Ultimate Mod 5 v5.5 Redux (New)

[thunderchero]

Hi Dafedz,

when I added files I got error about invalid race id? crash on game start
note; if files added with "add files" tool game would load. so UE 0.7.2dev5d is changing something.

it might be better if you uploaded full install folder for testing.

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

Would also be interested in implementing the extra torpedo firing arcs feature, whatever that precisely entails, but not if it's a lot of work.

Estimate about 30 minutes (conception, patching trek.exe + editing all shiplist.sst 'beam min range' values).

Hard coded default is a torpedo firing arc of 60 degree forward for all ships, stations and monster.
With patch new aft torpedo arc = (360 -'beam min range') so 'beam min range' 315 = extra 45 aft.

- ECM uses: (-> 'beam min range' value)
360 degree torpedo firing arc for strike cruiser and powerful monster (borg/edo) -> 1.0
extra 45 aft for all other cruiser -> 315.0
no extra aft for all other armed ships/monster (fast group, armed colony/TT) -> 360.0
unarmed (no beams or torpedoes) -> 0.0

The patch sets all stations to 360 degree via trek.exe (shiplist.sst ignored)
All other ships/monster aft arcs are read from shiplist.sst (360 - 'beam min range')


Bottom of this post you find a multi patch to improve AI commands in tactical combat: viewtopic.php?p=52751#p52751
Ignore conflict - UM52.5 exe uses default ram damage (nominal hull) so no extra adjustments required for AI.

UM5 v5.5 files

I tried to download files from 4shared with Firefox and MS Edge but the 'wait 20 seconds' message never ended. All I get is awful teen porn ads when disabling script/ad blocker.... Or is this the new Dabo girls extra morale building for UM5?
4shared has gone downhill, I'd recommend e.g. https://workupload.com/


Anyway, I checked the old UM 52.5 trek.exe -> thunderchero fixed the missing AI tech bonus factor codes for you!

food/energy +30% -> extra codes fixed
industry +80% -> extra code fixed
research +50% (all tech) -> no extra codes
intel +100% (computer) -> no extra codes

[Dafedz]

Anyway, I checked the old UM 52.5 trek.exe -> thunderchero fixed the missing AI tech bonus factor codes for you!

food/energy +30% -> extra codes fixed
industry +80% -> extra code fixed
research +50% (all tech) -> no extra codes
intel +100% (computer) -> no extra codes

I hope this fixes your tech bonus issues: (ignore conflict - backup trek.exe before patching)

UM5_tech_bonus_hotfix_test.patch

Fixes three possible patch conflicts: (NOTE Red conflicts shouldn't be ignored/overpatched unless instructed!)

Thanks for the new patch! Unfortunately it crashes the game, both starting a new game or loading a previous save. Not sure what to do about it.

As for the adjusted torpedo firing arcs, I'll definitely look into doing that as and when I have time.

For now here's a new download link (ignore previous). Sorry about the problems with 4shared. I've uploaded to workupload as advised. I've included the whole stbotf.res file to hopefully preclude any irregularities. The trek.exe is non-patched version (regarding above 'tech_bonus_hotfix'), as that did not work.

BOTF UM5v5.5 files Archive

New BOTF Sound files

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

BOTF UM5v5.5 files Archive

That's a heavy edited exe! Panda Dome Antivirus blocks any activation except via hex-editor (cf J-ship-edit) even analysis via OllyDbg.
But don't worry, an interrogation surgeon gets to the bottom of it. In the course of the investigation expect arbitrary arrests and a few casualties...

[thunderchero]

BOTF UM5v5.5 files Archive

New BOTF Sound files

few questions for adding to installer.

map generation I had a lot of issues with ring and spiral (readrace error) you might consider using original 4:3 map shape using wide screen zoom-in: viewtopic.php?p=57625#p57625
or irregular maps with 4 density settings.

test version is 1366 x 768 do you want to release 1024 x 768 and/or 1920 x 1080 versions? (most files I already have or will edit size of your current images for ships and structure)
Note; most of my mods I have dropped 800 x 600 version

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

For galaxy generation issues 'Fairer starting positions for default maps' is to remove. One of many wrong patches (UM5 has no vanilla default maps).

Fixing this exe is going to take some time. To get this mess sorted out I need to create three multi updates patches:

- REMOVE this from UM5 multi patch
- UPDATE this in UM5 multi patch (ignore conflict)
- ADD this to UM5 multi patch (missing fixes + extra suggestions)

And clearly the new patch lowering success chance of blaming others for sabotage attacks doesn't work. Cardassian hackers try to frame Dafedz...

[Dafedz]

This is weird, I didn't think the exe was that bad. It's not so different to pre-update. All I've done is add a few extra patches, most being fixes I've been alerted to and were not around circa 2015 when UM5 was last updated.

There remain a few custom patches of my own (not all I remember it was 7+ years ago), mostly enhancements, like for extra planets and making use of gas giants (more here), or for 12 Tech levels. But all the 'fixes' I've applied (error correction type patches) I've done with QD's patcher. And all the games I've played since 2015 [and from what I've heard from other players of UM5] have not run into any major gameplay issues. It seems to run smoothly. The only current 'major' problem I'm aware of is the tech bonus issue and the fix for it squelching my Food production.

And by the way I think I found the original tech bonus patch I was using:

Code: Select all

NAME: Tech %Bonus Output patch
AUTHOR: Spocks-cuddly-tribble
URL: 

DESC: Precludes structure upgrades. Food Bonus: 30% Food per Biotech tech level

>> 0x000418e9 89 5c 24 10 8b 02 8b 72 04 89 44 24 0c 01 f7
<< 0x000418e9 1E 89 5c 24 10 8b 02 03 7a 04 89 44 24 0c 90

DESC: Energy Bonus: 30% Energy per Energy tech level

>> 0x000428c4 8d 04 36
>> 0x000428cc e8
>> 0x000428d2 44

<< 0x000428c4 6b f6 1e
<< 0x000428cc ee
<< 0x000428d2 74

DESC: Industry Bonus: 80% Industry per Construction tech level

>> 0x0004114b 8d 04 36
>> 0x0004114f c8
>> 0x00041160 c8
>> 0x00041166 44
>> 0x000418e7 01

<< 0x0004114b 6b f6 50
<< 0x0004114f ce
<< 0x00041160 ce
<< 0x00041166 74
<< 0x000418e7 6b


DESC: Research Tech Bonus 50% lowest tech. Includes %research (local) fix

>> 0x00040a78 80 7b
>> 0x00040a7b 23 74 36 c1 e2 02 29 f2 c1 e2 02 29 f2
>> 0x00040a89 8b 40 02 00
>> 0x00040a8e c1 e2 03 01 d1
>> 0x00040abc 8b 41 42 c1 f8 10 83 e8 64 89 44 24 08 dd 05 94 89 57 00 db 44 24 08

<< 0x00040a78 8b 43
<< 0x00040a7b b2 06 e8 fe 89 ff ff 6b c0 32 6b d6 58
<< 0x00040a89 8c 1a 40 02
<< 0x00040a8e 00 90 90 90 90
<< 0x00040abc 0f b7 71 44 03 73 1c 8d 44 30 9c 89 04 24 dd 05 94 89 57 00 db 04 24

DESC: Intel Bonus 100% Computer tech. Do not use with Intel 2in1 fix.

>> 0x00040976 80 78 4c 23 0f 84 be
>> 0x0004097f 00 89 d9 8d 14 8d 00 00 00 00 29 ca c1 e2 02 29 ca c1 e2 03 8d 88 40 02 00 00 01 d1 89 da c1 e2 02 29 da c1 e2 06 8d 98 c0 00 00 00 01 d3
>> 0x000409b9 73 3c

<< 0x00040976 50 8b 40 4c ba 01 00
<< 0x0004097f e8 fc 8a ff ff 6b e8 64 58 6b cb 58 8d 8c 08 40 02 00 00 0f b7 51 44 8d 6c 2a 9c 69 db c0 00 00 00 8d 9c 18 c0 00 00 00 03 6b 5c 90 90 90
<< 0x000409b9 f5 90

map generation I had a lot of issues with ring and spiral (readrace error)

To tell you the truth, I never looked at the other galaxies (trying to get one to work correctly is work enough). I was aware that widescreen format did not handle spiral/ring types very well. So I never really approached the issue.

Way back when, at UM5's launch, I included the disclaimer that UM5 is "specifically configured for Irregular Galaxies", and if you - the player - prefer Ring/Spirals then let me know and I'll look into making it work. No one ever asked me that. No one ever brought it up. I figured that most other players were indeed like me. In 24 years of Botf I've never played a single game that was not an Irregular galaxy. I never saw the appeal (or point) of the other ones, and from what I gather most other players were and are in agreement. So yeh, spirals and rings I neglected, for the sole reason no one much cares for them and it was not worth the effort.

[Dafedz]

test version is 1366 x 768 do you want to release 1024 x 768 and/or 1920 x 1080 versions? (most files I already have or will edit size of your current images for ships and structure)
Note; most of my mods I have dropped 800 x 600 version

Supporting multiple formats is a bit of a headache (aren't there enough already?) lol.

I'd be more than happy to drop 800x600. That aspect is as dead as dead. Maybe it's time you held a poll and asked players what they play or want to ideally play. I wouldn't be surprised if most considered even 1024x768 obsolete these days. 1920 x 1080 is the most up to date and looks the cleanest - but for me there's too much empty space.

I can still release with 1024x768 as the files for it should be there, but for me 1366x768 is my preferred resolution and in my opinion the sweet spot.

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

It's not that bad. But I have never seen this OllyDbg warning for a BotF trek.exe (+ AV blocking it): UM5.5 only not UM52.5!

OllyDbg_Error_with_UM5.5.png

Modding BotF is really hard (you know that) even with the patcher tool and patch descriptions you need ages to determine/edit a proper exe.
Given a restrictive time frame errors are unavoidable.

'Essential extra codes for Food, Energy & Industry Tech level bonus factors' viewtopic.php?p=33046#p33046 (correct in UM52.5 AFC installer version!)

You (means Cardassian hackers trying to frame you) overpatched thunderchero's right patches with wrong percentages (e.g. AI industry 3% instead of 80%).
Furthermore they changed food, intel & research percentages in your above (again correct) 'Tech %Bonus Output' patch leading to your issue.

Here is REMOVE, ADD & UPDATE multi patches for UM5.5 (not perfect but best I can do right now):

UM5.5patches.zip

Fixes tech level bonus issues, adds code for aft torpedo launchers, AI combat behavior and much more.
But there is still something strange. The OllyDbg warning is still there with UM5.5?

NOTE I see UM5 uses my ECM command-ship requirement for solo-mode targeting
Most player hate this, so here is how to unlock that in UM5: trek.exe at 0xA5B28 change 75 to EB

Only UM5.5 Tech level bonus factors hotfix (ignore conflict):

tech.patch

UM5 is "specifically configured for Irregular Galaxies"

In 24 years of Botf I've never played a single game that was not an Irregular galaxy. I never saw the appeal (or point) of the other ones, and from what I gather most other players were and are in agreement. So yeh, spirals and rings I neglected, for the sole reason no one much cares for them and it was not worth the effort.

So you shouldn't mind if we (if not too much work) update all galaxy types to irregular with just different density settings in the installer (cf MUM)?
Perhaps thunderchero can provide his MUM patch for UM5? Or is there many GUI files to edit?

1920 x 1080 is the most up to date and looks the cleanest - but for me there's too much empty space.
I can still release with 1024x768 as the files for it should be there, but for me 1366x768 is my preferred resolution and in my opinion the sweet spot.

I and other user like Benman feel the same. But UM5.5 becomes unplayable if a graphic card doesn't support 1366x768. I don't know how common this is?
So maintaining the current installer UM5 resolutions might make sense?

[thunderchero]

Perhaps thunderchero can provide his MUM patch for UM5? Or is there many GUI files to edit?

few lexicon edits, tga files, cc_bkgd.tga and patch

irregular.patch

also here is a patch folder of the green (no conflicts) patches (many other changes still left undocumented)

UM5_patches.zip

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

I looked at Dafedz nice ships.
Some have minor transparency issues in certain areas/angels (Defiant, Sovereign, B'rel and Dominion scout) but it's not disturbing.
Just the Keldon texture looks a bit drab/unfinished:

Keldon.png

Buttons issue in options screen:

options_ui_issue.png

One thing that really bugs me which I can't find a workaround for. I've had the issue where AI empires - when set to invade a minor - will in a single turn totally wipe out that minor. You then lose that minor from the game, and the special structures they bring.

Two patch versions for "at some point the AI destroys too many systems instead of conquering them".

Code: Select all

NAME: AI vs AI System Attack Workaround (50% Pop damage)
DESC: 50% bombing damage AI vs AI to pop/buildings except active OBs & SH. Player and AI vs player systems unchanged.

>> 0x00066854 40 52 89 e2 b9 48 00 00 00 8d bc 24 20 01 00 00 25 ff
>> 0x00066867 00 00 89 e6 e8 50 85 00 00 f3 a5 8b 84 24 ac 01
>> 0x00066878 00 0f af 84 24 a8 01 00 00 0f af 84 24 a4 01 00 00 8b b4 24 b0 03 00 00 39 f0 7d 10 89 f2 29 c2 89 94 24 b0 03 00 00 e9 27 fc ff ff 89 c1 31 c0
>> 0x000668ad 89 84 24 b0 03 00 00 b8 84 a8 57 00 29 f1

<< 0x00066854 48 28 8a 40 52 8b d4 e8 60 85 00 00 8d 94 24 84 00 00
<< 0x00066867 8b 02 0f af 42 04 0f af 42 08 8d bc 24 b0 03 00
<< 0x00066878 3b 07 7f 07 29 07 e9 48 fc ff ff 2b 07 89 37 b5 01 d2 e5 84 2d 28 2b 5a 00 8b c8 75 0e 90 90 90 8b 47 48 80 78 04 01 75 02 D1 E9 b8 84 a8 57 00
<< 0x000668ad 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90

Code: Select all

NAME: AI vs AI System Attack Workaround (no pop damage)
DESC: No bombing damage AI vs AI to pop/buildings except active OBs & SH. AI vs player systems -50% bombing damage.

>> 0x00066854 40 52 89 e2 b9 48 00 00 00 8d bc 24 20 01 00 00 25 ff
>> 0x00066867 00 00 89 e6 e8 50 85 00 00 f3 a5 8b 84 24 ac 01
>> 0x00066878 00 0f af 84 24 a8 01 00 00 0f af 84 24 a4 01 00 00 8b b4 24 b0 03 00 00 39 f0 7d 10 89 f2 29 c2 89 94 24 b0 03 00 00 e9 27 fc ff ff 89 c1 31 c0
>> 0x000668ad 89 84 24 b0 03 00 00 b8 84 a8 57 00 29 f1

<< 0x00066854 48 28 8a 40 52 8b d4 e8 60 85 00 00 8d 94 24 84 00 00
<< 0x00066867 8b 02 0f af 42 04 0f af 42 08 8d bc 24 b0 03 00
<< 0x00066878 3b 07 7f 07 29 07 e9 48 fc ff ff 2b 07 89 37 b5 01 d2 e5 84 2d 28 2b 5a 00 8b c8 75 0e c1 e9 01 8b 47 48 80 78 04 01 75 02 33 c9 b8 84 a8 57 00
<< 0x000668ad 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90

here is a patch folder of the green (no conflicts) patches (many other changes still left undocumented)

Be careful! I did NOT create the patch database! Just two cases of cardassian sabotage:

% intel total two-in-one bug & unlock % intel (local) fix
trek.exe at 0x409BA change 3C -> 5C (conflict with intel tech bonus patch!)
Patch:

Code: Select all

NAME: Intel: % intel total two-in-one bug & unlock % intel (local) fix
AUTHOR: Spocks-cuddly-tribble
DESC: This patch fixes % intel total two-in-one bug & unlock % intel (local) fix
DESC: patch file name: intel_2in1.patch
URL: https://www.armadafleetcommand.com/onscreen/botf/viewtopic.php?p=32983#p32983

>> 0x000409ba 3C
>> 0x00040abc 8b 41 42 c1 f8 10 83 e8 64 89 44 24 08 -> wrong -> research code 
>> 0x00040ad0 44 -> wrong -> research code
>> 0x00040ad2 08 -> wrong -> research code

<< 0x000409ba 90 -> wrong -> 5C
<< 0x00040abc 0f b7 71 44 03 73 1c 8d 44 30 9c 89 04 -> wrong -> research code
<< 0x00040ad0 db -> wrong -> research code
<< 0x00040ad2 24 -> wrong -> research code

Code outdated viewtopic.php?p=15820#p15820 REMOVE from database & from trek.exe if installed (see my above remove patch for Dafedz)

Code: Select all

NAME: Message fix minor race rebelled / message withdrawn Bug
AUTHOR: Spocks-cuddly-tribble
DESC: This code disables this sequence (to restore original code see above):
DESC: IF inhabitant empire alive THEN set inhabitant-bit at [esp] // (maybe for rejoin message)
DESC: The following code keeps fix and doubtful code + more options for editing of random events:
DESC: patch file name: minor_race_rebelled.patch
URL: https://www.armadafleetcommand.com/onscreen/botf/viewtopic.php?f=242&t=1082&p=18640#p18640
TAG: fix

>> 0x4AF9E  83 0F FF FF FF 66 83 FA 20 0F 83 A2 00 00 00 89 D1 BA 01 00 00 00 D3 E2 8B 2D 50 2B 5A 00 89 D1 21 E9 0F 85 
<< 0x4AF9E  82 0F FF FF FF C1 E2 06 81 C2 4C 20 5A 00 C6 02 00 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 E9

@ Flocke

Can you check the UM5.5 trek.exe with any analysis tool: https://workupload.com/file/naGTAyMrqKE

OllyDbg still gives an error warning and refuses to save changes:

[Flocke]

@ Flocke

Can you check the UM5.5 trek.exe with any analysis tool: https://workupload.com/file/naGTAyMrqKE

OllyDbg still gives an error warning and refuses to save changes:

I don't think that message comes from OllyDbg. I rather think it is raised by Windows executing the game, which is what OllyDbg does for loading the assembler code and hooking the debugger.

I havn't checked the exe yet, but it reminds me of an issue I faced some years back when editing trek.exe. I think that message was raised when by editing or file copy you changed the file date. By the old date of the exe Windows automatically activated some compatibility layer to make it work. On newer dates Windows decided that it was not necessary and failed with above message.

I'm sure I reported on it before, but all I can find is this little note on 16-bit graphics compatibility: viewtopic.php?p=42284#p42284

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

I don't think that message comes from OllyDbg. I rather think it is raised by Windows executing the game, which is what OllyDbg does for loading the assembler code and hooking the debugger.

Thanks, but OllyDbg loads, analyses and edits the exe as usual, just saving doesn't work.
Plus UM5.5 runs flawless with this exe (after my extra patches).

And no, it's not a simultaneous access/editing issue (I'm aware of it).

However, I have the same saving issue with any trek.exe when BotF is not installed (just a different message).
So perhaps after a proper installer integration by thunderchero the issue disappears?

[thunderchero]

So perhaps after a proper installer integration by thunderchero the issue disappears?

try reset registries at
(so it has an installed path to find files)
0x00174357
0x0017b09f

UM5 -> BOTF (or use ECM if vanilla not installed)

edit; was there a replacement patch for Message fix minor race rebelled / message withdrawn Bug patch? (most mods still have this applied)

plus I went though other patches above and might make a few edits myself.

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

try reset registries at
(so it has an installed path to find files)
0x00174357
0x0017b09f

UM5 -> BOTF (or use ECM if vanilla not installed)

Thanks, but no change. Above error when opening and this when trying to save edited files:

error.png

Maybe the file header (e.g. relocation areas) is corrupted? But it doesn't matter. UM5.5 (Fixed/Patched) runs just fine.

was there a replacement patch for Message fix minor race rebelled / message withdrawn Bug patch? (most mods still have this applied)

Minor Race Rebellion / Message Withdrawn Bug (fix) - UPDATED viewtopic.php?p=18640#p18640 (also in patch database)