PlayStation Level Conversions #141
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Zealot Level 2 - Unrest Now this is a bit more like it. This is a totally new level that was only in the PS1 version, and isn't just a lame replacement for a better original level. Unlike the Eurocorp level above that lazily recycles the original first mission briefing, this has a unique new one that's a nice little snippet of what's best about the writing in SW - gleeful amorality. As well as an all important new verse from the Book of Cataclysm, you've got a conflict between the unguided trying to appeal to morality by taking hostages and the church responding unblinking with overwhelming force - they're not even church members, their lives don't matter. The level itself has cool little vignettes like this - it starts off with an instructive scene of unguided bombing a building to make sure a) the player understands what that beeping noise means and b) smarter players can start to stockpile some big booms. Then there's a pretty much guaranteed bank raid (although by my workings you're better off financially just keeping the three bombs), the unguided panicking and killing the hostages as you approach, and a final situation where there is a genuine chance of getting wiped out for those who guillelessly wade straight in. Not bad for level 2 of the game. Oh, and it's also the only zealot level that takes place on the Phoenix map, further making it perfect fodder for an "extended" campaign mod. Oh, you will need the level file C010l002.DAT from the levels repository to play. |
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Converted this one ages ago, but the items were bugged so I didn't post it, but I just played with it and fixed it. Also it's not terribly interesting as it's a test level. https://filebin.net/hmk25eevh385siwc/C074L002.DAT Might stick in the levels repository as well. |
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The Playstation version of the game is mostly a straight downgrade compared to the PC version (aside from the nicer 16-bit lighting), but notably it has a couple of levels not in the PC original. I figured out the data structure and started converting them. The first is this level, which replaced the first Eurocorp level in the PS1 version. It's actually not very good or interesting and it's not clear why it was replaced. I would speculate maybe the London map was too complex for the poor PS1, but it's used in later levels, so that can't be the reason.
This actually uses the Vancouver map, but recycles the original first mission briefing, telling you it's in London. It's the same idea, kill the unguided, only there are fewer of them, and you don't even get any nice items like the razor wire you could get in the original. It also makes obvious the changes made to the map - the start building is now a hollow kind of quadrangle (actually a good change, as you can go inside in the PC map and it's confusing as hell how to get out), and the interesting atrium area where the unguided are is now a totally open park. Some comparisons:
I'm pretty confident this one is 100% perfect. If you get the latest files from Github it is defined in campaign 3, so can be played with
-m 3,98
Don't forget you need the level C050L004.DAT from the Swars Levels repository.
I also did the much more interesting changed zealot mission, but it has some nasty bugs I need to fix. I might post it as a WIP anyway, it would make a nice addition for any "extended cut" mod.
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