Getting Started
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 4:26 pm
A few things you should know before getting started modding in StarShatter.
Everything in the game is defined with *.DEF files. These are simply text files.
You can find basic information on DEF files at the Starshatter Official SDK. A Starship file has certain basic attributes and then a listing of systems. Keep in mind you can only really have 4 weapon "groups", due to interface limitations. By default, systems are assigned to the reactor which they start "under".
Every model in the game uses the *.MAG format. This is saved by a program called Magic, available from the Starshatter website. Magic can import 3DS and OBJ files. There is also a program called Shatner available which can export from MAG to OBJ. Magic is also a basic 3d editor.
There's a lot of accumulated forum knowledge about Modding, but I must be brief (time factor).
The best thing to do is to open up example DEF files and look them over. After that, you want to check out the various sites with information.
The best for new modders is the Starshatter Modsite, although at this time it appears the host has suffered a major failure. Still, hopefully it will be up soon.
Advanced parameters can be found at Mehrune's Site. This is not a comprehensive listing, but very helpful to advanced modders, particularly as it includes starsystem mod information.
Also useful is Starshatter Dev v2. Somewhat outdated, but there's a new "v3" version being worked on.
**MISC INFO**
use trail:false to achieve the "millenium falcon effect" with Starshatter's port point-sources.
In the full version, mods are packed into DAT files and then enabled and disabled in game. You can also have mods that just use the filetree by using a command line option. The Demo version cannot access DAT files.
Everything in the game is defined with *.DEF files. These are simply text files.
You can find basic information on DEF files at the Starshatter Official SDK. A Starship file has certain basic attributes and then a listing of systems. Keep in mind you can only really have 4 weapon "groups", due to interface limitations. By default, systems are assigned to the reactor which they start "under".
Every model in the game uses the *.MAG format. This is saved by a program called Magic, available from the Starshatter website. Magic can import 3DS and OBJ files. There is also a program called Shatner available which can export from MAG to OBJ. Magic is also a basic 3d editor.
There's a lot of accumulated forum knowledge about Modding, but I must be brief (time factor).
The best thing to do is to open up example DEF files and look them over. After that, you want to check out the various sites with information.
The best for new modders is the Starshatter Modsite, although at this time it appears the host has suffered a major failure. Still, hopefully it will be up soon.
Advanced parameters can be found at Mehrune's Site. This is not a comprehensive listing, but very helpful to advanced modders, particularly as it includes starsystem mod information.
Also useful is Starshatter Dev v2. Somewhat outdated, but there's a new "v3" version being worked on.
**MISC INFO**
The new thruster flare colors are in the demo. Works for both main drive and maneuvering thrusters.
Syntax: type: { Plasma | Fusion | Green | Red | Blue | Yellow | Stealth }
If you want just a glow without the pointy trail effect, add trail: false
use trail:false to achieve the "millenium falcon effect" with Starshatter's port point-sources.
In the full version, mods are packed into DAT files and then enabled and disabled in game. You can also have mods that just use the filetree by using a command line option. The Demo version cannot access DAT files.