Trying to Mod Tropico 3 Thread

Hey everyone, I've been trying to make a Tropico 1 mod for Tropico 3 and I've run into a massive problem, the game uses encrypted .lua files that use Zlib encryption (evident by the fact that it states ZLIB in the main .lua file.. which I suspect contains all the juicy "READ xxx.HPK" lines of code which I desperately need to change).. The problem is that I was trying to create my own HPK files to overwrite the existing file structure, I was able to extract the Tropico 3 content via the Grand Ages Rome HPK Extractor-- Grand Ages works with External extracted files, but in a real bastard move against Modding their games Kalypso have instead enforced some really bullshit encryption.

The game is ok, but it has problems, problems that SHOULD be fixed with mods-- its unlikely patches will do it as a lot of the issues I have with the game are in the form of Content- which is what I'm trying to mod.

For the record I know a stack of you will likely Google .HPK, this is what I initially did.. even after downloading HPACK which is publicly known to create .hpk files, it won't work still.. likely because these aren't the same file types-- unlike the Quake Era .pak files which I MORE than know how to edit its likely they're similar animals. This is likely a new version of HPK- I've read that some Source games use the file type so hopefully the community can help me.

What I have been successful at is editing the movie files, which aren't encoded (strangely.....) so this was successful, the main menu loads up identical to Tropico 1.. Ideally what I want to change are the Music Files, the Sound Files (for the Narrator and gun shots- Also the addition of the Viva El Presidente sounds that are clearly missing from the game.)

I was going to create a profile here on moddb however this is in extremely experimental stages, all I've managed to get working is a converted .bik file.

If anyone knows information I don't or can offer some assistance I'll be really greatful..

I do realize this goes COMPLETELY AGAINST THE WISHES OF KALYPSO.. but you know everyone wanted to mod this game that was a fan of the originals, they essentially stuck their middle finger up at us when they announced that this would have NO mod support.

If I'm unable to resolve this issue, I'll likely just release the .bik file for those that prefer Tropico1's menu and Music over Tropico3's Menu and Music.

Thanks for your time.

Also all the files from tropico 1 have already been converted, they're ready to be used with Tropico 3 because I can read their file structures using the extracted files, unfortunately the external files can't be read, either the game uses the HPKs or just doesn't load anything. If I can get it to work with the external files, this would be great.

Edited by: Mr_Cyberpunk

Yeah I played Tropico and also got Tropico 3, because it seemed to return to the original game's premise. However, something went wrong with that development. T1 had this relaxed feeling to it, even if you sped it up you would still get what's happening on your little island. This new Tropico is all about building. It has a terrible system of laying down roads - most often I am prevented from making a perfect curve and instead have to zig-zag my way across the territory. Lots of issues with this game and no support - plain stupidity!

It looks like they concentrated on consoles (once again). It's basically a simplified version of the original, which focuses on building, rather than maintaining. Strangely enough it looks like the original game, but it doesn't really work or feel as good. Modding would do the game a lot of good, but I think you won't get very far with it.

Yeah I'm doubtful, but modders managed to hack open Grand Ages so I'm kind of hoping to add this stuff into the game. It feels better now with the old Tropico 1 intro and music.

I also have the same issues with those roads, they're a lot better than the Demo version though- before cars used to ghost through people.. now they actually collide.. which is good- bad thing is that this causes bottlenecks.. and I find myself going months without cargo moving because the roads are used up too much..

I've posted a review about the game on Game.on.net.. the game is ok, its a bit too safe for my liking, but that said it captures tropico 1's gameplay almost exactly... I say Almost because there are some major changes. Rebellions I feel are handled way better in this game because El Presidente can be killed in battle.. what I don't like is that you aren't given the option, El Preidente will always ScarFace on you.. Sort of annoying when he keeps dying all the time.

It is really really really annoying when companies encrypt their files, I don't see the point to it really. Why would you stop modding all together?! its just stupid.

Here's my review of Tropico 3
Games.on.net

if you want to dig around the hpk files here's the tool to do it.
Forum.xentax.com

I'll arrange to have the new .bik files distributed to the public, and then tell Kalypso about what I've done and say "Guys.. wtf?! come on.. let us in!"

Moddb.com

I've released the .bik file. Should be Authed soon.

Edited by: Mr_Cyberpunk