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Resources Thread
« Thread Started on Jan 2, 2009, 1:43pm »

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 major successors to MBG that we've seen.
Part 3 is a list of some community partners and some of our members' outstanding video projects.

Marble Blast Support

Q: I installed Marble Blast but it runs slowly. What should I do?
A: Try switching between OpenGL and Direct3D. Also try selecting a lower resolution in the "Options" menu, as well as 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, and copy the appropriate files. Ignition applies to the version of MBG sold by Garage Games, and non-ignition applies to the version sold by most other companies, as well as OEM (bundled with your computer).

Q: I installed MBP on Vista/Windows 7, 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/Windows 7. 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.

Custom Levels Installation

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 picture of the same name in there. Place any .dif files and other picture files (game textures) in the marble/data/interiors folder. This thread provides many texture download links
Custom skies go in the marble/data/skies folder.

Q: AAAHHH! There are still no floors in the level!
A: Assuming the .difs and textures are in marble/data/interiors, check the .mis file for the location of the interiors. Example:

Code:
interiorFile = "~/data/interiors/interiorname.dif";

Chances 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: 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: 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 extension of .png). Otherwise, you can add your own .dts and complementing skins to the folder and have them instantly show up in MBP.

Naturally, this doesn't cover all the support questions, so feel free to do a forum Google search (very bottom of any page) or browse the Support Board and the Vault. If you use Marble Blast Platinum, a few more questions have been answered in the Manual.

Level Building

Q: OK! I created a .map successfully. How do I get it to show up in-game?
A: Windows – No matter which OS 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).

Q: I want to change the number of seconds that my Time Travel gives.
A: This thread gives a good summary

Q: How do I add Help Triggers?
A: Copy/paste this code (with necessary modifications)

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.

Helpful Level Building threads:

Level Editor guide

Info and download links for Quark and Constructor

QuArK - The (Almost) Complete Guide

Aggregate thread with lots of different helpful info!

Constructor PDF Tutorials

Community .map Collection

Convert maps on a mac with CrossOver!

Guides on interior testing your level

Good Constructor habits!

Complete MB graphics!

Complete Custom Levels Archive (CLA)

Custom level packs 2008-present

Join the latest collaborative level. Download, build, and reupload!

« Last Edit: Dec 24, 2011, 5:10am by marblefire »

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