SCI tool requests

[gumby]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure SCI0 uses vector graphics (which I think does make it easy to *programatically* modify them - all I've done is add control lines though).

[MusicallyInspired]

Yes, SCI0 (and AGI, incidentally) are vector based. But I just don't see the gain in converting from a modern vector-based image editing program like Corel Draw. What's the difference?

[Collector]

I'm not suggesting it for the backgrounds or sprites at the exclusion of raster, but rather more for things like control lines. It is extremely easy to draw and modify vector. You can edit by placing a node exactly where you want it, either by nudging it with your mouse/graphics pad or by directly entering the coordinates you want. If you want to add control lines to a background, it would be easier than drawing a raster line and then correcting the mistakes. It would just be nice for the game creator to be able to work with which ever format he found easiest or was the most comfortable with for the given task.

[gumby]

Hey, how about a tool that 'prunes' the vocabulary for a game?  Goes through and removes any unreferenced words (more precisely 'word-groups' - so that synonyms for a referenced word are not removed).  I'm still bothered by how many words are in the template game for Companion - it almost looks to be an all-inclusive list of any word ever used in any Sierra game.

[MusicallyInspired]

Good idea, but...does it really matter? File size isn't really an issue and even with a full vocab the size is still tiny. It doesn't take up heap space or anything does it?

[gumby]

I think that a bigger vocabulary isn't necessarily better - in fact, I think it leads to frustration by the game player, typing in all sorts of words that have *absolutely no bearing* on the game.  The parser says 'yep, looks good!' but the game has no intention of handling them.   Personally, to some degree, I appreciate it when a game comes back with 'I didn't understand that sentence' - it keeps me on track.  For example, if there is no reason I need to 'climb' in a game, then the first time I try to climb something & the parsing fails I can then move on to something else, rather than keep trying to do something that is impossible.

You are right - it would save no appreciable space.  It would speed up the parsing, but I'm sure not significantly.

[Cloudee1]

Good idea, but...does it really matter? File size isn't really an issue and even with a full vocab the size is still tiny. It doesn't take up heap space or anything does it?

You know what, that is a really good question. I would think that it would. One way to test that would be to try stripping all of the words out of the black cauldron. It doesn't need them and it would be a way to find out. I'll get back to you...

[Cloudee1]

Yeah, there is no change in available memory resources when you strip out all the vocab words.