MechVM Update

[Skyfaller]

Yesterday I configured MechVM to display the screens from DataBase.MW2 and let it call the MW2 sim through DosBox. It worked, as you can see from the pictures below!

The next milestones for development are:
- Include new mech lab into MechVM shell
- Exporting MEK files from new mech lab
- Include libPurple for IRC chat in NetMech
- Texts and graphics for the shell must be read from MW2.PRJ
- MechVM shells for GBL needs to be improved, Mercs may follow later
- Savegames

As you can see, a lot remains to be done. In the next release, MechVM will likely include DosBox and install DOS games directly into DosBox subfolders.

So why do it?
- New mech lab is easier to use
- Support for selecting new mech chassis from MechVM's shell
- Easier to create modded campaigns
- Bring typical Wolf and JF mechs from GBL to 31stCC (Phantom, Vixen, Linebacker, ...)
- Ability to configure special case mechs, like the underwater Executioner

This is a work in progress, its main purpose is to prove that MechVM and DosBox can work together well. Later versions will have more text, and perhaps better graphics. I do not yet know how I will treat video and music in the shell.

[Skyfaller]

Some impressions of using MechVM's shell to launch the Wolf and Jade Falcom missions using the GBL engine.

There are few things to note:

• Buildings always explode immediately after the first hit
• Insignias are flawed
• The first Jade Falcon mission is missing, but it may be possible to patch it back in
• We might be able to add special missions in the same manner (Mineshaft...)

Previous work

[Sapphire Wolf]

That is just sweet, man! Can't wait to try it out.

(BTW, Skyfaller, I like your Avatar of Alpha Trion, because I'm such a fan of Transformers G1 and... wait a minute, I might've changed the subject! )

[Col.Kell]

Some impressions of using MechVM's shell to launch the Wolf and Jade Falcom missions using the GBL engine.

Don't you mean PRJ instead of engine? I remember that time I discovered I could launch GBL mechs in 31stCC. I was so excited. (and i'm sure you remember me "not cheating" in style? )

Nice work though! Very good. And MechVM will make modding easier?

[Skyfaller]

That is just sweet, man! Can't wait to try it out.

Thanks.

Don't you mean PRJ instead of engine?

No, I mean using the GBL engine to play the JF and WC missions. This has the advantage that the weapons added in GBL can be used for these campaigns, too: AMS, Streak SRM. This has been reported here before ("GBL Mission Command Line").

And MechVM will make modding easier?

Yes, at least in some cases. For example, creating new campaigns with custom mechs should be easier. MechVM could also use new shell skins for new factions. We could also discuss creating higher-resolution graphics for these skins. For some missions, the Mech Lab can be configured to support special equipment. For example, in the under water mission, torpedoes should be used instead of missiles, while AC's and Gauss rifles should be forbidden.