The Ultimate TT Game Repository: version 2

[GoneWacko]

TTDSGE was just a project jfs (g4s on the forums) created to experiment with the TTD Savegame format. It even has/had a somewhat exact copy of the TTD engine in it, so you could see what the TTD looked like. It was created in Delphi (Object Pascal).
That's all I know about it.. (well no. I also know that when I took a look at the source I had trouble understanding it )

[orudge]

Now that is SO useful! The only improvement would be if it could show topo info too.

There are a total of seven maps, by the way. A contours map, owner map, vehicle map, industry map, routes map, vegetation map, and a clean height map.

Oh, and TTDSGE isn't really a saved game manager as such, but it can browse saved games and display maps of them.

For some reason the forum/my connection/whatever isn't allowing me to upload the last three maps, but they do exist. I'll attach them to another post, perhaps.

[krtaylor]

So really TTDSGE is more of a programming tool, that could be used in a proper Savegame Manager, but isn't really by itself. Maybe someday...

[GoneWacko]

I think it's more like a tool jfs started with and never really finished.

I'm sure there's an old topic about it on the forum somewhere...

/me searches


ah here it is:
http://www.tt-forums.net/viewtopic.php?t=4039
TTD Save Game Examiner

[Colonel Sheperd]

A checklist would be very usefull.
Example

DB-Set: Y
US-Set: N
Japan set: N

or TRP games must be suplied with a CFG file.

[orudge]

A checklist would be very usefull.

Yep, this will be in the new Repository. It will automatically detect which GRF files are required by reading the extra data in the saved game, and will recommend the user accordingly. I have been making a database of GRF files just for this purpose.

[krtaylor]

It needs to know the versions and/or dates of the GRF files also.

[Patchman]

It can't know that, the savegame only stores the GRFID.

[orudge]

It needs to know the versions and/or dates of the GRF files also.

I'm making a database of GRF files, so that the Repository will say something like:

You need the following new graphics to play Owen Transport (USA), Inc.:

• US Set
• New Ships
• Track Foundations
• New Stations

etc - clicking on a set name will give a page with more information, links to download, etc. But, as patchman said, it can't tell versions/dates.

[krtaylor]

And this would apply to both scenarios and savegames. Some of the newer scenarios will include canals I imagine.

[orudge]

Yes, this will apply to anything which has GRFID data in the game (including scenarios).

[krtaylor]

Is it possible to write your code in such a way that it could also be easily ported into a standalone Windows application, that is, a better Savegame Manager? Because that would be a completely separate, but equally useful product.

[orudge]

The code as it is now can be adapted fairly easily to other uses.

[Ethan]

is the new version released yet? This is first time I have see this.

[orudge]

No, not yet I'm afraid... just be patient.

[Sionide]

how about a statistics bit? showing how many scenarios/saves there are included on this could be the top downloads etc..

[orudge]

Quite possible, if I ever get the site done. We'll see what happens.

[orudge]

Well, I continued work on the Repository today. Currently I have a series of unlinked but partially functional modules - eg, a module to do file uploading and unzipping (if necessary), a module to read saved games and stick loads of statistics in a database, as well as what will be the final site - a browse section, game information, etc. It's getting there, slowly but surely.

[Hyronymus]

No preview screenshots to boost anticipation? Don't you think there's too much competition showing up lately btw?

[krtaylor]

I think the Repository is the way to go for savegames. If it works as advertised that is. The GRFs go elsewhere anyway.