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Rumors of main menu hacks
Marrend- 06/25/2015 05:53 PM
- 1768 views
As with the last reply I made in the previous blog, I've been chipping away at the rumors. I have three items in each category, and all are in-game. I haven't really been testing them, though. Probably my most proud accomplishment with this latest stuff I've been doing can probably be best explained with...
...a screenshot. Note the lack of "Skills", "Formation", and "Equip" options, as well as the inclusion of a "Load Game" and "System Map" options. I dunno, call me lazy, but, pressing F12 to return to the title screen, and loading the game that way, never really appealed to me. Also, there was at least one game I played (demoed?) fairly recently where the title screen scrolled (or otherwise animated) a bit before the options popped up (and even then, the "New Game" option was the default selection), and it was just annoying that I couldn't just load by goddamn game already.
Anyway, with these menu changes, players are no longer allowed to exchange equipment mid-flight. Mostly, this is to limit the number of times the bug that sets hp/mp to 1 would come up. That said, the equipment scene does still come up after accessing the Ship Outfitter at any planet. I've done some processing to ensure that hp/mp is not set to 1, however, the difference between maximum and minimum hp and/or mp should be retained. Though, I admit to not really testing that theory too much, as, at the moment, I'm just dead tired.
...a screenshot. Note the lack of "Skills", "Formation", and "Equip" options, as well as the inclusion of a "Load Game" and "System Map" options. I dunno, call me lazy, but, pressing F12 to return to the title screen, and loading the game that way, never really appealed to me. Also, there was at least one game I played (demoed?) fairly recently where the title screen scrolled (or otherwise animated) a bit before the options popped up (and even then, the "New Game" option was the default selection), and it was just annoying that I couldn't just load by goddamn game already.
Anyway, with these menu changes, players are no longer allowed to exchange equipment mid-flight. Mostly, this is to limit the number of times the bug that sets hp/mp to 1 would come up. That said, the equipment scene does still come up after accessing the Ship Outfitter at any planet. I've done some processing to ensure that hp/mp is not set to 1, however, the difference between maximum and minimum hp and/or mp should be retained. Though, I admit to not really testing that theory too much, as, at the moment, I'm just dead tired.
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CloseThat "load game" function is a stroke of genius. Especially in a non-linear game such as this. I would suggest not to have to enter/exit the Ship Outfitter to access the equipment screen. Perhaps you can have a Ship Outfitter submenu like the main screen, where you can either choose the Equipment shop, or the equip screen. I don't know, I don't like the idea of having to enter and exit the shop every time I want to equip something it seems a little counterintuitive.
Although whatever helps that 1HP bug is good, I guess.
Oh! I just realized that System Map is bound to an option now. Good work. It would be nice to somehow include it in the Main Menu scene later on, especially since it seems we will only be having one actor throughout the entire thing and thus you can minimize the actor window in the Main Menu screen and put the map underneath. I'm sure someone like Trihan would be able to help you out with that, or I could try figuring it out in my spare time. But that's a bit of an optional extra.
As it fares, the game is looking more and more attractive each day. Keep up that good work.
Although whatever helps that 1HP bug is good, I guess.
Oh! I just realized that System Map is bound to an option now. Good work. It would be nice to somehow include it in the Main Menu scene later on, especially since it seems we will only be having one actor throughout the entire thing and thus you can minimize the actor window in the Main Menu screen and put the map underneath. I'm sure someone like Trihan would be able to help you out with that, or I could try figuring it out in my spare time. But that's a bit of an optional extra.
As it fares, the game is looking more and more attractive each day. Keep up that good work.
I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense to be able to change equipment just anywhere, but, you may have a point about the current process being a bit annoying and/or convoluted. Tell you what. I'll look to see about "Equip" being a separate option in the Explore menu. Or, perhaps a sub-option of Ship Outfitter? Hrm...
I don't really like the idea of having the system map in the menu background. I'll see about removing the actor window, though. If I can get the equipment menu to bring up Lintis' equipment every time, I should be able to use a similar process for the status menu!
*Edit:
Wait, wrong gamepage.
Anyway, the image in the blog has been updated! No more pesky status-window! Still have to deal with the equipment thing, though.
*Edit: This sub-menu solution for Ship Outfitter wasn't as bad as I thought it could be. Though, maybe I should get some external opinions on all this, though? Eh, maybe next blog (comment?) can highlight who's on my playtester-list, maybe call out for more.
*Edit2: If there is one thing I still have to figure out, is how plot-missions are going to be handled. Are the descriptions to be included in the "Recall Mission" processing of the Mission Computer? How would I display a plot-mission on the system map? What about the situation of players having a plot-mission and non-plot-mission at the same time? Darigaaz, what would the process be to check for the completion of plot-missions?
So many questions!
I don't really like the idea of having the system map in the menu background. I'll see about removing the actor window, though. If I can get the equipment menu to bring up Lintis' equipment every time, I should be able to use a similar process for the status menu!
*Edit:
 | Awwwwww yeeaaaaah! |
Wait, wrong gamepage.
Anyway, the image in the blog has been updated! No more pesky status-window! Still have to deal with the equipment thing, though.
*Edit: This sub-menu solution for Ship Outfitter wasn't as bad as I thought it could be. Though, maybe I should get some external opinions on all this, though? Eh, maybe next blog (comment?) can highlight who's on my playtester-list, maybe call out for more.
*Edit2: If there is one thing I still have to figure out, is how plot-missions are going to be handled. Are the descriptions to be included in the "Recall Mission" processing of the Mission Computer? How would I display a plot-mission on the system map? What about the situation of players having a plot-mission and non-plot-mission at the same time? Darigaaz, what would the process be to check for the completion of plot-missions?
So many questions!
A few updates, if I may. Now, keep in mind that I've only really dealt with one plot-mission, but...
...I figure that plot-missions would have reminder-text that look similar to regular mission descriptions. Saying that, the text that displays when getting these missions are going to be radically different than what is displayed here. As for the issue of noting plot-missions and/or regular missions on the system map...
...I believe the issue is...
...pretty much taken care of! Though, there is still the oddity of getting a "You have no active missions!" message if players just have a plot-mission. The thought is to re-word that message to... well, I'm not quite sure yet!
...I figure that plot-missions would have reminder-text that look similar to regular mission descriptions. Saying that, the text that displays when getting these missions are going to be radically different than what is displayed here. As for the issue of noting plot-missions and/or regular missions on the system map...
...I believe the issue is...
...pretty much taken care of! Though, there is still the oddity of getting a "You have no active missions!" message if players just have a plot-mission. The thought is to re-word that message to... well, I'm not quite sure yet!
I'm staring down at what I've written for both MISSION 1 and MISSION 2, and I think I might be overdoing it for MISSION 2. MISSION 1 was just two textboxes, but, MISSION 2 would be, well, a lot more! Though, the fact that there's a conversation happening in MISSION 2 is probably what's messing that up. The fact that there's no player interaction is a bit worrisome, but, maybe it's not as bad as I might think?
Actually, let me share with you guys/gals/whatever-else-is-watching what I've got thus far for both missions.
MISSION 1
Start: After three missions completed from the Mission Computer
Destination: Nav 9 (Naveena - Bar)
Text:
Mister Kalt, we have been observing you, and know of your plight. We may be able to help you, if you help us. Meet our agent on Planet Navenna, which we will grant you access to shortly after this message.
MISSION 2
Start: Nav 9 (Naveena - Bar)
Destination: ?
Text:
Lintis Kalt. Age 35. Human. Male. Married. Has a daughter. Wife and daughter currently in the...
Hello to you too.
We always thoroughly research our potential clients.
No kidding. So, what does your boss want?
Before I answer that, what do you know about the Myriad Cypher?
All I really know about that is that all ships have a cypher installed on them. The gates can read that cypher, and allows access based on the kind of cypher it reads. Myriad Cyphers are a class of high-priority cypher, given to exceptionally important political entities, and high-ranking military officers.
Yes, but what KIND of data is sent by the cypher?
Um, security codes?
Nope. Biometric data.
What?
There was an incident along the outer rim where a nondescript ship passed through an otherwise secure gate. The system accepted the Myriad Cypher, and allowed it passage. However, being nondescript, security took notice. They searched for any device that would tamper with the system. They found that it was one of the occupants, a human female. Her DNA triggered the scanners to accept the Myriad Cypher.
I think heard something about that. Thought it was a fluke, or an over-reaction, or whatever.
No. It actually happened. Security tried to contain the woman, figuring that she must have been genetically altered for the specific purpose of piracy. However, she would not be contained.
If her DNA triggers the Myraid Cypher to be read, I can easily imagine...
No, you misunderstand me. It wasn't simply a matter of having her DNA scanned to return the Myriad Cypher. She was imbedded with some kind of physic powers to protect herself with.
Another genetic modification?
Likely.
Actually, let me share with you guys/gals/whatever-else-is-watching what I've got thus far for both missions.
MISSION 1
Start: After three missions completed from the Mission Computer
Destination: Nav 9 (Naveena - Bar)
Text:
Mister Kalt, we have been observing you, and know of your plight. We may be able to help you, if you help us. Meet our agent on Planet Navenna, which we will grant you access to shortly after this message.
MISSION 2
Start: Nav 9 (Naveena - Bar)
Destination: ?
Text:
Lintis Kalt. Age 35. Human. Male. Married. Has a daughter. Wife and daughter currently in the...
Hello to you too.
We always thoroughly research our potential clients.
No kidding. So, what does your boss want?
Before I answer that, what do you know about the Myriad Cypher?
All I really know about that is that all ships have a cypher installed on them. The gates can read that cypher, and allows access based on the kind of cypher it reads. Myriad Cyphers are a class of high-priority cypher, given to exceptionally important political entities, and high-ranking military officers.
Yes, but what KIND of data is sent by the cypher?
Um, security codes?
Nope. Biometric data.
What?
There was an incident along the outer rim where a nondescript ship passed through an otherwise secure gate. The system accepted the Myriad Cypher, and allowed it passage. However, being nondescript, security took notice. They searched for any device that would tamper with the system. They found that it was one of the occupants, a human female. Her DNA triggered the scanners to accept the Myriad Cypher.
I think heard something about that. Thought it was a fluke, or an over-reaction, or whatever.
No. It actually happened. Security tried to contain the woman, figuring that she must have been genetically altered for the specific purpose of piracy. However, she would not be contained.
If her DNA triggers the Myraid Cypher to be read, I can easily imagine...
No, you misunderstand me. It wasn't simply a matter of having her DNA scanned to return the Myriad Cypher. She was imbedded with some kind of physic powers to protect herself with.
Another genetic modification?
Likely.
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