different character in a certain movie moment really makes me go wtf unless you make specific dialogue and cutscenes for each character. Since this is a lot of work, it's generally better to keep player choice limited for the characters present in one scene.
An opportunity to have a wider option of characters avaiable to play as would be a place where thousands of jedi are fighting in like the Geonosian Arena for example. In there, selecting a custom character wouldn't hurt as much as, let's say, being Sidious fighting for your way out of the Trade Fed ship.
Btw, i'm not really sure if a .dll injection is legal. We refused to code stuff using hooks and stuff like this because of that, I reckon. I could be wrong tho, let one of the coders sort this out.
selman_akinci
03-01-2009, 22:30
Indeed, we want to keep the story line small, you will only be able to play one side at once. Mods like movie duels have both sides but since have missions, usually only one side ends up getting the action. We want the character changing system as in the one in KOTF where you can be any clone you like.
Would you suggest using the Multiplayer SP, Ojp has created? We didnt want it since it still has many bugs.
We want the character changing system as in the one in KOTF where you can be any clone you like.
This system is exactly the opposite of what I said. It allows you to be characters that aren't part of the action in a specific scene..
selman_akinci
07-01-2009, 00:55
I have been trying to make a HUD changing option, I have examined the cross hair changing commands of Mb2 but couldn't achieve a HUD changer... Can anyone help me?
jedilight
21-01-2009, 04:52
Really great mod, I had a virus error. It was probably caused by the Launcher
TheLOLipop
21-01-2009, 17:38
Combo Breaker...
jedilight
23-01-2009, 06:27
I seem to have oneof the objectives in Spanish...
I can hardly get 30 fps on my laptop
TockRock
24-01-2009, 01:49
Uhmmmm... I don't suppose I'd qualify if the extent of my programming is a tiny bit of Flash 8 and then some HTML lolx. What programming language do you use - C, C++... How does it work; I'm curious.
Rather ironic.
What the hell is going on lately, prilla dog being nice and everyone else being a jerk o_O.
What's the world coming too!
Prillas been drinking alot at college, im sure thats why.
jedilight
25-01-2009, 00:38
Uhmmmm... I don't suppose I'd qualify if the extent of my programming is a tiny bit of Flash 8 and then some HTML lolx. What programming language do you use - C, C++... How does it work; I'm curious.
I dont think they use any language for anything except hooks. Ui files are written by codes, I dont know if it is a language tho. But ui is pretty easy if you want to try. I dont think they need help for menu. Scripting is also made by BehaveEd that comes with official modding tools pack
selman_akinci
11-03-2009, 22:09
Who should I contact to get permission for these mb2 models;?
MB2 Padme
Mb2 Obi-Wan
=Someone=
11-03-2009, 23:20
MB2 Padme
Noone, that's an MB2 exclusive.
Mb2 Obi-Wan
Aaron Smith.
selman_akinci
12-03-2009, 00:25
:( Exclusive? :( (Cries moar)
MB2 Team won't let us use it?
=Someone=
12-03-2009, 01:13
:( Exclusive? :( (Cries moar)
MB2 Team won't let us use it?
Sorry, but it wouldn't be exclusive otherwise.
Aaron Smith.
Original model by him, texture touchups by me. ;P
selman_akinci
03-11-2009, 07:41
Any feedback or opinions on these two duels?
http://www.moddb.com/mods/chronicles-total-conversion/downloads/star-wars-chronicles-duels-pack-1
Both maps fully by our team boddo and master_jin. Geonosis is a remake over another map tho.
What additions would you consider?
Any improvements mapping/scripting/model wise?
Your textures look flat and uninteresting....
That's the main issue. They ain't his.
Another turkish copypaste mod?
Metaguardian
03-11-2009, 09:24
While it's always great to see JKA mods, what is the point of still working on Chronicles when Movie Duels 2 is out and Movie Duels Original Trilogy is coming soon?
selman_akinci
03-11-2009, 11:23
Another turkish copypaste mod?
Copy paste?
Both maps are made by our team members. And the dotf textures ae our custom ones too. We didnt start because of md2 nor will we stop because of it.
Why don't you do something original... What about Cellshaded models and cartoony maps. Becouse what I see now is MB wannabe
Copy paste?
Both maps are made by our team members. And the dotf textures ae our custom ones too. We didnt start because of md2 nor will we stop because of it.
I already saw several things which weren't originally created by your team. So yeah, the content isn't quite original.
Copy paste?
Both maps are made by our team members.
Try "ripped". Your Geonosis Hangar is a jk2 old map.
selman_akinci
03-11-2009, 16:55
Try "ripped". Your Geonosis Hangar is a jk2 old map.
You guys cant read?
Geonosis is a remake over another map tho.
We have permission for the old map even though we have changed every bit of it. I am guessing none of you tried the thing yet?
Is the saber system changed from base at all?
We have permission for the old map even though we have changed every bit of it. I am guessing none of you tried the thing yet?
If you actually had changed everybit of it, it would actually look different.
Right now it's the exact same thing - poor texturing, poor brushwork and generally crappy lighting.
Also, a "remake over another map" is called a rip. You're using already existing content and changing bits and pieces here and there. If it was an actual remake you'd be starting from scratch and only basing it on the old one.
I second Meta's comment, Movie Duels 2 has pretty much set the bar in terms of prequel trilogy so at this point I can't really see the justification in trying to do it again :/
Maybe you guys should do an original SP story, you would certainly get more interest that way.
selman_akinci
03-11-2009, 21:19
Well, I am pretty sure our goal will not change even though some of you have some points. Md2 mainly focuses on duels, even though we will have the duels, we focus on missions and extended universe too. Moreover, our goal is to have fun modding, we wouldnt be sad even if no one played it.
I just personally want feedback so we can improve whatever that doesnt seem good or down right wrong. I see we have to improve on textures, we will also use a saber system similar to serenity as we have agreed with him long ago.
I also dont see anything wrong using someone else's map as we are very considerant about permissions. We can not be expected to have everything brand-new but we will surely improve along the way until it becomes what we want.
As our long due supporters I especially want to show it to you guys, it is a human's nature to ask, try, fail or achieve.
What could be good for both parties would be if you join forces with MD2 and actually work together towards a bigger and better goal.
You could easly have a mix between the duels and your missions, combining the two in the same package in a linear game. Could be cool if you really commit to it.
A single player mod for JKA
That has a habit of decompiling others' maps to put in their own mod.
Does it have MBII mechanics attached to it?
After I played MD2 (great SP-mod btw), I felt that this mod had no more purpose to be played, since MD2 was released faster, did what it promised, even added some manual-saber blocking plug-in for SP *not that great, but they tried*, Lol. I even had forgotten about this so-called current JKA SP-project, until you revived this, subaru.
Garyn Dakari
30-08-2010, 20:26
Hey guys, new here, I would help you but I'm already working on my own mod http://www.moddb.com/mods/return-of-the-sith1 and I'm helping Edd23 with his Saga mod http://www.moddb.com/mods/the-saga2 which(no offense to you guys) looks better. I played your demo by the way, and it was a lot like Movie Duels II just without the cool new animations.
I hope Lindsey gave you permission to use his maps....
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