Multiplayer soldier templates

[Ankh81]

Hello!

I am trying to change/add soldier templates for multiplayer custom matches. I am using MAC, therefore, it seems that I need to edit the file XComMPGame.ini to change multiplayer templates. Moreover, if I want to change names and descriptions of templates I need to edit XComGame.int.

I am able to successfully change the existing templates. For example, in XComMPGame.ini substituting the line

m_arrPerkTemplate=(m_eTemplate=eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor,m_eClassType=eSC_Assault,m_iTemplateCost=4750,m_eRank=eRank_Major,m_iPerks[0]=ePerk_RunAndGun,

m_iPerks[1]=ePerk_TacticalSense,m_iPerks[2]=ePerk_LightningReflexes,m_iPerks[3]=ePerk_RapidFire,m_iPerks[4]=ePerk_CloseCombatSpecialist,

m_iPerks[5]=ePerk_ExtraConditioning,m_iPerks[6]=ePerk_Mindfray,m_iPerks[7]=ePerk_PsiPanic,m_iPerks[8]=ePerk_MindControl,m_iPerks[9]=ePerk_None)

 

with the following (changes are selected in red)

 

m_arrPerkTemplate=(m_eTemplate=eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor,m_eClassType=eSC_Assault,m_iTemplateCost=12345,m_eRank=eRank_Major,m_iPerks[0]=ePerk_RunAndGun,

m_iPerks[1]=ePerk_TacticalSense,m_iPerks[2]=ePerk_LightningReflexes,m_iPerks[3]=ePerk_RapidFire,m_iPerks[4]=ePerk_CloseCombatSpecialist,

m_iPerks[5]=ePerk_ExtraConditioning,m_iPerks[6]=ePerk_Mindfray,m_iPerks[7]=ePerk_PsiPanic,m_iPerks[8]=ePerk_MindControl,m_iPerks[9]=ePerk_Rift)

 

allows me to change the template as I want (in the example it changes the price and adding rift ability).

 

Changing XComGame.int file allows to change description. For example, changing the lines

 

m_aSoldierMPTemplate[eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor]="Psi Warrior"

 

and

 

m_aSoldierMPTemplateTacticalText[eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor]="<Bullet/> The Psi Warrior's extreme mobility and tactical flexibility let the soldier set up Mind Control with ease\n<Bullet/> The emphasis on defensive Assault abilities helps preserve this valuable soldier<Bullet/> This Heavy build has Extra Conditioning, which awards bonus health based on armor; it may be useful to save points for good armor"

 

to (changes are in red)

 

m_aSoldierMPTemplate[eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor]="Psi Warrior Test"

 

and

 

m_aSoldierMPTemplateTacticalText[eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor]="<Bullet/> 123"

 

resulting in changing the name of the template and its description.

 

 

 

The problems arise when I am trying to add new templates. Inserting the following lines in the corresponding files produces new templates:

 

m_arrPerkTemplate=(m_eTemplate=19,m_eClassType=eSC_Assault,m_iTemplateCost=12567,m_eRank=eRank_Major,m_iPerks[0]=ePerk_RunAndGun,

m_iPerks[1]=ePerk_TacticalSense,m_iPerks[2]=ePerk_LightningReflexes,m_iPerks[3]=ePerk_RapidFire,m_iPerks[4]=ePerk_CloseCombatSpecialist,

m_iPerks[5]=ePerk_ExtraConditioning,m_iPerks[6]=ePerk_Mindfray,m_iPerks[7]=ePerk_PsiPanic,m_iPerks[8]=ePerk_TelekineticField,m_iPerks[9]=ePerk_None)

 

and

 

m_aSoldierMPTemplate[19]="Psi Test"

m_aSoldierMPTemplateTacticalText[19]="<Bullet/> 123"

 

(Here I chose a number 19 because there are 19 previous templates (with template None corresponded to 0) and number 18 seems to be interchangeable with the last entry eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor in those files when I tried it. Therefore, 19 should be the next position in the arrays.)

However, even the templates shows the expected price and abilities, the name and description of the templates correspond to eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor. The same happens as well, if I try to use any different class: the template is correct, but the title and description is just the ones correspond to eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor. If I try to add several templates at the same time, they all shows right abilities and prices but descriptions and names are all the same as for eMPT_PsiAssaultMajor. Furthermore, when I add the new template line not after all default templates but somewhere in between ALL TEMPLATE titles and descriptions AFTER THE INSERTED POSITION appears to be shifted.

 

Is it possible to do what I am trying to achieve?

 

Thanks

 

[dubiousintent]

We have very little about MP on the forum or wiki. What we do know about changing initial soldier appearance and loadouts is found in the wiki article "Initial soldier appearance". Some changes are simple; others require more extensive code changes. My starting assumption would be that MP still uses the basic game functions for individual soldiers as a means of leveling the playing field. Hopefully something in there will give you the clue you need.

 

Also, this is a topic more in line with the "R&D" series in the "Mod Talk" section. You might want to ask a moderator to move it there where the other mod creators are more likely to see it. This section tends to be for existing mods, so authors tend to look only for their own titles.

 

-Dubious-

Edited March 17, 2015 by dubiousintent