Hard Light Productions Forums

Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => FS2 Open Coding - The Source Code Project (SCP) => Topic started by: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 01:51:54 am

Title: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 01:51:54 am

This feature is backlogged by something like three years.  Anyway, it's now done, and I bet that at least one mod will be able to use it. ;)

http://fs2source.warpcore.org/temp/fictionviewer.zip

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: karajorma on November 21, 2007, 02:13:28 am

Excellent. :)

I know I've answered a few questions by saying that the fiction view would be a good way of solving it. One question though, can you supply a voice to read the audio?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 02:15:08 am

It's possible, but I didn't implement it...

That would be an awful lot of text for a person to read at one sitting, though, wouldn't it?  Command briefings, as small as they are, are sometimes over 30 seconds long.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Tolwyn on November 21, 2007, 04:19:51 am

lovely!

By the way, will the fiction be included in the mission file, just like the command briefing? If so, will there be a character limit?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: karajorma on November 21, 2007, 06:00:14 am

From the looks of it the file is read from a txt file in Data\Fiction

There's no actual way to set things up in FRED yet either (you'll have to use notepad) but I assume that's coming once code has been more heavily tested.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 11:57:50 am

Yup.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: redsniper on November 21, 2007, 12:50:32 pm

Can someone explain the whole "Oh sad race" and teeth falling out thing to me? I remember not getting it back when I lurked on the VBB and I still don't get it to this day. :confused:

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: colecampbell666 on November 21, 2007, 01:35:34 pm

 :wtf: is this?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: redsniper on November 21, 2007, 01:42:39 pm

Goober demonstrating the new fiction viewer by using it to show the first few posts of TaS.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: colecampbell666 on November 21, 2007, 01:52:12 pm

Fiction viewer? TaS?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: redsniper on November 21, 2007, 03:43:46 pm

Fiction viewer (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,50565) TaS (http://web.archive.org/web/20010308090656/vbb.volition-inc.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001723.html)

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Mobius on November 21, 2007, 03:46:40 pm

Quote from: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 01:51:54 am

This feature is backlogged by something like three years.  Anyway, it's now done, and I bet that at least one mod will be able to use it. ;)

http://fs2source.warpcore.org/temp/fictionviewer.zip

Fantastic! That's what I need!

But the interface is WCS-ish...are there any chance of having something more FS-ish?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: colecampbell666 on November 21, 2007, 03:53:34 pm

What is the point of this?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Mobius on November 21, 2007, 03:57:46 pm

What about...you can use it instead of .txt or word files to tell stories concerning FreeSpace and its MODs?

It's useful since the Species.tbl has limits. And thanks to cheats, you can read all entries.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Axem on November 21, 2007, 07:48:04 pm

Could it somehow be possible to add images/pictures in the viewer?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 08:50:17 pm

Quote from: Mobius on November 21, 2007, 03:46:40 pm

Fantastic! That's what I need!

But the interface is WCS-ish...are there any chance of having something more FS-ish?

Good. :)

The interface is WCS-ish because the WCS guys designed it.  If you want a FS-ish interface, you're going to have to make your own artwork. ;)

Quote from: colecampbell666 on November 21, 2007, 03:53:34 pm

What is the point of this?

It lets you add a "fanfiction cutscene" before a mission.  WCS will use it in place of the flash-based fiction viewer they used in the Prologue.  SA is going to use it for readings from the Scroll (assuming someone creates FS-ish interface art).  I'm sure other mods can think of other uses.

Quote from: Axem on November 21, 2007, 07:48:04 pm

Could it somehow be possible to add images/pictures in the viewer?

Theoretically.  What are you thinking of?

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: NGTM-1R on November 21, 2007, 10:58:36 pm

I already have a use lined up (with FS-ish interface art).

One thing.

Shouldn't this require a FRED build to indicate where you want the stories to go? Or is this handled in some other fashion? (FRED seems most logical...)

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: karajorma on November 22, 2007, 04:47:17 am

I'm sure Goober will add FRED controls in a bit. But I've always found that when I'm making a new feature I always make it so that it works in Freespace and needs to be edited into a mission using notepad at first. Once I'm certain the feature does everything I want it to I fix the mission saving format so that it won't wipe my changes when I save a mission and only once that's all done do I add the controls to FRED.

Looks like Goober works the same way.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: TrashMan on November 22, 2007, 05:41:48 am

Couldn't Command briefings handle this? :wtf:

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Tolwyn on November 22, 2007, 08:39:57 am

Quote from: TrashMan on November 22, 2007, 05:41:48 am

Couldn't Command briefings handle this? :wtf:

no

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Starman01 on November 22, 2007, 10:40:17 am

Quote from: TrashMan on November 22, 2007, 05:41:48 am

Couldn't Command briefings handle this? :wtf:

Have you seen the length of our fiction ? We would need +50 command briefing pages before each mission and people will curse us for clicking through that pages horror  :)

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Mobius on November 22, 2007, 11:03:29 am

Quote from: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 08:50:17 pm

The interface is WCS-ish because the WCS guys designed it.  If you want a FS-ish interface, you're going to have to make your own artwork. ;)

:nervous:

Quote from: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 08:50:17 pm

Quote from: Axem on November 21, 2007, 07:48:04 pm

Could it somehow be possible to add images/pictures in the viewer?

Theoretically.  What are you thinking of?

For example, I would like to have the logo of a certain squadron near the description of the squadron itself(green parts should be transparent, if possible).

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: NGTM-1R on November 22, 2007, 03:32:06 pm

Quote from: TrashMan on November 22, 2007, 05:41:48 am

Couldn't Command briefings handle this? :wtf:

I basically want this to add a bit of distinction to a GTVA campaign by having some or all of the CBs look like actual message traffic; but for some reason FS2_Open rebels at this; it works in FRED but not ingame. It doesn't seem to spit out any errors or anything, it just eats some of it.

This is also useful for seperating some story elements like diaries or personal logs from formal command briefings. Helps suspension of disbelief.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: karajorma on November 22, 2007, 04:25:47 pm

Quote from: ngtm1r on November 22, 2007, 03:32:06 pm

I basically want this to add a bit of distinction to a GTVA campaign by having some or all of the CBs look like actual message traffic; but for some reason FS2_Open rebels at this; it works in FRED but not ingame. It doesn't seem to spit out any errors or anything, it just eats some of it.

Are you using semicolons or double quotes anywhere in your text. Cause that's been known to cause problems (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,45912.0.html). :)

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: NGTM-1R on November 22, 2007, 05:25:13 pm

No. Let me show you.

The second message was in a second CB stage that simply disappeared. The scroll option for the other was oddly MIA.

Spoilerized to protect the general public. Or something.

Spoiler:

xxxx-Rho-xxxx

2200Z2FEB

FROM: CINC-GTVA
TO: All Forces
RE: OpOrders

1.0 SITREP: As of 0351 hours yesterday, Laramis System Defense Force confirmed the presence of Shivan craft in Laramis.

2.0 ORDERS: OPLAN Syndral activated. All GTVA ships are to maintain continous Condition Two readiness until further notice. All DD and System Defense Installation to maintain full deck strike at Alert-5 status until further notice. 4th Fleet, 2nd Battlegroup, make best speed Laramis. Theater South SDFs stand-to for reinforcement of Laramis SDF. Tactical command Syndral granted to Commander Theater South.

2.1 Node Collapser release authority granted to Commander Alphard SDF.

2.2 Adjancent systems establish maximum-effort blockades of Laramis jump nodes ASAP.

3.0 INTEL: Shivan presence fightercraft so far. Unconfirmed reports of contact with a corvette by civilian ships.

4.0 ROE: Warning Red, weapons free. Attack and destroy all confirmed Shivan contacts at best opportunity.

5.0 Report Code Syndral Stand

MESSAGE ENDS

xxxx-Rho-xxxx


xxxx-Rho-xxxx

0800Z3FEB

FROM: CINC-TS
TO: 4th Fleet, Flag ALSACE
SUBJ: Deployment Orders

1.0 SITREP: Situation in Laramis deteriorating rapidly. Laramis SDF reports Shivan activity in system has increased fivefold in last four hours. Imperative Laramis SDF recieve immediate relief and reinforcement.

2.0 INTEL: GTCv MONITOR and GVC SOMTUS lost with all hands. GTC STARSWORD lost with twenty-eight survivors. GTD ROOSEVELT took a raking hit across her flight deck that detonated the ready missile stores, 3k casualities, fires are under control but not out. ROOSEVELT no longer capable of flight ops. Confirmed presence of Ravana-class destroyer insystem Laramis. Take all necessary measures consistant with protection of your command.

3.0 ORDERS: Proceed to Laramis and take up posistion to defend Laramis II Orbital from hostile forces. Limited offensive strikes authorized. Under no circumstances risk safety of core force. Critical to future operations 4th Fleet remain intact.

3.1: Freighters joining for entry to Laramis carry critical supplies for the defense of Laramis II. Imperative these freighters arrive Laramis II intact.

4.0 ROE: Warning Red, Weapons Free. Engage hostile forces at your discretion and pursuant to 3.0 and 3.1.

MESSAGE ENDS

xxxx-Rho-xxxx

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Axem on November 22, 2007, 06:06:14 pm

Quote from: Goober5000 on November 21, 2007, 08:50:17 pm

Quote from: Axem on November 21, 2007, 07:48:04 pm

Could it somehow be possible to add images/pictures in the viewer?

Theoretically.  What are you thinking of?

I wanted to do a sort of newspaper (holopaper? holog?) sort of thing. Now just text would be fine in any case, but adding pictures might enhance it a bit.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Scooby_Doo on November 22, 2007, 07:58:43 pm

A primitive version of html would be useful for pictures.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Goober5000 on November 22, 2007, 08:29:25 pm

Ugh.  Adding HTML capability would be prohibitively complicated.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Scooby_Doo on November 22, 2007, 09:44:51 pm

Well primitive enough just for pictures.

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Axem on November 23, 2007, 07:20:35 pm

Perhaps something along the lines of...

Code: [Select]

$image:"hanshotfirst.tga"
Maybe? I dunno though, I'm not a coder. :p

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: redsniper on November 26, 2007, 12:38:09 pm

Quote from: redsniper on November 21, 2007, 12:50:32 pm

Can someone explain the whole "Oh sad race" and teeth falling out thing to me? I remember not getting it back when I lurked on the VBB and I still don't get it to this day. :confused:

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Snail on November 29, 2007, 12:26:22 pm

I spent about three days searching for this feature after hearing its mention in a very old thread... :nervous:

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: asyikarea51 on December 01, 2007, 12:12:43 am

Me guesses this is the thing I ran into by accident a long time ago?

Only thing is, the one I came across did have FS interface art. And one Commit button that led back to the deskop (aka CTD). :wtf:

Title: Re: Tell a story using FreeSpace!
Post by: Turey on December 04, 2007, 04:50:39 pm

Quote from: asyikarea51 on December 01, 2007, 12:12:43 am

Me guesses this is the thing I ran into by accident a long time ago?

Only thing is, the one I came across did have FS interface art. And one Commit button that led back to the deskop (aka CTD). :wtf:

You mean the red alert briefing screen?  :wtf: