Command and Conquer Generals/Zero Hour Modding Overview

Описание: A modding overview for Command and Conquer Generals/Zero Hour.

This covers tools setup, RenX, 3D model exporting (W3D), animations, skeletal linking and a brief ini overivew. Some knowledge of texturing, 3D modelling, scripting and general game modding is assumed. Hopefully it's basic enough for beginners but not too condescending for experienced modders.

Programs are open a closed a lot so people can pick up individual sections and not have to watch the whole thing!


Downloads and tools:

str file, csfeditor, dds plugin, FinalBig, w3d import scripts
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yu6...

RenX
-- (google drive) https://drive.google.com/open?id=1THG...
-- (direct link on website) https://1738creations.co.uk/projects/...

Gmax
-- Official link, no longer supported... nice of them to tell no one
---- https://www.turbosquid.com/gmax
-- Official release. Will need a key, which I guess you can't get as it's no longer supported. This is what I use. Included official help files and tutorials
---- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n0NH...
-- An unlocked version (I've not used it, take no responsibility)
---- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MMmv...

For generating waves in WorldBuilder (not covered in this guide)
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1n_m...


Examples
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qdb...


Other reading and items not covered in this guide:

WorldBuilder Guide
-- https://www.cnclabs.com/maps/generals...

AI creation
-- https://www.moddb.com/mods/command-co...


Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:00:26
-- Intro

00:00:26 - 00:15:33
-- Tools setup
--- 00:00:26 - DDS plugin
--- 00:01:49 - Renx, W3D script installation
--- 00:04:36 - FinalBig
--- 00:08:03 - CSF and str files
--- 00:09:30 - Game config
--- 00:12:01 - File load ordering

00:15:33 - 00:21:40
-- RenX, comparing W3D importers

00:21:40 - 00:35:06
-- 00:21:40 - Basic texture application using the USA humvee
-- 00:28:41 - Single face texture application to humvee

00:35:06 - 00:39:14
-- INI overview; changing build times and prerequisites in ini files

00:39:14 - 00:49:54
-- Animated textures for objects such as treads

00:49:54 - 00:54:19
--- 00:49:54 - Fixing discoloured meshes
--- 00:52:30 - Hiding bones in-game

00:54:19 - 01:00:31
-- Transparent textures and alpha maps

01:00:31 - 01:12:23
-- Renx, linking skeletons to meshes

01:12:23 - 01:20:35
-- Renx, skeletal animations

01:20:35 - 01:24:55
-- General mesh animations for non-skeletal units

01:24:55 - 01:27:49
-- Audio

01:27:49 - 01:32:53
-- CommandSets and buttons

01:32:53 - onwards
-- Debug logs and wrapping up