FFVIII Windows Interface Project - Progress Thread
Updates:
4-2-08
Wow guys, so sorry I let this fall behind so bad...it's been a busy year at school but I recently got motivated to make this thing happen. I'm going to be using Yahoo Widgets, since it is free and most people use it already...and it is very easy to create widgets for it. If anyone has issues with using the program let me know...I can always pursue other options. I have all the graphics and sound files (midi, very small file size) and am ready to start putting everything together!
1-27-06
Thank you to Kawaii for changing the thread title for me!
I've found some programs that extract data from the PC versions of FFVII and VIII, which I will start using right away to get the desired sounds from the game. I've also found a rather small image of the Garden logo. If I cannot find a larger image, I will have to recreate the logo myself, which will most likely be difficult.
Project Goal: To simulate a computer terminal from the world of Final Fantasy VIII, drawing inspiration from both the classroom computer that Squall uses and the Galbadia Missile Base computer.
Details: A complete makeover for Windows XP that will make the basic interface look and feel like a computer from FFVIII. To do this, I will be creating an extensive theme that will encompass most elements of the Windows operating system. This includes...
-STARTUP SCREEN to replace the Windows logo screen. The tentative plans are for either the
Final Fantasy VIII logo to be displayed, or the Balamb Garden logo with a little animated progress
bar like the one seen in the Widnows logo startup screen, with something written along the lines of
"Connecting to Garden Network".
-LOGON SCREEN where you enter your password to sign in to Windows XP. Right now the plans are to
design it to match the overall theme, and for it to say something along the lines of "Enter Student ID"
or "Enter SeeD ID".
-DESKTOP/VISUAL STYLE. The heart of the project. When logging into Windows, there will be a
custom background most likely featuring the Garden logo in the center surrounded by various buttons
that will perform various tasks. The buttons will be based on the various signs and things in the game.
The plans are to use a font that resembles the cursive-like lettering seen throughout the game. As
of right now, no such font seems to exist and I may need to create one myself.
-SOUND EFFECTS based on the various beeps and noises from the game. NOT the game music. The
sounds will play upon pushing certain buttons or when certain dialog boxes display. Some sounds in
question are the Balamb/Galbadia computer beeps/sounds and the sound that is played when the intercom
is used in Balamb Garden.
-CURSORS to match the theme. Do NOT expect to see a little gunblade as the cursor, because that
would detract from the project goal, which is to simulate the interface of a Garden computer.
Requirements: Unfortunately, the theme will be fairly difficult to set up in its entirety. For those users who are used to skinning their applications and using visual styles in Windows XP, the process will be slightly easier. You will most likely need administrator access to your Windows system and a basic/intermediate knowledge of how the operating system works (how to set up fonts, cursors, sounds, and common pplication use.
Undoubtedly, any user WILL need a program that will be able to change and set up visual styles and startup/logon screens. In order to pull off the desired effect of actually having buttons on the desktop with rollover effeects and sounds, I need to use a program that allows such things such as Object Desktop or a Windows shell replacement. I am attempting to use Widgets to get the desired effect. Widgets are part of various programs (such as Konfabulator) which perform lots of functions. Mac OS uses Widgets (those clocks and post-it notes and other useful things you see on a Mac desktop is a Widget) and as far as I know, most Widget applications are free and fairly low on system memory.
Support: When the project is in its final stages and ready for release, I will write an extensive step-by-step guide on how to set up the theme in its entirety. So for anyone who is worried about getting the theme all set up, don't worry. I'll be here for help.
