dMZX Forums: Load/Save files for CHAR ID from both Global Editor and Robot -> MegaZeux Feature Requests -> Tracker

The title says it all, basically the Robots will only load MCF formatted binary via command (unless you can find a way to make it save via your own robot), The Global Info Editor menu also can have additional buttons during the CHAR ID EDITOR (or EDIT CHARS/EDIT CHARACTERS) to save and load to MCF binary file
The format:

• "MCF" (ASCII)

• [Entire Char ID list, including UNUSED data, from MZX file] (self explanitory)

• (EOF, Continues thru Damage, Seperate format entierly)

This post has been edited by smilymzx: 13 June 2020 - 01:31 AM

I really don't know about this. Was there a specific use case you had in mind for this? I'm having a hard time thinking of any myself. The only time I've personally had to change a lot of char ID values during gameplay is a powerup for changing enemy damage and I found the CHANGE CHAR ID command adequate for that.

Assuming there is a use case for it I'd still have to think about the format a bit. The char ID table is really three tables in a single array with no space left for future extensions (like things 128-255 or adding more animations). Neither of the world formats really handle it well right now and fixing this pretty much requires breaking compatibility in the world format and in the CHANGE CHAR ID command. If this proposed file format was implemented as specified in your post, it would be another thing that needs fixing later.

Specific use cases- in robotics: just like the LOAD CHAR SET [file] and LOAD PALETTE [file], for example, can be swapped in game during boards, or can be used during event-driven CHAR ID changes for large changes!

If one were to swap a large CHAR ID set for MZX v2 with one with a ZZT style one, and again with a custom CHAR ID set, This will be a problem today if only using large robot type-ins, too bulky!!!

You can still make changes to the format.

This post has been edited by smilymzx: 13 June 2020 - 09:06 PM

Those use cases are awfully vague. What I mean is specifically why do you want to be able to change large portions of the char ID table on a board-to-board basis? What would this accomplish that e.g. just loading a different char set wouldn't?

Because I do not want to type a long bulk of CHANGE CHAR ID text commands for the same purpose, I want a much easier approach to this, This is one such proposal of a solution to solve that problem, also saves robot space!

Yes, but why do you need to do this in the first place?

Why? Because thought it would be useful, Because maybe it's a good idea, and Because It would really make things easier without much strain...

This post has been edited by smilymzx: 14 June 2020 - 02:47 AM