Graphics for Freeciv 2.0 and beyond...

[cazfi]

Originally posted by Harry Tuttle

Note that after year 0, the cost for techs double. This behaviour is hard-coded and cannot yet be changed in rulesets.

Seems like we are spreading misinformation in tech.ruleset. Doubling year can be changed or even disabled entirely, as in default ruleset.


- Caz

[cazfi]

Originally posted by Harry Tuttle
Now, my question is, can I change a tag/tags from "b.aqueduct" to "b.0001", making the tag non-building specific? Then could I choose to make "b.0001" point to an aforementioned "block" in a graphic file of my choosing?

Yes, you can.

Note that ruleset files apply to server end, they are common to all players. Tilespec files and graphics apply only to client ends and in multiplayer environment each player can use tileset of their own choosing.
So, if you want to make alternative tileset to be used with defalt rulesets, you should not change tags as that would break existing tilesets - and your tileset itself would be unusable when user has no control over rulesets used by server (public servers).
If you are working on totally new modpack - one that requires ruleset changes anyway - you are free to change those tags.

I don't see point in making 'generic' tags, though. Why would you need that? If you want to use same graphics for several buildings, it's probably better to make separate tag for each and just make them point to same graphics block. That way server does not force 'all these buildings look just the same' - rule, but client with alternative tileset could use different graphics for each building.

As this line mentions in the default buildings text file: "The actual tag used (the * in [building_*]) does not matter, except it must be unique within this file, and it may be used in debug output when reading this file."

Barring some special characters, you can make this tag anything you like. It's only used internally in ruleset loading code.

Or are the tag names and graphics names hard coded?

No

Also, could I just cut and paste into the building rules text file additional building "scripts" and have those point to more tags, which would point to additional graphic files?

Yes, upto maximum number of different buildings (currently 200, I think. Will be 'unlimited' some day)

[cazfi]

Originally posted by CapTVK
Don't hold back Vasc, we're getting to the good bits now.

Could you explain how effects function and what are possible to tweak?

Possible building effects are listed in doc/README.effects

[CapTVK]

Thanks for the info Cazfi


Getting back to the graphics....

I'll be replacing the stealth fighter and carrier later on. In the meantime I've made a collection of ships. It includes work from Captain Nemo, Fairline, Curt Sibling, ANZAC, Case, GoPostal ( a nice collection of modern naval ships if i've ever seen one ) and Hans99 (is that nice little RC patrolship, the one with the antenna on the topright from him? )

[jim panse]

I could come up with another carrier if neede ...

[Harry Tuttle]

Thank you very much Cazfi, your explanation really helps a lot. I think I might mess around a bit with it.

Originally posted by cazfi
I don't see point in making 'generic' tags, though. Why would you need that? If you want to use same graphics for several buildings, it's probably better to make separate tag for each and just make them point to same graphics block. That way server does not force 'all these buildings look just the same' - rule, but client with alternative tileset could use different graphics for each building.

Basically I was thinking of making a "Mode Zero" modpack with blank characteristics and the maximum allowable buildings, techs, units, whatever. This would allow for easier Mod Pack creation which would facilitate more modpacks being made and something I think would satisfy a lot of people here.

Switching out already made buildings and the such can be confusing, especially if you're trying to do work on something at 2 am after a six pack

[CapTVK]

Thanks for the offer JP. I've added it to the ship collection.

Here's the new set. I've replaced the fighters with much smaller units to make the size difference between a bomber and a fighter more apparent. I've also done a bit of touchup work on the tank to make the turret stand out.

For the moment I'm looking for a good piston driven bomber.

[CapTVK]

Bomber Command Calling HQ

My choice at the moment is a draw between between these units by Fairline.

[CapTVK]

Originally posted by Harry Tuttle
Basically I was thinking of making a "Mode Zero" modpack with blank characteristics and the maximum allowable buildings, techs, units, whatever. This would allow for easier Mod Pack creation which would facilitate more modpacks being made and something I think would satisfy a lot of people here.

A "Mode Zero" pack with a full description of a few standard & special buildings as examples plus their effects sounds like a good idea.

[St Leo]

Re: Bomber Command Calling HQ

Originally posted by CapTVK
My choice at the moment is a draw between between these units by Fairline.

I vote for the darker one because of its more distinct shape.

[CapTVK]

P.S Here's an update of my truck again. Carrying probably the world smallest isometric penguin (27 pixels!).

[Case]

Re: Bomber Command Calling HQ

Originally posted by CapTVK
My choice at the moment is a draw between between these units by Fairline.

I vote for the B-29 as it somehow looks more generic then the B-17.

[jim panse]

I suggest furthermore you try to stick to one graphics style (e.g. use only fairline´s gfx) ...

[Vasc]

Originally posted by jim panse
I suggest furthermore you try to stick to one graphics style (e.g. use only fairline´s gfx) ...

I agree. Otherwise things will look a bit weird. The humans are the main problem with the current set IMHO.

I really like that P-51 Mustang fighter from WW2, regarding the bomber, I like the green B-17 best, because it is more distinctive and just plain looks nicer (or maybe its just me).

[CapTVK]

I'm surprised people recognize it. It really is tiny!

As for the human units. Most of those will be replaced as well. For the moment I'm concentrating on the modern units. Once those are done I'll move on to the tophalf. I've already found some good stuff but that's for later.

In other news: I've recruited a spy!

I've been giving a female unit of Erwin an extreme makeover and here she is.


P.S
Does anyone know how to contact Erwin? His email adres and website don't work anymore