Map making: The .TER file (Nitro)

[Lightfoot]

There has been some discussion about .TER files for Nitro and where they belong in the directory structure.

Long story longer is there is no "incorrect" place to install them, though there should be some consideration for standardization for future releases, repairs and re-edits.

As it stands now .TER files can live in ADDON, MISS8 *AND* MISS16 or in all three with no ill effects on launching or playing the game but this adds some confusion to any update process.

My proposal is for a single .TER file in the ADDON folder for the sake of simplicity. An extensive review of .TER files from multiple authors (including D1VER and myself) indicates that there are *NO* differences between the .TER files compiled for 8-bit or 16-bit versions of the map.

Let me know what you think.

[Lightfoot]

In regards to moving the .TER files to ADDON:

I have been reviewing all of the maps currently available for download. I had noted (3) combat maps with "text corruption" (the on-screen text is surrounded by black boxes; also effect objects on the OSD). After consolidating the .TER files, on a second sweep of maps with known issues this problem appears to have been resolved.

If anyone has the 16-bit versions of the following maps installed and could see if they're problematic, I'd appreciate it:

Dead Ahead
Deadwood
Ballistic

Thanks in advance.

[DIVER]

well I'ts a long story why I've been off, so I omit. was busy, just busy.

I did not voted but totally agree with "consideration for standardization for future releases" .
So no .TER in missXX now? then It's ok, I may re-zip my archive later or sooner.


As for corrupt game view with specific map...
>the on-screen text is surrounded by black boxes; also effect objects on the OSD
Yes, in glide mode same thing happned/ing. (no test for D3D)

"Dead Ahead" has a wrong assign in .CBT
Here and there are no XXX_16.LUM and XXX_16.TBL in nitro.zfs, it cause the problem (speed meter is blackout, damage indicator is dead etc)
It's not concern with where .TER is.
How to fix : change XXX_16.LUM to XXX.LUM and three 00 in hex (.TBL too)

[DIVER]

>Dead Ahead
>Deadwood
>Ballistic

checked above 3 maps.
Conclusion: Wrong .LUM and .TBL assigned (xxx_16.LUM / xxx_16.TBL)
THere are several xxx_16.ACT but for .LUM and .TBL no _16 ver exist.

For more info check .lum/.tbl section in
the Complete Asset Bible# for Interstate'76/Gold/Nitro 4th edition rev. B
release date : Jan./30/2017

or assign same xxx which used for .ACT without _16.
Careful, some _16.ACT do not have corresponding .LUM/.TBL

[Lightfoot]

We've found that there's work around for getting black boxes around the text is as simple as leaving the map, firing up any other map in Instant Melee, then rejoining the Multi Melee.

We run into it regularly in Synchronica but I'll take a peek at the .LUM and .TBL files you're talking about.

If it's a matter of the files not existing it should be as simple as copying one that does exist, renaming it and throwing it in ADDON to fix the issues.

I'll let you know if I give it a go.

Thanks!

[Lightfoot]

...so, there are *SO* many references to non-existent files in the map "Synchronica" that I honestly do not know why the only issue we have with it is the black box bug...

We all know I have a "favorite palette" but the question is, should I apply it to the map and rebrand it "Synchronica B"?

Let me know.

[KIV 6051 [SH]]

We all know I have a "favorite palette" but the question is, should I apply it to the map and rebrand it "Synchronica B"?

Different map versions need to be able to co-exist (except of course the broken ones). You can't give everyone digitally enhanced copies of the original Star Wars trilogy while simultaneously forcing everyone to give up their original Star Wars trilogy tapes and expect everyone to be grateful. This also applies to changing map textures because they make your eyes hurt since

A. Your monitor is at default brightness (obscene) and contrast (to compensate for obscene)
B. If your monitor brightness and contrast are adjusted to make fullscreen notepad tolerable and you're still getting snow blind from a video game it is most likely a yellow flag for health problems and you should see a doctor if you have not already (I waited almost too long myself)

What map versions you are willing to host during event broadcasts are, of course, your choice