GUI facelift possible?

Not that I have a problem with the current one (by Donna Jennett [Chipendale], Stephen White), but an alternative would be cool, even if it’s just the startup splash screen. Are the UI graphics extracted? If so, we could take all the pics and files that make up the current UI and save them as a mod, maybe call it UI Classic. Then do something different with them, if just a face lift with a fresher look. Having options would be nice, like choosing a skin.

Just thinking out load…

It is possible, just needs to be DONE!

To have new picture during loading just make new custom pcx 256 colors 800x600 in :

X:\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\iff\256

New loading screen. Obviously the bottom bar is in wrong colors but I guess the new picture is more important than that.

And quickly another one for change:

Here is the Option screen:

X:\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\pcx\mainmenu\english\background.pcx

also 800x600 256 colors PCX.

However, this is little more tricky. Since there are those other pictures/buttons on the same screen the regime of maintaining palette is required. So, for the starter here is my proposal for the background screen where you surely will notice bad dither on the vapor plume. Later I will try change each of the picture and develop new palette using that palette tool I found for the terrain.

That’s the idea, outstanding! 👍 🙂

add as MODs, please.

New Main Menu screen.

Pretty pathetic mod, but why not. When you click on picture to select new pic appears.

I was wondering if multiple loading pictures or even slide was possible. Where is the file which tells TAW about loading screen?

not Pathetic Very Cool 😉

Polak on a side note I was getting back into EECH and Saw your Mod for that sim COOL!!! Did you do any other mods besides the Training Skin??

EECH looks like I am Flying a Military Simulator with this Setup I am VERY HAPPY 😉

Man that really dresses up the UI, doesn’t it? And I like the pics Polak used.

MGonzales

Man that really dresses up the UI, doesn’t it?

sounds like a new mod to me. 😁

Thanks all.
Neph: I made some terrain textures, but they were quickly overshadowed by some very talented guy from Germany … Maverick IIRC.
(EECH) engine had a good way the textures were being rendered, but I did not like those transitions. But thats different story and subject.

I have never found EECH challenging … or I should say it was too challenging as I was shot mercilessly and never attained any profficiency in flying and playing this sim.

Polak,

I realy like what you’ve done with the interface. I took a stab at it using Noname file substitutes but it does not compare to what you have created.

Polak

New Main Menu screen.

I was wondering if multiple loading pictures or even slide was possible. Where is the file which tells TAW about loading screen?

It may be possible now in 2008. Stephen White wrote: Fortunately, we were able to texture the window and the buttons, but it was frustrating at times. I wanted to have video behind the main interface elements but it wasn’t possible – not with any speed anyhow.

I have uploaded this new Main Menu stuff here:
Main Menu Opt.1

Of course please make backup of your original folder: X:\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\pcx\mainmenu\english

I have uploaded few new Loading screens here:
TAW Loading Screens set1

Please make backup of your original folder: X:\DID\TAW\PROGRAM\iff\256

I was checking the board one last time before calling it a night, I saw this and had to put my TAW partition back on to try it…

This is SO FREAKING COOL!!!

You even have different pics show when you pass over the selection buttons! And it looks like you thought this through too, showing AWACS for Campaign, multiple F-22s for MP, the pilot climbing in for Training, etc.

Top notch, Polak! 👍 👍 👍

Let’s cool down those are just damn pictures. 😉

Yeah, but going in and out of the game sometimes several times in a single hour (as you know you must do when modding), it’s nice to see something different for a change! Also, just knowing that the GUI CAN be spiced up makes me happy (as with other area of the game not fully exploited yet, but we know we can)! Even if we can’t completely overhaul any one part of TAW, I believe all the little things will add up to a much more pleasant, if at least different experience. For some people it’s been the same ol’ startup splash screen for 10 YEARS!

And come on Polak, you are (or were, I dunno) into Strike Fighters, it’s cool to have different startup and selection screens to choose from, yes? So nice job man, please continue to upgrade any other part of the UI as you please. 🙂

Ok I agree that having new pictures in TAW can make some superficial difference. Here is the new loading screen from the 2nd series of loading screens which are available here:

TAW Loading Screens set2

Imagine our old TAW in this level of graphics.

Thanks! 🙂 I’ll gather these up for a TAWC mod.

I’m getting Polak’s mods together now for updating TAWC, even the beta stuff as we can keep updating. DrKevDog, I know you’re busy, but whenever you can get me your updated Egyptian skins I’ll add that in too.