gametechmods

Robot Arena => General Support => Topic started by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:05:14 PM

Title: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:05:14 PM
Hey folks. I've only recently discovered Robot Arena 2 and it's pretty awesome. Took me all the way back to my memories of Robot Wars as a kid.

Now, I've downloaded a whole host of mods, but  I can't get them to work. As an example, I downloaded a pack of real Robot Wars bots but I can't use them. When I go in to the game and go to the workshop area and go to "Import Bot", I can see them there but when I click on one of them to access it, the game quits out and asks to send an error report. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Stagfish on November 09, 2010, 12:06:02 PM
Username clash D:
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: cephalopod on November 09, 2010, 12:10:57 PM
I can imagine that might be due to custom components or something. More details on the pack would be lovely so we can help a little more :D

Oh, btw...
WELCOME! (:
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: G.K. on November 09, 2010, 12:13:15 PM
Real helpful Stag.

Hi Staggy, and welcome to GTM!

Which packs specifically did you download?
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on November 09, 2010, 12:14:46 PM
Welcome to the boards. =D

It sounds to me like you have either custom, or reskinned components on the bots that don't match up with the components in your copy of RA2. You're going to have to find the pack with the components in them, and merge that with the components folder in your current copy. But you'd want to make a copy of the original Components.cfz file, just in case it goes a bit wrong.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:18:18 PM
I've gathered it may be something to do with components, but I'm not the smartest chap when it comes to these things.  :confused:

I got the bot pack from RFSHQ.com, it's the "RobotWars AI Pack Bots for Play". Authors are Alphasim, Lu-Tze, RFS, Darkrat, Dummy, Diablo666, Toast and a bunch of others.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: G.K. on November 09, 2010, 12:19:25 PM
Did you download the RW AI pack?
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:19:41 PM
Apologies for being vague.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Hydro on November 09, 2010, 12:20:45 PM
*feels a whirlwind of confusion brewing*


Welcome, Stag.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:24:03 PM
Did you download the RW AI pack?

I can't seem to track it down. The site where I got the Robot Wars bot pack does not have an AI pack that explicitly states if it si for RW or not. There's only a whole bunch of RFS, Starcore and Mr. Chaos AI packs.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: G.K. on November 09, 2010, 12:29:52 PM
https://gametechmods.com/forums/index.php/page,page3913.html (https://gametechmods.com/forums/index.php/page,page3913.html)

It can be found there. Also grab the Wheel fix, AI patch and WBC.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:35:27 PM
https://gametechmods.com/forums/index.php/page,page3913.html (https://gametechmods.com/forums/index.php/page,page3913.html)

It can be found there. Also grab the Wheel fix, AI patch and WBC.

Ah, thanks a lot mate. Will get in to those and see how it works out.

What other patches/mods would you recommend?
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: G.K. on November 09, 2010, 12:36:34 PM
Are you making backup copies of the games?

Definitely get DSL if you don't have it, and if you're up for a challenge, grab NAR AI for DSL or Starcore 1 for stock.

Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 09, 2010, 12:42:25 PM
Are you making backup copies of the games?

Definitely get DSL if you don't have it, and if you're up for a challenge, grab NAR AI for DSL or Starcore 1 for stock.

Definitely will be backing it up. There's a good chance I'll do something stupid and mess it up.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: cephalopod on November 09, 2010, 12:52:23 PM
You can get a standalone fully-ready-to-play version of the DSL mod in Sage's sig, that's the best way to get hold of DSL.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Incredirobotwars on November 09, 2010, 03:10:27 PM
HEYHEYHEY! Welcome to the forum. Sorry I can't help on RA2 stuff, but I can try for anything but.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Sage on November 09, 2010, 04:10:36 PM
Sup yo.

You can get both versions of the game from my signature if you ever mess anything up or just want a fresh copy. No need for a disc or re-install.

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Serge on November 09, 2010, 04:36:29 PM
Just wanted to pop in and say hi!

Have fun with RA2. Too bad GTM isn't that much about this game anymore.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Somebody on November 09, 2010, 07:47:47 PM
Don't listen to him. He's rather trolly.

We just keep him around to decode .exes and make (eventual) bot exchanges. ;)
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 10, 2010, 01:30:56 AM
Don't listen to him, he spams about pikabobs and SnS everywhere
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Stagfish on November 10, 2010, 01:36:14 AM
Dont listen to him, he uh makes cheaty skirthinge armour!
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 10, 2010, 03:12:24 AM
Okay, I got the Alphasim RobotWars pack working, kind of. I can select the robots but can't get into any arena to actually fight. Game just kicks out. And when I tried to build a bot, a few of the new parts that came with the pack also kick you out if you try and select them. But there is also no readme for idiots like me that come with Alphasim's packs.

Conversely, I downloaded the Starcore V3 pack, that ran fine but one problem; it still only provides you with standard parts but the robots you have to fight are like monstrous beasts with all kinds of weapons going on. One bot, named "Tommy Gun", destroyed me in about 15 seconds flat. That ass kicking was worse than anything "EMERGENCY" ever gave me. Have I done something wrong, AGAIN, or is that just how it is?

Dammit, I'm a retard with this stuff.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Jonzu95 on November 10, 2010, 03:29:58 AM
You haven't done anything wrong. Starcore AI bots are hard to beat if you are not very good builder. But I suggest to try your best and Listen good advice. :)
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 10, 2010, 03:46:52 AM
You haven't done anything wrong. Starcore AI bots are hard to beat if you are not very good builder. But I suggest to try your best and Listen good advice. :)

Good Lord, okay, I thought they'd have at least given you some new parts in the Starcore pack. I'm quite away from having the skill to beat that bunch.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 10, 2010, 04:15:10 AM
You are just new, and it's normal. None of us were good when we got the game for the first time. You need to learn how to build good bots and soon you will be able to kick SCv3 ass if your progress is good enough.

Anyways, showcase.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on November 10, 2010, 06:15:46 AM
Yeah, Showcase would be a good start. And you really threw yourself in off the deep end, getting ScV3 straight away. I'd have gone for Version 1.0 if you wanted a bit more of a challenge from the Stock without stretching yourself.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 10, 2010, 06:17:52 AM
Yeah, I went v1.0/v2.0/v3.0/v4 Alpha WAY later.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: JoeBlo on November 10, 2010, 06:35:12 AM
I got Starcore 3 (skipping 1 and 2) way too early in my robot building career :P
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: FOTEPX on November 10, 2010, 06:38:37 AM
I got Starcore 3 (skipping 1 and 2) way too early in my robot building career :P

I got Starcore a matter of days after I made Box O' Bolts.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Natef on November 10, 2010, 06:52:03 AM
Welcome!

I started at v3.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Scorpion on November 10, 2010, 07:51:12 AM
I got Starcore 3 (skipping 1 and 2) way too early in my robot building career :P
I did that, then found DSL and left stock behind, although I probably should give it another go actually, I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 10, 2010, 07:56:40 AM
I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.

I don't play stock anymore, but yet don't feel like a wimp for this !
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Scorpion on November 10, 2010, 08:00:29 AM
I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.

I don't play stock anymore, but yet don't feel like a wimp for this !
Yes, but you've dedicated yourself to be great at DSL, I simply stopped playing stock because I found it boring.
And, to go against the grain, i'd prefer to be average at both rather than just average at DSL ;)
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 10, 2010, 08:02:40 AM
I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.

I don't play stock anymore, but yet don't feel like a wimp for this !
Yes, but you've dedicated yourself to be great at DSL, I simply stopped playing stock because I found it boring.
And, to go against the grain, i'd prefer to be average at both rather than just average at DSL ;)

I stopped played stock ALSO because it is boring when you have tasted DSL.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: JoeBlo on November 10, 2010, 08:03:57 AM
I preferred stock until I found out I was better at DSL :P

havent played stock for a while now
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Scorpion on November 10, 2010, 08:05:48 AM
I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.

I don't play stock anymore, but yet don't feel like a wimp for this !
Yes, but you've dedicated yourself to be great at DSL, I simply stopped playing stock because I found it boring.
And, to go against the grain, i'd prefer to be average at both rather than just average at DSL ;)

I stopped played stock ALSO because it is boring when you have tasted DSL.
Yeah, also innovation is a lot more common in DSL, most stock bots just look the same if they're a popup and a mess if they're not.
We'll see though, i'll try to make something interesting in stock, for now, back to helping the new guy.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Sage on November 10, 2010, 06:25:46 PM
I started at Starcore V3 as well. The steep learning curve is great for building. Try cloning some of the designs.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: 123savethewhales on November 10, 2010, 07:28:45 PM
So Starcore is a lot harder than NAR AI?

Maybe Naryar need to make a superhard version of NAR AI.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 11, 2010, 09:38:52 AM
So Starcore is a lot harder than NAR AI?

Maybe Naryar need to make a superhard version of NAR AI.

Give me some time and I might
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Scorpion on November 11, 2010, 10:22:22 AM
So Starcore is a lot harder than NAR AI?

Maybe Naryar need to make a superhard version of NAR AI.
What would that be like?
Custom components or 1337 bots?
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 11, 2010, 10:55:35 AM
DSL 2.1 for everyone to be happ... oh, wait...

After careful planning, the SUPER UBER version of NAR AI will be DSL 2.1 for your inferior minds not to have to conform to the grandeur of a mod.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: thestaggy on November 12, 2010, 03:03:52 AM
Here's another question that I am assuming may be pretty stupid but I thought it may also be my problem with the RobotWars Pack. When I extract all the new RobotWars folders, some of the new stuff uses the same name as the existing stuff. Example; extract the RobotWars components and there is file called "Caster", while there is an existing stock file called "Caster" as well. Now, do I overwrite the existing file, or do I rename it and keep both?

I've never had a problem with a mod before, mainly because this one has no readme nor does it sort itself out.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Sage on November 12, 2010, 10:39:00 AM
I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.

I don't play stock anymore, but yet don't feel like a wimp for this !
Yes, but you've dedicated yourself to be great at DSL, I simply stopped playing stock because I found it boring.
And, to go against the grain, i'd prefer to be average at both rather than just average at DSL ;)

I stopped played stock ALSO because it is boring when you have tasted DSL.
Yeah, also innovation is a lot more common in DSL, most stock bots just look the same if they're a popup and a mess if they're not.
We'll see though, i'll try to make something interesting in stock, for now, back to helping the new guy.

LAWLS more innovation? There are still new innovations in stock, even after 7 years.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Scorpion on November 12, 2010, 01:01:14 PM
I feel like a wimp for just playing DSL now.

I don't play stock anymore, but yet don't feel like a wimp for this !
Yes, but you've dedicated yourself to be great at DSL, I simply stopped playing stock because I found it boring.
And, to go against the grain, i'd prefer to be average at both rather than just average at DSL ;)

I stopped played stock ALSO because it is boring when you have tasted DSL.
Yeah, also innovation is a lot more common in DSL, most stock bots just look the same if they're a popup and a mess if they're not.
We'll see though, i'll try to make something interesting in stock, for now, back to helping the new guy.

LAWLS more innovation? There are still new innovations in stock, even after 7 years.
EFFECTIVE innovaation.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: 123savethewhales on November 12, 2010, 06:11:20 PM
Lol I don't see much of that in DSL........
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on November 12, 2010, 06:26:46 PM
The way I see it in DSL (I'm probably wrong again on this one), you've got the tried, tested and perfected designs, such as popups, jugglers, SnS and the like, and then you have the as-yet-untrialled designs such as JoeBlo's Xception, and S_M's wierd underpoker design.

The trouble is, most of the new design are going to need quite a lot of refining, and the older designs are so far ahead of them that most new designs tend to die quite early as we spend too much time trying to iron out problems in them, encounter or create new ones, or eventually merge the bot into a design that's incredibly similar to what's around now, a bit like the Wheels Are Tasty series has done.

There's still members like Naryar and Somebody who try and add a new tweak on an existing style of bot, but I'm not entirely certain that's a particularly significant step forward in bot building. But at least it is progress, which is very good in a game that's seven years old.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: JoeBlo on November 13, 2010, 02:49:46 AM
eh both have generic stuff and both have original stuff

DSL does have more options in pure construction possibles..

you cant deny it.. you have extenders with AP's only on one side vs extenders, flipper segments, shell pieces, disc's, etc

no doubt someone will return with the comment "it takes more skill in stock"  well aside for the simple amount of parts they are both fine in there own ways.. its really apples and oranges,

nothing will ever come of this ever going debate because I can guarantee 100% of the community will never agree what game is better...
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Squirrel_Monkey on November 13, 2010, 05:42:00 AM
and then you have the as-yet-untrialled designs such as JoeBlo's Xception, and S_M's wierd underpoker design.
What :question:
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Pwnator on November 13, 2010, 05:44:03 AM
and then you have the as-yet-untrialled designs such as JoeBlo's Xception, and S_M's wierd underpoker design.
What :question:

I think it was Cologne (or Perfume or whatever).
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 13, 2010, 05:52:01 AM
Probably a gut-ripping poker ?

And Cologne is a Flying Guillotine ripoff IIRC.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Squirrel_Monkey on November 13, 2010, 05:52:50 AM
and then you have the as-yet-untrialled designs such as JoeBlo's Xception, and S_M's wierd underpoker design.
What :question:

I think it was Cologne (or Perfume or whatever).
Cologne

That's just a LW Flying Guillotine. 123's idea.
 :eek: It could Be made cubed!
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: G.K. on November 13, 2010, 05:59:36 AM
I think it was Cologne (or Perfume or whatever).

AHAHAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on November 13, 2010, 09:01:13 AM
and then you have the as-yet-untrialled designs such as JoeBlo's Xception, and S_M's wierd underpoker design.
What :question:
It had wheels on stilts, and a piston with some razors on it facing downwards, so when the opponent went for the chassis, it would drive underneath and get razor'd from above. For some reason it had two seperate smartzones.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Squirrel_Monkey on November 13, 2010, 09:12:49 AM
and then you have the as-yet-untrialled designs such as JoeBlo's Xception, and S_M's wierd underpoker design.
What :question:
It had wheels on stilts, and a piston with some razors on it facing downwards, so when the opponent went for the chassis, it would drive underneath and get razor'd from above. For some reason it had two seperate smartzones.
That was in Stock :confused: , Encroaching Darkness I believe.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on November 13, 2010, 09:15:30 AM
That was Stock? I'm sure it was DSL...might be wrong, though.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Squirrel_Monkey on November 13, 2010, 09:22:46 AM
This?

(https://gametechmods.com/uploads/images/76163Encroaching%20Darkness3.PNG)
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on November 13, 2010, 09:48:07 AM
Yes, that is what I was thinking of. =]
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Naryar on November 13, 2010, 10:48:06 AM
get razor'd

*meme detected*
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Spinner Bot on December 13, 2010, 07:54:59 PM
Hey everyone. I have 3 questions that are partially nobody.
1. What are people using to take pictures of their bots? I have no idea so plz help me.
2. We really need some more stock tournaments. Stock is a lost art now that needs to be appreciated more. If anyone can look into that and possibly start on that would be great.
3. How do people get the zteck (I think that's what it is) motors to lay on their back other than facing off to the sides. Same with the batteries? Plz respond I really appreciate it. :claping
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: NFX on December 13, 2010, 08:00:26 PM
1. If you press F11 in-game, you get a picture in the Screenshot folder. Unfortunately, it's saved as quite a memory-consuming Bitmap file, so we tend to convert it to .png before we upload it.
2. Stock Tournaments are kinda few and far between, given the fairly low amount of components you can use compared to DSL, and the most effective designs are commonly extremely similar (HS/Popups tend to win most Stock Tournaments). BTTB3 is a Stock tourney, however, maybe it'll rectify the balance slightly.
3. In the Bot Lab, there's a small preview image of the component next to its description. On the preview image, there's a small green node, which is the point where it attaches to the baseplate or other component. If you hold the left mouse button and drag in the preview image, the preview should rotate, and you should see another attachment point on the back of the Z-Tek.

Hope this helps. ;)
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Spinner Bot on December 13, 2010, 08:10:30 PM
Thx this did help alot. One last thing, my ra2 regular and dsl are messed up. In the bot lab the buttons like components and stuff are messed up. Like the lettering is too large for the size of the button or something. The background and main screen and arena selection buttons have the same problem. Oh yah the robot stats and countdown in battle are messed up too. Any clue what's causing this/how to fix it?
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Squirrel_Monkey on December 14, 2010, 04:19:27 AM
Try the 1.3 patch?
If not get a clean copy from Sage's sig.
Title: Re: Noob questions
Post by: Spinner Bot on December 14, 2010, 06:04:06 AM
Thx