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IsraeliRD
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 Resources Thread (For newbies)
« Thread Started on Jan 1, 2009, 10:43pm »

Welcome to the Resources Thread. This is a list of the forum's most helpful threads, full of solutions to problems as well as helpful tips, videos, etc. Try checking here before you post a query!


  • Part 1 (this post) addresses the most common questions, namely those concerning game tech support and level building queries.
  • Part 2 talks a bit about the many successors to MBG that we've seen.
  • Part 3 gives you links to "fun stuff," like videos, record topics, and games.


Also remember that bold means hyperlink.


To start, please read the rules of this forum (the thread is accessible from the main page header, and is underlined). Following the rules, helping other people with their problems, making levels, winning competitions, etc. will give you points which you will be able to spend on a forum shop (not available yet). Now let's begin.

Marble Blast Support

Some common questions:

Q: I installed Marble Blast but it runs slowly. What should I do?
A: Try updating your graphics card if the game. If that doesn't help, try selecting a lower resolution in the "Options" menu, as well as selecting 16-bit color.

Q: I installed MBP and it doesn't have all the files I need. What should I do?
A: Use the after-installation instructions (posted here), and copy the appropriate files. Ignition applies to the version of MBG sold by Garage Games, for instance, and non-ignition applies to the version sold by RealArcade, for example.

Q: I installed MBP on my vista, yet during installation it complained on many missing files, or it skipped a whole lot and hence MBP was not installed.
A: Known problem. Extract the installer to the desktop, then right-click on it and press 'Run as Administrator'. When done installing, remove all the icons related to MBP, including installer, to the recycle bin. Navigate to the MBP folder (remember where you installed it) and either create a desktop shortcut from there, or just play the game from that folder.

Q: MB doesn't work well on Vista. What do I do?
A: Known problem. Unfortunately, since many of us are either XP or Mac users, we can't offer as much extensive help as we would like. If you have installation problems, make sure you "run as administrator." You might also want to look at the previous Q/A.

Q: How do I install custom levels?
A: The question that has been asked since time began (or so it seems). Find the marble/data/custom folder in your Marble Blast files (package contents if you have a Mac), and place the mission file and the picture of the same name in there. Place any .dif files and other picture files (floor textures) in the marble/data/interiors folder. Custom skies go in the marble/data/skies folder.

Q: AAAHHH! There are no floors in the level!
A: Check the .mis file for things like
Code:
interiorFile = "~/data/interiors/interiorname.dif";
Chance are, the .mis file is directed to look for the .dif files in the wrong directory. If you alter the code (with an appropriate name change for the interior) to look like the above, you should be fine.

Q: The level is showing up, but the floors are white.
A: Revisit the installation instructions (2 Q+A's up) and make especially sure that you put the extra .pngs or .jpgs in the marble/data/interiors folder.

Q: How do I add custom marbles in MBG?
A: Sadly, you'll have to replace both the .dts and .png as MBG does not support more than a single marble. The .dts must be named ball-superball.dts and the .png (or more) must have the names required by the .dts.

Q: How do I add custom marbles in MBP?
A: Put them in the marble/custom_marbles folder. Since MBP comes with many pre-installed marbles, you can save your marble skin as any of those skin names (must be the same name, and same extention of .png). Otherwise, you can add your own .dts and complementing skins to the folder and have them instantly show up in MBP.

Q: How do I add skies?
A: Put them in the marble/data/skies folder.

Q: What does the "Invalid Packet" error mean?
A: The level is being directed to the wrong skybox directory. Check the .mis file and make sure the order and spelling of names shown there is correct. Example of what to look for:

Code:
materialList = "~/data/skies/Beginner/Beginner_Sky.dml";


This may also indicate that you don't have the required interior textures in the same folder as the interior itself.

Q: I'm building a level with nukes, but the game crashes. Any help?
A: Known problem. If it does occur, the only fix is to delete the nuke and replace it with a mine or bumper. If it still crashes when using mines, you'll have to use bumpers only.

Naturally, this doesn't cover all the support questions, so feel free to do a forum search or browse the Support Board, although chances are you'll find a lot of unanswered questions (the posters never returned or solved their problems without bothering to tell us their solutions). However, we do have a lot of answers spread around, so feel free to take a look around.
If you use Marble Blast Platinum, a few more questions have been answered in the Manual.

Level Building

Some common questions:

Q: How do I use the LE?
A: Watch Matan's guide here.

Q: Where can I download QuArK or Constructor?
A: QuArK download and Constructor download

Q: How do I make moving platforms in the programs mentioned above?
A: Go here. Post any questions/problems please.

Q: OK! I created a .map successfully. How do I get it to show up in-game?
A: Windows – No matter which program you're using, you'll need MBMap2dif.exe. To convert, drop it and all the textures used in your .map inside the same folder. Then, drop the .map on top of Map2dif, and it will hopefully convert (although errors are commonplace).

Mac – Please remember that MBMap2dif.exe does not work with Mac unless you have Crossover. Instructions here.

Q: I have an interior with moving platforms, but they aren't running in-game.
A: You'll need to perform an interior test. To do this, either read the thread here (for Windows) or download the Mac application.

Helpful QuArK/Constructor threads:

QuArK - The (Almost) Complete Guide

QuArK/Constructor Video Tutorials

Community .map Collection

Mkbul's QuArK tips

Add items like gems and pads into QuArK!

Constructor PDF Tutorials

Add items like gems and pads into Constructor!
« Last Edit: Dec 30, 2009, 1:32pm by marblefire »Link to Post - Back to Top  IP: Logged


Quote:
Xelna says:
Tell me what's happening or I'm going to go cry in a dark corner, alone.

Quote:
Seizure22 says:
WHAT IS THIS BEZIER FIELD WHY DOESN'T IT DO ANYTHING
IsraeliRD
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 Resources Thread Part 2
« Reply #1 on Jan 3, 2009, 8:23pm »

Game Modifications

Marble Blast Online

MBO is available from InstantAction.com. Provided you have a good, fast internet connection, you'll be able not only to play real-time Marble Blast multiplayer matches on a variety of great maps, but IA has its own forums, and many other games to boot! Signup is free.

Marble Blast Platinum

MBP is an awesome, community-made Marble Blast mod; it's a complete game (unlike the following mods), which is regularly updated by its dedicated staff, and is far superior to Marble Blast Gold (it even includes all the original MBG levels). You can read about some of its features in the header, and you can find even more info at PhilsEmpire.

You can download the latest version of MBP from the forums' header on the home page. If you need a pre-1.10 version, just ask. Marblefire has 1.02 patch for Mac if anyone needs it. You may, since 1.12+ requires that you bought MBG from a site such as GarageGames itself, as opposed to having it bundled with your Mac.

Helpful threads:

MBP Staff Interview - very interesting!

Marble Blast FUBAR

MBF is an upcoming Marble Blast mod that brings a whole new dimension to the game! With more realistic-looking landscapes, great scenery, and fun levels, it has certainly excited the community, though it's progress may be slow.

Helpful threads:

Forum thread (Please note that the beta signup has long been over.)

Blackfire Entertainment Game Creation Company (BEGCC)

Marble Blast Advanced

Although its progress has dwindled considerably, MBA is still an exciting mod that looks to bring a whole new look and feel to the game.

Helpful threads:

MBA Progress Topic - includes pictures. Please do not ask for a position in this mod unless its staff ask first.
« Last Edit: Nov 21, 2009, 1:47pm by marblefire »Link to Post - Back to Top  IP: Logged


Quote:
Xelna says:
Tell me what's happening or I'm going to go cry in a dark corner, alone.

Quote:
Seizure22 says:
WHAT IS THIS BEZIER FIELD WHY DOESN'T IT DO ANYTHING
IsraeliRD
Administrator
**********
Controlling Marble Blast with my Mind...[ss:Default Skin (DO NOT TOUCH)]
member is online

[avatar]

Dragon Power Supreme



Joined: Oct 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 9,670
Location: One of the sides of Core
 Resources Thread Part 3
« Reply #2 on Jan 3, 2009, 8:23pm »

MBG World Record Rampage 2

SDA thread, with lots of background notes and comments by the players!

Download site for the Rampage (High Quality torrent recommended)

The Community

Complete MB graphics!

Partner Sites:

PhilsEmpire

Perishingflames.com

Videos, videos, and more videos!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Matan's YouTube channel - Not only Matan but Xelna's videos are uploaded here. The best of the best.

Dushine's YouTube channel - One of the world's best players (probably #3) with a great collection of stunning runs.

Sonic Warrior1's YouTube channel - Lots of great stuff here from one of the MBG WR Rampage participants, and he adds new videos frequently to boot.

Imperial's YouTube channel - The legendary IC himself! Enough said.

Technostick's YouTube channel - The guy with the smoothest style around. Recommended if you like seeing all sorts of unusual, underrated levels.

Kidplayer44's YouTube channel. - A great player with a number of great vids.

Perishingflames' YouTube channel - Not only an awesome staff member, but an MB pro to boot!

Oaky's YouTube channel - One could say exactly the same thing about this guy!

Jroni's YouTube channel - You won't see Jroni much on the forums, but there's no denying his skills.

Moshe's MB YouTube channel - Morph maker's marvelous marble mastery!

Other

Web games - Have some time to waste? We're guessing "probably." Try some of these!

Mod of the Day - a forum "game" developed by our admin, which allows any active member with 100+ posts to show us your moderating chops.
« Last Edit: Jul 8, 2010, 5:23pm by marblefire »Link to Post - Back to Top  IP: Logged


Quote:
Xelna says:
Tell me what's happening or I'm going to go cry in a dark corner, alone.

Quote:
Seizure22 says:
WHAT IS THIS BEZIER FIELD WHY DOESN'T IT DO ANYTHING
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