[Scuddie]

Admitted, I'm no expert c++ programmer (got an A- on intro to C++ programming), I am working on a few projects on the source, and I would like your input.  So far, I've started on a project, with limited results, and I am wondering which part most of you would like me to do first?

I plan to add different fields to the .tbl files, while trying to maintain backward compatibility.  This will make it easier for MOD authors to create their pieces of work, and vastly improve flexability (I dont want anyone else to go through the hell I did while trying to compile this thing).  I'm doing nothing major like beams on this one, I figure let Bob handle that.  Anyway, I cant imagine how many aspects of FS2 can be modded in plain pseudo-english.  Overall, I can:

1.  Add new weapon types (i.e. ship-piercing weapons; NOT BEAMS!)
2.  Modify existing ones (i.e. making fully customizable swarm missiles)
3.  Change the way a fighter handles energy (i.e. weapon strength manipulation, War Emergency Power (SLAMS ))
4.  Dynamic big ship explosions and integrity (idea speaks for itself)

Anyway, I can see how 3 and 4 could break compatibility, but hopefully I can implement them without breaking the main FS2 campaign.  Once I finish something, I can post additions here.  What do you people think is the most important to implement first?  Or should I go away?  OK, you can flame me now .

EDIT:  Which file contains the 390000 byte limit on tbl files, and what does the WIP, WP, WIF, WF, etc mean?  I'd like to follow the standards for simplicity's sake.

[Bobboau]

WF-Weapon Flags
WIF-Weapon InFo
WP-WeaPon (I think)
WIP-Weapon Info pointer (I think)

[TurboNed]

Originally posted by Scuddie
3.  Change the way a fighter handles energy (i.e. weapon strength manipulation, War Emergency Power (SLAMS ))

Awww, yeah.  We have a TIE Fighter (or at least Missle Boat pilot) in our midst.

Bonus points for those who know that SLAM stands for SubLight Acceleration Motor without having to look it up.  (-:

  --TurboNed

[LtNarol]

we already have a thread for suggested moddifications to the engine, post suggestions there please.  We really dont need too many of these threads.

[delta_7890]

Sub Light Acceleration Motor  

[HotSnoJ]

Think you could try to make a machine gun weapon? BTW Has the FS1 source been released?

[phreak]

im looking into ammo based primaries, so far i would have to change some things:

rearm code
loadout code
fred2 code
table code
some associated structures

[Stryke 9]

Ooh! Visible, targetable gun mounts! So, y'know, a ship with a Subach mounted might actually have a little black gun on hte outside!

And particle explosions in-game! And transparencies! And complete moddability directly from all major modeling programs into the game!:D

[Scuddie]

"we already have a thread for suggested moddifications to the engine, post suggestions there please.  We really dont need too many of these threads."
I am not making suggestions as to modifications to the engines.  I am asking people's opinions about which part of .tbl files would they feel is most important.  Neither I, nor they (should be) making suggestions.

"Think you could try to make a machine gun weapon? "
That's already possible with current .tbl capabilitys

"Ooh! Visible, targetable gun mounts! So, y'know, a ship with a Subach mounted might actually have a little black gun on hte outside! ...  And transparencies! And complete moddability directly from all major modeling programs into the game!"
You DO know I am only working on tbl enhancements, dont you?

Anyway, thanks for the (somewhat limited) input, and thanks for the info, Bobboau .  I take it people want engine enhancements as first priority?

[an0n]

Originally posted by PhReAk
im looking into ammo based primaries

Eh? Why? The point is, primaries are energy based and secondaries use of a resource (missiles, bullets etc).

[EdrickV]

A flag for shield piercing weapons and one for non-shield piercing weapons. The latter would be useful for people who want fighter beams that are affected by shields, the former could be used for regular weapons that should punch through shields. As long as none of the weapons are given either flag, backwards compatability should be intact.

[HotSnoJ]

I was meaning more of a primary weapon. That has limited ammo.