[VXA] ATS Series

Advanced Text System

This will be based off my Advanced Text System for RMVX, but since RMVX Ace has a much more sensibly designed message system, it is no longer necessary that it be one large script. For that reason, and responding to feedback on the ATS, I will split the ATS into multiple different scripts so that you only need to pick up the components for the features that you want. It is therefore easier to customize and configure, and it should be more compatible with other message-related systems that might be developed.

In that regard, my plans are to have five separate scripts, each independent, which encompass the major elements of the VX version. Examples of the features from each script are included.

These are:

• Special Message Codes
  
  • Message speed control
  • Font Effects, such as bolding, italicizing, etc.
• Formatting
  
  • Paragraphing
  • Alignment
• Face Options
  
  • Animated Facesets
  • Full-body Portraits
  • Fadein and Scrolling Faces
• Message Options
  
  • Name Window
  • Window Position and Size
  • Advanced Scrolling
• Choice Options
  
  • Disabled and Conditional Choices
  • Appended Choice Branches
  • Long Choices

Links to each script will be added as they are completed.

MA~ I would like to say that the the paragraph options, advanced message options and advanced choices~ were the ones I used more when I made my visual novel for VX

It's a really nice script~

I'm glad it could be of service to a talented game maker like yourself. I don't recall ever seeing your graphic novel though. Can I get a link?

will you still fix the one for vx?

I'm glad it could be of service to a talented game maker like yourself. I don't recall ever seeing your graphic novel though. Can I get a link?

I'll send it to you in PM

Easily the best script for VX, I'm excited for when the scriptlet to put speech bubbles above the character available.

Excellent job MA, you're awesome!

Not meaning to bump the topic too much, but is the Advanced Message Options and Advanced Choices going to be available in the future?

It's the main script I'm waiting for before I actually start the eventing for my game.

Well, the future yes. The near future? I am not sure.

I will probably do the Face Options before the ones which you are requesting, but it's difficult to predict which scripts I will feel like doing. I will try to get it done by the time the English VXA is released.

You will convert exactly the sames features that were in the rmvx version ? Because I found the bubble feature very useful as him.

Face Options

    Animated Facesets
    Full-body Portraits
    Fadein and Scrolling Faces[/quote]
I like these features, I am searching a script like that.
I hope you will finish it one day.
Sorry for my bad englisg.

I really want face options, that face window was the best darn thing, made it so I could write out a whole line without having to cut it off early.

I'd be happy just for a face window script at this point, but there isnt one yet, no neofaces either, though I dont want that.

I'm wondering if you're going to be doing these in order.

It's really been a while since you posted an ATS-based script. Like the two posts above, I'm definitely looking forward to the face options too!

Yeah, I haven't had a lot of motivation for scripting lately, and I am more interested in doing new things than bringing over my old scripts, but I will get around to this eventually.

Ah, I see, that makes sense. No pressure though!

I guess a lot of people look forward to these since they're actually pretty useful scripts and want to use them in ACE too (me including, since I love the practicality of your scripts). But, it's pretty understandable that one would get bored of constant porting and wanting to do new things. I wish you all the best of luck then, man!

MA, if you have time, will it be ok to ask for the conversion of Improved Message Window\o/
I really found that helpful ;w; )/

I will try to get on it before exams start.

Can I also post my plea for you to complete this script? I've used your Monster Catalog and have found it a great script! I would love to incorporate this into my game as well!

I'd like to thank you for providing the ATS: Formatting script. It makes typing out messages a whole lot easier. I'm also looking forward to the script for Face Options.

Are these scripts available for use in a commercial game?

Hey modern, these are awesome!!

Two questions:

1) Are these going to have the speech bubbles to have bubble tails that extend from the dialogue towards the character's sprite who's talking?

2) When are you going to finish them all?? Please do as soon as possible! ><

Hey modern, these are awesome!!

Two questions:

1) Are these going to have the speech bubbles to have bubble tails that extend from the dialogue towards the character's sprite who's talking?

2) When are you going to finish them all?? Please do as soon as possible! ><

1) - The script doesn't have a speech bubble and have bubble tails that extend from the dialogue towards the characters sprite because the script is mostly on features of the text box instead of how it look's like.

These are all great scripts...actually I used them for a VX game that I am trying to bring over to Ace...I miss the window name box and face set ones the most!!!!

(plz finish, k? thx)

I'm using Yanfly's right now, but that's mainly for the name boxes. I still need strikethru and italic text as well as the ability to have choices longer than the default limit... I might have to switch over when you get around to those...

Well, the Special Message Codes script is written and that does permit italicization, but to be honest I don't really intend to add strikethrough text as an option. I will let you know when I get the nameboxes etc script written.

Another thing: For some reason Non-ASCII characters (Unicode <255) aren't rendering with Yanfly's, I'm just curious to know why.

Does the font you are using support them?

The fonts listed in the script are:
"Verdana", "Arial", "Courier New"
I'm not sure what the default font is.

Hey Modern, using this in combination with your ATS: Special Characters script I noticed a little quirk.

If I write a line that I want to break with a pause like so, \n \!
Then when I move on to what should be the next line, it appends to the end of the first. The line break never happens- just the pause.

Is there something I'm doing wrong here?

It's probably the script's fault. I will look into it.

Sweet deal. : )

The fonts listed in the script are:
"Verdana", "Arial", "Courier New"
I'm not sure what the default font is.

VL Gothic is the one from the RTP

Any idea what the issue might have been, Modern? : O

I'm actually getting the same problem with Yanfly's Victory Aftermath regarding the \n, so I assume the default scripts are broken somehow? Type \kouma in a text box and the game crashes; I don't think older makers did this...

Sorry, I haven't looked into it yet.

Does this script allow setting font size? I know we have \{ and \}, but we can't with normal VXA message system set font size directly. Something like \size[font size in pt] would be good to have.

Yes, the Special Message Codes script allows you to set font size directly with the \fs[n] code.

I have request. Could you make script that allows us to set message window's height in lines? So instead of current 4 we can have any amount we want, like 2 or 6.

Hey Modern, using this in combination with your ATS: Special Characters script I noticed a little quirk.

If I write a line that I want to break with a pause like so, \n \!
Then when I move on to what should be the next line, it appends to the end of the first. The line break never happens- just the pause.

Is there something I'm doing wrong here?

I know this took forever for me to get around to (I forgot about it), but it should work fine if ATS: Formatting is below ATS: Special Message Codes. I still need to fix it so that it works in either order, but that should do it for now.

This is a great set of scripts!  I've a question regarding compatibility.  I'm hoping you will tell me there is an easy fix and I can edit a few lines and get going again...

I've been using this script here,
http://rmrk.net/index.php?action=post;topic=44525.25;num_replies=37
to keep track of the text in my game and to help me keep it all to the proper format.  The author mentions that there will be issues with codes that aren't persistent?

I'm having trouble getting your color code \c[n], center text code \a[C] and play sound effect code \pSE to carry through. (I haven't tried many of them but I know the Italics code does work)

Is there anything I can change to make these work together?

Thanks!

That link just brings me to a page to reply to this topic. Which script is it?

So uh, not to be a bother, but are you still working on face options?

I am, but I haven't lately. Sorry. I will eventually get it done.

lol, I wonder how I managed that...

http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/6608-external-text-now-v18-multilang-addon-released-multilang-updated-december-15th-2012/

my bad

Nah, don't worry about it. As for that, I am not sure if I'll have the time to learn how to set that script up, so could you maybe provide a sample text document with text that generates the error and a screenshot of the event setup that causes it?

I suddenly can't get the issue to replicate.  Maybe my project just needed to be re-opened after installing that script?  I will let you know if it happens again.  Sorry for the trouble!!

MA

Well, the future yes. The near future? I am not sure.

I will probably do the Face Options before the ones which you are requesting, but it's difficult to predict which scripts I will feel like doing. I will try to get it done by the time the English VXA is released.

It was totally the opposite haha. MA can you please make the face options now?, I'm requesting since I've been waiting :x

We've all been waiting ;__;

I'm actually getting the same problem with Yanfly's Victory Aftermath regarding the \n, so I assume the default scripts are broken somehow? Type \kouma in a text box and the game crashes; I don't think older makers did this...

I can state with fidelity that Yanfly's Victory Aftermath script does that with or without this script. I'm using Yanfly - Message Options and the same error happens, not sure about the other case of /n failing to be recognized but this one is not Modern Algebra's fault.

Also, I didn't know you still planned to release face options MA. It'd be great if that is still a thing you're doing.

So uh, not to be a bother, but are you still working on face options?

haha, I have been seriously delinquent. The next couple weeks will be hectic, but if I'm not done it by the end of the month then I give you permission to slaughter my family.

Just to be clear though, that would still be against the law and you would go to prison. Just ... with my blessing.

I appreciate it. 
And I don't murder families. That's Anski's M.O.

if I'm not done it by the end of the month then I give you permission to slaughter my family.

lo0kihg forwar to this

Well, that came fast. I think I have to withdraw my permission. I had originally planned to make the entire face controlled through a window, rather than a window and a sprite as it was in VX, but that turned out only to simplify some things and complicate others in rather nasty ways. As such, I had to revamp and it's going to take a little while longer.

That's alright, take your time. Just, y'know, before the end of the year would be nice.

Is there a specific set up for the face images? If so, let me know. I'd like to have it ready so that by the time it comes out, I can just change the codes of my messages (if any needs to be changed)

See for yourself.

I am so sorry that it took so long! It still hasn't been completely tested, so I am counting on you all to report any bugs that you find.

I am planning to update a few of the scripts soon (nothing big, but an efficiency fix for the paragraph formatter, speech icons for Message Options, removing scroll arrows if not using scroll review in Message Options, etc.). Aside from that, I don't have any further plans for ATS-related scripts.

If anyone has any ideas for message features, I'm all ears (which leaves no room for action). Well, at least, action has proven elusive, but I will try to work up the energy if there are any good ideas.

I have an idea, but it might be complicated. It's essentially what I was trying to do with your hover alerts. Parallel messages, so you can have other NPCs talking to each other while you are walking around and it will pop up over the talking NPC and close on it's own. (This was a feature in derula's RMXP hermes)

But it's just a suggestion. If you or anyone finds themselves working on something like this, please let me know meow that face options is done, it's the ONLY thing that I'm missing from my XP to Ace conversion.


Also looking forward to the updates!


Thank you for this series of scripts.


Another idea: Ability to use an image for regular messages too (And not just dim).

I have a suggestion -if you're up for it! I don't know about the feasibility of it. But what about extending your system to other windows? For example it would be great to be able to have longer Item descriptions and skill descriptions making use of the scrolling features to display longer descriptions with all of the features you have added such as icons and such. Don't know if this is still being actively developed but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case. I also like the idea above about being able to kind of have a "Parallel Message" running on the map as posted above.

Yaay, back from a long time gone....

I've recently started a new project, again. And I went looking for your ATS-scripts as usual, since I just love them.
I have all of them implemented, in the order you put in this topic, all above anything else, just like ever.

Though, I seem to bump into a tiny, whiny, ini, mini error every time I try to use Ace's scrolltext option......
I didn't even use anything besides the default enabled option in this piece of scrolltext.

Code: [Select]

Script "MA's ATS Format" line 691: NoMethodError occured.

undefined method 'maatsfo_line_width' for
#<Window_ScrollText:0x861cf08>

I just don't know how to solve it (besides perhaps getting rid of the ATS )...

Code: [Select]

Script "MA's ATS Format" line 691: NoMethodError occured.

undefined method 'maatsfo_line_width' for
#<Window_ScrollText:0x861cf08>

Is that the code or the error message? In my copy of the script line 691 is just the END component for the Total Line Width. Is it the same in yours?

Hello!

Give me a hand here if you can. I'm having a little problem with the Formatting script of the ATS Series. It's nothing big but it's rather annoying.

Check this screenshot, please don't mind the Spanish nonsense.

LINK!

Note that paragraph_format is active and working, however it still leaves "empty spaces". Not completely "filling" the message window.

Interesting enough, if you speak with the same NPC and display the same text again... it does fix the issue.

LINK!!

See? More aesthetic! And not just that, but it takes less space/lines to show the same message.

The thing is that it reverses to the first, non-aesthetic, formatting from the first screenshot every time you open the game. I want to know if there's a way to fix this.

I tested this with a new, clean project.

Thanks!

MA!!! I'm running in to this weird problem where appended text scrolls my character faces, any idea?




Edit: found out the text scrolling function also scrolls the faces. I thinkthat should be fixed.

Yaay, back from a long time gone....

I've recently started a new project, again. And I went looking for your ATS-scripts as usual, since I just love them.
I have all of them implemented, in the order you put in this topic, all above anything else, just like ever.

Though, I seem to bump into a tiny, whiny, ini, mini error every time I try to use Ace's scrolltext option......
I didn't even use anything besides the default enabled option in this piece of scrolltext.

Code: [Select]

Script "MA's ATS Format" line 691: NoMethodError occured.

undefined method 'maatsfo_line_width' for
#<Window_ScrollText:0x861cf08>

I just don't know how to solve it (besides perhaps getting rid of the ATS )...

I'm actually getting this error too, but I don't think it has anything to do with ACE as I don't have it installed. Just ATS. Every time I try to put in a scrolling text effect, I'm getting this error. Not sure why.

Code: [Select]

Script "MA's ATS Format" line 691: NoMethodError occured.

undefined method 'maatsfo_line_width' for
#<Window_ScrollText:0x861cf08>

Is that the code or the error message? In my copy of the script line 691 is just the END component for the Total Line Width. Is it the same in yours?

The problem happens on line 691 of ATS Formatting, not ATS Message Options.

MA!!! I'm running in to this weird problem where appended text scrolls my character faces, any idea?




Edit: found out the text scrolling function also scrolls the faces. I think that should be fixed.

Hi oriceles. You can use the Face Options script.

@hiro - That does appear to be an error. I updated the Formatting script to version 1.1.4. Please try replacing your version with that one and let me know if it works.

@hiro - That does appear to be an error. I updated the Formatting script to version 1.1.4. Please try replacing your version with that one and let me know if it works.

Sorry it took me so long to reply. I assumed the worst, that I'd never hear back. Thanks so much for the fix.

Unfortunately, it didn't work.  With the new Formatting script installed, I now get the following message when I attempt to display scrolling text:

Code: [Select]

Script 'ATS Formatting' line 692: NameError occurred.

undefined local variable or method `new_line_x' for
#<Window_ScrollText:0x96142a8>

I've tried changing the order the scripts load, but it doesn't seem to change the outcome.

Sorry about that. I updated the script again. Let me know if it works.

Sorry about that. I updated the script again. Let me know if it works.

That looks like it fixed it! Thanks so much, modern algebra. You're amazing!

Hello there, Modern Algebra. I just registered to pop in and report an obscure bug I found regarding the simultaneous usage of your ATS: Message Options and ATS: Choice Options scripts. But before that...

I want to sincerely thank you for creating the ATS series of scripts. I quite simply cannot imagine making any RPG Maker VX Ace game without them, anymore. The batch of them is just too good to ignore.

Now, I did mention a bug report... So, here it is:

Scripts Involved
ATS: Message Options [VXA]
Version: 1.0.7

and

ATS: Choice Options [VXA]
Version: 1.0.0

Preface
I tested this in a clean environment (completely new project) with no other scripts or custom resources but these two. The problem persisted. Thus, I can only imagine that this is a genuine bug.

Bug Description
If you use a custom Windowskin via the option in ATS: Message Options, the Help window from ATS: Choice Options is emptied of text.

You can see what I mean in the attachments of this post.

For the clean environment in which I took the attached screenshots, I took /Graphics/System/Window.png from the RGSS3 RTP, renamed it "Window - Message" (w/o quotes), and moved it to the same folder in the clean environment. ATS:MO is set to use "Window - Message" as the Message Windowskin.

I don't know if this will help, but... I noticed that, if the custom Message Windowskin is named as the default Windowskin (i.e. "Window"), then this problem does not occur. Following that lead, I managed to find out that the problem goes away if the custom Windowskin is not applied to the Help Message Box, as can be seen if you were to comment out line 995 of ATS: Message Options.

End Of Report

I don't mean to impose, but I would be greatly appreciative if you could find a fix to this bug.

Thank you again for creating this wonderful series of scripts.

Good choice of avatar, Vandril! ;o

Good choice of avatar, Vandril! ;o

Haha, thanks. It is an avatar in some default folder or another, though.

default or not, I like Ike!

Hello there, Modern Algebra. I just registered to pop in and report an obscure bug I found regarding the simultaneous usage of your ATS: Message Options and ATS: Choice Options scripts. But before that...

I want to sincerely thank you for creating the ATS series of scripts. I quite simply cannot imagine making any RPG Maker VX Ace game without them, anymore. The batch of them is just too good to ignore.

Now, I did mention a bug report... So, here it is:

Scripts Involved
ATS: Message Options [VXA]
Version: 1.0.7

and

ATS: Choice Options [VXA]
Version: 1.0.0

Preface
I tested this in a clean environment (completely new project) with no other scripts or custom resources but these two. The problem persisted. Thus, I can only imagine that this is a genuine bug.

Bug Description
If you use a custom Windowskin via the option in ATS: Message Options, the Help window from ATS: Choice Options is emptied of text.

You can see what I mean in the attachments of this post.

For the clean environment in which I took the attached screenshots, I took /Graphics/System/Window.png from the RGSS3 RTP, renamed it "Window - Message" (w/o quotes), and moved it to the same folder in the clean environment. ATS:MO is set to use "Window - Message" as the Message Windowskin.

I don't know if this will help, but... I noticed that, if the custom Message Windowskin is named as the default Windowskin (i.e. "Window"), then this problem does not occur. Following that lead, I managed to find out that the problem goes away if the custom Windowskin is not applied to the Help Message Box, as can be seen if you were to comment out line 995 of ATS: Message Options.

End Of Report

I don't mean to impose, but I would be greatly appreciative if you could find a fix to this bug.

Thank you again for creating this wonderful series of scripts.

Thanks Vandril for the detailed bug report. I am sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner. I haven't been around lately. I haven't been doing any scripting lately, but if I do start up again then I will fix the issue.

Thanks Vandril for the detailed bug report. I am sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner. I haven't been around lately. I haven't been doing any scripting lately, but if I do start up again then I will fix the issue.

No worries on making me wait or anything. I'm more than content that you got back to me at all.

I will patiently await the day when you might make said fix.