Pastshelfdate

Thanks, Captain. I didn't know that. I followed your directions, and it created a zipped file, just as you said. The only thing that threw me a little was that the function uses so few resources and is so simple that I had to select my TFD folder and check for "date modified" (latest). Now I can remove the saved game file from my web comic site. - Pastshelfdate

It's okay, I know I'm "special." I'm actually "on the short bus" for a variety of reasons, all from the neck up: ADD, mild autism, etc. I'm glad you spoke up, as it's the only way I can improve. On the bright side, I've been told by experts that I'm very good about listening to constructive criticism, and about making positive changes. I would have loved to do that, but until late last night, my hard drive had no room at all, and I didn't already have a zip utility, as far as I know. I looked all through my list of program launches (Windows XP Pro). I apologize for forgetting to mention my lack of a zip utility. I'd mentioned it in a previous attempt at posting that went into limbo. I just looked through both the TFTD Research Tree Bug Avoidance Guide and the Research Tree diagram. The Sonic Pistol, Sonic Blasta Rifle, and Sonic Cannon are shown as co-requisites for the Sonic Oscillator, rather than as co-requisites. I misinterpreted the key diagrams below, not realizing that alternate requisites are indicated by arrows going into a triangle, which in turn points down to the dependent item. My only problem, apart from occasionally being oblivious, is that I sold the Sonic Pistol and clip that I had at my research base. I just transferred one each from another base. And I've since read that the Sonic Oscillator is the one that I agree is the best craft weapon in the game, the one that doesn't need ongoing manufacture of ammo. I didn't realize there were two language problems. "Cannon" to me suggests something like the 20 to 37 mm "cannons" that armed various World War 2 fighter planes. I thought this was the name of the weapon that didn't require ammo supplies (The only other time I've played TFTD was almost 20 years ago.). I thought the alien-technology-based weapon that fired the big missiles would be called a missile launcher. And here's something I really apologize for not mentioning (I didn't realize it was a problem.) As I've had very little opportunity, otherwise, for practice, I've been playing TFTD in French. The French version lists the PWT Cannon as "Cannon TOC," which was just different enough that, combined with my ADD, I only now, on closer examination of the Research Tree diagram, realize the "Cannon TOC" is the one that requires manufactured ammunition. The French are not at all to blame. I really should have known better. At least I wasn't willfully ignorant, but still just as annoying. Thanks for the suggestion. As of last night, I finally have space on my hard drive to install small programs. As I mentioned above, I found a pistol and clip in another base's inventory, and am transferring them.

Thanks, and I apologize for that. I still don't know why I couldn't find the TftD forum (a much better location), instead of posting to the site admin forum.

I don't know what happened to the message I tried to post, earlier today. I have found a Terror from the Deep research trap for which I've not seen any word from anyone else. It's not on the UFOpaedia section for TftD research traps. I can't research the Sonic Oscillator. Dr. Frankenfurter didn't make it back to his home planet, and isn't checking messages. I am only running the version sold by Steam, because I don't know how to use DOS Box to get my old original CD version from the 1990s to work. I don't know if I'll be able to zip a saved game directory and upload it, so I've uploaded a saved game to my web comic site, at this link: http://www.pizzafromscratch.net/TftD.html I hope this helps with the projects for cleaning up research traps. I'll be okay, but I'd hate for new players not to be able to research and enjoy the P.W.T. Cannon. - Pastshelfdate ... o_O Oh, sorry. I thought the latest messages were added on the highest numbered page of posts on the forum. Sorry I'm so "special." I do learn from mistakes. - Pastshelfdate

I know it's been recommended that we zip up a saved game, but I'm now going to try the "basic uploader," and see how that works. ... Well, that didn't take long. When I tried to attach the first file in my GAME_2 sub-directory, I got a message saying I'm not permitted to upload that type of file. So again, I have to refer anyone who wants to help to this link: http://www.pizzafromscratch.net/TftD.html Thanks, again, for any help. - Pastshelfdate

After checking through dozens of posts where the subject line is no clue to the actual question specifics, I hope my subject line is helpful. Here is what may be a new challenge for you all. I am unable to research the Sonic Oscillator. Dr. Frankenfurter won't reply, so I'm asking for help here. According to the research tree on the UFOpaedia site, this also prevents me from researching the P.W.T. Cannon. I can live without it, but I'd hate for new players to face this, as it would be so disappointing. They should know the joys of the P.W.T. Cannon, especially how it saves so much money on ammo supplies. And that helps with storage space, also. Thanks to the wonderful notes on the UFOpaedia site, I have avoided the research traps listed there. Thank you. By the way, if anyone can recommend a specific utility for editing a saved game to give me the ability to research the two topics mentioned above, I'd appreciate it. My hard drive is probably too full (Got a warning message, a half hour ago.) to install even the smallest file zipper, so I just uploaded my GAME_2 directory to my web site. Here is the link to my home page: http://www.pizzafromscratch.net/ And here is the link to the page with the directory link: http://www.pizzafromscratch.net/TftD.html This link displays a file list format I've seen before: http://www.pizzafromscratch.net/GAME_2/ Any of the above links should work. Thanks, in advance, for any help, and I hope this helps with your TftD research trap projects. Bill L. =^o^=

Back in the mid-1990s, I beat Terror from the Deep. I set aside a whole day, as I'd read that once started, the T'leth mission couldn't be saved and paused. I even got up and went for a short walk, after the first stage (sea floor, if memory serves). That was on the easiest difficulty level. Back then, I was still clinically depressed, and didn't play games for a challenge, but instead for an ego boost. I had to be really careful not to take on too much. I'm playing on the next difficulty level up, now, as I want to approach the difficulties gradually.

Hi, NTK, I enjoyed reading your "wacky pseudo-explanation." I'm still looking for any other report of the Sonic Oscillator research bug I've experienced. And as far as installing a file compression utility, I've just received the second "low disk space" warning in a week's time, so I really don't have room for anything large at all. I do have a web comic site, about which hardly anyone knows, so I could upload all the files of one saved game there, and provide a link to them on my home page. Would that be workable?

Hi, Blade, I'd love to send you one of my saved games, as I've found a research bug for which I've been unable to find any other messages, so far: I can't research the Sonic Oscillator, and thus also can't research the P.W.T. Cannon. Yet I don't have a file compression utility installed, and I don't know which one I should pick. I need something effective but available without charge, as I'm on disability (low funds) and am going to have to replace this laptop soon (I think that would mean I'd have to buy a file zipper all over again.).

I've been playing for a few months, now, and have cleaned out a few colonies and "Alien Activity" sites. The sea floor level (the first of the two stages of the mission) is always in water so deep that visibility is as with night conditions. However, once inside the colony/installation (the second stage of the mission), the only darkness is for unexplored areas, with no line-of-sight, yet. I've never had to use chemical flares in the second stage. Once I've explored an area of an alien facility, it stays lit up. The "Alien Activity" facility has dark walls and floors, but lighting seems to be full. I found the same lighting conditions in the game I bought decades ago on CD, so this may hold for all versions. I hope this news is encouraging.

NTK, thanks for the links to patch pages. I've found a research trap which no one else has reported. I can't research the Sonic Oscilator (Quick - someone get Dr. Frankenfurter!), and thus also can't research the P.W.T. Cannon. If I don't find anything else among other posts, I'll start a new thread with all details, and will hopefully be able to attach a saved game file.

Hi, Alex, I'm newly active on the UFOpaedia site. Just saw this post and have bookmarked the Gizmodo article. Thanks.

Thanks, Tycho. I couldn't find that forum, when I posted here. I've since found it. I'll go there, now.

That's a great idea. I'd love to do that, but I don't see anything in this interface that allows me to attach a file. I just tried "My Media," but it only lets me search through items I would have to have already uploaded, some other way. I realize that's a really good question, and I apologize for not thinking to include the following, when I first wrote to ask for help. I don't know how to get my original CD versions running on my laptop with DOS Box, so I've been playing whatever version it is that Steam sells directly. I don't know how to use any modifications to the game. What little experience I had with coding, it's been almost 9 years since I did any, and I don't have time to fight with a game, only play it, on occasion. So at least my situation is fairly simple. I hope that helps.