CnC Generals Editing Thread

Hey I want to make a mod and I'm looking for a suitable engine. I'm looking at the CnC Generals engine but I don't know much about it (I don't have the game). I was wondering if someone could answer a few questions for me...

1.1 What editing tools are included?
1.2 Is the engine modifyable enough to make a turn-based mod?
1.3 Is the engine modifyable enough to make individual units have stats/inventories?
1.4 I've heard that it's possible to make fully destructible buildings/landscapes, is that true?
1.5 What's the best method for importing 3D models?

I'd be grateful if people could answer any of these questions...

1.1 u need the latest version of XCC Mixer to acces the (.big) files, CSF editor to edit the string file, gmax -> renx to make new models
1.2 no
1.3 no
1.4 what do u mean exactly?
1.5 export them from renx to .W3D and insert them in %Generals%\art\w3d\

1.4 You shoot the ground and it blows a crater, etc.

1.2 + 1.3 Are you sure that it's impossible? Even with massive coding/editing?

1.4 a 3d crater? hmm... i dunno that
1.2/3 i think it is impossable but im not 100% sure

Actually;
I'd say the following from what I've managed to learn recently--

1: None are included, but there are so many out there to find that there are no real problems in finding a tool for a specific need.
2: Not really, I can't think of a ny particular method of making a turn-based modification.
3: Sure is, as far as I can think - well, you cna have unit independent upgrades and such forth, as well as limited quantites of ammunition and other abilites. Some things take more coding than others, what do you ahve in mind?
4: Sure is, all of which are in the form of a regular CnC Generals building with certain paths through that are traversable !
5: Not entirely sure - ask a modeller!!!!

i am modeler

1.2 I don't really want to make a turn-based mod... what I want to really do is make a battle system like the LSN system, i.e. the game pauses every 10 seconds, in which time you issue your orders. When you're done issuing orders to all of your units, the game un-pauses for another 10 seconds, in which time you can only watch and see what happens until the game pauses again.

1.3 I mean having units that gain in their individual skills, i.e., going level up like in an RPG. I realize that if it were possible it would take a crapload of coding, but that's ok... what I really want to know is... IS it possible?

naahh, i pretty sure its impossbale

1.2 - no way, no can do

1.3 - sure, you could just play with the veterancy system

Any suggestions for an engine that can do this then?

After extracting the FactionUnit.ini from INI.big by XCC Mixer, and editing them with the notepad, I found nothing changed in the game, WHY???

Shall I patch the game to the newest to be able to mod it??

Or shall use another program to edit the INIs?????????????????

Please, fast reply me as This is very important..

Rb0 - What did you attempt to change - some things are dependent on cross-referencing, and a great many things depend on multiple files.
Notepad is perfect for ini editing - but did you put the ini you extracted in your Generals/Data/Ini/Object folder? That tends to help!

You don't need to patch the game at all - you can simply add a new BIG file or the seperate ini files in their respective Data subfolders.

Also, be careful about Zero Hour - it doesn't use all the original Generals inis.

Did you change anything Rbo? If so, it should work.

1.3 Yes, that should be possible. I'm pretty sure it is.

1.4 I've heard that it's possible to make fully destructible buildings/landscapes, is that true?

According to an interview/article I read, the engine is fully capable of dynamic terrain--terrain that can be deformed and will be traversed in accordance with that--but it isn't implemented as far as I know.

- Edited By longbow On Wed 17th, Dec 2003 @ 6:30:00pm

...what tools would u use to make models and maps and stuf for CnC Generals?

CnC Generals uses W3D format models (which is shockwave I believe). Maps, just use the handy worldbuilder that comes with it .
Milkshape is probably the best program to make Generals models, as they need to be VERY low poly. (human models are about 300 polys!)

i use 3ds max 5 and gmax

So does anyone know where i can get any programs.. I found some the other day... like w3d importer, final big cfs editor..
I'm not sure whta any of these do .... But I'm interested in putting some of my models into the game... (just replacing old ones)

snow

PS: I'm useing lightwave (newest version)

- Edited By snowguy_2006 On Tue 10th, Feb 2004 @ 8:15:46pm

gmax
Renegade gamepack for W3D crap

- Edited By T-RonX On Wed 11th, Feb 2004 @ 5:37:24pm

The renegade game pack will work for CnC?

yup, Generals uses the same model format as Renegade does

- Edited By T-RonX On Wed 11th, Feb 2004 @ 7:19:05pm

hmm
I don't wanna use gmax! lol.... Any way to use lightwave and then convert?

snow

mmm not sure, but whats wrong with gmax?

Never used it.. don't want to take the tiem to download it, ..
Dial up! Maybe I'll download it at a friends house who has cable

snow