Why Convert?
Some classic maps are no longer compatible with modern engines such Dark Forces: Remaster or the The Force Engine . Their assets may be spread across multiple files and the LFD files may be renamed and are no longer detectable by the game. The uniform batch file may missing or may execute 16-bit DOS programs that are no longer compatible on modern systems. Having a standardized format for Dark Forces missions is important for automating mod loaders. We want to make it as simple as possible for new playerss to enjoy Dark Forces missions.
What must a modern map support include?
- It must support running in The Force Engine and preferably Dark Forces Remaster. DOS support is preferable but optional.
- The mission may have bugs but it must be completable - that is - it must have objectives that can result in Mission Complete message.
- It must have a single entry point - a start.bat file - that a user or a mod loader would execute. This is not required for TFE support.
- It must have a metadata.txt file that includes information such as the author, name of the misison, release date, version information as well as optional walkthroughs or reviews.
- For DOS and Remaster support it should attempt to clean up any stale LFD files (Such as DFBRIEF.LFD) so as not to pollute the directory.
- It should support multiple game stores such as STEAM and GOG.
- It should have a mission briefing as well as objectives.
- It should include a few screenshots that show off the misison.
Step by Step Converison Process
First we need to find a mission to convert. You can go Here to see which missions have already been converted. You will see a google docs spreadsheet with level links. Look for those that are marked as Original. The process for converting missions is generally the same and you can do this for any mission you choose.
Downloading the misison
To get started lets go ahead and modernize a mission called Anchor Head: Tusken Raid Mini Level. Click on the download link from the google docs and you will have a file called anchor2.zip. This is the oringial classic mission that needs to be modernized. Here are the contents of the zip file.
It includes three files. The anchor.bat , ANCHOR.TXT as well as ANCHOR.GOB. The GOB is the mission itself and what we will need to modernize.