Custom strings

[Mtn. Goat 0]

Okay, you know how you go into the ''DTA'' folder in OFP, and see ''STRINGTABLE.csv''? And you know the radio chatter strings like ''ROGER THAT'', ''I'M ON HIM'', etc?

I would like to know how to successfully make my own radio chatter strings (without voice), and then have them in the game. I want the soldiers to then randomly say one of the strings I put in when playing a mission.

Can this be possible? If so, and you know how to, I would be so happy!

Thanks.

Chris

[fasad 1]

Take a look at ECP with the DSAI extension. One of the features of this effect pack is that AI units will randomly speak (vocal, nothing in radio log) somewhat appropriate comments. For example, they will shout "GRENADE" when the enemy throws one near them, etc. The DSAI pack adds additional things to say. It works very well, so long as you are playing with west = US, east = USSR.

Don't mess with the DTA folder - you can create a mission (or mod) specific stringtable.csv, that will overrule the default stringtable without any permanent changes. A Stringtables only purpose is to allow multiple languages to use the same mission, but it is none the less a good practice to use them rather than hardcoded english. For more details on defining strings, look at the BI wiki.

What I would do is create a script appends a random number to a string reference (eg $STR_chatter125). Then choose a unit and cause that unit to groupChat/sideChat the chatter string. Should be easy enough, but will only work in missions that you add the scripts to. Creating a universal chatter script that works in any mission would be harder (beyond me).

[TeRp 1]

nvm.

[Mtn. Goat 0]

Well, if I had broadband I could download the addon easily and un-PBO it to see what is done... but damn...

Any tutorials that show how to do this?

Unless you want to un-PBO that addon for me and tell me what they done.

Chris

[fasad 1]

If you are only willing to download one addon, ECP would be the addon to download.

There are no tutorials I know of that cover your specific request. OFP may be easy to mod but that doesn't mean you don't have to do any work to get a result.

Try this script to get you started:

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Code Sample </td></tr><tr><td id="CODE">_unit sideChat localize format["STR_CHATTER%1",_number]

And this stringtable.csv (in the mission folder):

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Code Sample </td></tr><tr><td id="CODE">STR_CHATTER1, What a nice day

_unit is the unit to broadcast the chatter (choose a random unit of the units to chatter).

_number is a random number between 1 and the maximum string number.

Be aware that OFP will load the stringtable on loading of a mission, so if you change it, you must save and load to see the changes.

[Mtn. Goat 0]

Do I have to enter this in the Mission Editor?

Because I want it to automatically say it in whatever mission I play...

I was kinda thinking of making the addon, then when putting it in the ''ADDONS'' folder, it will play those things randomly when playing a mission.

Now, can this be possible?

Thanks bro.

Chris

[fasad 1]

As i said before, it is possible, but...

Quote[/b] ]Do I have to enter this in the Mission Editor?

If you don't know the answer to that question, you don't know enough about scripting to be able to do it without someone else simply doing all the work for you. I'm not going to do that. Take a step back and get the hang of how scripts work first. Start with more basic projects.

It is unreasonable to expect the game to do what you want of it without taking some time to learn how the game works. Imagine expecting the same effect in HalfLife2 without any knowledge of it's engine.

[Mtn. Goat 0]

I found a file called ''stringids'' in the Binarize folder! It probably adds the strings into the game...

Some stuff it says:

// 1.4 Combat modes

STRING(IGNORE)

STRING(BYPASS)

STRING(WHITE)

STRING(CONTACT)

STRING(ENGAGE)

STRING(STEALTH)

STRING(COLUMN)

STRING(STAGGERED)

STRING(WEDGE)

STRING(ECHL)

STRING(ECHR)

STRING(VEE)

STRING(LINE)

// 1.7 Commands

STRING(NOCOMMAND)

STRING(WAIT)

STRING(ATTACK)

STRING(HIDE)

STRING(MOVE)

STRING(HEAL)

STRING(REPAIR)

STRING(REFUEL)

STRING(REARM)

STRING(SUPPORT)

STRING(JOIN)

STRING(GETIN)

STRING(FIRE)

STRING(GETOUT)

STRING(STOP)

STRING(EXPECT)

STRING(ACTION)

But the file doesn't actually tell the ordered soldier what to do, just what strings are for what...

* Edits:

I do know what scripting is and I have a fair knowledge of what it is. I've used it HEAPS when making missions in the game.

Also, I realized a minute after I saw your reply that it was indeed for the Mission Editor.

Chris