So, can I mod something like THIS?!...

...just askin'

from Sins Forums

So, I just picked up Sins and I'm looking to get into the mod scene. I have a mod in mind, but couldn't find the information here in the forum to figure out exactly if these things are moddable... Could someone answer these for me? :D Thanks!

The idea I have is a total conversion (TC), but a lot of the work is in the graphics. I have 3D ships and textures to use... I can have all custom 3D meshes and textures, yeah? Skyboxes, as well? How about the interface and icons; Can I do paintovers?

I guess to sum it up...

  • Can I add a 4th main race?
  • Can I convert the game to 100% total 3D and 2D content?
  • Can I alter the interface? The main start-game menus, pause menus, post-game stats, and cursors? Anything?
  • Can this all be done in a 'Mod' format as opposed to altering the main Sins directory?
  • Can a TC have online multiplayer? If not, how about LAN?

I'm having a hard time figuring this out, so the help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

modding
7,067 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

I believe that is a yes to all. but since I haven't personally checked perhaps wait for a second opinion.

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

Yes to all. Though I'm not sure what you mean by 100% total 3D and 2D content since the game content already is 100% 3D and 2D. :)

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top

There are some limits to how much you can mod the interface, though. For example, you can't really change how the player portraits are displayed in the theme selection (if you look at the graphic file, the rows are like the theme index, and the columns are the races' pictures, so the game basically scrolls through the rows as the different themes).

Changing it for example to display a picture for the 4th race may be possible in theory. It won't be easy to change the screen to make room for the 4th picture, and I don't know if the game can take a variable number or if it's designed for 3 even if you make room.

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting ManSh00ter, reply 2
Yes to all. Though I'm not sure what you mean by 100% total 3D and 2D content since the game content already is 100% 3D and 2D.
End of ManSh00ter's quote

Ah, sorry for the confusion. I was referring to a complete swap of the 3D assets (new ships/structures with the old ones) and a 2D swap (portraits, game/menu interface, icons, etc).

Sounds good! Thanks for the help. Looks like I have to start digging in, then...

Should be fun.

Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top

yes to all......and check out 7 Deadly Sins while youre at it:grin:

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

Yes to all.  I am DANMAN, creator of 7 DEADLY SINS, the mod that was just mentioned.  You can accomplish all the things you mentioned.  I will be keeping a look out for what you are coming out with.

Good luck, and let us know if you need any help.

DANMAN

Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top

So I've been happily changing the .str files and playing with unit properties and some basic interface changes, but I have a couple more questions! I couldn't find the answer here on these boards, so I'll ask up here.

 

1. Can I add new structure types? I want to break it into Frigate, Cruiser, and Capital, rather than Frigate/Cruiser and capital. Are new structures supported?

2. Can you change the name of structures on the fly as they get upgraded? Say I upgrade my sentry turret via tech... can I change the building to be a sentry turret Mk. II? Or is it all under the hood? (This is a minor one; just curious. :D) If not structures, can ships be changed?

I'm sure I'll have more; thanks for the input! I'll share as to what I'm developing once I have more work done. Secret for now, unless you can guess from my post. ^^

Thanks!

--Kibb

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top

1) You can add structures, but not shipyards. How the ships are built is set in stone, there's always a frigate factory for frigates+cruisers and a capital factory for capitals.

2) For now this can't be done, the name is just assigned to the entity file and can't change dynamically. Now, Entrenchment will introduce turret upgrades that change visual appearance so it's possible that they also change the text for it.. we'll have to see.

If not structures, can ships be changed?
End of quote

How? There are lots of ways to change ships :P

Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top

Thanks Annatar!

 

And for the "If not structures, can ships be changed?" comment, I was referring to ship names. Say changing a ship name from 'Super Duper Cruiser' to 'SUPER-D-DUPER Cruiser' when you get upgrade X.

Oh! Another question! :D

I know there are Hull and Shield values for ship protection; are these the only 2 that can be used? What does the 'armor' value refer to? Is there any way I could make it Shield/Armor/Hull and have the armor act as the shield and hull do? Is that even possible to have the 3 HP values? I thought about hacking Antimatter to make it work, but... yeah, that's really a hack sort of thing.

Is it possible inside of SOASE to mod a 3rd HP value so I can have shield/armor/hull?

 

You've all been very helpfuil. I'm getting the hang of this now. Thanks for the help!

Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top

Ah, no, that can't be done either for the same reason.

Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top

you might be able to do it with antimater but it would be hard for a captical ship since you will need to have it as a upgrade ability. the ability/buff system can be used in several diffrent ways to work around hardcoaded material.  it really comes down to fooling around with it enough to get what your looking for. keep in mond this would only "immitate" the effect, it wouldnt actualy be like having a 3rd value.

Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top

Thats OK. I will just use Shield and Hull for now. Thank you. :)

Once I have made some decent progress, I'll make an announcement as to what I'm working on here.

Reply #13 from Sins Forums Top

Good luck!!

:)