Go2doug on 16/9/2008 at 02:54
While it's fantastic that some creative and skilled taffers have helped add some extra life to Thief: Dark Project/Gold (TDP/G) and Thief: The Metal Age (TMA), unfortunately it's not clear which steps one should take to properly install the upgrades that they created.
First question: we now have the ability to import the TMA meshes into TDP/G. However, it's confusing how this should be done. On (
http://www.thief-thecircle.com/media/patches/) this page, there are two choices; which should we choose? One choice is "Thief 1 & Gold AI Mesh & Skin Patch" by Daemonite and the other is "Thief 2 Meshes in Thief Gold" by Orgy. So which is better?
Second question: there is a "GIF" and a "TGA" version of Daemonite's meshes. What is the difference between these - is one higher quality than the other? Which one is more appropriate for modern PCs?
Third question: Regarding Orgy's texture patches ("Thief Gold Texture Patch") on that page, which one is more appropriate for modern PCs, the software of hardware version?
So on that page we can upgrade TDP/G and TMA's meshes, skins, and textures. That brings us to the (
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118999) "Thief Enhancement Pack".
Fourth question: What is the relationship of the Thief Enhancement Pack to the "User Patches" on (
http://www.thief-thecircle.com/media/patches/) this page? If I install the Enhancement Pack, do I not need the upgrades listed on it? Does the Enhancement Pack do anything not listed in my first three questions?
Fifth Question: What is the relationship of the (
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119451) NTEX Pack for TMA to the Thief Enhancement Pack? Can you install both on TMA, or must you choose one?
Sixth question: Does one need to let the (
http://www.bjoernhenke.de/frame.htm?/darkloader/index.en.htm) Darkloader "optimize" TDP/G and TMA before you can apply all the patches listed above?
I realize that there are quite a few questions here, but I really feel that we need to sort these out because keeping the first two Thief games viable as gaming continually evolves is key to keeping the series alive.
References:
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121122) Thief Gold/Thief 2 - what Upgrades should I get?
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119451) NTEX high-res texture pack
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122734) NTEX dds Texture Pack vs. Thief Enhancement Pack
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122608) Thief 2 tweaks, graphic mods, etc.
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83801) Thief 3 - Tweak Guide
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119405) Thief I + II Sound enhancement pack
(
http://www.thief-thecircle.com/media/patches) Thief I and II Patches and Tweaks on Thief: The Circle
(
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118999) The Thief Enhancement Pack
Goldmoon Dawn on 16/9/2008 at 03:20
Well done, I really like what you've done here. :ebil:
I feel that if jtr had the time, he would be the perfect choice for this particular issue. He pays uncanny attention to detail and has a way of presenting them that most can relate to.
jtr7 on 16/9/2008 at 03:26
:eww: Heh heh.
When this gets moved to a better forum, you'll get the best answers I could never come up with.
Goldmoon Dawn on 16/9/2008 at 03:27
:cheeky:
bikerdude on 16/9/2008 at 09:19
Quote Posted by Go2doug
While it's fantastic that some creative and skilled taffers have helped add some extra life to Thief: Dark Project/Gold (TDP/G) and Thief: The Metal Age (TMA), unfortunately it's not clear which steps one should take to properly install the upgrades that they created.
- go to the editors guild
Second question: - go to the editors guild
Third question: The hardware version
Fourth question: the enhancement pack is addition to existing patches as far as I understand.
Fifth Question: - the NTEX Pack is a high texture qaulity(32bit versus 16bit) update/upgrade, where as the enhancement pack just update the existing standard textures and objects - and I run both.
Sixth question: - hmmm, I would say it wont matter either way, but Im sure the author of darkload and garret loader will be along with more info.
biker
Gambit on 16/9/2008 at 11:01
Quote Posted by jtr7
:eww: Heh heh.
When this gets moved to a better forum, you'll get the best answers I could never come up with.
New better forum ? We´re moving ? :confused:
Digital Nightfall on 16/9/2008 at 11:03
Not sure where you think this should go, Jason.
potterr on 16/9/2008 at 13:10
As Bikerdude mentioned, generally if you use GarrettLoader or DarkLoader its preferable to optimize thief before actually playing any FMs. One of the reasons why is that Optimization will reduce the use of your Thief CDs. It also adjusts the way that thief looks for its resources which is really required for FMs, enhancement and texture packs. System Shock 2 is pretty much the same as well.
ZylonBane on 16/9/2008 at 15:41
"Optimize", as used by DarkLoader, is a gross misnomer. All it really does is tweak some configs and move the CRFs so that the engine will accept user mods. Over on the System Shock 2 (which uses the same engine) side, this process is referred to as making the game "mod-ready".
Jashin on 16/9/2008 at 16:06
Can we put together a page on the circle, a step-by-step install guide of all the essential user-made upgrades over the years?
There's a lot of stuff and even someone like me can get confused if I don't keep myself updated all the time, and I don't. No cus I don't wanna, but even updating my config on a competitive title across rigs is a huge headache, and I can use the help.
