(Fallout 2) How do I replace Vic's combat responses to a new one?

[JohnnyCasey]

First of all, I have zero knowledge with the Fallout 2 modding. I have no idea how to extract some of the file extension such as .int file and so on. The only thing I was able to do was extracting .msg file for the process I'm doing; changing Vic's combat taunt to a custom made one.

As you know, Vic doesn't have his own combat related responses like any other major companions. He uses the same responses as generic tough NPCs. I didn't like this, so I tried to fix it by opening up COMBATAI.msg file, and adding some dialogues for Vic such as...

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#
# moving in to attack
#
{40520}{}{Alright, I guess we're doing this!}
{40521}{}{Well, let's do some damage.}
{40522}{}{Here we go!}
{40523}{}{Last mistake.}

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.
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Like this, hoping that the game will automatically replace his default combat responses to the ones that I made. Obviously I was incorrect.

Now I don't know what to do to replace his combat responses. How do I do that?

If the process involves extracting some of the game files exclusive to Fallout 2(e.g. - .int file, .acm file), I need to know what kind of program I need and the sources for acquiring such program as well. So please just don't go and say "You need to extract this file and add this." - Because that doesn't help at all.

 

[Lexx]

.int files are compiled scripts. Instead of decompiling them, you should simply use the uncompiled ones. You can find them in the package with the BIS mapper. If you are doing this for the Restoration Project, you should use the RP sources instead.

For editing combat taunts, you'll have to edit the ai.txt, aibdymsg.txt and I guess aigenmsg.txt from /data/ - these three files contain the line numbers where what starts. I don't remember which file does what, tho. It's a bit of a pain to work with.

 

[JohnnyCasey]

.int files are compiled scripts. Instead of decompiling them, you should simply use the uncompiled ones. You can find them in the package with the BIS mapper. If you are doing this for the Restoration Project, you should use the RP sources instead.

Why are you explaining this, as if it got anything to do with the issues I'm having? I didn't **ask** how do I tinker with .int file. Never did.

I did state that "If the process involves extracting some of the game files exclusive to Fallout 2(e.g. - .int file, .acm file) I need to know what kind of program I need and the sources for acquiring such program as well." - but it doesn't look like .int files have anything to do with combat taunt. So I'm very confused for your intention of explaining this.

For editing combat taunts, you'll have to edit the ai.txt, aibdymsg.txt and I guess aigenmsg.txt from /data/ - these three files contain the line numbers where what starts. I don't remember which file does what, tho. It's a bit of a pain to work with.

Okay, you're just gonna show me the files that I need to edit, but not the way how should I edit those files to apply custom combat taunt for Vic? Or did you just assume that I would magically know what exactly I should do there?

All these assumes, and being skeptical for explaining further to a completely newbie does not help anyone. Please be more specific than just go -"Open up these files and edit them."

 

[Lexx]

You mentioned .int files and yes, it is possible to add combat floats via script.

If you take a look at the .txt files I've pointed out, you should be able to put 1 and 1 together. Just look at the respective .msg files.

Great attitude, by the way. Maybe other folks around here will be more helpful, personally I don't really feel the mood anymore.

 

[Darek]

@JohnnyCasey

You started correctly with the combatai.msg file. You will also need to make some edits to the AI.txt file found in the Fallout 2\data\data folder. It should be there if you are using killap's RP or Unofficial Patch (not sure about any newer versions).

In AI.txt search for "PARTY VIC" (note that he has several AI's and you should probably make changes to hem all, even though he doesn't use all).

In your case "moving in to attack" should look like the following:

move_end=40523
move_start=40520

And if you decide to flesh it out you obviously need to change "move_end" to a higher number.


The following lines in AI.txt:
"general_type=Sulik" refers to the sulik section in AIGENMSG.TXT
"body_type=Sulik" refers to the sulik section in AIBDYMSG.TXT

You may want to create a "Vic" section in those files using Sulik as reference of how it is done. But wait with that as I'm not sure it's even needed (They may be obsolete files that where scrapped by the Black Isle).

I did test to give Vic your dialogue lines and it worked, but only when I set Vic's combat disposition to "aggressive". When his AI is on "custom" he is stuck with the "tough person" lines even though I changed all the relevant stuff in AI.txt. It may be because of how the game handles save games (it basically creates a copy of the party members in your save the moment you start a new game), so starting a new game may be needed for it to fully work.

 

[JohnnyCasey]

@Darek
Thank you. You've been most helpful.