Re: [Enigma-devel] New level format

[Petr Machata]

Daniel Heck wrote:
> So back to Lua.  Here's what I came up with last night.  It's still a
> little rough in places, but all in all I like the result.  It simplifies
> the current renderLine implementations, it's data-based and easy to read
> and write from the editor, you can still include arbitrary Lua code in
> the PreCode and PostCode strings, etc.   
>
> I'd like your feedback, though, before I start programming and
> unwittingly end up with another format that doesn't quite cut it.  So,
> what do you think?

Well.. Generally, why not.

Graphical level editor will be much greater magnet for new level 
designers than some obscure language (despite the fact it's something as 
strong and powerful as LUA is). This in turn will enable faster oxyd 
level conversion, more new enigma levels (so it will be possible to pick 
quality levels), maybe enigma-levels.de will finally be of some real 
usage. You know - graphical level editor will really push things 
forward, and there is a strong demand for something user-friendlier even 
now.
Also, the new format seems to enable much of the fine-tuning that 
classical procedural way did. If it will be possible to use classic 
functions like set_stone in case of need (dynamic levels will require 
this), it may be also possible not to give up whole power of procedural 
level design. Your new-level-format-example seem to enable it. There may 
be a few problems with random mazes and other technologically 
sophisticated levels, but hopefully they will also be convertable.

Drawbacks? Of course... we have some 250 levels in procedural format 
and, if I understand it, they have to be converted. Whoa. You trully 
won't release 0.8 before summer, I bet :) Also I'm not very pleased that 
two months' worth of programming of ant.lua will go bye bye, but anyway 
no one used it, so what's the story.

Generally, you have my support. As soon as enigma is ready, I can start 
the work at anything related that has to be done.

BTW, as major changes come, let's talk a bit about naming conventions of 
level files. Current format <author-id><number>.lua is OK for Enigma 
levels, but for converted ones, I'd rather see something like 
<oxyd-clone-id><levelnum>.lua, like oxm010.lua for 10-th level of Oxyd 
Magnum, pol05.lua for Per-Oxyd Linkgame level 5 etc. It will help a lot 
in future, when index_clones* will break up to particular oxyd clone 
packages. Think about it.

> Cheers,
> Daniel

ant