02-12-2004 22:51									#1
	Modifying unit graphics Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

Can it be done? Have you like me often felt irritated upon seeing some of the veichles and strange paintjobs? Has it damaged your immersion when you first start playing, before you become desensitized?
Would you like an alternative graphics patch just for a change?

These questions surround me.
Is there an answer?

	02-12-2004 23:56									#2
	Re: Modifying unit graphics Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by Avimimus Can it be done?

There are two seperate sections that govern unit pics. One set consists simply of pictures such as for the MW's, Battle Ogres, and artifacts, and are pulled from a single file (I'm at work right now and can't think of the name right off the top of my head). The other section consists of "caviar" (or cvr) files which provide animation for a majority of the units such as rovers, infantry, cruisers, copters, and the like. The units whose graphics are governed by pictures can be changed quite easily. The units associated with cvr files are pretty much set.

quote: Originally posted by Avimimus Have you like me often felt irritated upon seeing some of the veichles and strange paintjobs? Has it damaged your immersion when you first start playing, before you become desensitized?

shrug - I don't play chess for the graphics, nor do I play SMAC(X) for the graphics, either.....

quote: Originally posted by Avimimus Would you like an alternative graphics patch just for a change?

What I'd like are alternatives to the Unity Wreckage, Monoliths, and the like. I already scavenged off the net an alternative colour patch for the basic terrain called "SMAC Drab", but I'd also like to change the other animated terrain graphics, if only for a change of pace.


D

	03-12-2004 05:32									#3
	Re: Re: Modifying unit graphics Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Darsnan shrug - I don't play chess for the graphics, nor do I play SMAC(X) for the graphics, either.....

Of course, no one plays SMAC for the graphics. And if it comes down to graphics vs gameplay....gameplay should always win regardless for the game or genre.

With that said I still think that games have advanced to level which nice graphics (not great graphics) shouldn't be a difficulty. It would be nice for all the graphics and sound files to be easily swaped in and out to make mods and total conversions more realistic.

Wouldn't it be nice to load up a mod to play SMAC in a Civ like setting? I loved the Master of Magic Jr. mod for Civ2 and would love to see someone make a updated version for SMAC.....but the ease of modding is just not there.

Free idea to any game companies out there listening. Make a generic TBS game in which any number of themes/mods/graphics/conversions can be applied to it. Some of the best games made are mods of simpler games (Counter-Strike and Team Fortress based off of Half-Life just off the top of my head)

	03-12-2004 19:01									#4
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

I agree about graphics vs. gameplay. Its just I remember being shocked the first time I played the game at some of the veichles.

It would be nice if they could be changed a bit as they are all prevasive in the game. But I guess they can't.

Thank you

	04-12-2004 03:24									#5
	Re: Re: Re: Modifying unit graphics Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

quote: Originally posted by livid imp Wouldn't it be nice to load up a mod to play SMAC in a Civ like setting? I loved the Master of Magic Jr. mod for Civ2 and would love to see someone make a updated version for SMAC.....but the ease of modding is just not there. Free idea to any game companies out there listening. Make a generic TBS game in which any number of themes/mods/graphics/conversions can be applied to it. Some of the best games made are mods of simpler games (Counter-Strike and Team Fortress based off of Half-Life just off the top of my head)

Buying SMAC would be against my religion or something...

The file you want for the static image units is units.pcx or something very close to that.

I personally like the graphics for SMAC fine. Specifically, I like the idea of rolling hills covered in condensors

Edit:... WHOOPS... I meant buying CIV.....

	18-12-2004 10:50									#6
	Re: a generic TBS game Tired of ads?

quote: Originally posted by livid imp Free idea to any game companies out there listening. Make a generic TBS game in which any number of themes/mods/graphics/conversions can be applied to it.

The War Engine available from Shrapnel Games is such a game.
Once you've become familiar with the system by using what's provided, you can jump right into customizing.
You can edit the given stuff or "roll your own" units, weapons, terrains, etc., from scratch; then draw your own graphics for all of them; then set up single battles or create campaigns (which can be linear, non-linear, or random).
You can have just about any theme you can imagine: tribes of cave men bashing it out with clubs and dropping rocks on each other; space battles with all manner of weaponry (and ground battles among the crashed crews); dragons and knights and wizards; or any era of human history.
As one might expect, it can become quite the project, depending on how deep you decide to dive.

	31-07-2005 02:32									#7
	Got spare money?

Is it just editing the crv files not possible, or is extracting the graphics/animations from the not possible either?

It would be sweet to be able to use the animations for a Civ3 mod.

-mellian

	31-07-2005 02:42									#8
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

quote: Originally posted by Mellian Is it just editing the crv files not possible, or is extracting the graphics/animations from the not possible either?

The cvr files can be edited (probably more like replaced), but it is probably rather difficult. To date I don't think anyone has tried this, and no one has succeeded.

quote: Originally posted by Mellian It would be sweet to be able to use the animations for a Civ3 mod.

Do you mean a Civ4 mod? If so why from talking to binTravkin, he and I are in agreement that, with what has been said about the modability of cIV, that we could insert call statements that will bring up the cvr files. FYI.


D