OpenXcom Forum
OpenXcom => Offtopic => Topic started by: Chuckebaby on September 13, 2021, 03:42:34 am
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Just want to share my love for this game and share my history with it. I bought this game around 1996 for PlayStation 1. I honestly didn't even think I would like it because its graphics were a little behind what Sony was coming out with for the PS1. but as I played it more and more, I began to love it. Im still playing it now using GOG or DOD or something on PC windows 8. I also have TFTD and the third one (apocalypse I believe), which is ridiculously hard but the first one i keep going back to over and over again. Every few years I beat it again. like an old friend.
Anyway, Do the mods work on the version i use ?
Thanks for letting me join.
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Hi.
No, the OpenXcom mods do not work with the original game.
You need OpenXcom to play OpenXcom mods.
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I too first played XCOM on PSX. But as I understand the port is basically identical to the DOS version, except the pre-rendered music, instead of MIDI.
The most different XCOM version would be the Amiga one. And it differs in not a good way. Still Amiga has exclusive version of other Gollops' games.
Then Russian pirates have made a ZX Spectrum XCOM port, and it is just something:
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Port?? this is completely different game with some surface level similarities.
Aside from that, on its own, look like advanced game for this system, lot of work was used to create it.
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Port?? this is completely different game with some surface level similarities.
Aside from that, on its own, look like advanced game for this system, lot of work was used to create it.
That is what actually "different" version looks like. And it uses actual XCOM sprites, like that skull explosion. But I guess writing proper geoscape, and tactical AI was too much of an effort, so they made it into an action game.
There was also a Sega Genesis port of 1992 game Spellcraft, which had almost nothing to do with the original. Original Spellcraft is really similar to Gallop's Magic & Mayhem and the later Sacrifice, spiced with adventure game elements, while the Sega port is an action game, having only superficial resemblance to the DOS version.
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That is what actually "different" version looks like. And it uses actual XCOM sprites, like that skull explosion. But I guess writing proper geoscape, and tactical AI was too much of an effort, so they made it into an action game.
"actual XCOM sprites"? no, how 8bit graphic can be same as 1bit? Not mention different dimensions. Graphic is only inspired by XCom graphic.
When we would remove all this resemblance this game would not have nearly nothing in common with XCom.
I would more consider http://xcomrl.blogspot.com/ a "port" than this game. At lest both are turn based games with 3d map.
There was also a Sega Genesis port of 1992 game Spellcraft, which had almost nothing to do with the original. Original Spellcraft is really similar to Gallop's Magic & Mayhem and the later Sacrifice, spiced with adventure game elements, while the Sega port is an action game, having only superficial resemblance to the DOS version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_5RFNo2Y7o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO8Mwx4n0XU
This games? Only looking on this two videos I see lot of similarities in game play, or at least parts when player character move on map.
It very possible that Sega version is simply trim down version of original game.
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how 8bit graphic can be same as 1bit? Not mention different dimensions. Graphic is only inspired by XCom graphic.
Yeah it is inspired. But the sprites do look "traced" or just downscaled and cleaned up.
This games? Only looking on this two videos I see lot of similarities in game play, or at least parts when player character move on map.
It very possible that Sega version is simply trim down version of original game.
Yup. The SNES version is completely different, and is closer to earlier game The Immortal. Again, the original is a bit too complex game, both to port and to find audience among the little SNES kids, who are not hardcore D&D nerds. You see even the person demonstrating the original DOS version of the game couldn't grasp what is required to do. And it only gets more obscure.
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Wow.
Of course this isn't "port" but completely different game, still I find it kinda interesting (not to play, but just the fact it exists)
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Oh my gosh, I thought i was the only one who was this obsessed with this game. I feel amongst friends. With that being said, I beat the original game last night. However with a bit of sadness, I lost Captain Webber Hamburger. I stuck a post it to my PC (A plaque to commemorate his service fighting the evil alien menace). He was taken far too soon at the hands of a chrysalis. What hurts even worse is I have to take him out myself. But I let his family know, he lost his life saving the world...
Anyway, thank you guys and girls for all your reply's. I'm getting ready to install the open x com patch.
but a few questions first.
Do i apply the patch first, then install open x com ?
I'm using this on dos box so everything is located in C:\GOG Games\XCOM UFO Defense.
Thank you so much for all your help.
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I feel amongst friends. With that being said, I beat the original game last night.
Great. You mean the original DOS version? Nowdays I almost can't play it, due to poor GUI (esp mouse is bad) and also the glitches are kinda annoying.
I'm getting ready to install the open x com patch.
but a few questions first.
Do i apply the patch first, then install open x com ?
I'm using this on dos box so everything is located in C:\GOG Games\XCOM UFO Defense.
Thank you so much for all your help.
OpenXCOM is not "a patch" for the DOS game, it is complete rewrite. Actually it seems there are two versions of the complete rewrite:
- OpenXCOM
- OXCE - adds far more things
Anyway, you install them as a new program, they will prompt about location of the original game so they can copy the datafiles (resources graphics maps etc) of the game.
There are also big mods here, one was The Final Mod modpack (but now discontinued?) which seems to be kinda replaced by the XCom Files megamod. There are also complete rewrites that change it to other game (but same mechanics) like the X-Pirates thing.
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Great. You mean the original DOS version? Nowdays I almost can't play it, due to poor GUI (esp mouse is bad) and also the glitches are kinda annoying.
OpenXCOM is not "a patch" for the DOS game, it is complete rewrite. Actually it seems there are two versions of the complete rewrite:
- OpenXCOM
- OXCE - adds far more things
Anyway, you install them as a new program, they will prompt about location of the original game so they can copy the datafiles (resources graphics maps etc) of the game.
There are also big mods here, one was The Final Mod modpack (but now discontinued?) which seems to be kinda replaced by the XCom Files megamod. There are also complete rewrites that change it to other game (but same mechanics) like the X-Pirates thing.
Thank you for your helpful info.
When i click on the Downloads page, it defaults to "Milestones" / Latest patch.
I wondering if i have to use that patch first before installing. Or is that patch the Open X com ?
Thanks again. i really appreciate the help.
I should probably do some more research myself before asking any of you to feed me info (my apologies) I'm just slightly confused.
Also agree, the original version, the mouse movements are horrible. Laggy graphics, etc.
Thanks
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When i click on the Downloads page, it defaults to "Milestones" / Latest patch.
I wondering if i have to use that patch first before installing. Or is that patch the Open X com ?
To install OpenXcom you don't need to run the original X-Com you just want a few of the files from it moved into folders in the OpenXcom directory.
The Data Patch corrects errors that were in these original games files.
This patch is for use with OpenXcom not the original game.
To install OpenXcom you need to:
. Install regular X-Com.
. Move several files from X-Com's directory to your OpenXcom directory's UFO and/or TFTD directory.
. Apply the Data Patch. (There is a patch.txt file in the unzipped patch's folder, it contains install instructions.)
Here is an install guide for installing OpenXcom Extended (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8664.msg133090.html#msg133090) (Which is a version of OpenXcom with some changes and additional features.)
The steps are almost the same for installing both versions so perhaps it will help you?
(For your purpose just consider every mention of the file OpenXcomEx as OpenXcom.)
Anyway, Do the mods work on the version i use ?
Some of the larger mods require OpenXcom Extended to run, for example:
. The X-Com Files (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/board,21.0.html)
. XPiratez (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/board,18.0.html)
. 40K (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/board,25.0.html)
. UNEXCOM (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,6404.0.html)
. The World of (terrifying) silence (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,5566.0.html)
. From the Apocalypse (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,3319.0.html)
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Thank you kindly. I am very grateful for the help.
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Thank you kindly. I am very grateful for the help.
Your post was very helpful. But i tried today and had no luck.
It's all on me, my fault. Im missing something.
I should mention, im using DOSBOX for the original game. I do have the files though,
It just wouldnt open when i ran the exe.
Thanks again for all your help
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I figured it out. I instead installed OXCE to desktop. then copied my files over. havent installed patches yet but so far all is working great. I'm really impressed with the mods. the depth is amazing.
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I hope its okay i Double comment.
I just want to thank the developers of this (OXCE). I was using the original Dos box version and it had its issues.
This version of OXCE, omg.. It was so smooth, fast loading my saves. I honestly can not say enough good things about it.
My next step is trying to use it with terror from the deep. i also have that game on Dos box. I copid my folders over, but im not sure how to open that game from OXCE.
Thanks again.
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My next step is trying to use it with terror from the deep. i also have that game on Dos box. I copid my folders over, but im not sure how to open that game from OXCE.
To toggle between X-COM: UFO Defense and X-COM: Terror From The Deep press the Mod button:
(https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10119.0;attach=55085)
Click the "Base Game" button at the top of the mod menu and select Terror from the Deep:
(https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10119.0;attach=55087)
Click the "OK" button in the lower left side of the screen, OpenXcom will reload:
(https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10119.0;attach=55089)
If you see this screen after the reload then everything should be set to play Terror from the Deep:
(https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10119.0;attach=55091)
You may also be interested in installing this visual mod if you are using OXCE:
Firing Animation for TFTD (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,9761.0.html)
(Unless it has already been fixed) there is a bug (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,9744.0.html) when playing Terror From the Deep where your Aquanauts will not visually raise their arms to fire two handed weapons.
This mod provides a makeshift solution adding in the missing animation frames without altering the gameplay.
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This mod provides a makeshift solution adding in the missing animation frames without altering the gameplay.
This was just what I needed. I can’t thank you enough.
What an amazing community this is. I am just so impressed with the hard work and love people have for this game here.
Amazing people helping one another, just like you.
By trade I am audio mastering engineer. I master audio for radio, streaming, etc. if there is anything I can do to help out with the audio portion of this game, please let me know. I’d be happy to donate any resources I can.
Very grateful. That is again.
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By trade I am audio mastering engineer. I master audio for radio, streaming, etc. if there is anything I can do to help out with the audio portion of this game, please let me know. I’d be happy to donate any resources I can.
Very grateful. That is again.
I do have an audio question.
I was adding a sound effect to the game but I had to first record one from the game. (The effect I wanted was a vanilla sound plus something extra.) So I recorded the effect direct across the computer, not through the speakers. The quality came through fine, but I couldn't seem to balance the volume in Audacity. Is there an easy way to get the audio volume to match? Whatever I recorded came through at a radically different volume than the original sound effect.
Apologies if I'm a complete noob at this.
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Your best bet would be using a good Loudness meter (LUFS is the EBU standard now a day, but back in the 90's it was unheard of. however that wouldn't really matter much as your just trying to do some basic signal matching.
This LUFS meter is free. The paid version is the industry standard. This one will do fine.
https://youlean.co/youlean-loudness-meter/
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Take some readings, then use the normalize function in Audacity. I'm not really familiar with audacity but it has to do some form of normalizing. I use Wavelab. It's what most mastering engineers use.
You a noob ? LOL.
You are are to coding what i am to audio. We are all have our specialty.
I'm a noob when it comes to coding :-)
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You a noob ? LOL.
You are are to coding what i am to audio. We are all have our specialty.
I'm a noob when it comes to coding :-)
Not coding. I am pretty pro at openxcom modding.
Thanks! =)
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Not coding. I am pretty pro at openxcom modding.
Thanks! =)
How did you get good at coding this game ?
I just downloaded a free txt editor. Notepad++ to mess around a bit.
I know coding can be difficult but this game seems like a great place to start learning.
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How did you get good at coding this game ?
I just downloaded a free txt editor. Notepad++ to mess around a bit.
I know coding can be difficult but this game seems like a great place to start learning.
I'm not good at coding the game. That would require knowledge of its programming language.
Editing the ruleset is pretty easy. It's written in YAML, a markup language (fite me, it is) and so is easy to understand with no prior experience. All you have to recognize is that as with anything else in programming, the game is an absolute stickler for syntax. So to get your feet wet, it is best to copy other mods and make tweaks to them. You can also copy ruleset files or text from the ruleset files from the base openxcom game, just make sure you mimic the style that other mods use. As you do this, you will get used to how features work. You will still experience lots of bugs and crashes as you learn, but you can get help either from me (here on the forums or on discord) or in the openxcom discord (https://discord.gg/FDMx3EMq) modding channel.
I've been modding for years. Modding has a very low barrier for entry, but plenty of room to grow. I'm not the best modder in the community but I have come very far and I am the best at some things.
P.S.: Make sure your Notepad++ is set to YAML for anything using the .rul file extension.
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It's written in YAML, a markup language (fite me, it is) and so is easy to understand with no prior experience. All you have to recognize is that as with anything else in programming, the game is an absolute stickler for syntax. So to get your feet wet, it is best to copy other mods and make tweaks to them.
YAML doesn't look easy to me - it has rather advanced Python-style syntax, compared to JSON. And scripting in general is a bit harder than raw programming, since it implies good intrinsic knowledge of the system being scripted. Almost always the documentation for scripting languages is lacking, and you can't just look at the source code, as you do with C/C++. So successful scripting indeed relies on copy-pasting the working code and experimenting with it. You can also do only as much as the devs have exposed, unless the underlying system has complete introspection (i.e. runs on top of C# runtime, JVM or some Lisp system), because it is notoriously hard to expose parts of the C and, especially, C++ software to scripting - there are special complicated tools for that.
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Thank you very much for your helpful insight.
This forum is really amazing. I’ve only met a small handful of people who have loved this game until I joined this group.
This game is one of those things that I keep returning to as the years go by. It reminds me of being young, it reminds me of playing it with my son (who is 27 now and he had no idea about this OXCE. He is thrilled now. Especially about the mods.
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I do have an audio question.
Reaver I sent you a DM about your awesome mod (Harmony). I am loving it.
As far as audio goes ? Find me on Facebook, friend me and I'll look at your audio files myself and do what I can to fix them.
On a separate note-
I joined this forum just 4 months ago and it is as if I have found a gold mine. The joy this group has brought me is unreal. I can not thank all of you enough for introducing me into this world of mods. I honestly had no idea how many people in this world were just like me (loved this game so much). I am so glad to have found this group. Thank you all.
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Reaver I sent you a DM about your awesome mod (Harmony). I am loving it.
As far as audio goes ? Find me on Facebook, friend me and I'll look at your audio files myself and do what I can to fix them.
Thanks! Glad to hear it!
It's fine, I have a basic understanding of how to use Audacity. I was hoping there would be an easy solution, but if there isn't then I can just do it the hard way. The files in question are already balanced anyway, it was more of a for future reference sort of thing.
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Thanks! Glad to hear it!
It's fine, I have a basic understanding of how to use Audacity. I was hoping there would be an easy solution, but if there isn't then I can just do it the hard way. The files in question are already balanced anyway, it was more of a for future reference sort of thing.
Reaver, a better software for digital audio is Bandlab by Cakewalk. I have been working for Cakewalk since 2009. Designing features, workflow, etc.
The software used to be 499.99 USD only 5 years ago. it's free now.
https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk
The loudness meter which i spoke of (LUFS meter) Youlean makes a free version which is basically the industry standard.
https://youlean.co/youlean-loudness-meter/
Any time I can be of any help, let me know.