Server Help

[ShortyMatt]

I would like to use different grpahics and sounds on my zone...how can i put them up there (easiest explanation if possible, remeber i am a newb ) i have the lvz thingy....but i have no idea how to use it...

[SuSE]

if you just want to replace graphics and sounds that the game already uses... (instead of adding extra ones)

it's not so hard

basically, the game uses all the images (graphics) from your Continuum\graphics folder (eg C:\program files\continuum\graphics) and all the audio (sounds) from your Continuum\sound folder (eg C:\program files\continuum\sound)

so those are the files that you can replace

[with the exception of radarh.bm2 and radarv.bm2 which are no longer used]

ie - the files in those two folders are, essentially, your list of files you can replace

-------

you say you have lvztoolkit.zip, great

you need to unzip it (I know duh) - a convenient place is Continuum\lvztoolkit (heh)

then what you want to do is pop open notepad or wordpad

now, for any of the files in either of the aforementioned folders, you just type into notepad/wordpad something like this...

[SuSE]

additional things...

4 MBs maximum .lvz files size

put a "+" before the name (eg - "misc:levelfiles=+blah.lvz) for it to be an optional download [as configured in View>Options>Other - 'use optional level graphics and sounds'

can have different .lvz's for different types (like one for sound, one for graphics...or even 5 for graphics if you like)

don't want to make .lvz filenames too long

[ShortyMatt]

why is it that akai is usually the one helping me...lol...and i will get to work on those things u said, thank you once again akai

[FudLe Pucker]

whats ur zone, shorts?

[ShortyMatt]

i choose to not disclose that information until the time is ready.....cause i am still working on map and graphics, ships, sounds...but if u really want to know...e-mail me at Shortguy720@aol.com

[ShortyMatt]

[SuSE]

without the "+" before the filename in the list, all players (using Continuum, that is) are forced to download those files

WITH the "+" before, they have the option to not download those files IF they have View>Options>Other - 'use optional level graphics and sounds' UNchecked (I think it is UNchecked by default, don't exactly remember)

[VIE clients (ie - Subspace, not Continuum) does not use .lvz, so (if you allow VIE clients in your zone) they do not download .lvz files regardless of "+" or not before]

[ShortyMatt]

so....if i want people to download those new files...i put a + in front...ok i got it

thx

[SuSE]

no, if you want them to download the new files, you add them to the misc:levelfiles= list

if you want them to be able to download them, but HAVE A CHOICE on whether or not to download them, use the "+"

[ShortyMatt]

ah

[ShortyMatt]

so...this post is born!!! which type of file...jpg...png...saves the most space ? i tink png

[SuSE]

Mine said png once I think, so probably png

png also is just hip man $

besides, the really low filesize jpg's look like tripe

[halojk5]

cloud somone help me on how to make a zone plez

[darksinasterrage]

could som one plez help me on how to make a zone plezzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cyan~Fire]

Please don't tell me that was the same person.
http://www.shanky.com/server/howto-zone/index.html

Make a new post next time.
_________________
This help is informational only. No representation is made or warranty given as to its content. User assumes all risk of use. Cyan~Fire assumes no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use.
Wise men STILL seek Him.

[ShortyMatt]

i do hope not...lol...so png it is then...now to get that software to get tings to png...do ya tink paint shop pro 7 could do it...i think it can...i just open it and save as...right?

[SuSE]

probably

[Smong]

You can try fiddling with the reduce to 256 colors (8bit) settings to save even more space (in PSP7).

[ShortyMatt]

now why would i do that? i do not want the newbs to get in that easily lol P

[CypherJF]

OMG! I agree. Reducing # of colors will help the file size, PNG is prob the best format , MGB had a bunch of links and resources that prooved this...

- cyp

[RAYfighter]

I guess that JPG is much more advanced format if we talk about picture quality vs filesize, and for example Adobe Photoshop is believed to get the best from JPG capabilities. I doubt that if the Internet abandoned PNG format completely for JPGs, it is the best solution for LVZs.
Certainly there are situations where one could use GIF or PNG - especially for large low-color areas with tiny sharp details (for example animated text banners), but if you think of any rich full-color pictures, I would definetly prefer JPG.

Here I would like to ask some kinda off-topic question: since Cont client runs in 8-bit mode by default (and in its fixed 256-colour palette), does it really make any sense to use 24-bit graphics?
And if I wanna offer true-color eyecandy for player (which GFX man doesn't , how to instruct visitors of the arena to use 24-bit mode? Can the client run in 24-bit mode other way than just windowed?

[SuSE]

View>Options>Graphics - Color Depth

for older computers (or those with little video support) anything but 8-bit will cause hellish frame lag

if you want people to know that your zone/arena supports 24-bit color, just put it in the greeting message (or periodic message)

eg. "Welcome to (insert zone/arena name)! Enable 24-bit mode (View>Options>Graphics - Color Depth) to experience the best color possible! "

[Smong]

I think the fixed palette in 8bit mode may only apply to the tileset, I'm not sure. (Hmm, several different 8bit palettes must mean the screen is at something higher than 256 colours).

[Cyan~Fire]

Ray: JPG will never replace PNG because they're used for different purposes.

JPG is mainly used for pictures since it's small and pixel-detail isn't needed (usually) for pictures.

PNG is used for computer graphics cause then pixel-detail matters, with good resolution and stuff.