Just for practice, I would like to create a small test plugin that has just one system in it. I suppose the easiest way to do this is just to replace the 128 system with a new one, and not make any jumps out, but that seems like a hack... I don't suppose there's any way to tell EV to just load from the plugin?

Also, if I do it the way I described, are there any things I should watch out for? Nebula locations come to mind first....

I also just realized that tech levels might also cause some problems. Basically what I want is to create a few systems that have absolutely no interaction with the original Nova data.

Thanks

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(This message has been edited by mrflippy (edited 07-22-2003).)

Well, for starters, that could have the desired effect. All of the other Nova resources would still be present, until you replaced them also. It can be a good way to figure out just what the different values for system settings can do, but you'll be using the stock Nova ships and "personalities" thereof.

To make a true blank slate, something completely independant of Nova, you need to make a duplicate set of the data files that themselves are blank. That is, one of every resource type present, with one entry using default values. You may want to copy all the connected resources for ship ID 128, just so you at least have a familiar way to physically explore.

I will tell you it takes an awful lot of effort to create even a rudimentary TC. That said, my own personal project that some here may be familiar with has been "in the works" for roughly five or six years. The problem is time, mainly, in that I don't have enough time to dedicate to it. Time also is problematic when I review old notes on plot, and see how silly, simplistic, and predictable it all is...but these are my own gripes. It's entirely possible to finish a TC, if you have realistic expectations.

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Quote

Originally posted by Onyx:
**Well, for starters, that could have the desired effect. All of the other Nova resources would still be present, until you replaced them also. It can be a good way to figure out just what the different values for system settings can do, but you'll be using the stock Nova ships and "personalities" thereof.
**

Well, I figured I'd use the Nova ships and images since I don't have that much time to devote to that stuff at this point.

It's unfortunate that there isn't a flag or anything to tell Nova to "start from scratch" or something like that. I don't have time to track down hundreds of resources and create blanks ones in their place... I guess I'll just have to do the system isolation thing

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Replace the data files like the EV and EVO conversions do.

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Quote

Originally posted by UncleTwitchy:
**Replace the data files like the EV and EVO conversions do.
**

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with how the EV and EVO conversions do it. If it involves making hundreds of blank resources like Onyx said, then I don't have time.

(This message has been edited by mrflippy (edited 07-22-2003).)

Quote

Originally posted by mrflippy:
**Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with how the EV and EVO conversions do it. If it involves making hundreds of blank resources like Onyx said, then I don't have time.
**

The proccess is actually a whole lot simpler. Just take out all Nova's data files in the Nova Files folder and put your data files in.

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As Mantaray said, just remove the existing Nova scenario. An even easier way is by renaming the "Nova Files" folder to "original Nova Files". Then create your own set of scenario data files in a new folder named "Nova Files" that's in the Nova folder.

When replacing the default Nova scenario, keep in mind that there is a bare minimum number of resources required to allow the Nova game-engine to operate. Here's a working list of minimal required scenario resources that I use for development:

• One chär resource is necessary in order to do anything else

• One s˙st resource is necessary

• Two shďp resources are necessary, including their associated shän and rlë8/D sprites. One ship is for the chär. The second ship is required by the game-engine and MUST have RID 895 and it MUST be an "escape ship".

• One gövt, one ďntf, and one cölr resource.

• One spöb along with its associated landing PICT, landing dësc, bar dësc, spďn, and rlë8/D sprites.

• All racing PICTs, movies, and associated dësc resources. (easier than replacing)

• The main menu and preferences display dialog graphics from the "Nova Graphics 3" & "Nova Titles 1" files. Also the "About" and "Acknowledgements" dësc resources.

• The default ship hyperjump, warning klaxon, airlock, ship breakup/explode, and communications sounds and associated bööm resources.

• The cicn, ppat, and Ttäb resources from "Nova Graphics 1" file.

• All STR# strings associated with all of the above (easiest just to leave Nova scenario STR# as is).

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Thanks a lot Arturo; that will be very helpful.

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