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Acmlm's Board - I2 Archive - Super Mario World hacking - Questions and Answers for newbies!

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<blockquote>Originally posted by Surlent<hr>Since the old board archive is up again, I'd like to contribute my old "Lunar Magic Beginner's FAQ', which got enhanced by questions and answers added by other users too.
Since there is already a general Q&A thread here I'll simply post it as a regular post.

Please notice, that the FAQ was not updated in ages, due to the crash of the old board. The mentioned links, like if you want to download Bouche's DemoWorld 3 for inserting SMAS music into your ROM (see question 15 for a detailed description how to do that) still work, just tested :)
----------------
Another minor update on 10-24-03, added a link to Bouche's DemoWorld3.ips. Thanks to Legalos who hosted it, check answer 15 to get that patch (edited by Gandalf)

To avoid repetitive basic questions and threads about Lunar Magic, I thought a general FAQ might be useful. Although the integrated help file answers these questions very comprehensively, not everyone reads it .

This FAQ will help on two ways:

First, new people with basic questions will get help relatively fast, without waiting too long for replies on their threads. Second, this will reduce the amount of threads which are answered too often.

A moderator or administrator then can feel free to add or remove addition questions and answers here, so this (currently) small FAQ could enlarge more and more to a quite comprehensive and easy FAQ .
<a name="a0">Index:</a>
<a href="#a1">1.) Where can I download Lunar Magic?</a>
<a href="#a2">2.) Do I need a specific version of the Super Mario World ROM?</a>
<a href="#a3">3.) How can I access the title screen and edit its text, like in many other hacks?</a>
<a href="#a4">4.) Why do some tilesets and objects show up like garbage in some levels. Is there a way to display them?</a>
<a href="#a5">5.) I want to edit the graphics in SMW, which tools do I need for it?</a>
<a href="#a6">6.) What to I need to do first for editing them?</a>
<a href="#a7">7.) How do I add custom backgrounds?</a>
<a href="#a8">8.) What are those ExGFX in general?</a>
<a href="#a9">9.) I inserted some ExGFX into my ROM. But they do not show up, or I don't find them in the object or sprite editor! What do I need to do now?</a>
<a href="#a10">10.) How can I use these smashable bricks or other blocks, which were not implemented in SMW standardly?</a>
<a href="#a11">11.) The palettes from my custom tiles/backgrounds are garbled totally! How can I fix this?</a>
<a href="#a12">12.) When I use Lunar Magic's implemented tile editor, it does not want to save the changes!</a>
<a href="#a13">13.) What do I need to do to distribute my hack?</a>
<a href="#a14">14.) Is there a way to change Mario's movements in the demo level, which is shown in SMW's intro?</a>
<a href="#a15">15.) Some people use the cool Super Mario Bros 3 music from Mario Allstars in their hack. Is there a way to use this music, too?</a>
<a href="#a16">16.) I want to make a water level. But is there another way than to place water tiles everywhere (!!!)?</a>
<a href="#a17">17.) A level slow downs when I'm playing it. How do I fix it?</a>
<a href="#a18">18.) Some sprites don't appear while I'm playing the game. What's the reason?</a>
<a href="#a19">19.) I don't want people to look at my hack with Lunar Magic and see what I've done. How do I prevent this?</a>
<a href="#a20">20.) How do I do a pipe or a door?</a>
<a href="#a21">21.) In this water level I have a few fish, but whenever I play it, the fish act as if there was no water! What is going on?</a>

Answers:

<a name="a1">Where can I download Lunar Magic?</a>

You can download the latest version from Lunar Magic from FuSoYa's homepage: http://fusoya.cg-games.net/

<a name="a2">Do I need a specific version of the Super Mario World ROM?</a>

You need either the Japanese or American ROM of Super Mario World, Version 1.00. Lunar Magic also supports the SMW part from the SMAS + World.

<a name="a3">How can I access the title screen and edit its text, like in many other hacks?</a>

The title screen is still a secret feature in Lunar Magic. Although many of those "secrets" are well known, I post here the code how to activate it:

Go into the level editor window, you don't need to open a menu or anything else.
Now type

Chelsea

in case-sensitive letters and the bottom line will show the text "Chelsea is *really* cute!" , and go into overworld editor now. Now press F11 to load the title screen. Opening a 8x8 tile editor there will enable you to select the title screen graphic tiles and texts.

After you are done, press F12 to insert the new title screen into the ROM. If you don't do this, it will not save the changes and you'll need to edit it again, so ensure you do this.

<a name="a4">Why do some tilesets and objects show up like garbage in some levels. Is there a way to display them?</a>

Many tilesets use the same locations in the ROM for showing different graphics. So the standard ledges are on the same position every time; but depending on the graphics index setting in the "Level", "Change index of Graphics in Header", their appearance varies from clouds, ropes, grass ledges to castle ledges. Even some of the objects available are tileset specific, plus some of the Map16 data loaded can vary depending on the tileset setting.

There is a way to bypass the actual graphics loaded without changing the tileset specific objects available or Map16 data by using the Bypass List option.

<a name="a5">I want to edit the graphics in SMW, which tools do I need for it ?</a>

You need a tile editor. A common tile editor is Tile Layer Pro 1.0. You can get it at Zophar's Domain or from Acmlm's main page.

Direct link: http://acmlm.overclocked.org/download/hackutil/TLayerPro.zip

Don't be afraid, if the graphics show up like garbage when you attempt to open the .bin files from SMW. You first need to change the settings to SNES in TLP (if you get an error that says "scrollbar out of range", reduce the window size before switching to SNES mode).
If you open the SMW ROM instead, it will show ALL data, not only the GFX. But since a tile editor cannot display essential ASM data, it simply shows garbled graphics in the parts which are not GFX in the game. It's the same, like when you open an image file in an text editor.

<a name="a6">What to I need to do first for editing them?</a>

Make sure you EXTRACT them first ! In Lunar Magic, simply go into the "File" menu, then "Graphics" -> "Extract GFX from ROM".
This will dump all standard graphics in many small .bin files, or in one big chunk, if you enabled "Use Joined GFX files" in the "Options" menu.

These .bin files can be opened in any tile editor.

<a name="a7">How do I add custom backgrounds?</a>

This a little harder than editing the "normal" GFX files. You will need to know how to use ExGFX.

First off, you need one existing small .bin file, so extract the GFX in many chunks first. Resize these files to the smallest size as possible, then simply copy the tiles in there.

Later insert them by "Insert ExGFX to ROM". Then you will need to set up the tiles in the 8x8 and 16x16 tile editor too. This is easy to learn, but this would require far too much description, so I will not cover it in this small FAQ. Read LM's help file for more detailed information about this.

<a name="a8">What are those ExGFX in general ?</a>

ExGFX are extra graphics which are not present in a fresh SMW ROM. That means, you can add more stuff by yourself than SMW usually was supposed to have . Also LM automatically expands the ROM in size for the level data when you save a level every time.

<a name="a9">I inserted some ExGFX into my ROM. But they do not show up, or I don't find them in the object or sprite editor! What do I need to do now?</a>

First of all, check the name of your ExGFX file. If it was ExGFX82.bin for example, it will have the same number. You will need to use the Bypass List option in the "Level" menu to load the graphics. Which one you use depends on if you want to replace sprites, objects or backgrounds. Then you select your ExGFX either from FG1, FG1, FG3 or the BG dropdown list. It should appear when you hit ok, if you inserted your ExGFX file properly. Don't forget to set up the tiles in the 8x8 and 16x16 editors beforehand.

<a name="a10">How can I use these smashable bricks or other blocks, which were not implemented in SMW standardly?</a>

This cannot be done that simply in LM. You will need to use jomwil's Blocktool
There you have a selection of nice blocks, like different time blocks, smashable (ice) bricks like in SMB3. You will need to specify a certain tile number in Blocktool and Lunar Magic's 16x16 editor window; this is covered in a readme in the Blocktool distribution more in detail.

<a name="a11">The palettes from my custom tiles/backgrounds are garbled totally! How can I fix this?</a>

Well, this is a little more complicated. If the palettes do not show up correctly, like a green ? block instead of a yellow question block from another Mario game, you will either need to switch the palette in the 16x16 editor, or, if this does not help, to redraw all colors manually. Either use LM's integrated "Remap Color" feature or do this by hand in TLP.
This can ba a tedious process, especially when you work with backgrounds, so I hope you have some patience working with larger amounts of ExGFX.

<a name="a12">When I use Lunar Magic's implemented tile editor, it does not want to save the changes!</a>

Before you close one of those editors, you first need to
SAVE the changes AND (!) then to reinsert all graphics to the ROM by "Insert GFX into ROM".
For saving the GFX in the editor press F9, then reinsert them.

<a name="a13">What do I need to do to distribute my hack?</a>

First of all, DON'T distribute the plain ROM!
ROM linking is forbidden here, for a good reason. You will need to create a patch from your ROM, which can be applied on a fresh SMW ROM.

Get an IPS patcher which creates an .ips file(International Patch Standard). This one only contains the differences between the original and your game; so it is no own game at all; you may use it and link to your IPS patch here. If you host does not allow to upload these, then simply put it into a ZIP archive (do this anyway, if you patch is a bigger one)

From the main page you can get SNESTool for DOS, it's great for working with ROMs, it also can patch ROMs easily:

http://acmlm.overclocked.org/download/hackutil/SnesTool.zip

There's also Lunar IPS (LIPS) for Windows on FuSoYa's site, at http://fusoya.idz.net/lips/

<a name="a14">Is there a way to change Mario's movements in the demo level,
which is shown in SMW's intro?</a>

For the movement paths in the intro scene FuSoYa maybe forgot it to explain in the help file
You simply start a game, preferably entering the same level as used in the intro scene; then play it normally. After you are done with it (or whenever you want to finish it), make a save state and then import it using the overworld editor.

Go into the overworld bonus menu (don't ask me about the Chelsea trick, it was explained far more than once again lately) or press CTRL + P to access the menu item more quickly, select your previously recorded save state and insert it.

<a name="a15">Some people use the cool Super Mario Bros 3 music from Mario Allstars in their hack. Is there a way to use this music, too?</a>

Their hacks are based on Bouche's SMW hack Demo World 3. He implemented the SMB3 music there. Get Bouches DW3.ips from Legalos, he hosted it on his homepage:
<a href="http://earth.prohosting.com/legalos/DW3.zip" target="_blank">Demo World 3 IPS, zipped (opens in a new window)</a>
Then you simply can follow these steps to insert the music into your hack. You will also need Demo World from FuSoYa, its link is on his homepage too.

Originally posted by FuSoYa:
1) Apply DW3's IPS to a fresh copy of SMW.
2) Apply DW's IPS to a second fresh copy of SMW.
3) Examine the size of your hack's ROM. If the ROM is less than 2 MB, use Lunar Expand to expand it to 2 megs. If it's already more than 3 megs, you have a problem...
4) Use Lunar IPS or SNES Tool to create an IPS patch using DW as the "unmodified" ROM and your hack's ROM as the "modified" ROM.
5) Apply the patch you just created to the DW3 ROM. This ROM will now be your hack, which will have DW3's music.

<a name="a16">I want to make a water level. But is there another way than to place water tiles everywhere (!!!)?</a>

D'oh, you don't need to replace water tiles everywhere . Simply open the "Modify Main and Midway Entrance" menu, then place a check in the proper box below. So you can create a slippery level too.

<a name="a17">A level slow downs when I'm playing it. How do I fix it?</a>

Remove a few sprites from the place where it slows down. Most of the times, that will fix the problem. If it doesn't, then there is probably something incompatible in the level. Try modifying the Sprite Memory settings to match that of a similar normal SMW level. Mess around with Sprite Buoyancy: if you have a layer 2, try the "Enable Buoyancy, but disallow all other interaction with Layer 2" or similar setting.

<a name="a18">Some sprites don't appear while I'm playing the game. What's the reason?</a>
a) You have way too many sprites. Sometimes this makes them disappear. If you have a lot, then reduce the number a little.
b) Your sprite memory isn't done well. Try using another number... but don't ask me for those specific numbers. This is VERY probably the case if you're missing only certain graphics of some sprites, and they keep appearing and disappearing.
c) Your sprite graphics might not be well defined. Make sure all sprites you are using are compatible with the level settings by checking the SP3 and SP4 values from the sprites, in the Add Sprites window, with the ones in the level settings. You can bypass them if you want... and if you're using similar sprites. This is very unlikely to happen, though...

<a name="a19">I don't want people to look at my hack with Lunar Magic and see what I've done. How do I prevent this?</a>

First out, make a backup of your hack. (That means, COPY the file and PASTE it somewhere else, before changing anything)
Once you've done that, open LM, open the ROM you want to lock, open the overworld editor, then type the keys "C" (yes, capital C) "h" "i" "b" "i" "M" "o" "o" "n", like that. You won't see the text anywhere, but it should say "ChibiMoon is cute!" if you enter it right. If you make a mistake, re-open LM. Then, go back to the level editor and press CTRL + E, enter a name in the input field and your hack is locked ! After closing you won't be more able to access it in LM.

You'll want to start by simply making the pipe or the door you want to be enterable.
After doing so, press F1. You'll see that the level becomes divided into different screens (00, 01...). Write down the screen number where the door or pipe is.
Now go into "Screen Exits", that means, the first button in the toolbar with the shape of a door. Look in the box for the value of the screen you wrote down, then type in the box below it the level number or the secondary entrance you want it to link to. (I'll cover secondary entrances later, or you could search for something) If it's a secondary entrance, then check the box below, it's pretty self explanatory. Now press OK. The pipe or door will now link you to that place!

<a name="a21">In this water level I have a few fish, but whenever I play it, the fish act as if there was no water! What is going on?</a>

This can have a few possible causes:
a) Have you set Sprite Buoyancy? I'm pretty sure the second alternative setting will not work in this case. Enable it fully.
b) Have you made it a water level? You can do this in the Secondary Entrances and Main and Midway entrances dialog. See A16.
c) Last, but not least, I recall seeing that the second checkbox on exits is somewhat related to water levels. Make sure it's checked, if you're linking it like that.

To be continued.
<hr></blockquote>

User	Post
Dark Ludwig Posts: 171/172	In the newest veraion of Lunar Magic, you don't need to enter any l33t code to open it. Just go into the overworld editor and the Chelsea options are under file. And you might want to get the latest version of Lunar Magic, since it doesn't seem so. You should have had it already, because the new version of Lunar Magic's in a sticky.
legoman Posts: 57/75	I have Question! I can't find Chelsea bonus menu! argh!
Tatrion Posts: 61/215	Dang it... Pallette 3 is so awesome though Ah well, back to the drawing board... Thanks for the help.
Bio Posts: 333/458	I realised this too, some pallete don't work right, just don't use pallete 3
Tatrion Posts: 60/215	Can someone else help me with this? I'm trying to make an island using Pallette 3 on the main OW map. It looks gray in Lunar Magic like I want it to, but when I test it in game, it's an eye-splitting bright red. How do you make it stay gray?
Kyoufu Kawa Posts: 2281/2481	If you make a hack, and make a patch for that hack based on the original rom, that's okay. If you make a bugfix for that hack, and base the patch on the hack, that's okay too. Patches can, to some degree, be stacked.
Tatrion Posts: 43/215	I have another quick question about IPSs... If make an IPS with your hack on it and it turns out to have a major problem, could you just make another IPS that goes directly over the already IPS'd file, (Like a bugfix patch), or would you have to rerelease it completely, and patch it to another empty ROM, to prevent the ROM from being corrupted from being patched twice (if it does)?
Smallhacker Posts: 2063/2273	An "empty rom" is a copy of a Super Mario World rom which hasn't been edited at all (and preferably not even opened in Lunar Magic)
SMT Posts: 5/14	Hi, I'm back with a new Problem. With a empty ROM I think you mean for example a .txt-File, who change the end in .smc. But this trick with the .txt-file dont work. :/ And also, when I patch the ROM into a classic Mario World rom (US).
Juggling Joker Posts: 988/1033	You can post your SMW hacks here in this forum. If you want people to take notice, you'd do good by posting up a new thread with some screenshots, info about the hack, and (of course) the IPS patch.
SMT Posts: 4/14	Ah ok, understand. erm... and in which Forum could I post my Mario World hacks? Or have I to send it to anyone?
Smallhacker Posts: 2053/2273	Originally posted by SMT .ips? The SNES Rom's for example SNES9x are normally .smc. Look here. If you're releasing a hack, you HAVE TO release the .ips instead of the rom. Giving away roms is ILLEGAL. Use an .ips unless you want Uncle Police to come to your home and teach you a lession. Giving away roms on this board (or even linking to one) could cause a warning, or if you're unlucky, a ban. In other words: Use .ips instead of roms.
SMT Posts: 3/14	.ips? The SNES Rom's for example SNES9x are normally .smc.
Sukasa Posts: 1843/1981	Well, the board has a commons feature that you can upload your .ips on, and I think then that you can link to it wit <a href="./commons.php?id=xx">your text here</a> or something like that.
SMT Posts: 2/14	Hi There! Ok, here my question (please ignore this bad English, I came from switzerland. ): Can I host my own Mario Hacks on this forum? And in which Forum? Thx 4 help
Crysillion Posts: 6/16	I'm interested into making my own tiles. I'm deciding to use Lunar Magic's built-in Tile Editor. However.. I was wondering if there was a way to MAKE tiles, rather then edit them. If not, Is there anyway I can change certain tiles specifically? ( for instance, I don't like the tiles in Ghost House 2. How would I go about editing those, and NOT Normal 1? )
Smallhacker Posts: 2039/2273	Click on the red level dot button in the overworld editor's toolbar.
Lord Koopa Posts: 9/13	Question. (this already be somewhere, but here it goes.) How do you change the name of the worlds/ levels in smw?
Bio Posts: 272/458	Use mario world reconfigurator and check the ASM pointer box
Riku Posts: 610/1239	What's the hex code for the goomba? I'm going to experiment with ASM. I wonder if Hex Workshop 4.2 will do that.....
This is a long thread. Click here to view it.

Acmlm's Board - I2 Archive - Super Mario World hacking - Questions and Answers for newbies!

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