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Author
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Topic: Mod Help for Jane's WW2F
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TFS*TVC15
Cadet
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posted 08-23- 06:54 PM
   
Like most fathers, I hate to stop and ask a stranger for directions, but here goes....If you took a look at http://ww2f.dogfighter.com , you'd find a bunch of guys trying to modify WW2F to the same degree as SDOE is being modified. Unfortunately, we are WAY behind what you all have accomplished. We have a utility that can extract the texture files from the game's data files into BMP's. So reskinning the planes works well. And also can extract the 3D object models and flight model variables in text readable files. One of us has managed to convert the 3D model text files into CAD readable DXF format, but has trouble repacking them and is no where near releasing a utility for it. I work well in AutoCAD and can transform a wireframe of a P51 into either a sopwith camel or F16 without trouble. But I am chomping at the bit because my work is useless if it can't be repacked. Are any of you Mod-Masters feeling altruistic and wanna offer some assistance? Oh heck, maybe I'll just go pick up a copy of SDOE  Go to the website above or e-mail me. (OH MY) TVC15
[This message has been edited by TFS*TVC15 (edited 08-23-2000).] IP: Logged |
Pete Hawk
Pilot
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posted 08-23- 08:45 PM
Where can we get the utilities to get into those big files? I may take a look at it. And you definitely should try SDOE. It's a great game, despite it's flaws, that has kept me (and many others here) engrossed for a LONG time  [This message has been edited by Pete Hawk (edited 08-23-2000).] IP: Logged |
dauntless851
Pilot
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posted 08-23- 09:44 PM
Pete,go here http://ww2f.dogfighter.com/ in the downloads section. Get SQzip. This will pack/unpack the files.I think what they might need is a utility like Hippie's extractor. For the 3D model files that is. I've been helping some of the guys out over there with scale drawings. The high res skins (512x512) they are making for WW2F are fantastic. Have a look. ------------------
 [This message has been edited by dauntless851 (edited 08-23-2000).] IP: Logged |
TFS*TVC15
Cadet
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posted 08-24- 11:38 AM
Dauntless! There you are again. It was your link to http://www.schoolmusic.com/chickencoop/se5a/index.htm that finally laid out the entire path for what it takes to make a completely modified object for WW2F.A utility like Hippies is exactly what WW2F is missing to complete the process. This will allow us to convert the text files for the objects into a CAD compatible format and back again. Then we'll use SQzip to pack the modified shapes back into the games. This is something I haven't a clue how to do. BTW, I did stop by the local computer superstore for a copy of SDOE. They were out of stock though. I'll pick it up soon. But please be gentle with me as I am a total newbie  TVC IP: Logged |
Tiger2
Pilot
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posted 08-24- 08:49 PM
Hi lads,TVC, you will be waiting a long, long time for SDOE to turn up at your local store.
I have tried to find it sale bins in hundreds of computer stores to no avail. The game isn't sold in shops anymore and hasn't been for years (at least in the hundreds I've been to). Wasn't it Hammerd who actually modified a 3d model in Janes.( i think it was only a minor mod-like removing a headrest). I agree, as soon the Hippie type extractor is made for WW2 fighters, we shall have one very interesting time on our hands. IP: Logged |
Stark
Pilot
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posted 08-25- 06:45 PM
TFS - I noticed in your Bio that your are in Cali... got a Fry's nearby? I was in Fry's in Sacramento 3 days ago and they had 10+ copies of SDOE in the bargain bin for $9.99. -Stark IP: Logged |
Praetorian
Cadet
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posted 08-25- 10:48 PM
TFS, I'm getting the DXF format down better. I am writing the prog in Visual Basic, and I can use an AutoCAD object to directly write to DXF. No more figuring out the format. What I can do is write each object, with each texture having it's own layer. That way, every face using a particular texture is on that texture's layer. You would still need a tool to do the texture mapping, as the DXF format doesn't seem to give the information needed. The UV coords, texture name, and vertex normals are needed. If you use AC3D or something like that, you could add in the textures then save it to DirectX or some other format. I could then import that and we have the info.
I am trying to see if we can actually make changes that show up in the game regarding aircraft. The game seems to be very hard-coded and not mod friendly. I'll send you some terrain tiles tomorrow (or tonight) so you can see what I mean. Let me know what you think.IP: Logged |
TFS*TVC15
Cadet
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posted 08-27- 04:41 PM
Praetorian,Does this mean the UV coords will be attached in the DXF file? If so, then slightly modified plane's should be able to be skinned by simply changing the texture BMP. but if new texture mapping is needed, can't we texture WW2F planes following the same steps listed in http://www.schoolmusic.com/chickencoop/se5a/index.htm for SDOE? I can work in AC3D but it is rather clumsy compared to ACAD. But if that solves the texturing headaches, it will be worth it.
But before texturing, the first step is to get a modified object back into the game. I've got the X001_Y001 file flattened out and ready to make a mountain range. Still waiting on the ability to repack objects in the terrain before I proceed. It would be nice to do a simple transformation, say a P51C, then maybe we could generate more interest back at dogfighter.com and get more support. I am hoping some of those guys will help out in the texture mapping, which is going to take a lot of time.
Stark, Fry's is the place I looked for a copy of SDOE. No luck. I went ahead and bought a copy on-line direct from Activision. I should be test flying it out by next weekend. I'll also give a try at modifying the planes and terrain. The A10, Biplanes, Hoverbover, etc. really blow me away. We'll never be able to mod WW2F to that extent. (OH MY) TVC15 IP: Logged | |
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