Author Topic: [FF7PC-98/Steam] Multiple mods and Modding Framework-The Reunion [R06f]  (Read 3561837 times)

unab0mb

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If the most you can "toy" with a complex mod like this is 15 mins before throwing in the towel and deciding it's no good, then I have no idea why you think modding games is for you in the first place. Your opinion isn't worth the grain of salt you recommend we take it with.
That's simply not true.  I love modding FF7.  Most people can easily (and do) tell if they like a product within that amount of time or less.  It's like staying on a date for 5 hours when you already made up your mind you weren't attracted to the person as they were first walking up to greet you.  Why torture yourself?  Hence why they invented the very popular speed dating.  The value in downloading, installing, reading, configuring, and then ultimately using without seeing much really exciting (to me) was not worth it to me.  Excellent if it is for you.  Reunion won't be "an acquired taste" for me by using it longer.  I simply don't like it.  On the bright side, at least R06 installed.  I couldn't get that far with R05.

I'm sure there will be many fanboys and fangirls that don't agree with me and will run up to defend it, and that's OK.  But it's pathetic to let someone else not liking a mod get under your skin.

Garrott82

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First of thanks heaps DLPB and friends for your tireless work, I've been waiting for this to fire up a new play through.

I have a question, I'd love to play FFVII again with the updated pre-renders from the Remako mod. I've added the .iro files to a Remako folder in the customs folder and set Mod_ID = Remako in the options.ini. it's does not seem to work. Am I missing something?

All the best I hope your able to have at least a little bit of rest now.

Chrysalis

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unab0mb is a committed modder, I would value his feedback, I have not installed it yet, but I think his point is very valid about having a modular aspect.  Some people might want the translation and no other part, other might just want the UI changes (I do think the battle UI status effect stuff is quite neat in the video).
« Last Edit: 2019-11-21 15:21:37 by Chrysalis »

Cert Serth

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Many thanks for all your hard work, DLPB! Looking forward to seeing how the new modding scheme works, as I wouldn't mind tinkering with it. Also, how on earth did you also think of the Dreamstone theme song for the completion of R06? It came to my mind as well. O_o

LordUrQuan

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If the most you can "toy" with a complex mod like this is 15 mins before throwing in the towel and deciding it's no good, then I have no idea why you think modding games is for you in the first place. Your opinion isn't worth the grain of salt you recommend we take it with.
You're new here, and perhaps new to forums like these as well, so I'm going to give you a piece of advice.  Learn something about the person you're criticizing before jumping down their throat.  Unab0mb is both a modder and a coder.

Cert Serth

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So far things are looking pretty swell, save for two issues:

1. The 3D models are horribly aliased for some reason. GPU settings don't seem to affect it.

2. The battle victory music kept playing indefinitely following a fight in the train graveyard. Not sure if the location is relevant yet, though, as it's the only time it's happened.

basmith7

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I'm not having any luck with R06.

I installed FFVII from Steam. Version 1.0.9 English Steam.
I ran the game.
I ran the The_Reunion_R06.exe
Launched the game again, from both ff7_en.exe and FF7_Launcher.exe.
FFVII Launcher is coming up. Click Play.
Game launches without Reunion.

edit: windows 10

Does anyone have this working for the Steam version? Can you tell me the steps you used to make it work?


Sega Chief

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First of thanks heaps DLPB and friends for your tireless work, I've been waiting for this to fire up a new play through.

I have a question, I'd love to play FFVII again with the updated pre-renders from the Remako mod. I've added the .iro files to a Remako folder in the customs folder and set Mod_ID = Remako in the options.ini. it's does not seem to work. Am I missing something?

All the best I hope your able to have at least a little bit of rest now.


I think it needs to go in a specific file structure. So in either Global, Custom, or Base (I went with Global for example but should be same in all 3 cases):



So:
The_Reunion\GLOBAL\Texture\Field\

And then subfolders for each field with the background files in those subfolders. 'games' there is the name of a gold saucer field.
« Last Edit: 2019-11-21 14:51:32 by Sega Chief »

kenC

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Does anyone have this working for the Steam version? Can you tell me the steps you used to make it work?



Just login in to say I have the same problem. Any help will be appreciated!

Sega Chief

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Does anyone have this working for the Steam version? Can you tell me the steps you used to make it work?

I ran the installer and pointed it at this directory:
D:\Steam\steamapps\common\FINAL FANTASY VII
I didn't have any of the options ticked when installing.
From there, I ran ff7_en.exe

Should note that it's not in Program Folders, it's in like a regular folder.

When running the game, it should generate a file called APP (a notepad file) in the Final Fantasy VII folder where the .exe is. That might be able to shed some light on the source of the problem (but not always unfortunately). Pastebin is a good way of sharing its contents.

Salk

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First of all, congratulations, Dan.

I am very happy to see R06 out even if there seems to be a few nasty problems, which you have anyway anticipated and will be working on the next days.

A small reply to unab0mb: the retranslation itself wouldn't seem to you a very valid reason to have Reunion's Beacause?

It's an honest question, not meant to be inflammatory.

Cheers!

indrema

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Thanks Sir!

tom servo

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Thank you for the release!

Sega Chief

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I've spent the day with it, here's my thoughts so far:

Pros:
1) Audio fixed, enhanced, and functionality expanded
2) Comes with a good base set of features for graphical/performance overhaul out of the box
3) Multiple Speed-up settings, FMV skip, Mute Audio, and Game Reset shortcuts added.

Cons
1) No XML support, meaning in-game hotswapping of files isn't available.
2) Mods must be combined manually; one custom slot, rest of desired files must be set either in base or global override.
3) Text-based management for options.

For the audio, I've got an example. In the observatory scene, multiple sound effects are supposed to play together in order to create the full effect. However, on PC the sound channels don't work together properly and you end up with only one playing at a time:

[Mind your volume]
PSX: https://youtu.be/Qp9i4hFRH0U?t=58
PC: https://youtu.be/l6WuEu-YaZ8?t=10

This now plays correctly in R06; there are also field script tweaks, etc. to adjust other issues like the character being hidden by the camera during the PC version of the scene.

Similar adjustments and fixes are throughout the game. A list of the fixes and changes can be found here on the Field Script errors tab and Other Errors tab: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DUjmyW94zcYoX7gIW5yAT4giTPeNmCR4TCaHAiXOLlU/edit#gid=653329679

Menu Overhaul is now quite close to the original aesthetic. I feel that's the way to go, but others may prefer the old Menu Overhaul. Battle looks pretty good with the entire screen being used and being able to see currently active statuses by using Square is really handy (works even while paused). The other assets like model overhaul, world map textures, etc. that come packaged are solid choices.

The shortcuts to speed up the game, etc. will be very handy. While the speedup is better than the PS4 version's equivalent, I think it'd be good to add a random encounter toggle so that it more fully matches it.

Overall, game looks and performs well. World Map is nice and bright like the PSX game. Fields seem to load faster as well during transitions (I think this is when New Translation is turned on, which has the field fixes in it).
***

Modding-wise, I see a lot of potential in the audio section. Having SFX play into battles means that environmental ambience can carry over into a battle (for instance, the corel train battles could have the train SFX as you're fighting). There's also the 255 expanded limit for music tracks and the 65535 limit on SFX which opens a lot of doors for audio modding.

Not having an XML to hotswap files in-game, however, is a drawback as it enables features in 7th heaven that R06 can't do like swapping character models from an in-game menu.
« Last Edit: 2019-11-21 23:15:46 by Sega Chief »

Mabinog

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I ran the installer and pointed it at this directory:
D:\Steam\steamapps\common\FINAL FANTASY VII
I didn't have any of the options ticked when installing.
From there, I ran ff7_en.exe

Should note that it's not in Program Folders, it's in like a regular folder.

When running the game, it should generate a file called APP (a notepad file) in the Final Fantasy VII folder where the .exe is. That might be able to shed some light on the source of the problem (but not always unfortunately). Pastebin is a good way of sharing its contents.

Still no luck. My APP file is completely blank.

marsrunner

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Yeah, my "The_Reunion.log" has the same
     Warning: No valid registry entry was found.
     Are you sure Final Fantasy VII is installed properly and that this is a legitimate copy?
My copy is definitely legit, and I tried reinstalling. So, not sure what is going on.

Sega Chief

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I think your error was the registry one. I'm not sure what to do for that but 7th heaven has a registry cleaning tool for troubleshooting, maybe that can help?

Kuraudo.

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Cheers D

Could it be possible to create an alternative link for no-torrent users? (big issues with this software)

DLPB_

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Cheers D

Could it be possible to create an alternative link for no-torrent users? (big issues with this software)

When we have a proper stable release, I certainly need seeders.  Can't use my own Google Drive etc as it would be shut down in a week. 

I am now providing a reply to the questions and issues thus raised.

kalathi

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-snip-
« Last Edit: 2019-11-21 23:58:29 by kalathi »

Sega Chief

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Cheers D

Could it be possible to create an alternative link for no-torrent users? (big issues with this software)

Here: https://mega.nz/#!flthiAAR!lDGxNVdjg57q0Gc-X-Kv7Pr3661Xo72l-YlIZ8ZsCBs

DLPB_

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Any mirrors people make are free to be posted here and I'll add to the main post.  Cheers, SC.

kalathi

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Hi! I'm really enjoying the mod so far. Here are a few oddities I've encountered:

1) In the scene in Aeris's house when Cloud goes to sleep and the music cuts out, there are a lot of loud, glitchy sounds. The audio remained blank (even menus didn't make sounds) until I touched the save point outside her house -- then the music and everything kicked back on and all was normal.

2) In the Honeybee Inn, when picking the Group Hive, the musclebound guy in the lower right of the group gets "stuck" when they all run in. He kind of glitches in place and the game hangs since he doesn't stop moving and the scene doesn't continue -- requiring a reset. I was able to continue the game by picking the Love Nest room instead.

3) During the Shinra HQ invasion, when your party reaches the floor where Aeris is being held captive and confronts Hojo, Barrett normally runs forward to aim his weapon towards the "cage" Aeris is inside. If your party formation is Cloud -> Tifa -> Barrett, he ends up running the wrong way and gets stuck, causing the game to hang and a reset is needed. I managed to get around this by rearranging my party to Cloud -> Barrett -> Tifa, which places him in the correct position so the scene can play out normally.

Thanks for all your hard work on this :)

bearoso

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I'm not getting any sound from FMVs. It must be properly opening the sound device, because it pops on start and stop, but doesn't play anything. Full logs don't show any errors. Shouldn't be a codec problem--I analyzed the files and they're just PCM, so no codecs are needed. This is on two different systems, Windows 10 and Linux through wine. What am I missing?

DLPB_

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I wondered, as I walked home from work, how best to approach this.  And you all know I'm likely to fail at being diplomatic, so let's not try.

Rather than dwell on the [insert insult here] who came into this thread with the most appalling feedback and ignorance I've seen for a long while, I first want to clarify a few things and also say thanks to those of you who DID provide feedback correctly and who want to help - and who appreciate the slave labour that went into getting the mod this far.

My only gripe so far is that app.log, Reunion.log, and crash.dmp [when there is a crash and this is generated] need to be uploaded whenever you have an issue - along with if it's Steam or 1998 version - graphic card info - operating system.  It's no use posting "crashed" or "won't load". 

1.  As I said in my initial post, some major (and a lot of minor) issues were EXPECTED.  Anticipated.  And unavoidable - unless I delayed this another 3 months.  Ironing out the major problems will be a first step; better help files and tutorials for modders and the end user will be the next.  I will be working with TrueOdin, Extapathy, Maki, NFITC1, and Sega Chief in the coming weeks to perfect things even further.

2. This is a FRAMEWORK which also includes my core mods.  It is not a compilation of other people's mods that I have spent ages making work in a mish-mash, vegetable soup type fashion.  No professional modding solution does that.  The MODDER is the one who does the donkey work for the end user.  And if the end user doesn't like it, they can provide feedback to the MODDER - unless it's an issue the framework can remedy (within reason). If the end user is still not satisfied, they either learn to mod themselves to make edits to existing mods - or they don't use a mod/my framework. 

I know in today's age, kids grow up expecting to stay breast fed like Robin Arryn from Game of Thrones until they're 45, but listen up:  I don't belong to this self entitled, useless generation - and I despise it more than you could ever fathom.  So, if you want to be self sufficient, provide constructive feedback, read the help file and main post, and act like an adult - I am here for you.  If you want to throw your toys out of the pram and demand stuff... well, you really don't know me too well. And at close to 10000 posts, you really should.  Nor do I care one iota that some people take offence at my approach.  I get offended when people get offended.  Whinging and demanding and acting like a tit isn't going to cut any mustard with me whatsoever.  Either you grow up -- or you disappear on my ignore list forever. I am from the hang 'em and flog 'em, right wing political side of things, in case you're in any doubt.

3. A above - this framework is never going to do everything 7th Heaven does, and that's by design.  There are no gimmicks.  No "Hey, shove this model in the game with an option". That would require work from MY side.  And this is a FRAMEWORK that also happens to include my mods by default.

With that said, let's dissect what we have so far:

Cheers sir. Congrats.

You're welcome.

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I can't believe you managed this.  Congrats.  I'll help seed.

And congrats to you with your interpolated 60fps updates :)   I dunno how hard it is to do it, but my guess is it's a ball-ache.

I downloaded and installed R06, but when I launch FF7 through Steam it does not launch The Reunion. And I get this error in the log file:

Warning: No valid registry entry was found.
Are you sure Final Fantasy VII is installed properly and that this is a legitimate copy?

My steam copy is indeed legit and I installed The Reunion in the same directory as ff7_en.exe. I reinstalled both FF7 and The Reunion and this error still comes up.

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On another note, I don't know how to enable the worldmap retexturing.

It's always on.  The only question is... are the png files present in The_Reunion\Global\Texture\World ?  If you delete those, the mod is disabled.

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The 3D models are horribly aliased for some reason. GPU settings don't seem to affect it.

Probably post.psx.  Can disable from Reunion.log.  Doesn't look bad at all if using scanlines - especially by ReShade.

Aaaaaaand....meh. 

I'm not sure what animal you are trying to replicate here... but it certainly isn't feedback. And after hours of bug fixing and other enhancements, I can assure you the only feelings I had towards you were violent ones.

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Quick review after toying with it for 15 minutes:

Yeah.  kalathi said it best. Not sure why they were rounded on but I applaud their balls to simply tell you it as it is. What planet are you actually on that you think "toying" with a huge framework for 15 minutes is normal?  Or that you can fairly judge it on that basis?  I wouldn't mind if your feedback was helpful or accurate... but it isn't.


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Installer is not high DPI friendly,

Known issue.  Guess what?  I didn't code inno. Stop putting your dpi settings on stupid numbers and invest in a proper monitor.

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nor is it clear in the options what you're installing or not installing

Options.ini is as clear as it comes.  Needless to say, I don't believe for one single second you read the help file or main post - or you'd know it.

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(do I check it or NOT check it to get what I want?). 

You think ticking something means you don't get it?   ;D

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Runs in a 640x480 small ugly box until editing text file.

Guess why that is?  It's because not everyone is playing this on a high res monitor.  640 * 480 is the normal resolution. You're complaining that you had to do what is normal?  Edit the options.ini file.  Is there anyone on Qhimm who thinks this is a constructive and sane piece of feedback?  Please tell me, so I can add you to ignore list.

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BSOD'd my PC first time I ran it and got into a battle

Considering it's you, I am gonna think of it as a feature and not a bug.  Nevertheless, no-one else has fed this back, so the likelihood is you are clueless.  Bad drivers, bad install, bad graphic card, bad memory that my mod exposes.  Could be a bug.  'Course... Could be that you're out to sabotage this project, you little menace.

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(that really pissed me off 'cause I had some unsaved things open).

My give-a-shit meter remains on 0.

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60fps is buttery smooth (when it works) but does weird speedups and slowdowns (not my PC performance).

Any chance of us knowing your PC specs?  Any evidence?  Anything that can help me diagnose it?  An app.log? A Reunion.log?  A video? Anything?  Nah.

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Cloud's limit break is broken.

Not on my install it isn't.  And again, I am not a mind reader.  What is broken? How is it broken?

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Menus are ugly and boring

Then the original game is ugly and boring.  You are criticizing the ORIGINAL game.

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and IDK why the Quit menu was removed just because there are now alternate controls

Repeated many times.  Holding Start Select or pressing Alt + F4 does the same thing.  And it looks neater on the menu.  You know, that thing you called Ugly.

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(which are not immediately known unless you RTFM...most people won't).

My fault people don't read help files? 

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Audio engine, only audio modders will care.

I highly doubt this.

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Speaking of, looks like I'll have to rename all my oggs to long and different file names if I want to mod them (would have been nice if the original file names were kept).

Guess again.  It works by the ID number now.  Not the name. Know why?  Coz that way you can add up to 255 musics or 65535 SFX by adding a number to the start of any name.  Called good design.  But you have found a major plus and turned it into a negative.

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No frontend yet.

You were one of the ones that wanted this releasing ASAP.  There was a reason I have held off...  That will take time, you self-entitled POS. Do you think apps, mods, and code are whipped into existence by John De Lancie?

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Only 1 mod can be active at a time (voiding the whole value of the modding framework).

Again, no.  The global folder allows global stuff on top of BASE stuff - and Custom folder supersedes.  That's 3 layers. And, as I keep telling you, this framework is designed for self contained mods.  There aren't any yet.  Guess why?  Coz this is a framework and modders have to... you know... make those mods.

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Won't be spending my time trying to get all my mods that I like to work in one folder.

Sleep lost tonight: 0 seconds.

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  Not a fan of all the bundled stuff when only the translation is of interest to me.

Ever tried doing a re-translation project and not changing the box sixes etc?  Ever tried it?

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That's unfortunate because I won't run this just to have some updated dialog (and only that, because I HATE the towns, item names, equipment, materia, spells, etc. being changed).

Don't know how many times people have to tell you this...  names are ... optional.  Exe text is external.  Wallmarket and Makou and toupScript exist.  You seem to think the world revolves around you.  That I should suddenly cater to your every whim.  What exactly are you smoking?

Additionally, you want a re-translation project that... doesn't edit text?

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Big download, lots of disk space used for little reward.

That's your opinion.  You clearly don't like this framework, so... delete The Reunion and kindly... FUCK OFF.

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It's not all bad.  Kaldarasha's models look great.

lol.

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Not sure why they're not on by default.

Because the original game is what most people want to play - and the options.ini is called options.ini.

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I'm not trying to be mean or rude,

Yes you are.  Yes you did.  And yes I am better at it than you.  Again, fuck off.

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as I know you put a lot of work into this but I just don't see what all the hype was about. 

Your expectations don't concern me, little man.

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Take one person's opinions with a grain of salt.

I did just that. Only thing I agreed with you on.

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Will be uninstalling.

Good.  Don't let the BSOD smack you on the arse on your way out. No point replying here or in Discord.  You're a goner.  I also think you're a sock-puppet.  Your post is genuinely the worst I have seen in my entire time here.
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Thanks Sega Chief for the feedback here and in PMs.  I'll address other comments later.
« Last Edit: 2019-11-22 00:39:31 by DLPB »