The thread that started it all

[Mark Pagliaro]

 

I do not know why your having the problems with complete black sqaures. When using the original files from gtaIII (there are a few all black sqaures) they show up completely fine. why not take one of them and rename it to the ones you need. 

 

 

 

 

I just wish we had a tool to simplify it. The radar has to have one of the highest investment to benefit ratio

 

Nobody's commented on the solid orange blcoks

I just looked into it, partly.

radar63.txd (and I assume the rest are the same) has a white alpha, so the orange shows through.

GTAIII's radar63.txd has a black alpha.

I'm about to try GTAIII's files over the LC ones for all the orange square txd's.

These are radar00, 31, 39, 47, 55-57, and 61-63.

 

edit: Yeah, works a treat. Works in TXDWorkshop [aplha-mix view]too.

 

Just to make things easier, here's the fixed textures

 

 

Thanks for trying it out. Guess my idea worked then .

[Ryan_]

It is much better than the first, but could even be smaller. Was wondering if you only made the front wings shadow smaller or if you shrunk the whole thing? Because, I think maybe the back wings shadow could be smaller too.

But it is much better.

 

How can I fix the wheels?

[Craig Kostelecky]

Are you sure you posted the right file? Every one of the usual spots is flooded for me again (and I didn't back up the old file).

[MajorOutage]

Yep, pretty sure. I just re-uploaded it to be safe.

[spaceeinstein]

I thought the Dodo's shadow is rectangular, like in GTA3.

[Demarest]

I'm going to fix it just to please you lot. But keep in mind that GTA3 has this same issue when using the Dodo The difference is that helis can take off and land at will. So I SHOULD leave it the way it is. If I can convert it, I will though.

[ModelingMan]

If anyone doesn't want to install the radar manually, then here is a script for the mod installer. Maybe include this in the official release.

 

Save this as "installscript_gtavc.txt"

 

 

//In Order to Install This Mod With An Installer, You Need //To Download The GTA Mod Installer from www.GTA3HQ.com[modname]GTALC Radar[addtogta3img]radar00.txd[addtogta3img]radar01.txd[addtogta3img]radar02.txd[addtogta3img]radar03.txd[addtogta3img]radar04.txd[addtogta3img]radar05.txd[addtogta3img]radar06.txd[addtogta3img]radar07.txd[addtogta3img]radar08.txd[addtogta3img]radar09.txd[addtogta3img]radar10.txd[addtogta3img]radar11.txd[addtogta3img]radar12.txd[addtogta3img]radar13.txd[addtogta3img]radar14.txd[addtogta3img]radar15.txd[addtogta3img]radar16.txd[addtogta3img]radar17.txd[addtogta3img]radar18.txd[addtogta3img]radar19.txd[addtogta3img]radar20.txd[addtogta3img]radar21.txd[addtogta3img]radar22.txd[addtogta3img]radar23.txd[addtogta3img]radar24.txd[addtogta3img]radar25.txd[addtogta3img]radar26.txd[addtogta3img]radar27.txd[addtogta3img]radar28.txd[addtogta3img]radar29.txd[addtogta3img]radar30.txd[addtogta3img]radar31.txd[addtogta3img]radar32.txd[addtogta3img]radar33.txd[addtogta3img]radar34.txd[addtogta3img]radar35.txd[addtogta3img]radar36.txd[addtogta3img]radar37.txd[addtogta3img]radar38.txd[addtogta3img]radar39.txd[addtogta3img]radar40.txd[addtogta3img]radar41.txd[addtogta3img]radar42.txd[addtogta3img]radar43.txd[addtogta3img]radar44.txd[addtogta3img]radar45.txd[addtogta3img]radar46.txd[addtogta3img]radar47.txd[addtogta3img]radar48.txd[addtogta3img]radar49.txd[addtogta3img]radar50.txd[addtogta3img]radar51.txd[addtogta3img]radar52.txd[addtogta3img]radar53.txd[addtogta3img]radar54.txd[addtogta3img]radar55.txd[addtogta3img]radar56.txd[addtogta3img]radar57.txd[addtogta3img]radar58.txd[addtogta3img]radar59.txd[addtogta3img]radar60.txd[addtogta3img]radar61.txd[addtogta3img]radar62.txd[addtogta3img]radar63.txd

 

[Demarest]

So you mean they didn't work because I made them wrong? How embarrassing!

 

@Mark: As a matter of clarification, the TXDs used in GTA3 and VC DO have some difference that might make transfers unusable. Doesn't matter now, I suppose

[jcab42]

Are the overview lods in yet? If so and you can't see them with multiple zones, I think I have an answer for you. I could create new versions of the overviews. Two for SI: one witha pivot point in SSV and one in PI; PI lod with pivot in SI; and an SSV lod with pivot in SI. That way you can always see the neighboring island. Of course it would all be pointless if the zones don't really cure the lag. If you guys think zones are a good thing and you want me to make the new lods, let me know.

[Craig Kostelecky]

Works now.

[MajorOutage]

If anyone doesn't like the GTA3 radar, don't worry. I'm going to convert the GPS- and the VC-style radars sometime soon.

[Knaxia]

Modeling man: do NEVER only ADD the files when using teh script installer), make it remove the old ones BEFORE or the game will crash because of similar files existing in the GTA3.img

[killer.ip]

 

Modeling man:  do NEVER only ADD the files when using teh script installer), make it remove the old ones BEFORE or the game will crash because of similar files existing in the GTA3.img

That's not necessary, Mod Installer assumes that a similarly named file needs to be deleted first before the new one is added... otherwise you'd end up with your gta3.img expanding beyond control. All my installscripts are written this way, and as long as you rebuild your archive afterwards you'll have no problem.

 

For anyone interested in making their life with IMG Tool a little easier here's a couple of tips:

 

- Make use of being able to drag a selection box.

 

For example, you can delete the block the radar files occupy by locating them, dragging a box around the lot, then just deleting them as one file. This of course works for extracting files too.

 

- If there's a mass of files you need to install just enter the Add dialogue and when your browsing to their location use CTRL+A to select them all before they're added. Saves having to add them one by one.

 

If you're doing this make sure the files they're replacing are deleted first!

 

- To select multiple individual files in IMG Tool you can hold down CTRL whilst clicking, now you can select multiple files even if they're separated by distance.

 

Hope that's not confusing, if anything needs clarification just let me know.

[Demarest]

I don't know if I speak for everybody, but I do think that ideally, we would have a loading screen as you cross islands as in GTA3. Less loaded at one time means better performance for all. However, the ZONs seem to be the least understood aspect here as well as the concept with the most conflicting files floating about. I praise anybody who takes that mare by the reigns and tames it.

[Demarest]

- To select multiple individual files in IMG Tool you can hold down CTRL whilst clicking, now you can select multiple files even if they're separated by distance.

Or if they're all together, you can hold shift and it will span from what you had highlighted to whatever you click on next. Or if you're using arrow keys, it will continue to grow the selection as you define.

[spaceeinstein]

Is the weather that I made look more like GTA3? Did the link work?

[spaceeinstein]

Can I use Barton's installer for installing mods for LC?

[ModelingMan]

 

Modeling man: do NEVER only ADD the files when using teh script installer), make it remove the old ones BEFORE or the game will crash because of similar files existing in the GTA3.img

If you run the scripter.exe that comes with Mod Installer you will notice one of the commands is "Add(or replace) File to GTA3.IMG" it writes [addtogta3img] in the script, even though it says add, it also replaces as killer.ip explained.

 

 

...and as long as you rebuild your archive afterwards you'll have no problem.

I had no problem not rebuilding the archive.

 

 

For example, you can delete the block the radar files occupy by locating them, dragging a box around the lot, then just deleting them as one file. This of course works for extracting files too.

Once I tried a mass delete and it deleted a file below the files I selected.

 

 

Can I use Barton's installer for installing mods for LC?

Never used it so I don't know.

 

@Dem: Is the radar you have released the final, or is there another one going to be released?

[MajorOutage]

Can I use Barton's installer for installing mods for LC?

The Install Helper?

[no1knowsWho]

here is reason why you HAVE to rebuild archive after you are done tossing the files around it:

 

here is a sample gta3.img structure (and it's representation in gta3.dir):

 

[file1 - 10KB][file2 - 5KB][file3 - 6KB][file4 - 12KB][file5 - 20KB]

total size = 53KB

 

now, let's say you want to replace old model (represented by file3 & file4) with a new model (file6 - 7KB & file7 - 9KB).

you could replace file4 with file7 because the new one is smaller, but to stay on a safe side, i suggest removal of both files.

so, you delete old ones (file3 & file4) and add new ones (file6 & file7).

 

here is how our sample gta3.img structure will look like if you do not rebuild the archive:

 

[file1 - 10KB][file2 - 5KB][------- 6KB][------- 12KB][file5 - 20KB][file6 - 7KB][file7 - 9KB]

total size = 69KB

 

as you can see there is still space allocated for file3 & file4 and the new files were just added at the end of the archive.

not only you've wasted 18KB of space but also you've increased possibility that your game will crash.

 

you can avoid that by simply REBUILDING the archive after you are done modifying gta3.img.

here is how our sample gta3.img structure will look like after you rebuild it:

 

[file1 - 10KB][file2 - 5KB][file5 - 20KB][file6 - 7KB][file7 - 9KB]

total size = 51KB

 

as you can see you've saved some space and eliminated risk of a crash .

this also applies to those who use GTA Mod Installer.

Edited April 9, 2004 by wnuczek

[killer.ip]

Initially, when we started releasing updates a few months ago we didn't think it would be necessary to rebuild you archive after running the installscript, but we started getting crash reports on files that I knew were okay... that I'd even edited & tested myself.

 

Spent a good few hours one Saturday trying to work out exactly what was going on, it was only when I started entertaining the idea of a rebuild being necessary that these crash bugs were eliminated.

 

That was somewhat of a rallying cry during the early days and it's served us well, to the point where I used to plaster the advice over my download pages. Basically, if your game's crashing and you've not rebuilt your archive that's the first thing I'd check.

Edited April 9, 2004 by killer.ip

[Hammer83]

Well, I finally wasted the whole evening on reinstallation of Liberty City (I didn't use unofficial installer, downloaded and installed WO and most official mods myself) and here is what I got:

 

1) Cull update (as I reported before causes the game to crash 4 seconds in), Kenji Heli Fix (superceeded by mapfix and collision update), wehicule handling (superceeded by carpack) are useless.

2) I came to conclusion that my crash problem in Pine Creek is unfortunately due to my scm modifications, as it does not happed in Nomad 5. Still haven't figured why, but sorry to bother you all, especially killer.ip

3) As far as lagging goes, my tests are inconclusive. I tested original WO files without any modifications and it seems that the memory usage still rises as playing time goes on. I'll test it a bit more, especially concentrating on zones, which I think is the key in all of this.

4) BUG: Using Nomad 5, sometimes when the game starts you get 250 health and all the goodies, sometimes health 100 and no goodies. It seems that debug variables are not working properly. Just try to start a new game, then restart it, the values for health will be different.

5) BUG: There are helicopters in airport, whose txd file is missing, so they don't show up, yet you bump into them because collision files are there. The missing texture in question is heli1.txd. I converted it from GTA3 and you can grab it here. Just add it to gta3.img and the helicopter will show up.

 

To Demarest, could you tell me where to get these famous MBVC0.22, MBIII47. I decided to stick with them for LC coding but can't find them anywhere.

[GT-1]

 

1) Cull update (as I reported before causes the game to crash 4 seconds in), Kenji Heli Fix (superceeded by mapfix and collision update), wehicule handling (superceeded by carpack) are useless.

This is known and I have a new part of the file which lets the game run perfectly, this will be released in the pack.

 

 

4) BUG: Using Nomad 5, sometimes when the game starts you get 250 health and all the goodies, sometimes health 100 and no goodies. It seems that debug variables are not working properly. Just try to start a new game, then restart it, the values for health will be different.

I never noticed that I will have to try I always seem to have 250 health but with no guns or anything.

 

BUG 5: I though that someone created a download to remove the helicopters, even though they are there in GTA3, in my game they have textures. I will re-check this though.

 

Things seem to be coming on nicely atm for this mod, keep up the good work.

 

GT-1

 

 

[mambolata90]

I have been waiting so long for something like this to come along! I've been wanting to get b_wom1, female03 and fatmale02 into Vice City, but people have always said it was impossible. I'm working on a secret project, a map, and I've been wanting to get these three models, desperately. I would really appreciate it if somebody could help me here by doing these... if not all, then just b_wom1.

 

Thank you!

[GT-1]

Is the weather that I made look more like GTA3? Did the link work?

The weather link does work but I have not tested it against the GTA3 weather, it looks better than the GTA VC weather that I had to re-install, and beta than the one that was made before by Skidz. I have not tested it against the GTA3 weather though so dont change anything.

Maybe this weather should be official I guess Demarest or killer.ip should check it first though.

 

Killer.ip, I found the problem with the windows the unofficial XBOX textures seem to make the windows around the city that grey colour when I replace the gtaii.txd with the original again they are fine.

Would it be possible to make it possible to use the gtaiii.txd from the XBOX and still have the windows transparent. Im not sure why they are grey.

 

The radar that was in the GTA:WO release looks alot better than the GTA3 radar imo, I have heard this will be converted to -350X which is good also.

[Demarest]

3) As far as lagging goes, my tests are inconclusive. I tested original WO files without any modifications and it seems that the memory usage still rises as playing time goes on. I'll test it a bit more, especially concentrating on zones, which I think is the key in all of this.

4) BUG: Using Nomad 5, sometimes when the game starts you get 250 health and all the goodies, sometimes health 100 and no goodies. It seems that debug variables are not working properly. Just try to start a new game, then restart it, the values for health will be different.

3 May I assume that regular VC does NOT do this to your machine? Just checking the little things in case.

 

4 When I first started writing v5, I had that problem too. I experimented with waits and such and finally got it to work. It's a timing thing for no explainable reason. I'll increase the waits just to be safe.

 

You can catch the Mission Builders in question here for 4.7 for GTA3 and here for 0.22 for VC. Just so you know, I use these not only because I'm accustomed to them, but also because they still have datatypes in them. With as much editing as these take to copy/convert, being able to whisk to specific places is a must for the text editing and the datatypes give that much more points of reference

[Demarest]

And I've been waiting for so long for you to post in here If I'm not mistaken, you were in charge of ped conversion in the first place, no? IIRC, you were rather vehement about it too because of your extensive knowledge of the peds. Perhaps your input could be quite handy. Feel like pitching in?

 

Otherwise, this isn't the place to be requesting for general modding help

[Demarest]

@Dem: Is the radar you have released the final, or is there another one going to be released?

Official is such a fickle word here Being that it is a direct port and lines up perfectly, I'd have to say yeah. For the official releases. Everybody is welcome to use what they choose locally. Hammer already converted one of JB's and both he and killer.ip have expressed a willingness to convert the other.

[killer.ip]

It's definitely a strange one, works fine on my machine and the texture/naming checks out too. See if this helps out any, the only difference being that the window texture is now 32bit uncompressed. No idea if it'll make a difference but it's worth a shot.

 

Just downloaded your weather update spaceeinstein, so I'll test it out this avo.

 

[EDIT] Yup, I can definitely recommend we include the new timecyc.dat in the release. I don't think a whole lot really needs to be changed unless you feel it necessary, I'm quite happy carrying on and using it as it is.

Edited April 10, 2004 by killer.ip

[GT-1]

It's definitely a strange one, works fine on my machine and the texture/naming checks out too. See if this helps out any, the only difference being that the window texture is now 32bit uncompressed. No idea if it'll make a difference but it's worth a shot.

Thanks killer.ip it works fine now , before I was using the 8-bit textures and they were grey I installed this and they were transparent.

I retried the 8-bit ones just to see if it was somene I had done wrong and they were grey again.

 

So the file ya gave me works fine, only checked the windows on the first island though.

 

Thanks.