The tools have had an initial release.
A First update
A Second update.
Make sure you install them in the order they were released.
To Start, you double click the AvP2tools.exe and follow the instructions. The file is approximately 9 megs.
READ and FOLLOW the instructions.
You MUST run UNREZ.BAT to extract the game resources and
make them available for use with the tools. It is important to
understand this, most people will get it the first time, but just in
case I'll explain it for the others. Basically, the tools are a small
download. So what it does is run a small program, that literally UNPACKS
all the game resources from AvP2 into a new series of folders and makes
it usable by the tools. That is why you need the game to use the tools.
(Of course there are ways around it, but you would be breaking the
EULA, so they won't be explained. )
The UNPACKING of the tools takes between 7-10 minutes
depending on the speed of your computer. Unfortunately, the way Monolith
set it up, you don't know what is going on, the system just seems to
hang there, but 98% of the time it is unpacking the resource
successfully. For future reference, if someone from Monolith or Fox
reads this, next time use the xv command in the unrez.bat, that will
allow the users of the tools to view the extraction of the resources
process, and save a lot of stress and grief.
All right, so these resources get placed into a whole bunch
of new folders. Now understand this, there's about 1.3 gigs of
information in the GAME. These tools will extract about 900 megs of
these resources and make an exact duplicate copy for the exclusive use
of the tools. You better have enough space on your hard drive for all
this information or you will run into problems. I'm not sure if it gives
you an error message, if there is insufficient space, but let's assume
so. Make sure you have enough space.
You then install the updates in the same way. Follow the
instructions provided. There is no excuse for not reading simple
instructions. They are provided. Take advantage of them.
The important things that are provided with the Tools and theTools updates are additional sample maps.
You can not underestimate how valuable these sample maps
are. These are the offical MONOLITH maps in .ed format from the
actual shipped product. They offer a wealth of information and
professional knowledge, and though they may be daunting to a newbie,
they can provide you with how-to examples if you are willing to take
the time and investigate.
Sample Level Files LIST from Tools SDK
Included are four sample, uncompiled AvP2 level files (.ED files).
These levels will appear under the GameDirPath\AvP2\Worlds
directory after the AvP2 Game resources have been unpacked (see LithRez
section above). These files are:
GameDirPath\AvP2\Worlds\SinglePlayer\Sample_Alien.ed, Sample_Pred.ed, Sample_Marine.ed
- Predator, Marine, and Alien SINGLE PLAYER reference levels that demonstrates the use of several fundamental and complex AvP2 objects, including:
- GameStartPoint
- WorldProperties
- TranslucentWorldModel
- Door
- AI
- Scripted events
- Cinematics
- StarLightView
GameDirPath\AvP2\Prefabs\Skies\Sample_simplesky.ed
- A simple skybox. This level demonstrates the level design concepts necessary to create a simple skybox including the use of:
- SkyPortals
- DemoSkyWorldModel
GameDirPath\AvP2\Prefabs\Sample_complexsky.ed
- A complex sky. This level demonstrates the level design concepts necessary to create a complex sky, including:
- Panning clouds
- Sun/Sun flares
- Indexing of sky objects
GameDirPath\AvP2\Worlds\Multi\DM\Sample_DM.ed
- A reference death match level (A LESSER FATE) that demonstrates basic AvP2 death match concepts, including:
GameDirPath\AvP2\Worlds\Multi\Evac\Sample_Evac.ed
- A reference Evac level (VERLOC) that demonstrates basic AvP2 teamplay concepts, including:
- Team spawn points
- EvacZone
GameDirPath\AvP2\Worlds\Multi\OverRun\Sample_OverRun.ed
- A reference OverRun (LEADWORKS) level that demonstrates basic AvP2 teamplay concepts, including:
- Team spawn points
- PowerUps
Sample Level Files LIST from Tools Update #1
- Added a tutorial in creating and using dynamic lights to create such effects as rotating fan shadows and destructible lights.
GameDirPath\AVP2\Worlds\SinglePlayer\DynamicLights.ed
- Added a sample level containing vehicle prefabs used in
the single-player game, including among others the Betty, the Verloc,
the Marine dropship, a truck and a keyframed APC with live turrets, as
well as an outer space set. The level is broken up into three separate
rooms.
GameDirPath\AVP2\Worlds\SinglePlayer\Vehicles.ed
As well various documentations for triggers and AI. This is
a great piece of download information. Make sure you get the Update #1
Sample Level Files LIST from Tools Update #2
- Added a Events Evac level (ALLEY) containing a shitload of information on Multiplayer triggers.
GameDirPath\AVP2\Worlds\Multi\Evac\Sample_Evac_Events.ed
- Added a collection level of a bunch of switches and door
PREFABS for use in your maps. It's imperative to have an understanding
of triggers and messages to use this level, but it is an excellent
resource for increasing the looks and playability of your maps.
GameDirPath\AVP2\Worlds\SinglePlayer\Switches.ed
Use the links on the left to find reliable download locations. Please read the EULA carefully prior to using the tools.
Good luck with the SDK. Now we get to the interesting stuff. Starting up the tools.