Ok, I was working hard last night (I got PyMS to work, finally) and changed a lot in SC for my mod. But I still have some issues, pehaps someone can answer one of these for me:

How does one create a new unit in SC? I want to add and remove units from all three races. Is this possible, and if so how?

Can the races themselves be edited? I want to change the Protoss into my new Terran-style race, and use a bunch of infested Terran buildings as Zerg buildings.

How can I make an infantry unit able to attack on the ground (like a marine), take off into the air, and attack from the air?

Are there any voice actors around who would be willing to help me with my project?

How do you get programs like DatEdit and PyDAT to recognize new resources (like sounds, GRP's, and what not) in the MPQ's?

Is there anybody with some helpful advice of any kind? It would be most appreciated!

In PyDAT (or almost all PyMS programs) you can simply go into the settings window, MPQ Settings, then add your MPQ to the top of the list.

You can't add new units, but you can modify a hero or unused unit like the Cargo Ship.

What do you mean? Just modify the Protoss units into Terran-style ones, and give the Zerg buildings Infested graphics. Easy.

The easiest way is to use a Siege Tank: Tank = ground, Siege = air.

I'm a decent voice actor. I'm much better at absurd voices than serious ones, though. And I don't do Protoss or Zerg voices, before you ask: The sound editing involved is way above my level.

It seems like you're trying to make an "add-on" for SC. If this is the case, don't. Those kinds of mods usually fail because no one plays them: When people want to play a mod, they want to play a total conversion 99% of the time. (If you /really/ want to make your add-on mod, maybe you could do it as a map?)

Ok, i think i got it from here, thanx ya'lls. And yes, TZ, I am making a total convert. That seems to be the easiest way to go, from a modding perspective.

I'm fairly sure you CAN add units, but it's apparently very hard, and unnecessary for most mods.

Neither pq nor DoA knows how, so it's as good as impossible.

Also, do not mistake adding new units for editing an existing unit slot to appear as a new unit.

This is not true. Take your assumption and purge it with fire thrice before coming back. An add-on is infinitely more easier than a total conversion, and then even less complex modifications involving iscript is twofold infinitely easier than an add-on.

So that you don't fail into the ground, I recommend taking modding step-by-step. If you do not, your willpower will be wasted on frustration and you will stop modding.

STEPS TO MODDING:
--become fluent in DAT editing
--become fluent in iscript
--learn how to work with StarCraft's graphics, including how to import new graphics
(optional: learn how to work with terrain)
--learn how to import sounds
--become fluent with FireGraft and EXE edits
(optional: learn how to use triggers in mods)
(optional: learn how to script AI)
(REALLY optional: learn how to use plug-ins in mods)
[Probably forgot a few things.]

Once you've done those steps, then you will be (partially) ready to make a total conversion.

This is, of course, based on the assumption that you're new to modding. Creating total conversions is a series of steps that must be taken one at a time, otherwise, the entire process (including the learning part) becomes overwhelming or irritatingly drawn-out.

EXAMPLES OF TOTAL CONVERSIONS:

• (Nigh total conversion, default terrain is left unmodified, except for creep) http://www.modcrafters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6
  
• (Nigh total conversion, default terrain, dunno 'bout sound effects) http://www.modcrafters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9
  
• (Mini-total conversion) http://www.modcrafters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=171
  

The total work required to be put in a total conversion scales non-linearly, i.e. the work becomes exponentially greater based on just how much is converted and to what degree.

I am advising you not to jump into a total conversion. You will only succeed in putting yourself through a lot of unnecessary pain, even if you do end up with a total conversion.

--

Now, on to your questions (that I feel I can provide further insight to).

A: "Races" are merely a method of organization. It is what data that is a part of the races that is important. When one modifies a race, what one really does is modify the unit data that is already present.

A: No professional voice actors are around here. The closest would be IskatuMesk, and there is no chance he will help you (nor anybody else). TZ isn't bad, but he should really learn not to breathe into the mike as he speaks. TZ does have some contacts, though. I'm not sure about anyone else, though I've created some lines myself (with audio edits) that are relatively convincing (infinitely dark-evil-sinister-grim), I think (derp).

Advice:
Start with something small - not a total conversion. A StarCraft add-on mod isn't the best place to start, but will be at least easier than a total conversion. But what I really, REALLY, suggest, is to start with DAT and iscript edits. Once you are able to make some interesting effects (not including making a Dragoon shoot 5 scattered shots into an area - that's been done to death), start using new graphics. Then, use FireGraft and your DAT and iscript knowledge to create playable, new, units (keyword: playable - impossible as of now to literally add a new unit (unless someone HAS found out and hasn't shared yet)) that can be trained from existing structures. Move on to getting a worker (preferably SCV to begin) to build new structures. From there, you can pretty much get into anything else, such as dialogs, menus, game types, etc.

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Feb 3 2010, 11:33 pm by New-.Hydrolisk.