The Chaos Construct

[Exl]

As mentioned in a previous thread, http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=53395, I have been working on a level editor for The Chaos Engine. Here's the first version of it, complete with some documentation on how to use it. I wanted to write a short tutorial on creating a level from scratch, but I'll see what the interest in it is first.

http://www.dvdflick.net/storage/chao...up_2.5.1.1.exe ~ 4.2 Mb
http://www.dvdflick.net/storage/chaosconstruct_docs for the documentation (which is also included in the setup, if needed). Source code will follow at some point.

Any bugs, nitpicks, spelling errors, strange grammar\language use, nonsensical nonsense, things you'd like explained... fire away. Keep in mind that this is a first version and despite my best efforts, bugs no doubt still exists. But as usual, enjoy.

Feel free to drop by on IRC and ask questions: http://wbe01.mibbit.com/?server=irc....truct&nick=Vis or just #ChaosConstruct (case sensitive) on irc.abime.net.

[Retro-Nerd]

I got this error. Tried to use "Save changes", then the editor quit. Windows XP SP2.



edit: Got the same error under Windows 7.

[Exl]

Seems to occur under every OS. Working on it.

[TCD]

Saving works here (just modified some tiles), but when trying to test the result with the settings you mentioned in the doc (A1200 non expanded, folder mounted as CD0) I get :

achaos
Program failed (error #8000006)

Besides that the editor looks really good I bet gimbal will like it aswell

Edit : If I try to add a template after 44 it won't let me. Just nothing happens.

Edit 2 : Could there be a 'clear level' option? You know, to design stuff from scratch

[Boo Boo]

I had the same error as R-N looking forward to giving it ago

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

Saving works here (just modified some tiles), but when trying to test the result with the settings you mentioned in the doc (A1200 non expanded, folder mounted as CD0) I get :

achaos
Program failed (error #8000006)

Im pretty sure the game used CD.DEVICE so will probably work under Quickstart CD32 -add HD/CD0......

I have a Devs folder with CD.Device that should fix this if any help.

[Exl]

You need a CD32 quickstart setting after all, I didn't check properly when writing the docs. All the rest should be the same.

[TCD]

Houston, we have edit



Will now fiddle with some more options

Edit : The template add works, but you can only see it after a restart
Also adding triggers and script blocks work. Freaky stuff though, so I'll stick to add some basic stuff for now

[Exl]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

Edit : If I try to add a template after 44 it won't let me. Just nothing happens.

Edit 2 : Could there be a 'clear level' option? You know, to design stuff from scratch

Can't replicate the template add bug. It shows up here (at the end of the list of course) immediately, both on XP and 7. I've added a clear level option though, and fixed the save bug. See top post for new download link.

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Exl

Can't replicate the template add bug. It shows up here (at the end of the list of course) immediately, both on XP and 7.

When the last 'line' in the template panel is full and you add one, you can't scroll down. You need to switch modes to see it. At least here on XP SP3.

Originally Posted by Exl

I've added a clear level option though, and fixed the save bug. See top post for new download link.

Thanks, I'll have a look now

[Retro-Nerd]

Great, the runtime error is fixed.

[Exl]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

When the last 'line' in the template panel is full and you add one, you can't scroll down. You need to switch modes to see it. At least here on XP SP3.

Ah, that explains it better. I thought the template simply didnt appear in the list, but I never tested at a resolution low enough for scrolling to be necessary.

Thanks for the feedback so far guys.

[TCD]

One more thing...
When I 'updated' my install with the new version, it didn't ask me if I would like to keep my data. Guess there is a way to check if the data folder is already existing and keep it for future versions

[Exl]

I added some checks for that to the isntaller though. It should not have overwritten the game data folder, unless it did?

[TCD]

It did. The 'LEVSDAT.BIN' file has the filedate 14.08.2009 again, yet I still have the '.BAK' file with todays filedate.

Edit : You should mention that the data structure is compatible with the WHDLoad install for CE CD32

Edit 2 : Would be great if there could be a 'position' (in the grid with X/Y coordinates) display somewhere. With a clean level is rather confusing to see where you are

[TCD]

Okay, I have another feature request after starting with an empty level

Export / Import templates.

Also there's an error when you double right-click in the editor window with tile mode enabled. "Runtime error 91. Object or with block variable not defined" (translated from German ). I tried to copy a tile from the editor window, so I could use it. Is there a way to do that or do I need to find it in the tile panel?

[jotd]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

Okay, I have another feature request after starting with an empty level

Export / Import templates.

Also there's an error when you double right-click in the editor window with tile mode enabled. "Runtime error 91. Object or with block variable not defined" (translated from German ). I tried to copy a tile from the editor window, so I could use it. Is there a way to do that or do I need to find it in the tile panel?

Typical (crap language) VB error

Great work!!! Obviously the editor needs some finetuning but great work Exl.
I hope I'll have the time to create a custom level myself (and yes WHDLoad install is compatible with edited files which simplifies testing)

[capehorn]

I can't even get the editor to run. I get 'Run Time Error 76: Path Not Found' when trying to run it after installation.

Vista SP2.

[TCD]

Originally Posted by jotd

Typical (crap language) VB error

I guessed that aswell (having not worked with VB much)

Originally Posted by jotd

I hope I'll have the time to create a custom level myself (and yes WHDLoad install is compatible with edited files which simplifies testing)

Oh, that brings me to another feature request The 'test level' one Small dialog with paths to winuae.exe and a config file. Then just start it from Chaos Constuct

@Exl
It might be an idea to join our IRC server for the initial testing Would shorten the feedback times a bit

[Boo Boo]

This and your SuperFrog editor -Very impressive

Ill be having a good play but not seriously, I realy hope people knock up some levels

Do any of the options of the editor change file ACHAOS?

and I notice you havent included a option like in Froggy to change tiles -This might be a good thing as the original tiles are realy good -
The tiles are fairly easy to alter anyway and just wonderd if you were going to include a option for this.

Yet again Great work and well done EXL

[Exl]

Originally Posted by jotd

Typical (crap language) VB error

I make no excuses for the crap language, it was frustrating to work with. I wanted to use soemthing else, Python + wxWidgets perhaps, but that means I have to learn the ins and outs of wxWIdgets first. At the end of the day, I just want to get something done. It is a hobby after all.

Originally Posted by capehorn

I can't even get the editor to run. I get 'Run Time Error 76: Path Not Found' when trying to run it after installation.

I suspect new installs wont actually work with this installer, I messed up once again. I'll upload a working one in a short while.

Originally Posted by Boo Boo

Do any of the options of the editor change file ACHAOS?

Not right now. Palettes, sprites and pickup types are read from it, but there's not much use in editing that yet.

Originally Posted by Boo Boo

and I notice you havent included a option like in Froggy to change tiles

A next version maybe, if there is enough interest in creating new levels.

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

It might be an idea to join our IRC server for the initial testing Would shorten the feedback times a bit

So it appears there is a #ChaosConstruct on irc.abime.net now.

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Exl

So it appears there is a #ChaosConstruct on irc.abime.net now.

Yep. Please join us if you're interested, because it's much easier to get something sorted this way

[jotd]

@Exl: Python + wxWidgets is cool, Python can be learned pretty quick but wx is maybe tougher. I can only do the basic things (well, for work, which means that I don't manipulate images, only grey combo boxes, edit fields and lists )
Since you master VB in the sense you have no problems making editors with it (Froggy+CC), stick with it!
BTW I've seen Kroah's work (C# .net) on Cadaver level viewer and it certainly rocks!

[Zetr0]

this has piqued my interest =)

[Exl]

Updated OT again with version 2.5.0.2. Thanks to some feedback, a few important bugs are squashed.

[TCD]

My very first try from scratch. Nothing fancy, but it works (thanks to a lot of help from Exl )

[capehorn]

Installs properly now.

[gimbal]

Really nice work! Nice and simple user interface. Ah the art of tool development, I'll probably never be bored with it

[TCD]

Well, just a small update on my part Started to work 'seriously' on a new level today and can only say that the editor works nicely for the basic tile/level layout Once that is done, I'll also start on making a FAQ for the editor. So if people wonder if they can use the editor, that's a definitive yes

[capehorn]

I can't wait to play some of these custom levels.

[TCD]

Well, what about having a look yourself? It's not that hard and we are on IRC to help you

Edit : For a quick access to the IRC channel just click this - > http://wbe01.mibbit.com/?server=irc....nick=Visitor01

[Boo Boo]

Can I have unlimted Actors per level? How do I add extra Actors?

[TCD]

Not sure about 'unlimited', but you can have quite a few
To add a new actor first go to 'Level' -> 'Base actors...' and click on 'Add copy'. Now edit your new base class. Afterwards just go to the actor editing mode, press space to insert one and change it to the new base actor type

[Boo Boo]

Cheers -Yep that worked fine

[TCD]

For a quick access to the IRC channel just click this - > http://wbe01.mibbit.com/?server=irc....nick=Visitor01

[kriz]

What amazing work on this editor, skilled and polished stuff Exl !! Props !!

[bippym]

This is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see some of the levels..

Can the gfx be changed (palettes and tiles etc)?

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Boo Boo

and I notice you havent included a option like in Froggy to change tiles -This might be a good thing as the original tiles are realy good -
The tiles are fairly easy to alter anyway and just wonderd if you were going to include a option for this.

Originally Posted by Exl

A next version maybe, if there is enough interest in creating new levels.

So, start editing today I already tried to talk Dast into making some, but you know him being a BB fanboi and a Dan Malone worshipper doesn't help much Let's see who will join and which features get added next

Right, basic layout of my level is done. 112x84 tiles. Now on to adding the fun stuff

[Peter]

I think Matt should interview one of the original Chaos Engine creators/coders and then ask them to build a new level for all us loyal Amiga Chaos Engine players on this excellent new editor!!!

[TCD]

Update on the fun stuff : It's fun indeed
Learning curve is quite steep and you can pull of quite nice stuff with it. I know that Exl is already annoyed by my fanboism, but damn this is really good stuff for someone that likes CE

[Peter]

It is great fun - my attempts are looking rather abstract though... I need to practice more... someone with a little more flare for art or design would love this...