Talk:The Mortrix

Edited downloaded

Is there a reason why the batch and patch files in the KeenWiki download were changed to be titled "play.bat" and "pat.pat" respectively instead of "Mortrix.bat" and "patches.pat"? It seems rather unnecessary, not to mention that the README file wasn't updated to reflect on the changes. If they're going to stay like that, I would prefer that the download came with a note about those changes. That way, people don't confuse this version with my own version, the latter of which is on my website. I know it's a very little change, but I think even the smallest modifications should be noted. Quillax (talk) 05:05, 30 January 2021 (UTC)

People who are unfamiliar with the DOS era seem to have a hard time to understand how to run mods. This is why every batch file gets renamed into "play.bat" before uploaded to the wiki. This standardized procedure is to make mods more accessible to the novice Keen fans. We do that for quite some time now. Same is true for the zip file names. They are also standardized to keep things in order.

But I guess you are right. The README needs to get updated on this.

The patch file on the other hand shouldn't be touched. This might have happend by mistake. I'll fix that.

-- Nisaba (talk) 08:12, 4 February 2021 (UTC)

To be honest, I was unaware of this procedure (play.bat) until now. I didn't change the name of any batch file in the ZIP archives I uploaded to shikadi.net. --Grandy02 (talk) 16:26, 4 February 2021 (UTC)

I didn't know about this practice until now either. Since when did this begin? I suppose that it would be more consistent and easier to have the batch files renamed to "play.bat". I still think it might be a good idea to note any changes (maybe in the README file) so people know what those changes are. I had to look into the level maps to make sure no changes were made to the actual game. Quillax (talk) 18:25, 4 February 2021 (UTC)

I was discussing this with I can't seem to remember who a couple of years ago and got convinced by the arguments.

But now that it is back on the table, let's just discuss how we as community want to decide on that. I'd suggest to collect all objections and arguments first. So, please share your thoughts and ideas. @Quillax you as an author have already mentioned your discomfort on changing file names. And I think you've made a valid point adding a note, so people are informed about changes.

Let's also think about the fact, that some mod folders are blown with unnecessary stuff like modding tools or extracted graphics and the like. I for one would prefer to have a clean and decluttered zip file. What your opinion about that?

-- Nisaba (talk) 19:45, 4 February 2021 (UTC)

Perhaps you could add a play.bat that calls whatever was there originally, rather than modifying the original files? That way the README etc. wouldn't have to change as all the original instructions would still apply. I've seen this done in a number of game compilations to avoid running afoul of those conditions that don't allow you to modify the games. I do agree that any modding tools etc. that aren't required to run the game should be removed though. -- Malvineous (talk) 15:13, 6 February 2021 (GMT)

I wonder, does the KeenWiki contain a page with general information on how to run mods and levelpacks, one that can be easily found by newcomers who just want to play the games? There is a list of tutorials, and "Keen in Linux" does mention the batch file, but "Keen in Windows" contains no mod-specific info. --Grandy02 (talk) 17:34, 7 February 2021 (GMT)

I second Malvineous' suggestion to simple add play.bat and keep all other needed files untouched. Unless there are further objections, I suggest following this suggestion. This seems to me to be the best solution.

@Grandy02 I don't think so. But it seems to be a good idea to add a info sheet somewhere for the novice DOS(Box) user.

-- Nisaba (talk) 08:20, 8 February 2021 (GMT)