Running old IA maps under 1.3 Beta 6 -- need help

[Sgt_Sphincter]

Running Instant Action Maps with the new patch

I have the new Patch 1.3 Beta 6, running on a Windows 7 PC.

I have to say -- it's a fabulous update, and it's almost like playing a whole new game, especially with all of the new play options.

I have only one problem. I have a ton of IA maps that I used to play with the original BZ2, in the days before Windows 7 and the 1.3 beta 6 patch. I follow the instructions that come with the maps -- copy AIP files here, DLL files there, and so on, and I'm remembering to use the "maps13" directory, instead of the original pre-patch directories.

Essentially, what happens when I try to add these maps is that They show up, and I can load them, but none of the units show up, and my ship is the only vehicle in the game. No Recyclers, no enemy units. Occaisionally, I'll see a scavenger and a gun tower/spire on certain missions, but for the most part the IA Maps don't work.

I was told that I need to run them through a converter available on Mate's Family's page.
I also was told that the DLLs for the old maps are not compatible with the new patch.

Can someone do a walkthrough for me of how to set up an IA map?

All I need are some step-by-step instructions, or to have it pointed out what I am doing wrong.

Thanks!

[Dataanti]

The first thing you should do is convert the textures, and maybe the map pictures in each maps folder, using http://matesfamily.org/bz2/BZ2DXTGen_v28.7z if there is textures.

You might have to re do each maps pathing http://www.bzcommand.com/forum/index.php?topic=58.0. There is instructions on how to do this http://www.bzcommand.com/forum/index.php?topic=98.0.

In each map folder there is a file with ".inf" extension and will show up as "Setup Information" in the file type column. Open it up with note pad and replace what is in it with this, also change all of the underlined things accordingly.

[DESCRIPTION]
missionName = "NAME OF THE MISSION"
mapTga = "MAP FILE NAME.bmp" // This may have to be .bz2dxt so use the converter
mapDesc = "MAP FILE NAME.des"
mySide = 0

Aware_v13 = true

// Default Race(s) for team. If lines are commented out, last choice
// is used instead. It's recommended to have some stock values in
// here, in case some custom map just set the values to really weird
// values
RaceHuman = 102 // 105 = ascii 'i' for ISDF, 102 = 'f' for Scion
RaceCPU = 105 // 105 = ascii 'i' for ISDF, 102 = 'f' for Scion

// Items below are stubs. Uncomment the lines (remove the leading //)
// for them to take effect.

// If specified, it takes this string, and looks for bzshell_instant_xo_<string>.cfg
ExtraOptions = "Default"

// If the Lock params are true, the user is prevented from changing
// the choice. Default is false if commented out

//LockRaceHuman = false
//LockRaceCPU = false

//ClearInstantVarbs = true // to 0/empty if not specified below

// Shove things in options.instant.*, samples below. The number
// suffixes are from 0..31 for each category. Note: these values set
// are *NOT* saved to disk for a savegame. If a DLL wants to refer to
// it later, it should copy off the value into its own memory.

// Refer to the vars.txt included in the DLL source distributon for
// the authoritative documentation

options_instant_string0 = "stock13_" // Custom AIP base name, e.g. "stock13_" .
options_instant_string1 = "ivrecy" // Human Starting recycler
options_instant_string2 = "ivrecycpu" // CPU starting recycler

// Other values, stubbed in to show how to specify them.
//options_instant_bool2 = truenet
//options_instant_int3 = 17
//options_instant_float4 = 3.141592657
//options_instant_string5 = "GSH was here, also Dataanti"

As for the AIPs and DLLs, those are not needed, you should put the map files "C:\Program Files (x86)\Battlezone II 1.3pb6\addon\Missions\instant". The map13 folder is for maps that come with 1.3, the addon folder is for additions like the maps you are trying to add.

That's all I can think of, hope it helps.

[Ded10c]

As for the AIPs and DLLs, those are not needed

If he's talking about what I think he is, they are. AIPS can go in addon, DLLs in missions.

Be careful with the inf changes and mess around until you get what you want.

[GSH]

Can you link to which map(s) you're trying to install and use? That will let people see whether it works on their end or any other issues.

-- GSH

[Sgt_Sphincter1]

Actually, people probably already converted old maps.

Are there any places where you can still download maps?

I've looked at a few sites, but many have brken links.

[GSH]

The best place to download BZ2 maps is from the BZScrap archives. See the topic here for details.

-- GSH

[TheJamsh]

Also, the 1.3 UEP (Unofficial expansion pack) is trying to convert as many old maps as possible into one large package. We released a few of the MP maps for public beta testing a while ago but i dont have a link to hand.

Keep track of progress here: http://www.moddb.com/mods/bzii-unoffici ... nsion-pack

Its taking it sweet ass time, but itll get done

[Ded10c]

[Nielk1]

Also, the 1.3 UEP (Unofficial expansion pack) is trying to convert as many old maps as possible into one large package. We released a few of the MP maps for public beta testing a while ago but i dont have a link to hand.

Keep track of progress here: http://www.moddb.com/mods/bzii-unoffici ... nsion-pack

Its taking it sweet ass time, but itll get done

Unless you are willing to come back and help stop plugging it.