Messages

901

Archive / Higher Resolution in FF8

« on: 2001-10-07 01:49:00 »

There may yet be a way around the 2d background problem.  It seems to me that emulators like ePSXe can do it all the time, when they're playing ff7,8,9,etc. at 640X480 and higher.  All the textures and backgrounds in the psx version are stored below 640X480 resolution, yet when played higher than that they still fill the screen.  Perhaps ripping a page from the emulator book might work......

902

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-06 22:23:00 »

Well, the problem with DirectMusic Producer is that it takes that long to load the original 8meg DLS.  So if it takes 2-5 minutes just for that, then for something almost 6 times the size of it (Samuel's DLS is 45megs) its gonna take like a half hour to get it loaded.

oh, i already got ff9 psx, so i don't need the sample.

[edited] 239 2001-10-06 23:25

903

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-06 19:14:00 »

Well, I was simply asking Jari if he was interested.

Anyway, the next version of the mod will fix that "battle swirl effect" part of the song.  Also, Samuel's working on getting mp3's of the mod up.

904

Archive / Higher Resolution in FF8

« on: 2001-10-06 02:47:00 »

Well the 3dfx Voodoo5 class cards should not present a blurring problem with FSAA (they did, after all, do a better job than nVidia in not making menu screens "melt") and the newer Geforce2 and 3 cards that process 600 Gazillion triangles per second should not have a problem in the speed area.

Well, if your still interested in the possibility of getting directx to do it, then perhaps this place is a good place to learn about the inner workings of DirectX:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/nhp/default.asp?contentid=28000410

There's a lot of technical articles, but they also have examples of (I think its C++) code to tell DirectX how to do stuff.

Would that help, or answer your questions?

905

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-06 02:05:00 »

Wait a minute.  Isn't win2000 mainly used for major network deployment stuff?!

If that's the case, then I think you might be right about him having win2000.  He says he's a network administrator, and he does a lot of web design stuff.

By the way, Jari, would you be interested in expanding the mod to support your Timber Soundfont?  I mean, yeah, its good that the mod is on the FFSF site, but maybe one of the goals ought to be that different versions of the mod that are made to be compatible for each DLS or SoundFont on the FFSF site (1 for original DLS, 1 for Samuel, 1 for the timber SoundFonts, and so on).

Now, I'm not out to steal from the thunder of the work you and the others have done. I'm simply trying to make it as available to people with the different Soundfonts and DLS files as I can, just like how companies make versions for Mac, PC, Lineux, Windows NT, etc. for the same program.

Ok.  Samuel asked earlier about wanting mp3's of the FF9 songs.  Well, I found one, of the battle theme, but it's pretty cheap.  I think someone just held a microphone to the PSX while they were playing, because you can hear the "beep--beep" of the menu selections while the song is playing.  I haven't found anything else, but, hey, something is better than nothing!

[edited] 239 2001-10-06 03:15

906

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-05 23:41:00 »

Hmmm..........
A mystery is afoot here, then.  I have a friend who owns a SBLive! card and was able to get hardware DLS from it, and he didn't know about the FFSF project untill I recently told him.  However, I don't know what his OS is.

But then again, he's in Canada, and things are always a little different there.  So now the question is: Why do only Canadian SBLive! cards support hardware DLS?

[edited] 239 2001-10-06 00:43

907

Archive / Higher Resolution in FF8

« on: 2001-10-05 04:01:00 »

I'm not a graphic programmer, so this is a shot in the dark:

What about updating the midi config ver. 2 program to allow for higher resolution, then adding a simple resolution scale code in the .exe that came with it?

Would that work, or am I just restating the obvious??

908

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-05 03:54:00 »

Actually, I was just working on the battle swirl part earlier today, and I filled Samuel in on the fact that its different than what its supposed to be.

As for the improved tracks, there should be a mention that most of the "improving" was reassigning drums so that people who don't have SBLive! or any other hardware DLS synth could hear the music with the correct drum set.  Appearantly, SBLive! cards somehow pick the correct sets without the corrections.  In other words, it allows the Microsoft Synth to use better drums than the standard set.

I'm still working on the mod, however, right now the focus is on ripping samples from FF9 for the upcoming version 1.36 of Samuel's DLS.

As for the World map theme, I think we got lucky on that one.  I myself was surprised at how good Samuel's mod version sounded.
[edited] 239 2001-10-05 04:56

909

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-03 00:30:00 »

Thank you for reminding me, seraph.  I was gonna talk to Samuel about putting up mp3's of the mod.  However, I can't do it myself, because I'm restricted to using SoftSynths when using DLS, and most software and hardware don't support using wave playback as a recording source directly.  As for the Addon pack stuff, I can still send you reguluar zips that aren't in addon pack form.

I'm curious though: why can't the computer understand the addon format?  The FF8 MIDI configurator 2 can understand the addon file format and auto-install what is inside the addon.  Just make sure the mod is checked and is at the top of the list of sgt packages if you use the configurator.

Also, from what I know, the .addon file format uses basically the same compression code as a reguluar RAR archieve.  I bet using WinRAR to open the addon file will work.

910

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-10-01 01:52:00 »

Well, I was toying with the idea of using FF9's boss theme for the music when you're fighting the spider-bot in dollet.  And, MAYBE the FF9 victory theme.  It'll depend on how the music could apply to the different parts of the game, and how much time I have, and how pesky my copy of DirectMusic Producer is going to be.  Its now refusing to load the original DLS.  ARGH! I think I'll go get some asprin now......

911

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-30 21:41:00 »

so far, just me and Samuel.

912

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-29 23:16:00 »

Attention, people, the Samuel's DLS version of the FF9 mod has been updated!  Most of you probably have downloaded the update without knowing it, but here's how to check.  If you can hear a distortion guitar "mirroring" the bass line, then you have the new one.  The reason why some people do not know that they have the update is because the file itself was updated, and the link that pointed to the first version of the Samuel's DLS compatible mod was simply redirected to the new version, without anything saying that this was a newer version.  I think we're gonna start tacking version numbers onto the mod now, so everyone can tell if a newer version of the mod is out.

Anyway, if you downloaded the mod before 9/28/2001, then check the site again, and download the new version.  It's alot better on the ears now!

913

Scripting and Reverse Engineering / Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

« on: 2001-09-26 16:52:00 »

My XG card does 48Khz playback.  I really only use the SBAWE64 for it's sf-ram and its joystick port, cause the XG card's port keeps "forgetting" its calibration every time I reboot.

914

Scripting and Reverse Engineering / Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

« on: 2001-09-25 09:12:00 »

I already have EAX 2.0 capability.  I'm running 2 different sound cards: A Sound Blaster AWE64; and an XG Hardware Card called Maxi Sound Fortissimo.  The Fortissimo has EAX capability, and appearantly hardware-accelerates any playback from a Software DLS Synthesizer.  I've got no clue on how they pulled THAT off......  

Anyway, If the card can be tricked, then alot of AWE users could get hardware DLS without shelling out the money for a new card.

915

Scripting and Reverse Engineering / Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

« on: 2001-09-25 05:16:00 »

My dad is using an AWE32, with 4megs onboard, and I'm gonna use the two new 4meg chips I got to increase it to 8meg when I get the chance.  If Creative Labs would restock their supply of memory daughterboards I could get some, but as far as I know they're taking their sweet time.

916

Scripting and Reverse Engineering / Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

« on: 2001-09-24 07:37:00 »

I thought about the DLS-->SF2 approach, but the problem is I'm stuck with a 512kb setup.

Another idea I had was to take some of the SBLive! DLS drivers and see if they can be tweaked into supporting the AWE cards SF-RAM.

917

Scripting and Reverse Engineering / Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

« on: 2001-09-19 16:49:00 »

No, I think its better suited here, because I'm talking about the possible hardware capabilities of the SoundFont-RAM onboard the various AWE32's and AWE64's, not specific games in particular.

918

Scripting and Reverse Engineering / Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

« on: 2001-09-18 05:31:00 »

I've been wondering this ever since I first heard about DownLoadable Sounds (DLS).  Is there any way to trick the AWE64 into using its RAM to load DLS instruments?  I figure in theory it should be possible, assuming there was enough RAM on the card to hold, for example, FF8's original 8meg DLS file.  

I mean, it's simply RAM onboard the card, so its not a hardware limitation that would reject the data.

So, if that's the case, is a driver hack or modified version of the AWE control panel that would allow you to select DLS files feasible?

919

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-26 09:57:00 »

I've been trying to figure out how to mirror the main bass line in that song with the distortion guitar, like in the PSX game; and still only use 16 channels.  The core MIDI file I imported to make the song might have also transferred some XG-type SysEx messages.

By the way, Samuel, is there a list anywhere of the bank/patch numbers for your DLS instruments (like "0,0,29:Overdrive Guitar; 0,1,29: Overdrive Variation")?  It would help me be able to edit the songs for use with your DLS without it wanting to crash due to not having enough RAM for DirectMusic Producer.

[FINALLY BEEN POSTED!!!!!!!]

920

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-26 16:48:00 »

Ok people, its FINALLY BEEN POSTED!!!!!!!  It's now on the  http://lightning.prohosting.com/~techd/ffsf/index.shtml" TARGET=_blank>Final Fantasy SoundFont Project (FFSF)  site, under the Downloads section.
 
Now that's its posted, I ask that people who try it out post their feedback in this thread for now, unless their feedback is better suited for the Feedback forum. (I dunno which one it should be).

Anyway, of the two versions, I think the one for the original DLS is a little easier on the ears (Samuel, I think we need to do some tweaking on the strings section in the battle theme....).  However, try both versions out if you can, since I think this mod still needs a little more work to be as good as the other things in their download section.

The fixes for the music set that works with the original DLS is now a separate download, since appearantly SBLive! users won't need the fixes.  Software DLS synths will need the fixes, I believe.

921

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-25 05:08:00 »

Things are in the works for it to be posted at the FFSF site .  Anyway, since we now have two versions out (original and DLSv.1.35), which one are you interested in?

922

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-24 07:05:00 »

Hey, Seraph, is there a reason that you don't want to try it?  I just recieved the new 1.35DLS compatible version that I had Samuel create (By the way, Samuel, thanks for updating the compatibility.  You saved me the money and time I would have had to put for getting a new comp or something just so I could load the DLS in DirectMusic Producer!).

Anyway, since SquareSoft is taking their sweet time in coming out with a comp version of FF9, that was a major motivator in making the mod.  I don't have a PSX, and my comp's too slow to process the sound code in FF9 on an emulator at a bearable speed, so I decided to take things into my own hands.

The notation in this rendering is practically dead on, except that since its using FF8's instruments and not FF9's there's bound to be minor differences.  As for Stereo Balance, I have no clue if its correct, since I have been deaf in one ear since as long as I can remember; but I am not tone deaf.  Both songs sound excellent.  Go ahead and try them.

[that to be precise, this thing is half a patch, and half a mod.]

923

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-20 16:48:00 »

Well, Seraph, like I said in the beginning, I did the FF9 thing merely for fun.  As for the other FF8 fixes, I did those in my spare time, and I just threw them together.

I agree that its a matter of opinion.  That's why I was asking if people were interested in this thing before I decide to go to the trouble of posting it on a web site.  I know that some people wouldn't want the FF9 songs, so I included instructions that would allow them to merely install the fixes, without the FF9 songs.  I should have stated earlier, that to be precise, this thing is half a patch, and half a mod.

That fact that the FF9 part is a mod should make you consider this in the same catagory as Counter-Strike is for Half-Life.

Oh yeah, by the way, no offense taken.  It's just that I like hearing Overdrivedistortion guitars in the battle themes.  I also thought that the FF9 theme fit the game a little better than what FF8's battle theme was without Samuel's DLS.  I mean, it's like "SeeDs are here, butt-kicking will now commence!"  

[This message has been edited by Goku7 (edited September 20, 2001).]

[you have my permission to edit it to bring the compatibility up to version 1.35]

924

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-19 16:01:00 »

Yeah. I can send you it, Samuel.  Frankly, I'm glad you're interested in it.  There are some instruments missing when I use your DLS to play the battle theme.  I can't find the correct instruments because the 1.35 DLS is to big for DirectMusic Producer to store in my RAM, since I only have 48megs and it keeps wanting to load both the original DLS plus yours.  Both being loaded equals to about 56megs of System RAM it is requesting.  I don't have that, so it crashes.  Since right now I'm unable to study the structure of your DLS in enough detail to  make efficent corrections, you have my permission to edit it to bring the compatibility up to version 1.35 However, since I made the mod, I would appreciate it of you sent the corrections to me before any posting is done.

The way I fixed the rest of the FF8 songs are in that now the Microsoft Synth now uses more appropriate drum sets for the songs, instead of using the standard set for almost every song.  Also, the distortion guitar's volume in the boss theme has been increased somewhat, to where it's audible for once!    

The other details will be included in the E-mail.

[This message has been edited by Goku7 (edited September 19, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Goku7 (edited September 19, 2001).]

925

General Discussion / An actual FF9 mod for FF8PC.......is anyone interested?

« on: 2001-09-18 06:51:00 »

I've run into a problem, TiadaghtonDude.  Either your email server or mine is full.  At least that's what the error I got sounds like.  I'll try a few things first, but this is just to let you know it might be delayed.

Ok. I think its working now.  Hope it gets there!

[This message has been edited by Goku7 (edited September 18, 2001).]