Guidelines for creating an item?

[lexicat]

Hiya!

So: I am interested in creating some new items. The modmaker's guide to the galaxy (http://www.digital-eel.com/modguide/) is missing a section on creating items, specifically, on the graphics requirements, files, etc. for items. Is there a thread addressing this, or shall we collaborate to produce one?

Lexicat

[clomaka]

They're pretty straight-forward gfx/file wise, the tricky part is the coding for objects that do things - it's best to just scour what's already out there and copy that code, making small changes untill it does what you want it to.

graphics (in the graphics/items folder):
large:128x128
small:64x64
I prefer to use 32-bit pngs so that the border is masked off in the image, but if you use jpgs, you'll have to create an ini file for each image (named exactly the same, but with .ini instead of .jpg) that specifies what mask image to use. There's plenty of items out there that do this to use as an example.

definition file (in the gamedata\items folder):
(item type)_(filename).ini
(The naming convention's just a suggestion)
inside:
NAME (name displayed in title bar)
NAM2 (name for use in messages)
ICON items/(small graphic)
GFXP items/(large graphic)
FLAG (flags to control when it appears)
DIST (controls the type of planet/star it appears on)
TEXT (description)
COST (point value and type - relates to cost of item and points gained if you have it when you retire)
TYPE (defines type of game object)

Add your item into GameData/game.ini.
Use the definition ini filename (minus the .ini)

Most of this is layed out in Weird Worlds\default\gamedata\items\!item_files.txt

[lexicat]

Thanks oodles! Def triff.

Lexicat

[Major_Mapleleaf]

Is there a summary of item flags anywhere? I don't know what the flags are, or what they do, so it's kind of tricky to make an item do what I want it to do.

[Major_Mapleleaf]

Ha, ha. I found the items text file in the directory. It explains the flags, but I'm wondering if there is a way to make this item appear in every game you play. The item I'm working on is an important quest item, so I need it to appear in every game at any random planet. None of the flags seem to accomplish this. Thanks.

[lexicat]

You could make a separate quest that simply put the necessary item on a planet with the flag always.

Lexicat