Post by Nuppiz on Apr 17, 2020 11:23:26 GMT 2
Editor's note: Salvaged from an SQL backup of GPRaceGames.com, kindly shared by hmw2.
Resource Hacker is a nifty little tool which allows you to view and edit many of the resources (text strings etc) of games and programs which are't normally available. In GPM2, it can be used to change some of the text strings that you can't edit otherwise, but have data that should be changed as it's not valid for the mod you're working on (such as the name of the FIA president, the name of the free engine you get if you don't sign a contract with anyone and a couple of strings that show information that was cut out during the development). You can even make your own fan translation of the game if you want.
Anyway, when you open GPM2.exe with the program you'll see four categories: Icon, Menu, Dialog, String Table and Icon Group. The things we want to edit are in the String Table group. Most of the items are run-of-the-mill dialog options and menu labels that normally don't need to be edited, but here's a few of string tables that contain some interesting stuff.
Once you're done with your edits, click on "Compile Script" and save the EXE.
Looking at the strings reveals a lot of leftover stuff from development that was never implemented, such as different currencies (Dollars, Pounds, Yen), the possibility of drivers getting injured during their spare time (!), the ability to train your personnel in testing in other areas than pitstops, the possibility to repair your car during the pitstop (the SCARS.PCX and the non-functional "Repair" button during the pitstops also point towards this), the ability to use your third car during the weekend etc. etc.
P.S. If you want to make the editing process a bit easier, you can export all resources into a .RC file, which can then be viewed with Notepad. This allows you to use simple text search to find whatever other string groups you may want to edit.
Resource Hacker is a nifty little tool which allows you to view and edit many of the resources (text strings etc) of games and programs which are't normally available. In GPM2, it can be used to change some of the text strings that you can't edit otherwise, but have data that should be changed as it's not valid for the mod you're working on (such as the name of the FIA president, the name of the free engine you get if you don't sign a contract with anyone and a couple of strings that show information that was cut out during the development). You can even make your own fan translation of the game if you want.
Anyway, when you open GPM2.exe with the program you'll see four categories: Icon, Menu, Dialog, String Table and Icon Group. The things we want to edit are in the String Table group. Most of the items are run-of-the-mill dialog options and menu labels that normally don't need to be edited, but here's a few of string tables that contain some interesting stuff.
- 147 contains the string "The team cannot compete without engines, our current suppliers will not commit to next season and are unhappy that you did not discuss the issue with them earlier. I have managed to complete a deal with Nissan for next season." This is the popup that is activated if you haven't signed a new engine contract in time for the next season. Now obviously most mods don't have Nissan as an engine option at all, so you probably want to change this to whatever engine manufacturer occupies engine slot 15 (Nissan's slot in the original game).
- 255 contains the strings for the email you get when you receive prize money. In particular, it contains the name of the (fake) FIA president "Herbert Bartoli". Change this to whomever was/is the real FIA/FISA president at the time.
- 279 contains the string "In Grand Prix Manager 2, you must have at least 13 teams, and between 1 and 4 human players." This is obviously a leftover from GPM1, as GPM2 allows as little as 10 teams to compete. If you want to fix this blunder, replace 13 with 10.
- 594 contains the text in the black box shown during startup: "Licensed by FOCA to Fuji Television\\nGame Copyright Edward Grabowski Communications Limited, 1996\\nPackaging, Documentation and Logo Copyright MicroProse, 1996". "\\n" is apparently used as a line break.
- 621 contains the text used to report DNQs: "The following drivers failed to do a lap time within 107%~of the time managed by the leading Driver, and will~not, therefore, be taking part in the Grand Prix." Useful to know if we ever find out how to change the limit.
- 631 contains the string "Driver for hire:". You can change this to "Pay driver"; if the original term seems to tacky.
Once you're done with your edits, click on "Compile Script" and save the EXE.
Looking at the strings reveals a lot of leftover stuff from development that was never implemented, such as different currencies (Dollars, Pounds, Yen), the possibility of drivers getting injured during their spare time (!), the ability to train your personnel in testing in other areas than pitstops, the possibility to repair your car during the pitstop (the SCARS.PCX and the non-functional "Repair" button during the pitstops also point towards this), the ability to use your third car during the weekend etc. etc.
P.S. If you want to make the editing process a bit easier, you can export all resources into a .RC file, which can then be viewed with Notepad. This allows you to use simple text search to find whatever other string groups you may want to edit.
