You can actually do quite a bit now with just the .ufo files without touching the C code. I once played around with just the .ufo files and was able to add special versions of existing weapons, including a repeat-fire rocket launcher that I thought turned out very impressive. (I didn't upload it anywhere though, so don't bother searching for it.)
I was actually planning on releasing the package as an example MOD for people to play with, complete with details on how it was done, although I never got around to finishing it...
That is exactly what I was planning to do.
Now I have to make a request. Could we get a MOD subforum for such things?
Having such a forum for moders would have many advantages:
- You get a lot of requests and most of them are answered with plain 'No' or 'do it your self' - now you would only redirect that person to the MOD subforum
- it was mentioned in another topic, and I agree totally with it, that the dev team should focus on developing the framework, that means the game interfaces, phisicks, geoscope mechanics and battlescope, less focus on detail design and balancing as that will come later - for now inventing new stuff should be left for the fans [you could take what you want, disregard the rest]
- mods add variety, variety increases interest in the game, not to mention that is would be a wonderful playground for ideas
[hmmm, should I create a diffrent thread for this request]
Back to topic: I was thinking about creating a Mark II versions of the earth weapons that use the same models and projectiles. This would only require txt changes, later maybe I can go into tweaking some models but that will require learning some 3D.
As some suggested it would be cool to have a Mk. II Sniper rifle after researching the Kerblade [and Alien Armour]. The Plasma flamethrower mentioned in this topic is also interesting [after researching plasma wepons].
If everything will work as I plan then I have some ideas about tweaking the research tree.