Work in progress: SMACX mod for Pandora

[BlackArchon]

Hi there!

I just wanted you to know that I started a mod for Pandora: First Contact. Some days ago I released the first preview version with the 14 factions from SMACX. Currently I'm working on reimplementing the techs and buildings from SMACX as well as the units, weapons, armors and devices. If you want to have a look at it, here is the download site: http://blubb.najut.org/pandora

If you own Pandora and if you are willing to help, please let me know. Also post questions here, if you like.

[Buster's Uncle]

Oooh!  This is SMACX on the Pandora Engine?

We've got a lot of competent artists here...

[BlackArchon]

Well, it's a beginning - just test this for yourself so you get an impression. I'm currently searching for people who could help me with:
- modifying the diplomacy texts to use their SMACX phrases
- creating icons for weapons, armors and devices
- creating 3D unit models from SMACX units like mindworms to import them into Pandora (there seems to be a way to export 3ds max models to Pandora's XML format)

[Buster's Uncle]

Mylochka is a Poser artist, and has done models of some of the SMACX leaders...  Don't get your hopes too high, but I'll call her attention here.

How did you find us?

[Green1]

We've got a lot of competent artists here...

BU lies. You have a TON of competent folks here.

I would keep some of the Pandora aliens. From what I hear, it is Pandora's strength. SMAX could use more alien diversity.

I may just have to pick up Pandora just for this. From everything I have read about the system it would be closer to SMAX than Beyond Earth is. Beyond Earth will get all the hype, though.

[vv221]

I have no skill related to content creation or implementation, but you can count me in as a regular tester.

[BlackArchon]

Mylochka is a Poser artist, and has done models of some of the SMACX leaders...  Don't get your hopes too high, but I'll call her attention here.

How did you find us?

Thank you!
A friend gave me a hint that there is a website which is a platform for some heavy SMAC fans - so I found you.

[Green1]

Yes, this is the place for that. For SMAX, it is the most active on the web. Even compared to other sites that have Alpha Centauri in the "other games" category. Even though nowadays SMAC/X does not get cranked up as much for me nowadays. I have been on an AoW3 kick lately and thinking about some Eve Online later down the road. Also want to try to rescue an unfinished, crazy AAR I had with Morgan versus a whole bunch of crazy, over powered custom Aliens designed by folks here and legacy modding boards from a dead laptop.

It is also a good place for me to occasionally hang out on as you have some interesting folks here.

[SenniTreborius]

Good luck with this. Just posting to keep track of this. Didn't buy Pandora, but you may change my mind.

[SenniTreborius]

have you seen this:
http://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=279&t=47533&p=454562&hilit=alpha+centauri#p454562
Pity it seems to have died there. Is it still going here?

[Yitzi]

You know...at some point, it might be possible for all our modders and coders to work on an actual open-source SMAC2; the only problem might be one of rights for something that large, but I figure we could always just do the engine as coded, and make it moddable enough that the characters can be included as a mod.

(If so, there are definitely things that could be done better than SMAC/X; while I think SMAC/X has the best mechanics overall, there are things that could be lifted from Civ4 or even 5/BE, as well as a few other ideas, to make it better.)

[Green1]

You know...at some point, it might be possible for all our modders and coders to work on an actual open-source SMAC2; the only problem might be one of rights for something that large, but I figure we could always just do the engine as coded, and make it moddable enough that the characters can be included as a mod.

(If so, there are definitely things that could be done better than SMAC/X; while I think SMAC/X has the best mechanics overall, there are things that could be lifted from Civ4 or even 5/BE, as well as a few other ideas, to make it better.)

I would even lift from Fallen Enchantress this : faction/leader editor integrated into system.

I think what happens with these projects is without an in place rabid fan base (Pandora has too small a community) and without a charismatic leader (Maniac - Civ 4 Planetfall), just one or two people can not do this.

Plus, the skills required to do these things are friggin hard! The time to do so is long and you need folks with all sorts of disciplines from artwork to AI to UI to programming. And.. what is the reward? If you are not getting paid, I would hope it would at least be online fame. For many, that kind of reward is not worth the headache.

[Buster's Uncle]

I'm a charismatic leader - Maniac says I have better social skills than him.

[Yitzi]

I would even lift from Fallen Enchantress this : faction/leader editor integrated into system.

You mean, different leaders and factions each game?  Interesting idea, but I can't see a way to make it work with the well-written leader personalities that are necessary to be a true sequel to SMAC/X.

[SenniTreborius]

smac/x is a good game in itself. But just doesn't have the modder skill base of something like say OpenXcom. I myself am just learning C++, so for me there is a long way to go. A new C++ open source code for smac/x ala OpenXcom should eventually be doable, and would be legal as it is just a mod. Look how long OpenXcom took.