A Nifty Idea! But might consume time...

[DeviFoxx]

You know, I never gave much thought about it until recently.

However, I've come up with a rather clever idea (let me know if
someone's already acted on it).

During... What... Over the 2+ years I've been playing Final Fantasy XI, so
much stuff has happened. Not just with me, but with everyone else. I mean
Quetzalcoatl and it's inhabitants have become one rather large living story
within itself. I write, or think up stories from time to time, and the thought
came to me that I could actually write an entire story involving Quetz.

But I don't think I'd do quite that; I'd do something else instead.

So in keeping with this "thought", I've spawned an idea. I could use this as
an opportunity to test my computer editing skills.

Alright, we all know how FFXI Model Viewer works, right?

A front-end utility is placed in the FFXI root folder, in which it loads the .DAT
files of various NPCs...

That's fine 'n' dandy and all... But what I want to know is that is there a
program that takes that a step further?

I want to know is there a program that can actually run an instance of FFXI
from various cinematic camera angles. Like a camera man. Just like
the storyline cutscenes. I don't mean run the game itself, but load a level
or a map, and use a string of code to make certain NPCs perform various
actions (I.E. a player character walking down a sidewalk, while another
walks into a house).

I figure if there was a program or utility that did something similar to this,
I could create--or atleast tinker with--making a Quetzalcoatl mock-up
Fan show series.

It's not like this is a new idea, either.

They did it with Halo with the series "Red Vs. Blue".

Also, the G4TechTV network had a segment at some point where someone
had done something like this with the Online game City Of Heroes.

...

There really wouldn't have to be any text dialogue. I'd expect there to be
something along the lines of a string of code that loads the level, and the
NPCs, making them walk, or move their mouths and such. If that were the
case, I'd think someone could just record it with FRAPS then make WAV
files entering both background music and spoken / voiced character dialogue.

...I don't know. What do you guys think?

Really, I'm just Brainstorming here. I'm simply saying "What If"?

Any thoughts or input on this? This could be something we could do just
for fun.

 

[Khajit]

I thought about doing the same thing once. i'd personally try and learn how to do so but i dont have the free time for it sine im addicted to ffxi and somehow my uber l337 desktop computer that can prettymuch handle anything thrown at it and have 40 gig of space left over doesnt have a sound card of all things. dont blame me blame my mother for forgetting that detail and gateway for not making sound cards automatic.
NO point in making a storyline if you cant record the voices.><

Also a person on a ls called atmaweapons has made a tiny little series. if i can find my old link to em i can put it up for you. it doesnt use model viewer and is really a bunch of people using emotes very effectively but its funny as hell.
You just gotta love banishing whm who dont cure cause banish is uber^^

 

[DeviFoxx]

Was that the one where it was pics of that linkshell doing all those dirty things?

Like that Tarutaru Cirlce-Jerk or something?

 

[Neche]

Red vs Blue, wasn't it just another sprite that they took the camera shots with?

 

[DeviFoxx]

I think so. But you get what I'm trying to say, right?

 

[Demonknightx]

ive seen the AtmaWeapons video thing, and when i did i thought almost immediatly if there was a series like RedvsBlue for FFXI (im a regular RvB fan) i mean that would ROCK. im not computer-savvy enough to make it, but i'd damn well support it and help as much as i can =D!

 

[DeviFoxx]

Since some people (Like Yanzi) don't seem to understand what exactly
I'm saying, allow me to re-explain.

Basically, I was, or am looking for a program that loads each level file
in FFXI.

Runs the level, with the same clock, weather patterns (rain, snow, wind...)
and times of day (day and night)... Basically, running the map as if you're
really playing FFXI.

In addition to that, have the ability to set up different camera angles, and
give commands to NPCs to walk or move, or do various animations on
certain commands.

---

Example: Load "Meriphataud Mountains" map. Have Nanaa Mihgo walk
towards Castle Oztroja, then have her draw a sword. Then have the
camera change angles of her running into the castle.

---

More or less an FFXI Movie / Cutscene editor.

While the custom-made cutscenes play, I could record them and save them
to .MPG or .AVI (with Fraps, for example)... Then I could pick up a
microphone and record sound files and MP3s dub them into the video.

Therefore, making an "FFXI TV Show"... Sorta...

...

Hahaha, I'd make it so everyone on Quetzalcoatl has their own little
"episode".

Like I could make Freebird & his crew of Elvaan Dragoon Gil-Sellers
the "Bungling Villians who always fail at attempts for victory".

Make a movie of them trying to Counter-Camp Amemet, only to have
Guivre eat them alive.

 

[Celvantes]

That's an awesome idea! Imagine the possiblities...

 

[Logxiix]

Sounds to me like your looking for something like HLTV, where you can record stuff, and switch camera angles etc.. later. However, I don't think there is such thing for FFXI, at least to my knowledge.

 

[DeviFoxx]

Indeed.

What was "FFXI Inside" anyway? I noticed it on the website for FFXI windower.

There was a program that allowed you to view FFXI's registry, and that's
how people found out about the names of new quests and new armors...

Could that load maps as well?

 

[oraga]

I can run most maps get me textures and a .ed file of it and i can run around on it with a FP shooter.

Edit... Also if you can find me a .dep file i think i can run textures and all that crap im gonna look now oh and if you can find these files....

Ediit again. I might just beable to playem plain and dandy just i need to know what files are maps and yeah i wounder what will happen if i can playem.

 

[Mistaya]

what you want sounds a lot like a private server.

In WoW me and gims set up a private server a few times to run around and poke things, with the right programs it is not hard at all. Of course what you are asking is also highly illegal I do not know if this type of thing exists for FFXI, but if you want to look for it you might want to try looking for 'private server' as the keyword. Then you can play with any scripting you want, any equip you want, create or edit your own items, monsters, anything really.

Another way perhaps (although this would be extremely involved...) replace the files. replace a mithra model with the nanaa migho model and have it run toards the castle. I don't know the details but it should work. Of course putting all the models back where they belong is going to be a pain which is why I said it was long and involved.

I'd like to see a ffxi red vs blue it would be pretty funny. But like i said, running your own maps and things... thats not entirely legit... Be careful what you mess with if you aren't sure.

 

[Tymon]

what you want sounds a lot like a private server.

In WoW me and gims set up a private server a few times to run around and poke things, with the right programs it is not hard at all. Of course what you are asking is also highly illegal I do not know if this type of thing exists for FFXI, but if you want to look for it you might want to try looking for 'private server' as the keyword. Then you can play with any scripting you want, any equip you want, create or edit your own items, monsters, anything really.

Another way perhaps (although this would be extremely involved...) replace the files. replace a mithra model with the nanaa migho model and have it run toards the castle. I don't know the details but it should work. Of course putting all the models back where they belong is going to be a pain which is why I said it was long and involved.

I'd like to see a ffxi red vs blue it would be pretty funny. But like i said, running your own maps and things... thats not entirely legit... Be careful what you mess with if you aren't sure.

If you find out how to set up a private server somehow... Holy freaking crap. I would use my entire computer database if I could get a semi-private server that would let me run any piece of gear I wanted.

 

[DeviFoxx]

Thanks for the warning.

At the same time, however, I don't think SE would take much action against me. Really, I'm more curious about this than anything... About
being able to do this, that is.

I only think the only circumstance for them to actually "blow the whistle"
on me is if I were to assist in the recent slew of attacks on FFXI's servers
as of late. Or something of that nature.

I'm just seeking to be entertained. Not trying to run a server.

But yes, I do agree with what you're saying, Mistaya. If I'm an "Admin",
pretty much I have a say in everything that happens.

...

Oraga... Those files... hmm.

Maybe Gilga or someone knows about what the Map files are. If people
can file-swap the BGM files, and the sprite for your Moogle, then yeah...

The stages must have a file somewhere as well.

Maybe me or someone else can unearth them.

I'll look for files with those extensions, Oraga.

 

[DeviFoxx]

Anything having to do with FFXI's graphics seem to be in the folders "ROM" 1, 2, and 3...

They all end in .DAT, however.

I'm guessing some of the maps are in ROM/0 or ROM/1 Folders.

 

[oraga]

what you want sounds a lot like a private server.

In WoW me and gims set up a private server a few times to run around and poke things, with the right programs it is not hard at all. Of course what you are asking is also highly illegal I do not know if this type of thing exists for FFXI, but if you want to look for it you might want to try looking for 'private server' as the keyword. Then you can play with any scripting you want, any equip you want, create or edit your own items, monsters, anything really.

Another way perhaps (although this would be extremely involved...) replace the files. replace a mithra model with the nanaa migho model and have it run toards the castle. I don't know the details but it should work. Of course putting all the models back where they belong is going to be a pain which is why I said it was long and involved.

I'd like to see a ffxi red vs blue it would be pretty funny. But like i said, running your own maps and things... thats not entirely legit... Be careful what you mess with if you aren't sure.

If you find out how to set up a private server somehow... Holy freaking crap. I would use my entire computer database if I could get a semi-private server that would let me run any piece of gear I wanted.

I had the internet site to where you could download all the server files for WoW my friend has his own personal server so ill have to ask him the site again.

 

[oraga]

Anything having to do with FFXI's graphics seem to be in the folders "ROM" 1, 2, and 3...

They all end in .DAT, however.

I'm guessing some of the maps are in ROM/0 or ROM/1 Folders.

Oh and i can run .dat files they just have to be the right thing i tryed running one earlier but it was to small to be a map im gonna look its gonna be funny if it works.

Edit i think i just found one its over 10mb which is a good size for a map im gonna go try .

Edit again i found a program that looks at stuff im lookin for some i found one with camera angle and lighting....

 

[oraga]

sorry about all the posts but i really need to get the map files locations cause i found a program that i can change the files to maya 3ds max etc. so far ive gotten all lightin and camera angles.

I tryed one of my 3ds max scenes and it got the things right just need to find those damn maps.

 

[Nibble]

..

pretty much there has to be a program that can do what devi is saying.. however.. if it ever leaves SE level designer hands.. is another matter.. (doubt it)..

um.. now where was i.. eh..

oh yea.. um.. devi.. find someone who can write C++ programs.. and ask him/her if they'll see what they can do? if you cant find someone.. try looking online for a program that will do what your thinking of.. *maybe* you'll find one (doubt it).. but if your lucky..

~nib

 

[Uzor]

the closest thing I can come up with is FFXItool that lets you load evey level and "walk around". Sadly, no objects are loaded =/