Is there a relatively easy way to replace the standard load screen graphics with custom files? So they can be applicable to the story in the mod?
Using :ffvstr:
In the data directory of the Game root is a file called art.ff
It really is just a zip file so you can open it in winzip or winrar etc... (change the extension if you need to, just be sure to change it back)
It contains all the default art assets for the stock game. Extract out the \art\library\interface_screens directory somewhere on your computer. Then copy over any of the ones you want to change into your Mod Directory (keep the same relative path in your mod folder). Each screen is really a nif file with a texture directory. So to change the graphic just update the texture file with whatever your new graphic is.
When a Mod loads it looks in the mod directory first and the default data directory second. So any files that you have in your mod directory will take precedence over the default versions in the art.ff file, so you only need to copy over and modify those elements that you want to be customized.
Thank you GP! You come through yet again. :D
You need to set up a resource in the Resources tab of FFEdit - I believe its called ls_<Mission Folder Name>, ls standing for loading screen presumably. Copy one of the existing Resources and rename it.
<Mission Folder Name> is just the name of the folder your mission.dat lives in.
Most of the .NIF's used have a comic cover in four parts and a 6 part background image. Theres one which doesnt use the comic book textures though, so making copies of that is probably most useful if you just want to display a flat image. I'll check when i get home
Thank you DrMike. It is working right now with a basic load screen such as a skirmish in the rumble room. I haven't integrated my mods as a campaign yet, and I was wondering how to get different screens for different missions (since the core game does this). What you say makes sense, and if you could check on the final details I would appreciate it. ^_^