Save games / multiple dungeons

[amaprotu]

Am I correct to assume that .dat files will be different for different dungeons? Or are they the same no matter what user created dungeon is played, and only .rtc files differ?

If I am correct I would like to propose a format for save games / dungeons.

It seems to me that it will be necessary to have multiple (or at least highly desired) dugneons in the same folder. It would make sence to me then that the .dat files corresponding to the .rtc file should go in a folder of appropriate name. For example my_dungeon.rtc would go in the root folder of the game, and the .dat files would go in a folder called my_dungeon. This would allow multiple dungeons to reside peacefully together. However if .dat files are the same for all dungeons no matter what then this is obviously not what is needed. However the same idea could hold true for having save games to multiple dungeons (assuming a standard save game naming convention for all dungeons like save1.sav etc.)

It would also be nice if sometime durring loading, the user is presented with a list of the dungeons (*.rtc) and asked to choose which one he will be adventuring in. This would occur directly after the RTC logo, and before the door and loading of the dungeon. I see no reason a standard windows open dialogue could not be used or some similarly un-DM style interface since it happens well before the game is entered. It would also be nice for the game to recognize if there is only one .rtc file and not bother asking. Maybe even offer a "open last played?" dialogue first.

Along these same lines I would also like to see the option to load games from the save/quit menu, and in that the ability to load games from different dungeons. I picture an interface similar to DM2 but with a drop down box on top that drops down a list of all dungeons available so you can switch between viewing the save games. Not sure that last sentance makes too much sense, or the rest of the post. I will have another go at it after I get a reply or two.

- Amaprotu

[George Gilbert]

The *.dat files are universal; the only thing that changes from dungeon to dungeon are the *.rtc (and *.sav) files.

I was already planning on having an extra screen between the loading and dungeon doors displaying. This was going to be similar to the CSB Utility Disk main screen from which you could select the RTC file you wanted to play, view an intro type sequence, edit your characters, and port them into new dungeons etc. I think this already covers everything you say (and more), but any further suggestions are more than welcome.

[amaprotu]

Aye sounds good. I never played CSB so I will have to wait and see.