Scenario completed, ready to test, not on Custom screen

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 11:08 pm

Hello again, I have completed a scenario I made and wanted to test it. I put the file in the data folder and it is a PZCN file. I have validated it on the editor screen. I do not have a PZLOC file apparently. Don't know how to make one. But in any case the scenario does not show up on the Custom Screen when I try to pull it up. What am I doing wrong or not doing right?

I did not initiate the "Generate Tiles Command" since I made the map without this feature from the terrain choices. Is this a command I have to execute to make the file recognized? Each tile with a terrain overlay is the same type on the underlying town such as Thick forest, Forest, etc. The validation command on the Scenario editor found no errors.

It is a large map scenario with lots of units and land features. It has 874 KB of data in it when the other files in the DATA file have usually about 130 KB or so.
Would this be a problem too?

And finally in making the scenario, I chose Germans as attackers and was able to set the units on the map. I was unable to put Soviet units on the map with the unit editor, but I did set the number of units, auxiliarys, prestige, etc. Will I be able to do the Soviet units myself or will the AI do them? I have added custom units per the Equipment Editor program and they show up on the equipment and graphics list but they show up as "invalid unit" on the map when I pull it up on the Scenario editor.

I adjusted all the available dates on them so that they would be available for this scenario, so what could be the problem? They still show up on the Equipment Editor when I check them.

Thanks

AgentX · Post by **AgentX** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:15 am

Only stock maps show up from the Data folder. Custom maps need to go to Libraries/Documents/My Games/Panzer Corps (there will be other folders inside named Log and Save). Create a new folder called Scenario and put your maps there. To create a pzloc file, I believe you just need to copy an existing one, rename it (needs to be same name as the map) and edit it the way you want (just open it up in Notepad).

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:45 am

Thank you Agent X, I have gone to the libraries folder in the game and there is no document or scenario folder there. Where do I find the "Libraries/documents/my games/Panzer Corps" or do I create it? If I create it how do I make the "log" and "save" section?

Also since I did not use the "generate the tiles command" in the Scenario editor and made my own tiles, will this have an effect on the map being playable?

El_Condoro · Post by **El_Condoro** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 2:32 am

I think the Libraries AgentX is talking about is the Windows 7 Libraries, which is sort of like Favorites in XP. Under My Documents should be My Games\Panzer Corps with Log and Save. Create a Scenario (not plural) folder and put your pzscn and pzloc files there.

Kerensky · Post by **Kerensky** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 2:55 am

flakfernrohr wrote:Also since I did not use the "generate the tiles command" in the Scenario editor and made my own tiles, will this have an effect on the map being playable?

While it is entirely possible to create a map without ever invoking the Generate command, it's a highly difficult, error prone, unrecommended, and time consuming process.
I would check the 'validate scenario' function that is built into the editor. If that doesn't kick out any errors, then your map should play just fine.

El_Condoro · Post by **El_Condoro** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:19 am

OP wrote:The validation command on the Scenario editor found no errors.

I'd be interested to know exactly what the validate scenario command does. I assume it checks that every hex has a terrain type but it also checks if rivers and cities have names. I wonder what else.

Kerensky · Post by **Kerensky** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:49 am

And as I said

Kerensky wrote:I would check the 'validate scenario' function that is built into the editor. If that doesn't kick out any errors, then your map should play just fine.

Among other things though, it also checks for invalid units.
For example, using a custom equipment file to place a unit, then removing that custom equipment file and reopening the map will generate an error.

Razz1 · Post by **Razz1** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:20 am

I think your trying to take too big of a bite and swallow your food whole.

Your making custom tiles and custom units with all sorts of problems and the custom units haven't even been balanced yet.

Do small pieces at a time.

Get one to work, then add the other.

Custom units need several files to get them to work correctly.

Make sure you set USSR as a player in the parameters. then click on view pallet filter Soviet units.

You should be able to place them on the map now

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:44 am

Thanks guys, I have validated the scenarios, maps and units. The units played on other original PzC maps great. I had saved it as a "modified equipment file" seperate from the original equipment file. So to put these units into a game, all I have to do is take out the original equipment file and put in the "modified" equipment file. The unit graphics file just remains in place in the original graphics folder file. So the units work and function fine. I spent a great deal of time on them when I made them and tried to be very meticulous. Yes, I discovered my oversight with placing the Soviet units and I have them in place now.

The maps I made were mostly made from one tile by tile map I made of 120X130 and validated. I keep it as a template. It already has overlays on it for terrain (matching tiles underneath), so all I have to do it add the cities, rivers, mountains, and change the terrain and crop it down to the scale I want in 5KM or 7KM per hex. Then I have a new totally different map for a different part of Russia or Eastern Europe without having to change all of the overlays for terrain. Now when I make a map I like, when I have saved two or three copies, I take an extra copy and remove the rivers, towns, railroads, roads, airports, fortifications, special scenario additions, etc. Then I have a generic terrain map with all the overlays already in place for a heavily forested map, steppe with hills, etc. Then it's easy to just change a few terrain tiles underneath and the right overlays and I have a totally new map fairly easy.

It took a great deal of time to make the first tile at a time map and I made plenty of screw ups, but discovered them all and finally found the right path to making a highly detailed map. I always match the underlying terrain tile with the overlay on top. I check this several times since it will not show up in the Validate Scenario unless it is left out of string. There is a lot I learned about making maps that was not in the booklet. I learned it by trial and errors (many). I spend a lot of time on my maps to make them interesting since I already have interesting custom units to play. My maps have very little "clear" hexes, most all have some detail of terrain. To me it makes it much more interesting and visually appealing.

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:05 am

I just copies the pzscn file of the map and scenario into another file and renamed it the same then changed the pzscn to pzloc and saved it.

I went to the My Games Panzer Corps folder and found the log and save folders. I found the validation is fine with the map in the save folder, however the log folder says the "could not open strings file". I know the strings is correct on the hexes, so I will have to troubleshoot what this message means. I think it is the "gatekeeper" keeping the game from picking up on my map and scenario.

El_Condoro · Post by **El_Condoro** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 6:10 am

then changed the pzscn to pzloc and saved it.

Doing this won't create a pzloc file - you will need to change the name of another pzloc file (one of the standard ones from the data folder) and then edit it. It's probably what's causing your problem.

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:34 am

In order to create the new pzloc file for the new scenario, how do I "edit" the other pzloc file? By pasting the pzscn file into/onto the original pzloc file? I'm not quite sure I understand how to edit it. Maybe I have been working on this and can't see the forest for the trees. Please excuse me for getting confused on it.

El_Condoro · Post by **El_Condoro** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:42 am

No problem - better to ask than go mad trying!

1. I use Notepad++ because it's free and easily downloaded (just search for it on Google or whatever you use).
2. Copy one of the pzloc files from the Panzer Corps\Data folder e.g. Tutorial 1 below:
3. Paste it into the My Games\Panzer Corps\scenario folder. Rename it to the same name as the map file (pzscn).
4. Right-click it and choose Edit in Notepad++
5. Edit the text between the codes. and for italics etc. and for new paragraph with break. for non-breaking paragraph. e.g.

IDS_SCEN_NAME 1st Tutorial
IDS_SCEN_DESCRIPTION 1st Tutorial
IDS_SCEN_SIDE1 Axis
IDS_SCEN_SIDE2 Allies
IDS_SCEN_AXIS_CAM_OBJECTIVES Decisive Victory: Capture all objectives with at least 4 turns remaining. Marginal Victory: Capture all objectives.
IDS_SCEN_AXIS_SCN_OBJECTIVES Capture all objectives.
IDS_SCEN_ALLIED_CAM_OBJECTIVES Hold at least 1 objective.
IDS_SCEN_ALLIED_SCN_OBJECTIVES Hold at least 1 objective.

6. Test it out and marvel at your own brilliance!

It will probably take a bit of trial and error but it will make sense.

Fimconte · Post by **Fimconte** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:43 am

flakfernrohr wrote:In order to create the new pzloc file for the new scenario, how do I "edit" the other pzloc file? By pasting the pzscn file into/onto the original pzloc file? I'm not quite sure I understand how to edit it. Maybe I have been working on this and can't see the forest for the trees. Please excuse me for getting confused on it.

pzloc is simple text file that you can open with notepad/notepad++.

It contains some ids strings, but for the most part you can use only the parts you need.
For example:

Code: Select all

IDS_SCEN_DESCRIPTION	"Operation Himmler, the prelude to Fall Weiss and the beginning of World War II"
IDS_SCEN_AXIS_CAM_OBJECTIVES	<i>Decisive Victory:</i><br>Capture all objectives with at least 4 turns remaining.<br><br><i>Marginal Victory:</i><br>Capture all objectives.
IDS_SCEN_ALLIED_CAM_OBJECTIVES	Hold at least 1 objective.
IDS_SCEN_AXIS_SCN_OBJECTIVES	Capture all objectives.
IDS_SCEN_ALLIED_SCN_OBJECTIVES	Hold at least 1 objective.

Edit: Curse you El_Condoro!

El_Condoro · Post by **El_Condoro** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:46 am

Quick and the dead around here, mate!

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:07 pm

Hello again guys. I am back. Something so simple is seemingly so hard I guess. I have followed the steps given in this thread very carefully and for the life of me I cannot get the scenario to show up in the game "custom" files. I have created a pzloc file as indicated and done what I thought was the correct procedure.

Perhaps when I put the files in documents/mygames/panzercorps folder I am not putting the pzloc and pzscn files into it correctly. I need to make an entirely different scenario file to put these in that is titled the same as the maps, I understand that. But all I do is make the folder, title it, put the pzloc (edited) and pzscn files into it and "save". I do not have to put the pzloc and pzscn files in any other parts of the documents/mygames/panzercorps folder? The reason I ask is because in the "save" file are pzsav files of the other campaign and scenario maps and they are not in seperate files. They are all in the "save" file together like in the game "data" files. They are all pzsav files.

When I open the documents/mygames/panzercorps folder, it has three file icons showing, they are "log", "save", "launcher". So do I put the new scenario folder in this file with these three or open one or more of the three and put the pzloc and pzscn files in one or more of these files named "login", "save", "launcher"? I seem to be getting the "cannot open strings file" message when I open the "log" file. It is the only error message.

Sorry for my mixed up state of mind. I know it is something that is very simple to do. Also I have divided the large maps into three or four sections each and retitled them. That should help the AI.

El_Condoro · Post by **El_Condoro** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:56 pm

The files go in (XP folders) My Documents\My Games\Panzer Corps\scenario (note it is not plural - just 'scenario'). The pzloc is optional but the pzscn must go in this folder. If you do not have a pzloc you may just have a blank line when selecting the scenario in the game but it should still be there.

You are on the right track - just create that folder under ...Panzer Corps as above and put your scenario files in it.

Keep asking questions - guys are happy to help.

AgentX · Post by **AgentX** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:44 pm

@flakfernrohr, I believe your problem is you're creating folders for the map names.....it is not needed and will result in it not working. Follow VPaulus's advice. There should only be a Scenario folder next to the Log and Save folders. Put the pzscn and pzloc files in there (these are what needed to be the same name; in order to load the pzscn file, it needs to be the same name as the pzloc). Don't create any folders other than the Scenario folder.

flakfernrohr · Post by **flakfernrohr** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:48 am

El_Condoro wrote:The files go in (XP folders) My Documents\My Games\Panzer Corps\scenario (note it is not plural - just 'scenario'). The pzloc is optional but the pzscn must go in this folder. If you do not have a pzloc you may just have a blank line when selecting the scenario in the game but it should still be there.

You are on the right track - just create that folder under ...Panzer Corps as above and put your scenario files in it.

Keep asking questions - guys are happy to help.

El Condoro, guys like you are what makes this forum and this game so great. I took the three of the four large maps I made and cut them down. Now I have 13 original maps to play in scenarios and all will combine into a campaign Post Kursk Victory. Boy this is what I wanted to do back in the mid 1990's with PZG!