[C4:AC] Interface graphics (possible with the SDK?)

[Rubin]

Is it possible to change the general interface graphics; not just the basic color scheme?

[Rubin]

Well, it seems the scaleform themes cannot be used. But here is a .dds attempt at a custom main interface.

I've used some of the "junk" graphics from Alpha Centauri as graphics template for the lower part of the screen. The result is poor, but shows that it can be done.

There are some additional overlays that I haven't tried to remove/modify, so they are just there--partially covering and blending in with the custom graphics. It is difficult to tell what is overlay and what is custom graphics, but I added a semi-transparent interlaced background to the lower left and center interface graphics.

The "raw" .dds images seem to be distorted by default (reduced width, approximately by 50%) and may overlap. Maybe this has something to do with supporting different screen resolutions.

Edit: Image deleted.

[Illuminatus]

Looks... different. I see you've been using the planet map that comes with the game.

[Rubin]

I've done an image showing the proportions/dimensions of the Civ4 interface in relation to the SMACX interface. In both cases the screen resolution is 1024x768.

Edit 5: Image deleted.

Edit: The basic SMACX interface spans a 1024x257 area, while the Civ4 interface actually spans the whole screen (top, bottom, left, right).

Edit 2: The Civ4 bottom interface consists of 3 dds images (corners: 256x256; center: 512x256) that are scaled via the CvMaininterface.py. I have been unable to have the game accept different dimensions of the base dds files, so I assume we'll have to recreate the main SMACX interface by a combination of the 3 Civ4 bottom interface parts.

Edit 3: I split the SMACX interface into 3 parts matching the default Civ4 dds files. Adjusted the CvMaininterface.py file, added a bit of transparency to the images, and put the new graphics in the MOD. The new interface scales with screen resolution (at least in the few tests I did). Here is a screenshot:

Edit 5: Image deleted.

Edit 4: Cleaning up the graphics a bit, adjusting the edges to get a separate bottom right "box". Added transparency to the SMACX scanlines sections. The graphics can be cleaned up further, but I need to know how we want it to look. --And, I need to find a way to reposition the map, icon and unit overlays. Here's the result so far:

Edit 5: Image deleted.

[Rubin]

I've been trying to reposition some of the overlay elements in the interface and hide the overlay panels.

I encountered several problems with the positioning. For example, it seems that if the unit list (the small unit icons) is not entirely placed in the center part of the interface, some units cannot be selected. I guess the SMAC/X interface graphics could be changed to better suit these restrictions, but I am still testing the possibilities and do not know exactly how we want the layout of the interface.

Comments are welcome.

Here's an image to give an impression of what I've done:

Edit: Image deleted.

[ForesterSOF]

It looks like you have good jubgment and knowlege of what is best considering factors so I have no problem you deciding.

the only problem I see is some type of programming restriction.

[Illuminatus]

Looks great Rubin.

[Rubin]

I am still working on a way to reproduce a suitable SMAC/X interface. If we were able to access and modify all the interface elements of Civ4, we would have (I think) all the elements needed for a SMAC/X interface. Here's how I think it works:

1) The base graphics. These are the ones I've converted from SMAC/X and put in the bottom part of the Civ4 screen. Regard this as a kind of graphical background or graphical framework.

2) Overlay panels. These are graphical elements that are placed to enhance the base graphics. For instance, you can have a base graphics box divided into two boxes with different colors without needing to change the base graphics. This provides a lot of flexibility to the look of the interface. I've found no way of modifying the panels, but they can be disabled (and maybe repositoned/re-scaled).

3) Buttons. These are interactive elements that turn the interface into what it is supposed to be... a user interface. You can click, select, activate, mouse-over, etc. and interact with the game or simply access information. For example, the minimap and the end-turn button.

Edit: I made the center and left parts of the lower interface (base graphics) into separated parts and simplified the display areas to allow for some overlay/button placement flexibility. I'll upload the modified files if requested. It looks like this:

Edit 3: Image deleted.

Edit 2: I've managed to replace the "unit info" panel (the one that acts as a "box" for movement, level, strength, etc. information) with a dds panel, by modifying the CvMainInterface.py file. This means that we can now add boxes, colors, lines, etc. to the base interface graphics without having to change the base interface graphics. I think this is enough to recreate the SMAC/X main interface (without the interactivity, though (i.e. buttons))--while preserving a "clean" code.

Having said this, here is requesting help to create interactive buttons!

(I am currently interested in 2 types of buttons: 1) The "turn complete" button that is already present in Civ4 (it needs new dimensions and graphics; and possibly merged somehow with the flashing "end turn" text and placed in its proper place in the right part of the interface). 2) Screen pop-up buttons similar to the "commlink" and "menu" buttons in SMACX.)