Extracting to XML?

**mwonch** · September 11, 2013, 06:44 PM

There are a few people who have managed to extract the editable source files in order to mod this game. I have the necessary tools but cannot seem to figure out something seemingly to basic. I'm a smart guy, so this is a bit of a blow to my pride asking you for help. *ahem*

Anyway...

May I ask someone to kindly grant me some quick guidance as to how I can extract files into editable XML format (for example)?

Thank you in advance!

Mike Wonch

**.Mitch.** · September 11, 2013, 06:58 PM

It depends on what file you want to edit Mike, not all files are in XML format, a lot are though.

If you give us a hint as to what you're trying to do then I can tell you how you go about getting access to the file to edit it.

**mwonch** · September 11, 2013, 07:03 PM

I just want to mod whatever I wish whenever I wish, only having too look for the correct file...rather than looking for the correct settings within the correct files within even more files!

This game is NOT modder friendly...for sure...without direct company support. Which I dislike greatly. Hence, I want the independence of modding the raw files.

I guess the short answer is: I want all of them.

**mwonch** · September 11, 2013, 07:05 PM

Where the heck is the Edit button on these bloated forums??

**omzdog** · September 11, 2013, 07:43 PM

Mr. Wonch is right.
Being provided with xml tables instead of raw scripting not only serves to funnel creativity but doubly prevents versatility in modding.
I mean sure its great to organize things and prettify them but some people feel better handling the real thing.

I admit there are sections of the game that should be off limits, but the sections provided are unnecessarily restructured for 'consumption'.
But its pretty obvious what kind of game CA is playing here.

**.Mitch.** · September 11, 2013, 07:50 PM

You do have access to every single file.

90% of the files that do things are either text or in the database (spreadsheet styled).

If you want to go off on a rant then nobody is going to waste their time helping you.

I don't see how access to every single file in their game packs via community made tool within a week of game release thanks to CA releasing their XML's is not modder friendly, but OKAY DUDE THOSE CA BASTARDS, etc, etc, etc.

**mwonch** · September 11, 2013, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by .Mitch.

You do have access to every single file.

90% of the files that do things are either text or in the database (spreadsheet styled).

If you want to go off on a rant then nobody is going to waste their time helping you.

I don't see how access to every single file in their game packs via community made tool within a week of game release thanks to CA releasing their XML's is not modder friendly, but OKAY DUDE THOSE CA BASTARDS, etc, etc, etc.

You read the above as a rant? Are you kidding me? I wasn't, but NOW I will. it may serve as an example of what a real rant happens to be (and hence a lesson for you). Please pay attention...

If you, sir, are representative of the Community here, I do not want your help. Okay? Now, take your over-sensitive arse elsewhere and allow the adults to discuss this. If you must accuse people based on your obviously momentarily dreadful view of the world, why not at least do the legwork to direct said aggression toward the right and deserving folks. I guarantee you, sir, that I am not one of them. Well, I wasn't...until now. I come here to ask a simple question. Another asks a follow-up, which I answered. I wanted to edit my post for something minor, yet no EDIT button. Apparently, I don't rate one, yet. *shrugs* Someone else chimes in with support. You come in accusing one of us of ranting. You know what? I no longer really care about this issue, DUDE! So, I'll figure it out for myself. You win. Happy now?

THE ABOVE...is a rant. See the difference? GREAT example, isn't it? I meant, it, too. Forget this question. I'll find the answer elsewhere. I just have zero time to waste further on childish accusations when all I want is to...mod...the...game.

Wow.

**omzdog** · September 11, 2013, 08:03 PM

90% of the files that do things are either text or in the database (spreadsheet styled)

Ya this could be the problem.
Programs like Notepad++ do a 10x better job of organizing the anarchy.
Giving use txt sources for everything moddable would definitely help.

**mwonch** · September 11, 2013, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by omzdog

Ya this could be the problem.Programs like Notepad++ do a 10x better job of organizing the anarchy.Giving use txt sources for everything moddable would definitely help.

Why did they make this title (and many recent others) so difficult to mod? Is that intentional for some reason, or is that just the way it turned out?

**.Mitch.** · September 11, 2013, 08:32 PM

If you want text it's two clicks in the PFM, click on the db, click export TSV.

Everything else is text. Or a model/texture.

**omzdog** · September 11, 2013, 08:38 PM

yes or .anim and audio files.
Didn't know db could be exported, I may have to try that out.

But AFAIS esf remains in the hands of EditSF.
Unless PFM startpos now works.

**omzdog** · September 11, 2013, 08:46 PM

No no, please don't.
Its my job to be stark raving mad here.

You get to be logical.
Mitch was referring to my unkind outbursts.

Originally Posted by mwonch

Why did they make this title (and many recent others) so difficult to mod? Is that intentional for some reason, or is that just the way it turned out?

This question can be answered in the fact that there is no documentation other than header labeling.

**mwonch** · September 11, 2013, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by omzdog

No no, please don't.
Its my job to be stark raving mad here.

You get to be logical.
Mitch was referring to my unkind outbursts.

This question can be answered in the fact that there is no documentation other than header labeling.

Well, then, I must apologize to Mitch!

*ahem*

Mitch,

I really am sorry.

Sincerely,

Mike

There, I feel better.

omzdog, I didn't read your posts here as unkind in any way, so perhaps I missed a joke. I apologize to you, too, if this is the case. if this is NOT the case, forget I apologized that second time. I can regain my pride faster that way. LOL!

Anyway, again I ask: HOW do I extract all those silly XML files? I'm assuming it's incredibly easy to those who know. *ahem*

**omzdog** · September 11, 2013, 09:07 PM

omzdog, I didn't read your posts here as unkind in any way, so perhaps I missed a joke.

Originally Posted by omzdog

No no Mitch is right, we could circle jerk ourselves into oblivion until CA realizes their great potential as our dear leaders and conquers the world with battle siege AI programming.
SEGA heil!

Per your request: