FAQ - Technical FAQ

This FAQ is for technical assistance with FPS Creator. For more general topics please see the other FAQs available.

1. Q: I'm having trouble trying to run the segment editor for FPSC. When I run the segment editor it loads fine! However, after the segment editor comes up I click on the "Mesh" button to load in the browser but then I get a pop-up message saying "Darkbasic Enhancment pack Runtime error in line 3"? After I click the 'Ok' button, the browser crashes on me. What would you recommend that I do for this?
   A: Ensure the FPSC-Segments.exe application is dated 30/08/2005, and that no additional DLLs are in the same folder as this application. Also confirm that the FPSC-Browser.exe application is present in the same folder and the date of that file is also 30/08/2005. Also make sure that the Files folder is also present. The tool uses file mapping to communicate so ensure your operating system does not have many background tasks running as this may interfere with the messaging that happens during the running of the tool. If you find clicking the MESH button fails each time, try running the 'FPSC-Browser.exe' first, and then ALT+TAB back to Windows Explorer and then run 'FPSC-Segments.exe'. This ensures there is no delay when the segment editor looks for the browser to allow the end user to select an asset to use. Also make sure the latest version of DirectX is being used, the sound card drivers are up to date as the tool depends on the Enhancement Pack and the enhancement pack depends on many technologies, one of which is a speech engine installed to handle the speech commands. If the Error was code #3, this means there is a sound related problem and the solution will likely be found there.


2. Q: I just loaded FPSC on my system and when I try to open it I get this error: "Dark Basic Pro - Enhancements Pack Runtime Error 3"
   A: If you get the Enhancement DLL Error Code 3 when launching FPSC it means it is conflicting with another part of the system via the internal GetSoundBuffer function which is related to your sound system. We recommend you perform the following steps to resolve the conflict:
   1. Uninstall FPSC from your system, and manually remove any files that remain
   2. The default path is usually C:Program Files/The Game Creators/FPS Creator
   3. Navigate to your personal temporary folder (if you are using WindowsXP)
   4. The usual XP path is C:Documents and Settings/Your name/Local Settings/Temp*.*
   5. Delete the contents of this TEMP folder (at your own risk), or specifically any folders named DBPDATA
   6. Now reset your machine to ensure no DLLs are running in the background
   7. Reinstall FPSC in the recommended default path (as above)
   8. Run FPSC as normal to determine if the fix worked
   


3. Q: I have heard about a Segment Editor I can use to create my very own Segments. Where can I download this tool?
   A: You can download the Segment Editor from:
   http://files2.thegamecreators.com/fpscreator/FPSCreator_SegmentKit.zip. It is 225MB in size.


4. Q: I want to make a wall entity so it can be destroyed and you can pass through it, what should I save it as and what forder should I save it in so I can access it in FPSC editor.
   A: We have already created some entities called Fake Walls which you can find in the SCIFI/WW2/WALL FURNITURE folder. Just select them from the entity library, drop them into the level (maybe use the B key to set the grid mode on so you can place with alignment to grid active). They have a default strength of 100, so shoot at it a few times with a good weapon and it will be destroyed. You can then walk through to your secret room!


5. Q: How do you "goto wireframe mode"?
   A: Hit the "[" symbol on your keyboard for wireframe mode Hit the "]" symbol on your keyboard for shaded/textured mode. If you hit your "TAB" key, a status box will pop up and give you a run down of what the engine is processing. This is an EXCELLENT way to find bugs. In the bottom portion of this is a small menu that allows you to toggle settings in the game (lights, collision, display mode, entities, portals, etc). We have been able to solve so many issues with "speed problems" and "crashing" using this status box.


6. Q: I downloaded FPS Creator last night and I have to say I am very impressed with it so far.The only thing that I can find is if I run levels supplied in Test level and press tab I am only getting on average 8 fps.If I run the executable game supplied it runs very smoothly with no glitches. Is there anything I can do to increase the performance in test level. Also if I run preview level it is almost unusable due to lag.
   A: In order to discount the natural performance drop of the debugger (which does need extra processing to perform its job), what you do is run your test game and notice the base of the screen has some yellow text (see manual for meanings). The F: symbol is your framerate at that momemnt. Now hit TAB and the FPS: symbol in the expanded view shows your new FPS. The differece in the values is the aproximate amount of drain the debugger requires from your system. Each system is different so values cannot be posted or announced in the manual. Use this differential to understand if it is the debugger or your level design that is causing the slowdown. I tend to keep the debugger screen off when testing, and if I hit slowdown, use the [ and ] keys to check scene polygon density, and if that is not it, I hit TAB to see if there is too much collision data or logic being demanded from that part of the level.


7. Q: How do you change the texture of the ground? ie I have a load of area outside and so I need to make the ground look like grass. How can I accomplish this?
   A: You cannot right click a segment to change the texture, that would delete it There is a grass segment provided, you could copy and recreate your own with a different texture.


8. Q: Lets say I make 3 levels and list them all in the Build Game window. I have 3 levels in a row, but how do we move the player from one to the next? Optimally I'd like to have the player use a door or a teleporter to signify changing locations and allow them to move on to the next level.
   A: Select the MARKER tab, scroll to the bottom, select WIN ZONE, drop it into the map, walk on it in your game, and you progress to the next level.


9. Q: I set the key name to key1 and set it in the entery to have to use on the door but the door still opens even without the key. How do you fix this?
   A: The manual explains step by step how to assign a key to a door. Work from the idea that you start by entering the segment library and picking a door whos name ends with (key), then go to the entities library and select any key from any category. Paint the door into your level and drop the key into your level. Test the game and you can approach the door, a message appears, collect the key and then you can open the door with the RETURN key. The SCIFI level 2 FPM shows this in action.
   
   To make the key ONLY open THAT door, you change TWO items of data. You change the NAME OF THE KEY (from 'key' to 'ironkey'), by right clicking the key entity and modifying the first field item at the top left area of the properties window. Do not forget to click APPLY CHANGES! You then right click the door, and you will notice the properties for the door entity shows a field called USE KEY with the name of the key to the right, ie 'key'. Change the name of this field from 'key' to 'ironkey'. You have now assigned this unique key to this unique door.


10. Q: Can you change your menu text?
    A: Just change the bitmaps the menu is built from. You cannot change the function of the buttons though. Only what they look like and where they appear. A word of warning. Keep your original installer always to hand, and any time you fel the urge to change an original FPSC file, make a copy of it, rename it and modify that! Changing your original assets is flexible and powerful, but dangerous and unpredictable too. Especially if your friend sends you one of their levels and it 'does not quite look right'.