Syntax For Landscape Files
Description
Rather than being stored in a single file like the accessories, Scorched 3D's landscapes are spread out over a series of different files. Each file contains the different aspects that come together to define the overall result that you see in the game. These aspects include the size/shape of the landscape, the texturing/skin of the landscape, as well as events that occur on that landscape and the objects and sounds that are placed on that landscape.
A brief description and links to more information about these files and what they contain follows:
- landscapes.xml - This is the main landscapes file which brings the rest together. It contains some basic info about the landscape and determines which definition files and which texture files can be used by this landscape.
- Boid Files - Define properties of boids (birds and other things in the air).
- Definition Files - Used to determine the landscapes size, shape and also the tank placements. Can also reference placements, sounds, boids, ships or events as well.
- Event Files - Definitions for events which fire off certain xml contained in the accessories file.
- Ship Files - Stores groupings for ships that can be placed around the landscape.
- Texture Files - Defines the texturing of the landscape and surrounding area and precipitation. Can also reference boids, events, placements, ships and ambient sounds.
- Option Files - New to v41, can be used to adjust server options from within a landscape definition.
- Include Files - New to v41, include files can be referenced in a texture or definition file and can contain any number of placement, movement, sound, options, events, etc.
Locations
The landscapes.xml file is contained in the game's (or your mod's) /data/ directory. The rest of the landscape files should be stored in the /data/landscapes/ directory.
Closing Remarks
In addition to this documentation, a good way to learn to manipulate the landscapes is to have a look at what has already been done. In addition to looking at the standard files that come with the game, there are plenty of mods available to look through as well. Looking at as much of the xml as you can is a great way to get acquainted with the workings of Scorched 3D.
