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| Thread: [NCF Based] How to quickly test a NCF | |
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SimonaK
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted November 13, 2008 02:28 AM |
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Edited by SimonaK at 04:42, 13 Nov 2008.
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[NCF Based] How to quickly test a NCF
Hi,
Here I present a way to quickly know if the NCF you have downloaded or you are creating perfectly works in the game in 5 minutes.
For it, you need a little custom map in which you will refer the NCF.
Download « NCF_Test.rar » containing « NCF_Test.h5m »
http://www.speedyshare.com/597140246.html
ADVICE: Keep rar version because this is the initial backup for each time you want to test a NCF.
You don't still have the NCF Framework for TOE 3.1?
Catch it in this thread:
http://heroescommunity.com/viewthread.php3?TID=27113
You want NCF Creatures?
Get them there:
http://heroescommunity.com/viewthread.php3?TID=27275&pagenumber=1
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How to quickly test a NCF Method
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STEP 1 - Getting the NCF's AdvMapMonsterShared
The AdvMapMonsterShared is the reference to object file of the creature.
For all NCF, this information is localised in /GameMechanics/Creature/Creatures/Neutrals/Creature_XXX.xdb
in each file mod.
Where XXX is the NCF's slot
Be this NCF mod:
« NCF_SpiritualCherubs.pak »
I want to know if this NCF works....
So, I will open the mod with WinRAR (or any program able to read zip format) by draging it inside.
Now, you reach /GameMechanics/Creature/Creatures/Neutrals path
SpiritualCherub has the slot 409, so you are supposed to find Creature_409.xdb file.
Open this file in notepad.
You obtain the text « /MapObjects/Neutral/SpEl.(AdvMapMonsterShared).xdb », that's the AdvMapMonsterShared of this NCF.
Note: somes AdvMapMonsterShared doesn't have «.(AdvMapMonsterShared).» in their name because this is not obligatory.
STEP 2 - Putting the NCF in the Test Map
First open « NCF_Test.rar » and extract NCF_Test map in your H5 Game's Map folder.
Second, drag the map in WinRAR (or any program able to read zip format) by draging it inside.
Then, enter in Maps/Multiplayer/NCF_Test path and reach for « map.xdb » and extract the file.
Open « map.xdb » in notepad and search « peasant ».
Now, select text on the line between « href=" » and « #xpointer », That is the Peasant's AdvMapMonsterShared.
Replace it by the AdvMapMonsterShared of the NCF you want to test.
Then, search the second peasant (next object in file) and replace it as well.
There are 2 peasants in the map. First wants always fight, Second wants always join.
So, you will be able to make tests in arena with the NCF in your team versus the NCF as ennemy.
Finally, save the file and intract it in NCF_Test.h5m
Don't forget to rename to .h5m if you renamed to .zip!
You are ready to test the NCF!
Run your game with « H5_Game.NCF.exe » and start NCF_Test map in multiplayer menu.
Map before modification
Map after modification
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Is NCF bugged?
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Q: I perfectly put the NCF's AdvMapMonsterShared in map.xdb and I cannot see the NCF even. Why?
A: You cannot see the NCF because it has a bug. Please report to creator.
Q: I see the NCF in the map, so all is ok?
A: No, maybe you cannot see its name, icon or description.
Q: Can I find bugs in fight arena?
A: Absolutly yes. Majority of bugs is there. Go to fight and check all animations, effects and
sounds of the creature. Check too if the NCF's behavior is that awaited.
A Jesus's cross position while animation is a bug meaning that no animation is linked on the movement.
Report to NCF Creator all bugs you discovered.
Now you're ready to become the best NCF tester!
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TSoD
Promising
Famous Hero
NCF Blacksmith
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posted November 13, 2008 06:39 PM |
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Great tutorial SimonaK ! Very easy to understand 
And for information, with the drag and drop in win rar : there is another way. You can rigght-click then open with... And select WinRAR. Then, it will open all the .pak files directly in future double clicks 
I do it and it is very useful 
Yet bravo SimonaK 
____________
NCFBank,
the complete and homogen NCF
library.
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Endelite
Hired Hero
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posted November 25, 2008 05:09 AM |
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Edited by Endelite at 05:11, 25 Nov 2008.
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.pak File Type handling
Very good job.
...but why can't people make their screenshots smaller?
I find the nicest way to handle .pak files is to change the default program:
The simple, "I might need to open it in something else one day and forget to use "Open with" method is to simply right-click a .pak file, choose Properties.
Next to "Opens with" click "Change" and choose WinRAR from the list, or Browse for it if it's not there.
And then press OK until sorted.
The fiddly, but best way if you'll rarely need to change file types is, in Windows Explorer (if using Windows) Tools->Folder Options->File Types->look for .pak
.pak probably won't exist yet, so press New, type in pak (no type specified). Once done, click Advanced->New and create the function Open (or whatever you want to call it; perhaps Edit). Type in the location of WinRAR (or Browse for it), with double quotation marks around it.
Once all entered and confirmed, .pak files should open by double-clicking.
Otherwise, you may need to add "%1" after the double-quote-enclosed program location.
10 seconds for someone used to it...half an hour for some others who aren't.
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TSoD
Promising
Famous Hero
NCF Blacksmith
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posted November 25, 2008 12:15 PM |
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Quote:
Very good job.
...but why can't people make their screenshots smaller?
I find the nicest way to handle .pak files is to change the default program:
The simple, "I might need to open it in something else one day and forget to use "Open with" method is to simply right-click a .pak file, choose Properties.
Next to "Opens with" click "Change" and choose WinRAR from the list, or Browse for it if it's not there.
And then press OK until sorted.
It is just what I said before you
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SimonaK
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted November 25, 2008 10:41 PM |
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Edited by SimonaK at 22:41, 25 Nov 2008.
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you're right both.
It's just because I don't suggest to integrate .pak, .h5m or .h5u as "automatic" in the computer system or WinRAR association.
You can do it if you want. that is absolutly correct.
For my share, I prefer that my computer and my WinRAR never knows these 3 formats extensions.
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Endelite
Hired Hero
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posted November 26, 2008 01:43 AM |
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Edited by Endelite at 01:44, 26 Nov 2008.
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TSoD, I saw your post, but "Open With" is no permanent option. You have to do it every time.
One fix, doesn't take long (using the simple method), probably never have to again unless you format.
THAT's why I bothered. Open with is just temporary and tedious.
Oh, SimonaK? Why don't you want your computer to recognise them?
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SimonaK
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted November 26, 2008 05:02 AM |
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Quote:
Oh, SimonaK? Why don't you want your computer to recognise them?
By principle and for a best data system control.
one format, one extension, one association.
I hate to create register garbage or superfluity for nothing.
But Windows doesn't think like that so It's correct to take its userfriendly way as well.
For another programs that H5, .pak extension can mean other thing that zip format...and .h5u and .h5m ...
It's just H5 extension...It isn't enough important for WinRAR and they are not a real format..
I'm a programmer and I know H5 will die before WinRAR in my life.
in the worst case, I will prefer to rename to .zip a H5 file instead of to associate it to WinRAR
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TSoD
Promising
Famous Hero
NCF Blacksmith
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posted November 26, 2008 02:04 PM |
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Edited by TSoD at 14:05, 26 Nov 2008.
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Quote:
TSoD, I saw your post, but "Open With" is no permanent option. You have to do it every time.
One fix, doesn't take long (using the simple method), probably never have to again unless you format.
THAT's why I bothered. Open with is just temporary and tedious.
Oh, SimonaK? Why don't you want your computer to recognise them?
In fact, with windows vista, when you choice a program to open a file, you can clic on a box to add a cross that enable the option "Always open this type of file with the selected program"
(it is in french, but it says the same thing)
I do not remember if windows XP make that. But i believe it.
____________
NCFBank,
the complete and homogen NCF
library.
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Asheera
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Elite Assassin
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posted November 26, 2008 02:08 PM |
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Yes, in XP it's the same.
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Fauch
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted November 26, 2008 05:48 PM |
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the program I'm using (alzip) can open .pak files by default. and I think winrar can too.
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Cepheus
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Far-flung Keeper
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posted November 26, 2008 05:55 PM |
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I use WinRar with all file extensions optimised with different programs, so I can open and edit dds (GIMP 2), xdb and text files straight from WinRar and pack them back with zero problems. No need to extract a thing 
Saves me a lot of time, so I don't understand why anyone would oppose using WinRar... I mean, what did it do to you?
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"Those who forget their history are inevitably doomed to repeat it." —Proverb, Might and Magic VIII
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Asheera
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Elite Assassin
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posted November 26, 2008 06:08 PM |
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Well I use Total Commander and it's even easier (I have WinRar as well for .rar files)
I just navigate in .pak files like they are just folders (e.g. Enter Data\data.pak\GameMechanics, etc)
And when I need to Edit a .xdb file, just select it and press F4 (opens Notepad)
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Fauch
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted November 26, 2008 06:18 PM |
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that's the same thing with alzip, except I only have to double click on the xdb file to open it 
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SimonaK
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted November 26, 2008 11:03 PM |
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Edited by SimonaK at 23:04, 26 Nov 2008.
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I use WinRAR for all formats of compressed files but my WinRAR just knows by it-self standard formats as .zip .rar .arj etc etc
and it doesn't know .pak, .h5m or .h5u ....
I easy know how do it for but I'm not interested to personality present H5 extension to my WinRAR.
and I have 0 problem to open H5 files in WinRAR or to edit a file from it.
Finally, .pak, .h5m and .h5u are unknown extensions of my Register Table and they are stay unknown.
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Fauch
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted December 03, 2008 03:42 PM |
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I found a better way. I put 2 wolves in the map, and I replace the wolf by my creature (by calling the main file Wolf.xdb instead of Creature_XXX.xdb)
it is quicker, but of course you have to remember to rename your creature "Creature_XXX.xdb" before releasing it.
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SimonaK
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted December 03, 2008 11:16 PM |
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