Modding

[[R0T] Vatsyayana]

Please support modding. That will help increase the longevity of the game. :)

[Hidron]

35+ years isn't long? ;)

[[R0T] Vatsyayana]

I've replayed games like Fallout and Skyrim multiple times because of...mods. There's a hint there.

[kaypy]

"Support" would be nice, but given the data files and a hex editor, I'd settle for "permission"...

[theknucklebuster]

Someone just needs to edit a modded party and upload it somewhere for people to download. A party that is maxed out would be fun!

[Damon]

+1

Would absolutely improve the game if it was possible to add more items, monsters and all that.

[Marcycle]

Would absolutely improve this game if modders could create maps/quests/items and whatnot. I'd love to play Ultimas 4-6 in the Bard's Tale style.

That being said, the game is already awesome. But there is so much more that could be done with fan sandbox-type tools.

[kaypy]

What I have been mulling over is programmatically rewriting some of the data files to get a "repeat player doesn't know the dungeons by heart":

1) Given the (already known) localization data tweakability: Generate a bunch of alternative clues/answers and pick one at random for a given playthrough. So the player has to go check the clue even if they know all the clue/answer pairs.

2) Given basic map data tweakability: Figure out a bunch of appropriate locations for the random clues and select them at random. So the player actually has to find the clues, too.

3) Given basic map data tweakability and a bit more effort: Randomize locations for a bunch of other specials, traps, fights etc.

4) Given more map data tweakability and effort: Swap key dungeon wall layout elements to alter known paths. Move stairs to a random choice of appropriate locations. Mirror, rotate, and translate entire levels to mess with teleportation. But keep each level fundamentally the same to preserve feel.

5) Pie in the sky: Fully procedurally generated levels that still feel like a Bards Tale game.