Modding Help - Shield Gun Bug

[LALALAND459]

A question for modders - I'm trynig to mod the ladder so that the maps are randomly chosen. To do this I downloaded the script files, changed one of the files in XGame, compiled it with ucc and then replaced the old XGame.u with my version. Everything works fine but the game will crash if I try to switch to the Shield Gun.
The only line I changed in the code so far was LevelName="DM-1on1-Idoma" to LevelName="DM-1on1-Spirit", so the problem is definitely not with my modifications.
If anyone has had this problem, I'd be glad to know the fix for it. Thanks!

[J-Rts]

Don't ever replace the original u. files with your own and call it XGame.u. You should always name your modded file something else and change the UT2004.ini file to use your mod.

[LALALAND459]

All my "mod" really does is change that one line in the XGame.u package - I can't exactly make it name it into a separate package.
I know I shouldn't change the game files, but I couldn't find any tutorials on how to edit the ladder any other way. I figured that since they released the source code I could just recompile the XGame scripts into XGame.u with the changes I want, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. I also noticed that my XGame.u is 200KB smaller than the original, so probably some scripts/files are missing and that's what's causing the bug. What's the point of releasing the source code if its incomplete?

[J-Rts]

The source code is there to build on. Not to change. You can easily copy the source code and change it to your liking. But you have to compile them into another u-file with a different name. For example in your case, you could create a folder in the game directory and call it MyLadder or whatever you like. In that folder create a folder named classes. Copy only the source files, you need to change to this folder. When compiled and done change the UT2004.ini file to use your ladder. Messing with the original files will cause unwanted effects and mess up your game.

[LALALAND459]

Either it doesn't work or more likely I don't understand how to change the .ini file to use my mod? I tried adding ServerPackages=MOD but its not working, and my MOD.u file (with only UT2K4LadderInfo.ucc changed) is in /System.
I found an example mod online that changes the menu screen by modifying the .ini: MainMenuClass=TestMod.TestModMainMenu, but I cant find any line in the .ini file specifically referring to the ladder. I'm assuming I should be looking for something like LadderInfoClass=XGame.LadderInfo so I can change it to MOD.LadderInfo?

[J-Rts]

You don't have to add it to the ServerPackages. Ok, try this. Having looked into it, there is two more scripts, you need to change (maybe more, but one step ata time.) The first is located in XGame and is called UT2k4GameProfile. Copy this to the classes folder of your mod and in the first line of the default properties called GameLadderName change this to the name of your new ladder., i.e. MyMod.MyLadder. And don't forget to change the name of the script itself. For example MyGameProfile. The next script is located in GUI2k4 and is called UT2K4SP_Main. Copy this to your Classes folder and change every instance of UT2k4GameProfile to MyGameProfile or whatever you call it. Also rename this script and compile your package. Now we come to the UT2004.ini. Search under [Engine.GameEngine] for SinglePlayerMenuClass and change this to the name of your new SP_Main. Let me know if there is any problems.

[J-Rts]

On closer examination, there is a lot you need to change. Are you sure you want to go through all that just for changing one map ???

[LALALAND459]

It works! There's just one annoying bug where I can only load the modded save after I start a new profile. Everytime I go back to the main menu of the game the modded game profiles don't display any information, and the same for unmodded files after I do start a new modded game. I'll look into fixing this tomorrow, I remember reading somewhere that SinglePlayerMenuClass only loads after a cutscene.

I did what you said and then followed the compiler errors but it still wasn't working so I changed every single source file that used the files you told me to change and then I had to change more source files that used those - it wook me half the day :) I also changed the .ini file LoadingClass=MOD.LadderLoading because I had to add the script to my mod.

In short - thanks for your help!!!!!!!

[J-Rts]

No problem. I'm glad you could make it work and understand all my nonsense. English is not my preferred language.