dom2 save games

paplan · #1 October 21st, 2004, 05:24 PM

So, I think that this is a tough game to learn. I'd like to be able to save a game, try something new 9to see if it works), and then go back to that save, rather than starting over. I realize that I can do this manually, by Alt-Tabing into Win Explorer, creating a folder, and saving that folder. But this is sort of a hassle. I downloaded the domsaver utility, but can't quite figure out how it works. Where do I extract the files to? And then what do I do? Does Java Runtime need to be in the dom2 folder?

If someone could help me out with the domsaver utility, or come up with an alternate, quick approach to saving multiple games, I'd be very appreciative.

Chazar · #2 October 21st, 2004, 06:15 PM

I'm not sure since I am happy with manually copying files, but I think that domsaver utility you refer to is just there to save and restore newly-desgined pretenders (which are also just saved as <nation>.2h within a directory called newlords).

Zooko · #3 October 21st, 2004, 08:12 PM

I used to run a bash script to tar up my dir after each move.

However, for you to do that you would have to start with "install Linux" or at least "install cygwin". So I don't have any useful advice for you.

Gandalf Parker · #4 October 21st, 2004, 10:40 PM

Its easier if you make a batch file of the commands, then you can click on the icon to get it done. But thats fast becoming a lost art. I suppose I could make an executable that makes a backup copy of a game with a set name. Like any game called asdf

Cainehill · #5 October 21st, 2004, 11:20 PM

Easy enough to make the batch file, especially if you don't mind tweaking it from game to game.

Placing it in the game directory, it could look something like this:

echo off
mkdir save
copy nation.2h save

Very simple and crude, with a Version to restore it that looked like:

echo off
del nation.h
copy save\nation.h .

Then, make a shortcut and drag the shortcut to the desktop and you're set.

Arralen · #6 October 22nd, 2004, 01:15 AM

If it's "George McGinn's Dominions SaveGame Backup&Restore Utility Version" you're talking about ... yes, it does backup every turn automatically.

But - some zips had only the Java source files in it (".java" on W32 machines), in that case you need the Java SDK to compile them yourself.

I accidently deleted my bin files, so I'm stuck with manually zipping the turn files as well (no way of compiling a Java app).
Isn't that hard to do, as I play in windowed mode anyway. And as Dom2 doesn't keep the files open all time, it doesn't complain if you fiddle with them while the game is running.

Chazar · #7 October 22nd, 2004, 05:47 AM

If you follow Cainehill's suggestion, do not forget the "fthrlnd"-file if you're playing single player...

paplan · #8 October 22nd, 2004, 11:25 AM

Thanks for the help. Where might I find a copy of "George McGinn's Dominions SaveGame Backup&Restore Utility Version"?

Arralen · #9 October 23rd, 2004, 03:19 AM

It's attached to this message

But don't forget:

- It's a DOM1 utility, that AFAIK works with DOM2 as well.

- You'll have to compile it yourself, using the Java Software Development Kit. Don't ask me for help, I don't have a clue

Just tried out "Torvak's Dominions savegame utility v0.61". couldn't get it to work either. Operating it seems definitely non-trivial and not very intuitive ... .
Got it to save turns and pretender files, but it never unzipped them again ?!

Endoperez · #10 October 23rd, 2004, 10:17 AM

If one has JSDK, the easiest way to compile one .java file is to have it in jsdk1.4.x\bin directory and write 'javac filename.java' to the command line. If there are many files, then it's harder.