Duke Nukem 3D - Kill-A-Ton/Duke_Nukem_3D_Kill-A-Ton_Collection_-_CD1.iso/goodies/rtsmaker/rtsfaq.txt

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From: [e-mail] (Charlie Wiederhold)
Newsgroups: alt.games.duke3d,alt.games.apogee
Subject: Official RTS FAQ ver 1.1
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 23:49:24 GMT
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           The Official RTS (Remote Ridicule Sound) FAQ ver 1.1
                     Written By: Charlie Wiederhold
                     Current as of: August 10th, 1996

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CONTENTS: A ~ denotes a new section, and ^ denotes an updated section

<1> Introduction
    <1.1> A word from the author
    <1.2> About this FAQ
          <1.2.1> Where to get this FAQ
         ^<1.2.2> Revision history
    <1.3> What is an RTS (Remote Ridicule Sound) file?
          <1.3.1> Apogee and 3D Realms, just a little info
          <1.3.2> Where RTS files come from
      <1.3.3> Where RTS files can be used

<2> How to make an RTS file
   ^<2.1> What you need to begin with
    <2.2> Parameters for the sounds used
    <2.3> How to make a script file
    <2.4> I have this great file I made! What now?

<3> Decompiling RTS files
    <3.1> What you need to begin with
    <3.2> What to do with the RTS file

<4> Hints and suggestions for good RTS files
    <4.1> What kinds of sounds should I use?
    <4.2> About how long should they be?
    <4.3> "I hate 8 bit sounds! I want 16 bit!"

~<5> Trouble Shooting: RTS files that don't work
   ~<5.1> My RTS won't create?
   ~<5.2> RTS creates, but only some or none of the sounds work?
   ~<5.3> WAD file doesn't have IWAD id?

<6> What files are already out there?
    <6.1> How they are rated
   ^<6.2> Front Ends for RTSMAKER.EXE

<7> Contacting People About RTS Files
    <7.1> Charlie Wiederhold
    <7.2> Apogee
    <7.3> 3D Realms

<8> Credits

=============================================================================
The legal stuff that you probably won't read or even care about...

This FAQ is copyright (c) 1996 by Charlie Wiederhold. Nothing
contained within it may be distributed unless every single last ASCII
character is sent with it. I put them in there for a reason, so leave
it. Thanks. All credits shall be given to me, or to someone else by
me. You may pirate this copy as much as you want, cause if you paid
for it, you really messed up. All that I ask, is that you treat this
with the proper respect in reverence of the time I spent on it to help
you. Thanks!
=============================================================================

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Section 1 - Introduction
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<1.1> A word from the author

I am a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in
Computer Science. I currently maintain the largest RTS archive in the
world, located at WiederWeb - http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~wieder/ROTT/.
I play lots of games, and lots of game types, but 3D games tend to be
my favorite. And, 3D Realms/Apogee are my favorite gaming companies. I
will explain that later. Anyways, I CANNOT guarantee that everything
within this FAQ is true. But, I will try to be as correct as I can
possibly be. If you notice an error, or think something else should be
in here, just contact me. I can be contacted from my page, or you can
just e-mail me at [e-mail]

<1.2> About this FAQ

I wrote this thing to help people out who get a bit confused as to
what an RTS file is, and how to make them. Also, to attempt to bring
to light, just how cool these things are.

<1.2.1> Where to get this FAQ (and all subsequent updates)

WWW
http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~wieder/ROTT

Usenet
alt.games.apogee
alt.games.duke3d

FTP
ftp://apogee.best.com
ftp://3drealms.best.com

You can also get it via e-mail by simply sending a bit of mail to
[e-mail], and asking for it.

<1.2.2> Revision history

-Version 1.0

1) Initial creation, and verification from Apogee/3D Realms.

-Version 1.1

1) Updated info on what you need to create RTS files
2) Updated info on Front Ends for RTS files
3) Added the trouble shooting information

<1.3> What is an RTS (Remote Ridicule Sound) file?

RTS (Remote Ridicule) files are the files that contain the sounds made
when you push <ALT><F1> through <ALT><F10> in Duke Nukem 3D and <F1>
through <F10> in Rise of the Triad. These first premiered in Rise of
the Triad, and really took off in popularity with the release of Duke
Nukem 3D. I assume they will continue to be used in many of Apogee's
and 3D Realms' games. They are used predominantly in Multi-playing as
ways to express yourself about something that happened, or is about to
happen. The majority are humorous in nature, but a few have ventured
into making a serious file with a real purpose.

Please note: RTS files can be heard in both multiplay and single play
in Duke 3D. They can only be heard during multiplay in ROTT.

<1.3.1> Apogee and 3D Realms, just a little info

Apogee is the company that revolutionized the method of marketing
games. They released games as shareware before actually sending it to
the selling blocks. Now, almost all the major companies will release a
shareware version of their games before the actual full version. With
such classics as Commander Keen, Duke Nukem 1 & 2, the Kroz series,
and many others, Apogee was able to establish themselves as a major
game maker. Some of the newer hits are Wacky Wheels, Rise of the
Triad, and Xenophage. With some new games in planning, Apogee just
keeps on going, providing some of the highest quality games out
there.

3D Realms is the fledgling branch of Apogee, that focuses on the 3D
type games. Currently they have released two games, Terminal Velocity,
and the smash hit Duke Nukem 3D. Look for many more fantastic 3D games
from this company, including Blood and Prey. Prey will be the first
game to use the TRUE 3D engine from 3D Realms.

<1.3.2> Where RTS files come from

RTS files originated with Rise of the Triad, and one came with the
game. But, Apogee gave out the program with which to create them, and
now users have taken over the spotlight. Over 170 new RTS files are
now floating around the internet, and I am sure that number will
continue to grow as more users find an interest in them.

<1.3.3> Where RTS files can be used

As stated before, RTS files can currently be used in two games. Rise
of the Triad, and Duke Nukem 3D. New RTS files can be selected for use
in these games from the setup programs. In Rise of the Triad, they are
listed under the "Use Modified Stuff" option, and in Duke Nukem 3D,
they are changeable from within the Modem, Serial, and Network
options.

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Section 2 - How to make an RTS file
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<2.1> What you need to begin with

Note: This gives a description of how to make an RTS _without_ the use
of any extra front ends, etc. The use of a front end is highly
suggested, as it speeds the process of making RTS files.

First of all, you need the program RTSMAKER.EXE. The most current is
RTSMaker v2.0. It allows you to not only assemble, but also take apart
RTS files. Very convenient when you have sounds from several RTS files
that you feel should be in one compact file. You can get this from
almost any quality Duke 3D or ROTT site (including the official 3D
Realms and Apogee BBS web pages), and also at my RTS web site. Plus,
it is included with many titles released by 3D Realms/Apogee. RTSMaker
v1.0 is available from the ROTT CD, and the disk based ROTT Power
Pack. RTSMaker v2.0 is available on the Duke3D CD.

Before you do anything, you may want to check out one of the deepest
secrets of the RTSMAKER.EXE file. Just type it at the DOS prompt, and
some wonderful help information comes up. Believe me, very few people
even know about it.

You will need 10 .WAV or .VOC sound files. Many cool sound files can
be found around the internet, or maybe you have some on your computer.
If you like a certain theme look for a web site about that theme, and
you are almost guaranteed to find some cool .WAV files there. You can
use both .VOC and .WAV files when creating an RTS file.

Also, there are many .WAV and .VOC file editors out there, one of
which is currently at my web site. You can visit several sound related
web sites and find some other good editors. These can be used to clean
up a sound, or cut a sound to make it shorter.

But, the basics are RTSMAKER.EXE and 10 .WAV or .VOC sound files.

<2.2> Parameters for the sounds used

I do not currently know the variations of sounds that can be used to
create an RTS file, but please keep in mind that you should keep them
fairly simple. Here are a few notes from Mark Dochtermann:

You can have 8 or 16 bit sounds.
You CANNOT have stereo.
You can have anywhere from 2Khz to 44Khz sounds.

The size of a sounds is not limited, but the game has to be able to
load it. You make it too big, and the game may crash trying to play
it. Trust me, the simpler they are... the more effective in game play
they seem to be.

A neat trick that has never before been released until now (Thanks Jim
Dose!), is that you can make an infinite RTS sound. If you construct
your .WAV or .VOC in such a way that it loops, you can put THAT in the
RTS file. Then, when the person goes to select that sound, it will
keep playing on forever. Not a very FUN trick for everyone else
playing the game, but hey... it is still a trick! Don't go asking me
for help on how to make a looping sound file... I don't have a clue,
and will not learn how just so I don't ever have to tell anyone. ;^)

<2.3> How to make a script file

In order to make a script file, you need to know the format for what
RTSMAKER.EXE will look for. Just use any ASCII editor (ex. DOS Edit)
just as long as it saves the file in raw ASCII text.

Now, on the first line of this file, type the name of the RTS you want
it to make. This is so RTSMAKER.EXE will know what to call the file it
is going to create. Then, on each line after that, type the names of
the sound files you want included. Be sure to type the whole thing,
including the extension.

When you are done, save the file. Then, make sure that RTSMAKER.EXE,
your script file, and the sound files are all in the same directory.
Now, all you have to do is type RTSMAKER <Name of your script file
here> at the command prompt, and it will compile it and save the new
RTS as whatever you specified in the script file.

So, here is an example of a script file named MAKERTS.TXT that I might
use.

MyRTS.RTS
Sound1.WAV
Sound2.VOC
Sound3.WAV
Sound4.WAV
Sound5.WAV
Sound6.VOC
Sound7.WAV
Sound8.WAV
Sound9.VOC
Sound10.WAV

Then, after I saved this text file as MAKERTS.TXT, I would type this
at the command prompt:

rtsmaker makerts.txt

Note: It is often convenient to rename the sounds you want to
something simple to remember, like Sound<#>.(WAV/VOC). This is for
your sake to help prevent typos when trying to remember the names of
all the sound files.

<2.4> I have this great file I made! What now?

You can upload this to me by sending it via e-mail to
[e-mail]
I post every RTS file I get, unless of course, it doesn't work. This
is the suggested way, because pretty much all other Duke or ROTT sites
get their RTS files by checking in on my site. Thus, you have a higher
chance of more people seeing it by sending it to me. Also, you will be
ensured to get the proper credit. The only people who do not receive
credit are people who send their file elsewhere, and the maintainer
doesn't bother to say who made it. But, if you have a favorite site,
go ahead and upload it to them. Chances are, I will find it anyways
and have it posted soon enough. :^)

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Section 3 - Decompiling RTS files
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<3.1> What you need to begin with

You must have RTSMaker v2.0 in order to decompile an RTS file.

<3.2> What to do with the RTS file

Type RTSMAKER -u <Name of RTS>.RTS at the command prompt.

For example: rtsmaker -u duke.rts

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Section 4 - Hints and suggestions for good RTS files
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<4.1> What kinds of sounds should I use?

You really should use sounds that fit into a theme. Of course, there
are many RTS files out there that are pretty random, and still funny
or effective, the best continue to be ones with a theme. As far as
subject matter, the sky is the limit... or should I say, the number of
sounds in the world is the limit?

<4.2> About how long should they be?

Long sounds tend to slow the game down while they are loading, and
actually get in the way. Also, they simply make the file pretty dang
large, thus they take a while to download and take up a lot of space.
Short simple quotes that quickly make their statement seem to have the
most effect while multi-playing.

<4.3> "I hate 8 bit sounds! I want 16 bit!"

What quality of sound you pick is up to you. There are advantages
either way. 8 bit sounds are naturally smaller, but do not have the
clarity of a 16 bit sound. You make the judgment yourself. Size or
quality.

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Section 5 - Trouble Shooting: RTS files that don't work
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<5.1> My RTS won't create?

Be sure to double check your script file, and make sure that the
spelling of all .WAV/.VOC files are correct. Also, confirm that if you
are using .WAV files, that you are using RTSMaker Version 2.0. Also...
make sure that your .WAV/.VOC files are actually sound files. Not some
other type of file.

<5.2> RTS creates, but only some or none of the sounds work?

Again, confirm that your sound files are valid sound files. Try them
out in other sound players. Secondly, if it is a .WAV file that is not
working... try converting it to a .VOC file. Most of the time this
will solve your problems. Some users have said that the program they
used to create the .WAV affected whether it worked or not. So, try to
use multiple programs to see if that is the probem.

<5.3> WAD file doesn't have IWAD id?

This means you are trying to unpack an RTS file that is not valid.
There is nothing that can be done to fix that, except check to make
sure that if you downloaded it, it finished downloading, etc.

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Section 6 - What files are already out there?
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<6.1> How they are rated

I set the standard for rating them by placing them into a G and PG
rated section and a PG-13 and R rated section. Clarifying much more
than that is next to impossible. Basically, they are divided into ones
that curse, and ones that don't. Believe it or not, the number of G
and PG rated ones out number the PG-13 and R rated. Proving that you
don't have to be vulgar to be funny!

If you don't know what G, PG, PG-13, and R mean, just remember this:

G and PG are the family types, with no cursing or adult subject
matter. PG-13 and R have cursing and/or adult subject matter.

If you think a file belongs in a different category than what I have
it listed, just e-mail me and tell me. I will then re-evaluate it and
see what I think.

<6.2> Front Ends for RTSMAKER.EXE

There are currently two front ends for making RTS files. These
programs don't actually create the RTS, but make the process of
selecting what you want easier. These are:

WINRTS.ZIP - Windows based front end
DOSRTS.ZIP - DOS based front end written by yours truly

I will not provide much info about them, as they already have included
documentation.

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Section 7 - Contacting People About RTS Files
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<7.1> Charlie Wiederhold

As stated before, I can be contacted via my web page at
http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~wieder/ROTT/

Or, e-mail - [e-mail]

<7.2> Apogee

WWW - http://www.apogee1.com/
e-mail - [e-mail]

<7.3> 3D Realms

WWW - http://www.3drealms.com/
e-mail - [e-mail]

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Section 8 - Credits
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First of all, I would like to thank Joe Siegler for checking this for
errors, and being a big help in many aspects of my work I have done in
relation to Apogee and 3D Realms.

Plus, Mark Dochtermann and Jim Dose who verified a ton of information,
as well as implementing the idea of RTS files in the first place!

Dryden for sparking my interest in making a web site for Rise of the
Triad, which let to a Duke Nukem page, which is where I began to set
the standard for RTS files. Also, for all his help in teaching me much
of what I know.

Charlie Wiederhold - Duke Nukem 3D Rodeo Shootout
We're looking for the best gun slingers in Texas!
http://rampages.onramp.net/~bminer/duke/index.htm
[e-mail]