Editing Menu

[Vexus]

I'm editing the basic menu so the choices listed are shown horizontal instead of vertical.

So far, removing everything but the command window is easy but I need to add one thing.

Spoiler: ShowHide

As shown in the picture above, I'm thinking of having that bar visible all the time. Text shows in the window, one line at a time to conserve space. This requires 2 things:

1 - The command window needs to be horizontal instead of vertical because of the menu being icons only.
2 - The command window should not have anything visible other than the cursor itself. The text of each option should be shown on the left side of the bar to indicate what each selection does.

Now this is made in script troubleshooting because I'd like to understand how it's done not someone makes it for me and be done with it. I appreciate the help of course, it's just I'd like to know what has to be changed in case of further adjustments or for future menu ideas.

Thanks for the help.

[KK20]

Do you have any code to share?

[Vexus]

Well that is a picture heh...

So far I edited scene menu to remove the unnecessary stuff:

Spoiler: ShowHide

#==============================================================================
# ** Scene_Menu
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#  This class performs menu screen processing.
#==============================================================================

class Scene_Menu
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Object Initialization
  #     menu_index : command cursor's initial position
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def initialize(menu_index = 0)
    @menu_index = menu_index
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Main Processing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def main
    @mapback = Spriteset_Map.new
    # Make command window
    s1 = "Inventory"
    s2 = "Notes"
    s3 = "Role Cards"
    s4 = "Options"
    #s5 = "Save"
    #s6 = "End Game"
    @command_window = Window_Command.new(160, [s1, s2, s3, s4])
    @command_window.index = @menu_index
    # If number of party members is 0
    if $game_party.actors.size == 0
      # Disable items, skills, equipment, and status
      @command_window.disable_item(0)
      @command_window.disable_item(1)
      @command_window.disable_item(2)
      @command_window.disable_item(3)
    end
    # If save is forbidden
    if $game_system.save_disabled
      # Disable save
      @command_window.disable_item(4)
    end
    # Make play time window
    #@playtime_window = Window_PlayTime.new
    #@playtime_window.x = 0
    #@playtime_window.y = 224
    # Make steps window
    #@steps_window = Window_Steps.new
    #@steps_window.x = 0
    #@steps_window.y = 320
    # Make gold window
    #@gold_window = Window_Gold.new
    #@gold_window.x = 0
    #@gold_window.y = 416
    # Make status window
    #@status_window = Window_MenuStatus.new
    #@status_window.x = 160
    #@status_window.y = 0
    # Execute transition
    Graphics.transition
    # Main loop
    loop do
      # Update game screen
      Graphics.update
      # Update input information
      Input.update
      # Frame update
      update
      # Abort loop if screen is changed
      if $scene != self
        break
      end
    end
    # Prepare for transition
    Graphics.freeze
    # Dispose of windows
    @mapback.dispose
    @command_window.dispose
    #@playtime_window.dispose
    #@steps_window.dispose
    #@gold_window.dispose
    #@status_window.dispose
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Frame Update
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def update
    # Update windows
    @mapback.update
    @command_window.update
    #@playtime_window.update
    #@steps_window.update
    #@gold_window.update
    #@status_window.update
    # If command window is active: call update_command
    if @command_window.active
      update_command
      return
    end
    # If status window is active: call update_status
    if @status_window.active
      update_status
      return
    end
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Frame Update (when command window is active)
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def update_command
    # If B button was pressed
    if Input.trigger?(Input::B)
      # Play cancel SE
      $game_system.se_play($data_system.cancel_se)
      # Switch to map screen
      $scene = Scene_Map.new
      return
    end
    # If C button was pressed
    if Input.trigger?(Input::C)
      # If command other than save or end game, and party members = 0
      if $game_party.actors.size == 0 and @command_window.index < 4
        # Play buzzer SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.buzzer_se)
        return
      end
      # Branch by command window cursor position
      case @command_window.index
      when 0  # item
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Switch to item screen
        $scene = Scene_Item.new
      when 1  # skill
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Make status window active
        @command_window.active = false
        @status_window.active = true
        @status_window.index = 0
      when 2  # equipment
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Make status window active
        @command_window.active = false
        @status_window.active = true
        @status_window.index = 0
      when 3  # status
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Make status window active
        @command_window.active = false
        @status_window.active = true
        @status_window.index = 0
      when 4  # save
        # If saving is forbidden
        if $game_system.save_disabled
          # Play buzzer SE
          $game_system.se_play($data_system.buzzer_se)
          return
        end
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Switch to save screen
        $scene = Scene_Save.new
      when 5  # end game
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Switch to end game screen
        $scene = Scene_End.new
      end
      return
    end
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Frame Update (when status window is active)
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def update_status
    # If B button was pressed
    if Input.trigger?(Input::B)
      # Play cancel SE
      $game_system.se_play($data_system.cancel_se)
      # Make command window active
      @command_window.active = true
      @status_window.active = false
      @status_window.index = -1
      return
    end
    # If C button was pressed
    if Input.trigger?(Input::C)
      # Branch by command window cursor position
      case @command_window.index
      when 1  # skill
        # If this actor's action limit is 2 or more
        if $game_party.actors[@status_window.index].restriction >= 2
          # Play buzzer SE
          $game_system.se_play($data_system.buzzer_se)
          return
        end
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Switch to skill screen
        $scene = Scene_Skill.new(@status_window.index)
      when 2  # equipment
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Switch to equipment screen
        $scene = Scene_Equip.new(@status_window.index)
      when 3  # status
        # Play decision SE
        $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
        # Switch to status screen
        $scene = Scene_Status.new(@status_window.index)
      end
      return
    end
  end
end

Once I manage to make the command list horizontal I'll see on editing what each selection opens.

So far, I found this: http://www.gdunlimited.net/forums/topic/4593-horizontal-command-window/

Has the ability of turning command windows into horizontal from vertical with some little modification.

I might take a quick peek at my Alive menu script as it's horizontal and uses similar functions (Icon instead of text) as I'm trying to do here. There's no guarantee I'll understand what to edit tough that's why I made this thread so you guys can help me learn.

[Vexus]

Sorry for the double post.

Long story short, I managed to use and edit the script I have in my Alive project.

Instead of showing all the icons like the picture above, when you open the menu, an icon shows with arrows on both sides. This let's you move back/forward for the other options. After struggling for the help text for quite a bit, I managed to also make it work.

So, I guess this thread has no purpose and can be closed.

[Vexus]

So I guess, I could still use some opinions...

The menu after I opted to edit the script in my Alive project (To have horizontal commands as icons one at a time) I changed it from the picture in the first post into:

Spoiler: ShowHide

However, there's one thing that irks me a little, which is when the menu is not open. When you are not interacting with anyone or into the menu, the bottom bar is left with those 2 blocks empty. Now, I had some ideas like editing the picture to show the inventory icon plus arrows to make it look less empty and it "works", I guess.... Not sure if it's enough tough.

So, I thought about hiding it instead of having the bottom bar show all the time and have it show in accordance to when it's needed.

This however made me halt on when I needed to show a picture instead of the windowskin when I interact with someone. I tried searching and tried different methods but kept getting errors so I scratched everything and went back showing the picture.

The question, however is:

What do I need to add to show a picture in the message script.

Thanks

[KK20]

I guess I don't really understand how your code works. The whole window on the bottom and scrolling through the item options is a Window object that is handled in Scene_Menu? And when you exit the scene, you return back to Scene_Map and the window is now a picture (essentially a dummy)? And you're asking how you can combine two scenes together?

I think I just need a clarification how your menu thing works.

[Vexus]

No no no.

I explained how it worked, which is essentially how you said it, via a picture on the screen and everything shows on it (Messages, menu commands etc etc). Then I tried improving on it as I thought having the blank picture showing at all time would look weird?

I tried removing the picture itself and have it show via scripting instead of the windowskin when you interact with someone or open the menu, but I can't seem to make a picture show in window message since there is no scene message.

I only got errors.

[KK20]

So why can't you just use a Show Picture event command?

[Vexus]

Replacing the windowskin with a picture would be so much easier than having to add the picture on every dialogue tough.

I did it successfully for the menu and other windows but I can't seem to understand how to show a picture as background instead of the windowskin when a message appears.

[KK20]

Use the Window#opacity attribute and set it to 0. This will turn the windowskin "invisible" but leave the text in, say your message box, visible.

[Vexus]

Well...... That's how it's set atm.

Opacity = 0 and the picture showing underneath. I however, was thinking on making the said picture show only when dialogue appears, just like the picture shows when the menu is called.

And by trying, I meant trying to use something like this in window_message:

@menu_back.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture("") rescue nil

[Vexus]

So no one can guide me on how to show a picture in window_message?

@menu_back.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture("") rescue nil

This type of code gives me an error since it's in window type not class type.

[KK20]

I gave up because I still don't get what you're doing.
Post a demo.

[Vexus]

I'm trying to show a picture in window_message when dialogue appears on the screen and this line of code that I use in scene_menu:

@menu_back.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture("") rescue nil

Doesn't work.

Don't know how can I explain more easy than that.

[KK20]

What is @menu_back? How are you initializing it? How does your Scene_Map look? How does the menu even work? Why does the menu even need to be visible during dialogue?

All of these things I have no idea. Thus, post a demo or I'm done.

[Vexus]

What is @menu_back? How are you initializing it? How does your Scene_Map look? How does the menu even work? Why does the menu even need to be visible during dialogue?

All of these things I have no idea. Thus, post a demo or I'm done.

@menu_back is what I guess the code information is stored in:

Spoiler: ShowHide

#==============================================================================
# ** Scene_Menu
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#  This class performs menu screen processing.
#==============================================================================
class Scene_Menu
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Main Processing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def main
    #Invisible Background
    @mapback = Spriteset_Map.new
    #Picture under windowskin
    @menu_back = Sprite.new
    @menu_back.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture("") rescue nil
    @menu_back.z = 3000 #3000
    @menu_back.opacity = 0
    icons = ['Menu0','Menu1','Menu2']
    @command_window = Window_Item_Command.new(0,64,@menu_index) #0,64
    @help_window = Window_Help.new
    @help_window.opacity = 0
    @help_window.x = 0
    @help_window.y = 415 # 415
    @help_window.z = 3000 #3000
    @command_window.help_window = @help_window
    # Execute transition
    Graphics.transition
    # Main loop
    loop do
      # Update game screen
      Graphics.update
      # Update input information
      Input.update
      # Frame update
      update
      # Abort loop if screen is changed
      if $scene != self
        break
      end
    end
    # Prepare for transition
    Graphics.freeze
    @menu_back.dispose
    @command_window.dispose
    @help_window.dispose
    @mapback.dispose
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Frame Update
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def update
    @mapback.update
    @command_window.update
    @help_window.update
    @menu_back.update

- Scene_Map is untouched.

- I mentioned the menu because it has that piece of coding (As shown above) that let's me show a picture instead of using the windowskin when the menu is called. I never said the menu needs to show up when dialogue is on the screen, I just said I'm trying to show a picture instead of the windowskin.

I'm simply asking how can I show a picture when dialogue appears on the screen via scripting.

I could provide a demo if you really need it eventough I see no point. The only script I have in it so far is an edit of the original menu.

[KK20]

And this is why I have confusion: you're showing me code that has absolutely nothing to do with what you want.

First off, the code you posted is a modification of Scene_Menu which has no relationship with the message window at all. You need Scene_Map for that.

class Scene_Map
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Main Processing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def main
    # Make sprite set
    @spriteset = Spriteset_Map.new
    # Make message window
    @message_window = Window_Message.new #<================== It's right here

If the picture you're trying to show is always the same, add this modified Scene_Map and change the values in the main method. I put division lines for the part you need to fix.

Spoiler: ShowHide

#==============================================================================
# ** Scene_Map
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#  This class performs map screen processing.
#==============================================================================

class Scene_Map
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Main Processing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def main
    # Make sprite set
    @spriteset = Spriteset_Map.new
    # Make message window
    @message_window = Window_Message.new
#================================================
    @message_picture = Sprite.new
    @message_picture = RPG::Cache.picture("Filename")
    @message_picture.visible = false
    @message_picture.x = ?
    @message_picture.y = ?
#================================================
    # Transition run
    Graphics.transition
    # Main loop
    loop do
      # Update game screen
      Graphics.update
      # Update input information
      Input.update
      # Frame update
      update
      # Abort loop if screen is changed
      if $scene != self
        break
      end
    end
    # Prepare for transition
    Graphics.freeze
    # Dispose of sprite set
    @spriteset.dispose
    # Dispose of message window
    @message_window.dispose
    @message_picture.dispose
    # If switching to title screen
    if $scene.is_a?(Scene_Title)
      # Fade out screen
      Graphics.transition
      Graphics.freeze
    end
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Frame Update
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def update
    # Loop
    loop do
      # Update map, interpreter, and player order
      # (this update order is important for when conditions are fulfilled 
      # to run any event, and the player isn't provided the opportunity to
      # move in an instant)
      $game_map.update
      $game_system.map_interpreter.update
      $game_player.update
      # Update system (timer), screen
      $game_system.update
      $game_screen.update
      # Abort loop if player isn't place moving
      unless $game_temp.player_transferring
        break
      end
      # Run place move
      transfer_player
      # Abort loop if transition processing
      if $game_temp.transition_processing
        break
      end
    end
    # Update sprite set
    @spriteset.update
    # Update message window
    @message_window.update
    @message_picture.update
    # If game over
    if $game_temp.gameover
      # Switch to game over screen
      $scene = Scene_Gameover.new
      return
    end
    # If returning to title screen
    if $game_temp.to_title
      # Change to title screen
      $scene = Scene_Title.new
      return
    end
    # If transition processing
    if $game_temp.transition_processing
      # Clear transition processing flag
      $game_temp.transition_processing = false
      # Execute transition
      if $game_temp.transition_name == ""
        Graphics.transition(20)
      else
        Graphics.transition(40, "Graphics/Transitions/" +
          $game_temp.transition_name)
      end
    end
    # If showing message window
    if $game_temp.message_window_showing
      @message_picture.visible = true
      return
    else
      @message_picture.visible = false
    end
    # If encounter list isn't empty, and encounter count is 0
    if $game_player.encounter_count == 0 and $game_map.encounter_list != []
      # If event is running or encounter is not forbidden
      unless $game_system.map_interpreter.running? or
             $game_system.encounter_disabled
        # Confirm troop
        n = rand($game_map.encounter_list.size)
        troop_id = $game_map.encounter_list[n]
        # If troop is valid
        if $data_troops[troop_id] != nil
          # Set battle calling flag
          $game_temp.battle_calling = true
          $game_temp.battle_troop_id = troop_id
          $game_temp.battle_can_escape = true
          $game_temp.battle_can_lose = false
          $game_temp.battle_proc = nil
        end
      end
    end
    # If B button was pressed
    if Input.trigger?(Input::B)
      # If event is running, or menu is not forbidden
      unless $game_system.map_interpreter.running? or
             $game_system.menu_disabled
        # Set menu calling flag or beep flag
        $game_temp.menu_calling = true
        $game_temp.menu_beep = true
      end
    end
    # If debug mode is ON and F9 key was pressed
    if $DEBUG and Input.press?(Input::F9)
      # Set debug calling flag
      $game_temp.debug_calling = true
    end
    # If player is not moving
    unless $game_player.moving?
      # Run calling of each screen
      if $game_temp.battle_calling
        call_battle
      elsif $game_temp.shop_calling
        call_shop
      elsif $game_temp.name_calling
        call_name
      elsif $game_temp.menu_calling
        call_menu
      elsif $game_temp.save_calling
        call_save
      elsif $game_temp.debug_calling
        call_debug
      end
    end
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Battle Call
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def call_battle
    # Clear battle calling flag
    $game_temp.battle_calling = false
    # Clear menu calling flag
    $game_temp.menu_calling = false
    $game_temp.menu_beep = false
    # Make encounter count
    $game_player.make_encounter_count
    # Memorize map BGM and stop BGM
    $game_temp.map_bgm = $game_system.playing_bgm
    $game_system.bgm_stop
    # Play battle start SE
    $game_system.se_play($data_system.battle_start_se)
    # Play battle BGM
    $game_system.bgm_play($game_system.battle_bgm)
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Switch to battle screen
    $scene = Scene_Battle.new
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Shop Call
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def call_shop
    # Clear shop call flag
    $game_temp.shop_calling = false
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Switch to shop screen
    $scene = Scene_Shop.new
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Name Input Call
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def call_name
    # Clear name input call flag
    $game_temp.name_calling = false
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Switch to name input screen
    $scene = Scene_Name.new
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Menu Call
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def call_menu
    # Clear menu call flag
    $game_temp.menu_calling = false
    # If menu beep flag is set
    if $game_temp.menu_beep
      # Play decision SE
      $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
      # Clear menu beep flag
      $game_temp.menu_beep = false
    end
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Switch to menu screen
    $scene = Scene_Menu.new
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Save Call
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def call_save
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Switch to save screen
    $scene = Scene_Save.new
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Debug Call
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def call_debug
    # Clear debug call flag
    $game_temp.debug_calling = false
    # Play decision SE
    $game_system.se_play($data_system.decision_se)
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Switch to debug screen
    $scene = Scene_Debug.new
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Player Place Move
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  def transfer_player
    # Clear player place move call flag
    $game_temp.player_transferring = false
    # If move destination is different than current map
    if $game_map.map_id != $game_temp.player_new_map_id
      # Set up a new map
      $game_map.setup($game_temp.player_new_map_id)
    end
    # Set up player position
    $game_player.moveto($game_temp.player_new_x, $game_temp.player_new_y)
    # Set player direction
    case $game_temp.player_new_direction
    when 2  # down
      $game_player.turn_down
    when 4  # left
      $game_player.turn_left
    when 6  # right
      $game_player.turn_right
    when 8  # up
      $game_player.turn_up
    end
    # Straighten player position
    $game_player.straighten
    # Update map (run parallel process event)
    $game_map.update
    # Remake sprite set
    @spriteset.dispose
    @spriteset = Spriteset_Map.new
    # If processing transition
    if $game_temp.transition_processing
      # Clear transition processing flag
      $game_temp.transition_processing = false
      # Execute transition
      Graphics.transition(20)
    end
    # Run automatic change for BGM and BGS set on the map
    $game_map.autoplay
    # Frame reset
    Graphics.frame_reset
    # Update input information
    Input.update
  end
end

[Vexus]

You asked me how the menu works so I posted the code. I mean, showing a picture wouldn't solve anything heh... When I was trying to show a picture for when dialogue is on the screen, I tried to copy the same lines of code used in that scene menu but alas it doesn't work in window_message as it gives an error.

Scene_Map is default atm. I had no idea it was tied to the window_message. I'm not familiar with the rmxp coding language.

All I was trying to accomplish is, showing a custom picture on the screen whenever you speak with an npc or interact with something. Hiding the window is easy with opacity = 0, showing a picture to have the text show over it was giving me a headache to make it work as I don't have much knowledge on ruby.

I'll check it tomorrow and see if that is what I was trying to accomplish.

Thank you for the help.

[Edit]

Nope, gives me a nomethod error on:

@message_picture.visible = false

If I comment it off gives an error on other lines like:

message_pictue.update

and

Spoiler: ShowHide

    # If showing message window
    if $game_temp.message_window_showing
      @message_picture.visible = true
      return
    else
      @message_picture.visible = false
    end 

I am using http://forum.chaos-project.com/index.php/topic,14790.0.html ring choice window script if that has any incompatabilities.

[KK20]

Whoops, forgot to put .bitmap

@message_picture.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture("Filename")

Even you should have seen that :U

[Vexus]

I tried it in a hurry before going to sleep 

Anyway, I tried something similar before but it shows for a split second when the game launches and the picture never shows in any dialogue.