This is a general work log for my Fatal Fury Chronicles module project. The goal is to replicate game play elements found within SNK’s Fatal Fury series in a side scrolling Final Fight style environment, while presenting the back story in a more cohesive layout. At the start of this log (11292010) the module is in a playable beta state.

11292010

• Start of work log.
• Project back under way after being idle for approximately one year.
• Resolved issue of crashing instantly during menu on newer revisions. Issue turned out to be nothing more then a leftover configuration save file. Module is in beta status; it has one fully playable stage and one test area, but I would like to add more content before releasing any kind of demo.

11302010

• Andy Bogard now uses randomized sound effect system. See soun0005() function.

12012010

• Merge old MS Word based work log.

12022010

• Andy Bogard model scripts converted to latest convention.
• Terry Bogard model scripts converted to latest convention.
• AI Ray McDougal model scripts converted to latest convention.
• Bug fixes.

12032010

• Cut JUMPDELAY from 18 to 8; too much of a pause before jump executes.
• Parked cruisers in Sound Beach stage now catch fire immediately when damaged (previously not until destroyed) and sink with scripted velocities instead of offset/base manipulation.

12052010

• Added entity verify to draw0001(). Previously it would cause immediate shutdown if called on non existent entity.
• Andy Bogard & Raiden sprite files converted to nameless serial convention.
• Bug fixes.

12062010

• All models and sprites in data/misc/effects updated to serial name convention.

12072010

• Function bind0010() merged from Golden Axe Hackjob.
• Function dama0004() merged from Golden Axe Hackjob.
• All models and sprites in data/misc/flash updated to serial name convention, cataloged in master sprite database and moved to data/misc/effects.
• All models and sprites in data/misc/dust updated to serial name convention, cataloged in master sprite database and moved to data/misc/effects.

12082010

• Terry Bogard and Ray sprites updated to nameless serial convention. This completes update of all primary models to date.
• Latest draw0001() and it’s support functions now use target’s current alpha setting instead of an entity var to get and store the blend parameter. Exact same functionality, but with one less wasted variable and one less script parameter to worry about initializing when entities are spawned. I should have spotted it two years ago.
• Flashes use MP as a sound constant in place of if/list based on alias.
• Flashes use Nodrop property as random rotation range.
• All previously uncatalogued sounds removed from main sound folder. Model specific sounds moved to their respective owners still need cataloging.

12092010

• Script removal. Several spawn scripts are no longer needed; they basically performed the same function with minor differences. Their functionality is now consolidated into spaw0002.c with sound cataloging and free variable application.
  • spaw0003.c
  • spaw0006.c
  • spaw0007.c
  • spaw0008.c
  • spaw0009.c
• Ray and Raiden’s sounds cataloged. Both still need sound calls upgraded to soun0005.c function.
• Flash spawning function created (bind0022()).

12102010

• Flash spawning fully integrated. Required new functions (summ0002() and bind0023) see below.
• New function: summ0002(void <vEnt> char <cModel> char <cAlias> int <iMap> int <iBlend> int <iX> int <iY> int <iZ> int <iDir> int <iAni> int <iFrame> int <iKill>)
  
  • Spawns an entity (usually a flash) by name unless <vEnt> has a custom flash defined by the flash model header command, in which case the defined custom flash will be spawned. Location is screen based.
• New function: bind0023(void <vTarget> char <cModel> char <cAlias> int <iMap> int <iBlend> float <fAX> float <fAY> int <iAZ> int <iDir> int <iAni> int <iFrame> int <iKill>)
  • Spawns an entity (usually a flash) by name and binds to location of <vEnt>. If <vEnt> has a custom flash defined by the flash model header command, the defined custom flash will be spawned instead.
• Adjusted block push back (bloc0002(), called in z_hit.c). Previously multiple incoming hits could force the blocking character a ridiculous distance across screen.
• Merging bind0010() functionality:
  • Andy Bogard
    • Grabbackward
    • Grabforward

12132010

• Imported key0006() from Golden Axe Hackjob and finished updating keyall.c to latest standard. Had missed these earlier; debu0001() cannot work without them.
• Added font3.png (it’s a copy of font2 for now). Not normally needed in game, but is used by debu0001().
• Removed final frame from Andy Bogard’s taunts. Idle animations already include transition frames.

12142010

• Further progress for “bind to target” capability in bind0010(). Only needs velocity application.

12152010

• debu0001() now includes ability to toggle autozoom from draw0001().
• key0006() given new parameter <fQnt>. Allows increments/decrements by specified quantity instead of static 1.
• bind0010() modes rearranged (in progress). See function.

12162010

• New function: ani0012(void <ent>, int <iH>, int <iFrame>)
  • Skips to <iFrame> if target’s Y axis position is <= <iH>. Allows jump animations to adapt to variable height (i.e. don’t start a full somersault during a short hop).

12172010

• Taunt/Poses now mapped to Special + Attack + (optional) Direction instead of Pose + (optional) Direction. This cuts action keys back to Attack, Jump, Special, and Backstep. A fifth action key dedicated to poses just seemed cumbersome and didn’t mesh well with the overall control scheme.
• bind0010() modifications complete. Now accommodates binding based on attacker or defender’s location and automatic adjustments to deal with larger/smaller characters without switching animations.

12182010

• Separated Work Log from Bug List/Notes. It was getting unwieldy to sift through, and separation will also allow tabbing between “to do” and current progress rather then scrolling. The Bug List/Notes article will probably need breaking down later as well.
• Updated dama0002() function:
  • Grapple binds are now released correctly when taking damage.
• Updated pain0001() function:
  • Hit level animation switching now verifies alternate pain animation before applying.
  • Application of hit effects. See effe0001() function.
• Updated fall0001() function:
  • Hit level animation switching now verifies alternate fall animation before applying.
  • Individual checks broken down to separate if calls for readability.

12192010

• Updated kill0001() function.
  • draw0001() no longer called to reset parent map for effect models (not needed as draw0001() is not used for standard mapping).
  • Entity variable cleaning code replaced with vars0001() function.
• Updated spaw0002() function.
  • Entity variable cleaning code was missing. Replaced with vars0001() function. Shouldn’t be needed since cleaning is done on entity removal by kill0001(), but adding it anyway in case an unforeseen engine glitch does not allow kill0001() to finish.
  • Random name code replaced with name0001() function (function is identical to original name code).
• Updated fall0001() function:
  • Application of hit effects. See effe0001() function.
• Adjusted Ray’s Burn animheight accommodate burn effect.
• Added SPAIN and SHOCK animation to Ray; shock effect works as designed.
• On death fatality adjustments in progress. Is komap setting open to script?

12232010

• New function: draw0006(void <vEnt> void <vMatch>)
  • Enables matching of draw scale between two entities using their height settings. Replaces the “quick and dirty fix” that was in kill0001() for almost two years. Previously the fatality model spawned on burn death was given a static size adjustment of 75% as its sprites were over sized; the adjustment is now automated. An obvious added benefit is that it will also self adjust to match abnormally sized characters with any further amendments.
• Replaced burn fatality sequence with ball explosion and Komap switching. See kill0001(). A better solution would be to turn Komap off, but due to the engine’s layout this is not yet possible. An engine modification is needed to fix this issue long term, but in game everything works as needed.
  • Look into using hmap property; if available to script, will remove need for static map constant when resetting Komap.
    • 12262010 – property open to script and can be used to replace static map constant as described.

12242010

• For whatever reason stupidity on my part jump0005() function was embedded in z_movez.h. Function moved to its own file.

12252010

• Setting for komap in deat0001() now uses hmapl property in place of MAPX constant.
• Function soun0003() (random KO sounds) removed. Functionality long since replaced by soun0005() and numeric based sound cataloging.

12262010

• Variables iRemap and iAlpha removed from draw0001() function. There is no need for them as the passing -1 to either as a parameter in setdrawmethod() allows target entity to use its own property setting. Previously setdrawmethod() would override entity’s map and alpha properties, meaning they had to be adjusted through draw0001().
• New function: targ0002(void <vEnt> int <iAni> int <iType> int <iSType> int <iTD>)
  • Find nearest entity within range of a base entity’s animation range setting that matches type, subtype and throwdamage parameters. Intended use is to replace item based music change and similar Easter eggs, but is useful for finding any specific entity not otherwise detectable with global findtarget() function.
  • Step 1 for replacing item based music switching; detects when user presses key in close proximity to music switching trigger obstacle.
• Script removal:
  • dust0001.h
    • Was a name based spawn function only used by Sound Beach cruiser to spawn water splash. Water splash can be replicated by another function. General use for script has otherwise long since been replaced by my dust model header additions.
  • dust0002.h
    • Similar to dust0001.h but with numerous parameters added. Functionality similarly replaced by recent additions to engine’s default dust system and was not in use at all.

12282010

• Andy Bogard’s palette sprites moved to <char>/pals folder and converted to nameless serial. Palette 0015 (black) retouched to match KOF2000.
• New function: file0001(int <iVar> char <cFile> char <cRow> int <iColumn>)
  • Wrapper for basic text file reading; finds row by text passed through <cRow> and returns value located at column number <iColumn>.
  • Step 2 for replacing item based music switching. Will locate music by by being passed music switch obstacle’s <aggression> value. Desired column will be passed as looping numeric cycle (not complete at this time).

12292010

• New function: musi0001(void <vEnt> int <iNotch>)
  • Locates text file argument by using target entity’s aggression setting as row search and nodrop as column number. Argument is passed to global playmusic() command and <iNotch> is added to nodrop setting to determine column selected next time function is called on target entity. This allows use of obstacle as an interactive switch in general instead of music only. Furthermore, as aggression is a spawn parameter, the same item can be used for multiple sets of music with no modifications, variables, or additional scripts. Additionally, soun0005() is activated on use, passing the obstacle’s maximum health as sound group. In the same manor as aggression setting, adjusting the heath spawn parameter allows choice of sound effect group without any adjustments to model/scripts.
  • Step 3 for replacing item based music switching; will be added to global keyall.c script.
• New entity: data/chars/misc/pickups/swit0001
  • Is an inert obstacle made to replace item based music switching and other types of stage interactivity as noted above.
• Sound effects 100_0 and 100_1 (both are radio tuning sound effects) added, and moved to /swit0001/sounds folder.
• Music switching upgrade complete.

12312010

• New script: z_datk
  • Called by most entities as their ondoattack script.
• Script updates:
  • parr0001:
    • Retool in progress to take advantage of engine features available as of version 2.955.
      • Parry animation.
      • Air Parry animation.
      • Pause for Defender and Attacker
      • Switch direction to face Attacker.
      • 30% MP recovery for Defender.
      • Engine default collision disabled.
    • Remaining:
      • Parry flash.
        
        • 01012011
      • On screen alert?
      • Adjust timing threshold for parry command? Current timing of 0.3 seconds seems too easy at the moment, but test was in controlled environment with single opponent using a predictable attack.
        
        • 01012011
• Raiden:
  • Added Drop Kick.

01012011

• New Entities:
  • bflash: Block flash.
  • pflash: Parry flash.
  • fflash: Fire flash.
  • eflash: Electric flash.
  • iflash: Indirect flash.
• All flash models now located in folder data/chars/misc/effects/models/flash.
• Script updates:
  • parr0001:
    • Parry flash.
    • Check for state (can’t be in pain or blockstun).
    • Command mapping finalized: Press Special within 0.3 seconds or less before incoming attack makes contact.
    • On screen prompt?
• Ray:
  • Old sound calls replaced with soun0005(). Now fully upgraded to self cataloging random sound system.
  • Aggression speed increased from 130 to 0.
  • Shock fatality.
• Andy Bogard:
  • Minor bbox correcting in BLOCK animation.

01022011

• Andy Bogard
  • Additional voice effects.
    • 3_0
    • 3_1
    • 3_2
    • 7_4
    • 26_2
    • 27_1
    • 28_2
    • 28_2
    • 103_1 (Geki Hishoken 2)
    • 111_0 (“hatz”)

01032011

• Andy Bogard
  • Additional voice effects:
    • 110_1 (Zaneiken 2)
    • 112_0 (“zan”)
    • 113_0 (Speaking to Tung Fu Rue)
    • 114_0 (“Master Tung”)
    • 115_0 (“Geese”)
    • 116_0 (“san”)
    • 117_0 (Max attack unleash)
• New entities:
  • Hyper sparks:
    • Hyper sparks separated back into individual models. Previously a single model (paus0001) contained animations and palettes for all hyper effects. The idea was to reduce memory consumption. While text files are minimal, each model loads its own copy of any given script. However, by separating each into their own models, the sound cataloging system can be implemented in the same manor as normal models (less confusion). Furthermore, this eliminates need for animation scripts within the hyper spark models; only a one time spawn script is needed. The overall result will be slightly greater memory consumption, but with better run time performance. The latter is of greater concern as this module will not run on a memory shy platform anyway due to sheer quantity of animation.
      • hype0001
      • hype0002
      • hype0003
• New sound files:
  • /hype0001/11_0
  • /hype0002/11_0
  • /hype0003/11_0

01062011

• Revamp of projectile system in progress to take advantage of ondoattackscript:
  • Projectile models are to be separated back into individual models (previously they were combined, see hyper sparks in 01032011 entry).
  • Current projectile function proj0002 to be greatly simplified, it currently requires 33 parameters.
  • Addition of numeric indexed global vars (see grapple binding) to track all projectiles?
  • Engine modification:
    • Script access to throwframewait property. It is another excellent candidate for Free Variable use.
    • Script access to custom attack flash. Will greatly simplify and improve efficiency of spawning custom flash entities.

01112011

• New function: debu0002 void <vEnt>
  • Uses script access of attack/bbox properties to display collision boxes during gameplay.
  • Includes temporary sub function shap0001() to perform draw actions.
• Model updates:
  • Andy Bogard:
    • Updated collision boxes using new debug capability for following animations:
      • attack2
      • attack3
      • attack4
      • attack5
      • attack6
      • attack7
      • attackbackward
      • attackdown
      • attackup
      • block
      • blockpain
      • blockpain3
      • blockpain4
      • bpain
      • burn
      • cant
      • charge
      • chargeattack
      • death
      • duck
      • faint
      • fall
      • fall3
      • fall5
      • fall6
      • fall7
      • fall8
      • fall9
      • follow1
      • follow4
      • follow5
      • follow6
      • follow7 (switched to editor)
      • follow70
      • follow71
      • follow72
      • follow8
      • follow80
      • follow81
      • follow82
      • follow83
      • follow84 (Sidestep Up attack)
      • follow85
      • follow86
      • follow87
      • follow88 (check purpose)
      • follow89
      • follow92
      • forwardjump
      • freespecial
    • Consolidated death animations; removal of following:
      • death11
      • death6
      • death7
      • deaht8
    • Counter block impact remnant removal (long since replaced with dodge and parry).
      • follow2
    • Tall target alternate for Shiranui Spider Clutch removed. Updated bind allows auto adjusting to opponent’s height.
      • follow3

01122011

• Model updates:
  • Andy Bogard:
    • Updated collision boxes using new debug capability for following animations:
      • freespecial10  (Shoryudan) *LF
      • freespecial12 (Zaneiken)
      • freespecial13 (Shippu Oken)
      • freespecial14 (Gen’ei Shiranui)
      • freespecial15 (Gen’ei Shiranui – Shimo Agito)
      • freespecial16 (Gen’ei Shiranui – Uwa Agito)
      • freespecial17 (Yami Abse Geri)
      • freespecial18 (Cho Reppa Dan)
      • freespecial19 (Bakushin)
      • freespecial2 (Plane Force Up)
      • freespecial21(Ku Bakushin)
      • freespecial3 (Plane force Down)
      • freespecial4 (Plane shift attack up)
      • freespecial40 (Low Step Attack)
      • freespecial41 (Low Dash Attack)
      • freespecial42 (Low Step Attack II – Low side kick)
      • freespecial43 (Low Step Attack III – Low palm strike)
      • freespecial5 (Plane shift attack Down)
      • freespecial6 (Hishoken)
      • freespecial7 (Geki Hishoken)
      • freespecial8 (Ku Ha Dan)
      • freespecial9 (Zaneiken)
      • get
      • grab
      • grabattack
      • grabattack2
      • grabbed
      • grabup
      • idle
      • idle2
      • idle3
      • idle4
      • jump
      • jumpattack
      • jumpsttack2
      • jumpsttack3
      • jumpdelay
      • jumpforward
      • jumpland
    • Low Dash Attack is now shoulder ram. Old low dash attack (a lunging low palm strike) will be used for SDM attack.

01132011

• Model updates:
  • Andy Bogard:
    • Updated collision boxes using new debug capability for following animations:
      • pain
      • pain2
      • run
      • runattack
      • runjump
      • runjumpattack
      • runslide
      • slide
      • special2
      • walk
    • Sidesteps now have invincible start up.
  • Ray
    • Updated collision boxes using new debug capability for following animations:
      • attack1
      • attack2
      • attack3
      • attack4
      • attackbackward
      • attackdown
      • attackup
      • blockpain
      • blokcpain2
      • blockpain3
      • blockpain4
      • bpain
      • burn
      • chargeattack (wheel kick)
      • fall
      • fall2
      • fall3
      • fall5
      • fall8
      • fall9
      • slide
    • Renamed follow40 to Slide.

01172011

• Color separation in progress for Ray model. Original model used 16 color sprites with white as a highlight and inappropriate color sharing. New color layout provides 64 colors, separated into individual groups for hair, skin, shirt, pants, gloves and shoes.
  • Complete:
    • aapa0000
    • aapa0011
    • 0001 through 0035

02092011

• Ray McDougal color separation ballooned into overall animation and sprite improvement project and is now complete.