Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but it''s bugged me for a while... I''ve wondered how those Messages in FF7 were done. Do you know of any online resources that explain this, or can you at least give me the basic concept? Thanx - DarkMage139 "Real game developers don't change the rules. Real game developers don't break the rules. Real game developers make the rules!" "Originality (in games) is the spice of life!"

Exactly what messages do you mean?

-=xelius=-

if you are meaning how the see-through stuff is done. it is done through alpha transparencies. i don''t have any examples readily for you. but i could help you out if you wish. just icq me for help if you like. icq: 53426557.

If you want to know how to get the smooth ''fade'' in each window, I have a C++ example ready (programmed in DJGPP). Tell me if you need it.

Sludge Software
www.sludgesoft.com
Developing a secret of mana style role-playing-game

I mean those messages where the characters talk to you! An example was when Sephiroth asked Cloud what it was like to be back in his hometown. That sort of thing.



- DarkMage139
"Real game developers don't change the rules. Real game developers don't break the rules. Real game developers make the rules!"
"Originality (in games) is the spice of life!"

The above post was me, it said Anonymous poster, must be a forum bug...

- DarkMage139
"Real game developers don't change the rules. Real game developers don't break the rules. Real game developers make the rules!"
"Originality (in games) is the spice of life!"

Just plop up a window with the message on it, and put several response messages in it too. When the user hits a directional key, flip between the messages, and when they hit [accept] record the value of the selected message and act accordingly (different responses to your answers, give you different items, etc).

I think the thing you''re looking for is a scripting engine. Here is how I did it:
There is a file with multiple scripts and each script can have multiple commands like: Open text window, change object in a level, start an AVI video, stuff like that. Each command has parameters (like the text and sizes of the textwindow, message).
When a player steps on a specific place (you need collision detection for that), a script will be started.

Hope this got you started.

Sludge Software
www.sludgesoft.com
Developing a secret of mana style role-playing-game

Yeah, thanks for all that stuff...

P.S. Sludge, that fade thing sounds cool. EMail me at "lazercool@mail.com"...



- DarkMage139
"Real game developers don't change the rules. Real game developers don't break the rules. Real game developers make the rules!"
"Originality (in games) is the spice of life!"

About the scripting... do you write a script for every single event then?? and how do you track that??

what about items in treasure boxes... how do you keep track of them, what is in them, open/close.. etc..

thanx... i''m a real newbie..

If all jobs and hope fails... you can still program porno games. There are never too many perverts...