Complete Noob ACS Question

[TheGreatWhiteDope]

I always wanted to know how to do certain things in zdoom that I didn't think was possible with DECORATE (Unless they are.. ) and I found out that ACS allows me to do the things I want to. The only problem is I have no idea how to use ACS. So, as an example to learn, I want to make a lindef with an action that call and ACS script (I don't know how to do that.) and the ACS script it calls I want to have a message (Also don't know how to do, I know the command but an example would help.). And lastly I don't know where to put the script, would I just put it in a DECORATE entry or make an ACS entry for it or what?

Thanks in advanced to anyone who helps.

[Medricel]

If you're using DoomBuilder, just make a map in the ZDoom (Doom in Hexen) format. The Hexen map format allows for more complex actions to be done with ACS scripting.

Making a line that activates a script is really easy. All you have to do is set it's type to 80, and give it a proper activation mode (walk through, press use, shoot, etc) and mark it repeatable if need be.

to actually use the ACS script, go to Scripts > Edit BEHAVIOR lump... and click the Make Script button in the window that appears. If you're using something other than DoomBuilder, you'll have to ask somebody that uses it, as I only use DoomBuilder.

In the window that pops up, type this to have a simple "Hi!" message printed.

Code: Select all

#include "zcommon.acs"

script 1 (void)
{
 //Prints a simple "Hi!" message
 print(s:"Hi!");
}

As you can see, ACS is very C-like in nature, so if you know some C/C++ programming, it helps to understand ACS a little better.
Here is the ZDoom Wiki page discussing ACS: http://www.zdoom.org/wiki/index.php?title=ACS

You know, it's kind of funny, since even though the #include line is almost automatic for me, I still had to look it up in a WAD I had lying around to make sure it was right


EDIT: I also want to make mention that DECORATE is for making new actors (items, monsters, etc) and not for level scripting.

EDIT2: Fixed a fuxup

[Wills]

Forgot a ) there.

[Medricel]

Forgot a ) there.

Shhhh...

[TheGreatWhiteDope]

That worked well, thanks. I only have one problem though.. :\ All of the maps in my WAD are ZDoom (Doom in Doom) Format, is there anyway I can convert the to Hexen format? I copied them over in Doom Builder but since their different formats all my actions and things got messed up. If not I can just redo all of the actions/things if I need to. But there has to be a lazy way out..

[Zippy]

ZWadConv may still work for this, but I'm not sure at all. I would make a backup of your wad before trying it out. It's in this zip with a few other things.

[TheGreatWhiteDope]

Erm, exactly how do you use that?? -_-'

[It just opens a DOS prompt and quickly closes, so where would I put zdwadconv <source.wad> <output.wad>?]

[Kappes Buur]

use the command line from start -> run and enter, ie:

zwadconv mypwad.WAD zdmypwad.WAD

or make a batch file.

Instead of mypwad or zdmypwad use whatever name you think appropriate

[TheGreatWhiteDope]

That worked, thanks. ^_^ There was only a few doors (locked ones) that didn't copy right, quick fix though and everything works correctly now.

[It converted it to GZDoom, but that is even better because after seeing what GZDoom can do I wanted to switch over.. But now I am a noob to GZDoom too.. xP]

[Phobus]

If you have a GZDoom config file (which you evidently do) any Zdoom (Doom as Hexen) format level without a corresponding .dbs file it will show up as GZDoom. The reason for this is most probably because it goes for the (alphabetically) first config that's correct. You probably already know this, but the first choice up isn't nescessarily the first choice you have to use.