Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- general:faq [2016/02/28 05:58]
lockirby2 [Q: When I apply a patch, my ROM crashes when I try to play. What's the beef?]
+++ general:faq [2017/04/07 23:42]
madsiur removed
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 ====Q: I'm new to hacking, where do I begin?====
-A: This depends on what exactly you want to modify.  In some cases, there will be an editor to help you accomplish your task.  I recommend browsing the [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools.php|Hacking Utilities]] page to get an idea of what is available.  Some of the more noteworthy tools to start with include:
+A: This depends on what exactly you want to modify.  In some cases, there will be an editor to help you accomplish your task.  I recommend browsing the [[ff3:ff3us:util:start|utility page]] to get an idea of what is available.  Some of the simpler and more noteworthy tools to start with include:
 **Tools for SNES version:**
-**Easy:**
+  * {{ff3:ff3us:util:data:ff3usme670.zip|FF3usME}}: An editor capable of editing //a lot// of game data.  This tool is the go-to editor for the majority of standard modifications.  Features include editing monster stats and battle scripts (AI), battle formations, items and equipment data, shop data, magic data, starting character stats, magic growth, esper boosts, and palettes among other things.
+  * {{ff3:ff3us:util:maps:ff6le_rogue_2013-05-25.7z|FF6LE Rogue}}: If you want to edit the overworlds, dungeons, towns, etc. then this editor is what you are looking for. There is also a version called {{ff3:ff3us:util:maps:ff6leplus.zip|FF6LE+}} that allow expansion by applying a patch. Finally note that while {{ff3:ff3us:util:maps:zonedoctor_v3.18.4.zip|ZoneDoctor}}, FF6LE succesor, can edit events (the game's cutscenes), there are some caveats (see below).
+  * {{rh:util:patch:lunar_ips_1.02.zip|Lunar IPS}}: Allows you to apply or create [[:ips_patches|IPS patches]].  You will need this to start playing a hack or to distribute your hack online.
+  * {{ff3:ff3us:util:gfx:ff3se.zip|FF3SE}}: This allows you to edit monster sprites and character portraits. Character sprites can be edited either with this tool or FF3usME.
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/FF3usME670.zip|FF3usME]]: An editor capable of editing //a lot// of game data.  This tool is the go-to editor for the majority of standard modifications.  Features include editing monster stats and battle scripts (AI), battle formations, items and equipment data, shop data, magic data, starting character stats, magic growth, esper boosts, and palettes among other things.
+====Q: None of the editors do what I'm looking for. What now?====
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/expansion.zip|FF6LE Rogue+]] (also come packaged with Zone Doctor+): If you want to edit the overworlds, dungeons, towns, etc. then this editor is what you are looking for.  Note that you must apply a patch available in the zip file to relocate data prior to using the editors.  Also note that while Zone Doctor can edit events (the game's cutscenes), there are some caveats (see below).
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/yychr_net.zip|YY-CHR]]: This can be used to edit compressed graphics.
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/lunar_ips_1.02.zip|Lunar IPS]]: Allows you to apply or create [[ips patches|IPS patches]].  You will need this to start playing a hack or to distribute your hack online.
-**Advanced (if you're just starting, you may not care about these just yet):**
+A: Again, it depends on what you want to do.  Most people tend to start with one of two goals in mind.  Either they have a specific hack in their mind that they want to create, or a specific aspect of hacking (spriting, events, enemy scripts, etc.) that they want to learn.  It's probably easier to get started with the latter, as it's easier to focus on learning one thing at a time.  If you're looking to focus on a specific area, you'll probably want to visit the Tutorials section of the [[ff3:ff3us#Tutorials|Final Fantasy 3 (SNES)]] page, where you can hopefully find a link to what you are looking for.  There are many hackers who contribute sprites, patches, bosses, etc. without creating a full hack of their own.
-  * __If you read this Nattak/Jackimus, please note down the Sound editors you would commonly (ie, almost every time) use while editing music.  I don't have enough knowledge in that area to really pick out which editors are super important in that department, and which editors aren't super important and are just listed on FF6Hacking for completion purposes. Not sure whether it should be Easy or Advanced__
+If you are looking to create a full-sized hack, note that you'll probably need to learn many different skills from different areas to succeed.  It's unlikely that everything will be in your wheelhouse right away.  In particular, note that many ideas may require heavy assembly (ASM) work to pull off and may be unfeasible.  Don't be afraid to ask for help, but take note that nobody will make your mod for you.  Also note that others will be more comfortable contributing if you can show that you have made significant progress on your hack.  If you have made a lot of progress, it will become clear to others that you are less likely to drop the hack altogether.
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/xkas_v06.zip|Xkas]]: Cross assembler that can be used to make assembly (ASM) changes to your ROM.
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/snes9x1.51.ep10r2.7z|Geiger's Debugger]]: It's a debugger.  It can be used to set breakpoints and run traces.
-  * [[http://www.ff6hacking.com/forums/tools/HxD_1.7.7.0.zip|HxD]] This allows you to edit hex code directly. Allows copy-paste, making it preferable to Windhex for most people.
-====Q: None of the "Easy" editors do what I'm looking for. What now?====
-A: It's too late at night to answer now, I'll get back to it...
 ====Q: When I apply a patch, my ROM crashes. What's the beef?====
@@ Line 37: / Line 30: @@
 ====Q: What are those caveats you mentioned before about Zone Doctor?====
-A: blah blah blah
+A: Zone Doctor is somewhat unstable and has a great deal of quirks.  It may be usable if you learn how to work around them, but there isn't currently a solid source of info on what its limitations are.  If you want to learn event editing, you will likely want to edit the hex code directly (it's not as scary as it sounds).  Please visit the [[ff3:ff3us:tutorial:general:event:start|Event Hacking Tutorial]] page for more info.
+~~DISCUSSION~~