So, I had an interesting idea...

Using the "hotseat" cheat, and modding

from GalCiv2 Forums

So I recently got this game for christmas, and I must say, I enjoy the concept so far. I only have the regular game, DL, but I'm hoping to grab the expansions at some point. The only two things that felt limiting, where the lack of multiplayer, and not enough customizability for my tastes. But then I found out about both modding, and that one little cheat, and it gave me an idea.

I don't like the standard races, and neither do my friends, we like to always play custom races, but normaly that'd be impossible using the hotseat cheat, because you can't set computers to custom races. But what if you modded the races in the first place, the ones you were going to choose, so that in a way, you could still have custom races in a hotseat.

This brings me to a question though. I've heard that using the cheta denies you some of the starting bonuses for that race, and I'm wondering if it's all bonuses, or certain ones, or what, so that I might be able to work around them while designing a couople custom races? Any answers would be appreciated.

4,032 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

because you can't set computers to custom races.
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Yes you can.

You can choose what races you play against.  You can create a bunch of custom races and then choose to play against all of them.

Haven't tested hotseat mode myself, so don't know specifically what bonuses you'd lose, although I'd assume all starting bonuses (but presumably bonuses gained during the game itself would be applied correctly).

Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting Sole, reply 1

because you can't set computers to custom races.


Yes you can.

You can choose what races you play against.  You can create a bunch of custom races and then choose to play against all of them.

Haven't tested hotseat mode myself, so don't know specifically what bonuses you'd lose, although I'd assume all starting bonuses (but presumably bonuses gained during the game itself would be applied correctly).
End of Sole's quote

...I'm pretty sure custom opponents were introduced in DA, which he doesnt' have.

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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Yeah, I can't since I don't have the expansions, thus I have to do a round about way. Something else came to mind too, something I hadn't thought of. Now, the first turn would go fine, assuming you did everything how you wanted, but what about after you press the turn button? I'd imagine that would completely screw it up, as the AI would take over the other player's turn, right? Unless maybe it's based on player order, in which case that might not be a problem, but it could be a dilema, if that's the case I'd probably have to edit out the AI in some way, at least for the races in question.

Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

...I'm pretty sure custom opponents were introduced in DA, which he doesnt' have.
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Oops, missed that part.

Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

you can actually customise the preset races you know. It requires some very delicate modification of the xml and graphics files in the glaciv2 folder but if your careful you can give then custom logo/profiles and colour schemes. most of the ability info and ship styles can be edited from the game itself. just remember to back up your files before modding.

Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

just remember to back up your files before modding.
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Or use the modfolder. That IS what it's for, after all... This link should help you get started: Official Modding Guide

Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Or use the modfolder. That IS what it's for, after all... This link should help you get started:
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I didn't know DL had a modifying folder. thought that was introducted in DA?

Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

No, it is in all the games, including GC1.