How moddable is Evochron Merc?

Garoad · Post by **Garoad** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:57 pm

Hello - new here. I'm wondering how much we can mod this game. I've played a similar 'sandbox' type game called Mount and Blade which is fairly good in this area so I'm curious how EM compares.

I know cockpits and some other visual stuff can be changed, is there anything else?

Ex.
-AI / major and minor world events / world simulation logic
-"World" (map layout), adding planets, increasing the size of the overall map
-New missions/contracts
-GUI? (some interfaces seem like they're missing mouse-over effects for certain buttons, the mouse cursor is a bit bulky, etc.)
-Custom items/equipment/ships (functional rather than visual changes)
-Custom planets/cities/scenery
-Special AI 'characters' to compete and interact with (thinking now of another 'sandbox' game called Space Rangers 2)

[Edited on 12-31-2010 by Garoad]

Post by **Marvin** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 10:42 pm

Ships, cockpits, trees, nebulas ... and the Quest. Probably more than that.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 6:12 pm

Very. Welcome to the game and forum Garoad. Hope to see you out there some time.....

:P

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:44 pm

Hi Garoad, welcome to EM and the forums.

In general, the only areas where EM can be modded are visual or aesthetic. The function of the various aspects of the game cannot be changed.

Specifically, in response to your list:

-AI / major and minor world events / world simulation logic
-"World" (map layout), adding planets, increasing the size of the overall map
-New missions/contracts
-GUI? (some interfaces seem like they're missing mouse-over effects for certain buttons, the mouse cursor is a bit bulky, etc.)
-Custom items/equipment/ships (functional rather than visual changes)
-Custom planets/cities/scenery
-Special AI 'characters' to compete and interact with (thinking now of another 'sandbox' game called Space Rangers 2)

1. AI and logic cannot be modded as far as I know.
2. Custom universes can be created but cannot be used in multiplayer unless the server is hosting the custom universe.
3. Missions and contracts cannot be added, but existing missions and contracts can be edited (e.g. a "Find the box" mission can be re-labelled to "Find the enemy sensor array").
4. Many aspects of the GUI can be changed. See the customizing kit for a comprehensive list.
5. No, in general functional changes of equipment is not allowed. This is to prevent cheating.
6. Cities and scenery can be edited, but as far as I know planets cannot.
7. Not that I know of.

Again, to re-iterate, in general only the appearance or form of EM can be modded. Functionality is hard-coded to prevent cheating or exploiting the game. This makes the game less moddable than other games such as Mount and Blade or Counterstrike Source, but still allows modders some freedom to change the game to their tastes.

-Accountant

[Edited on 1-1-2011 by Accountant]

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:31 am

Hello Garoad, Welcome to the forum and hopefully the Sim. Have fun and hope to see you out there sometime.

Garoad · Post by **Garoad** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:05 pm

Thanks for the detailed responses - a shame we can't edit game mechanics more (even if it's for single player only), hopefully in a later release that'll change.