PERFECT SPRITE EXTRACTION

[Gandalf Parker]

Hmm worked just now for me using Firefox.

Editing sprites for this game IS much easier when there are some to cut-n-paste from. Making a combat image (the second sprite for the "combat" move in case there are lurkers reading this) is much easier by cut-n-pasting the arm into a new position. Making new sprites by changing some colors of a unit image, or pasting together pieces of different images, also helps. Even just having an example to use for sizing and such.

Of course eventually its good to draw your own but I think this is a great thing for that middle section between just changing the text and completely designing your own units. And it will be a particular help to the "improved nations" modders who are working with the nations that are already in the game.

[Foodstamp]

Bah, you got me excited. I thought you had found a way to extract the attack sprites too. Knowing the optimal settings will definitely reduce the time I spend on sprites if I decide to edit in game sprites.

Now if we can get the modding graphics limit cap fixed, I may consider replacing some of my reused sprites with custom ones in a few of my mods.

[Gandalf Parker]

I think he was emphasizing "perfect sprites" rather than "perfect extraction"

and I thought the sprite cap was worked out. Something to do with the order that the commands were put into the mod file?

[Sombre]

Foodstamp said:
Bah, you got me excited. I thought you had found a way to extract the attack sprites too.

Attack sprites are easy for the most part - just adjust an arm and a leg, shift the weapon a bit etc.

[VedalkenBear]

Well, if someone can tell me a graphics program that can open and manipulate a .tga file, I might be able to get something done.

As it is, nothing I have seems to work.

[Sombre]

I use Paint Shop Pro, but people here seem to like GIMP, which is free. Just google for it.

[Endoperez]

Have you ever wondered just how many units are in Dominions? This map shows you all of them. This map is full of spoilers, especially the last units which aren't yet recruitable, summonable or accessible in the normal game except via Wishing. This map is meant to be used by those brave souls daring to venture in to the world of modding. Because the map is black, it's easy to use with the sprite extraction method.

This is based on the map I've used for some time now. I don't know who did the 2.83 version, but I suspect it was Gandalf. Whoever it was, thanks for the map, it has been VERY useful.

[Endoperez]

Attached are four files that make sprite extraction easier, and a readme that goes into detail about their use, and explains how to use MsPaint to easily clear out the sprite for mod use. .

Contents:
A blank map (2 files)
A guibar2.new file (renamed .tga)
A .bat shortcut to launch Dominions windowed in 800x600 resolution with an alternate GUI setup, no filtering and low opacity. It needs guibar2.new to work properly.

If you use a black map (like the blank one provided) and launch Dominions via the .bat file, it's extremely easy to take a good sprite. You'll even get to keep the original shadow!

[Juzza]

Sombre said:
AND it's going to mean any random fool

I wonder who he meant when he said that!! *shifty eyes*