[MOD] High-res background graphics [V1.0]

[splette]

Thanks. No, I didn't know this website yet- There look quite stunning.
Generally speaking though, I think the backgrounds should not be too spectacular looking and busy because it might get distracting. Well, let's see, maybe I will release an update with more graphics some time...

[Baguker]

Generally speaking though, I think the backgrounds should not be too spectacular looking and busy because it might get distracting. Well, let's see, maybe I will release an update with more graphics some time...

Hm, not sure i'm completely approve "spectacularity overload". Your own work show how spectacular pieces fits FTL nicely:


When i saw it in the game i was like "Wow!" However, that link contains some decent materials for every backround in FTL and especially delicious nebulas that can easily replace vanilla pink clouds of something (no offense) with great effect. They're also provide link to original photos http://www.spacetelescope.org/static/im ... iginal.zip (achtung: 3.8Gb)

And one little question. Is it possible this mod will give user possibility to fill the game with his own desired backgrounds? E.g.:put in "xxxxx" directory images in ".xxx" format in "xxxx" resolution, compress to ".zip" and change ".zip" to ".ftl" to get random starry backgrounds in-game.

[splette]

My motivation was to provide a mod with clear (high resolution) background graphics while staying as close as possible to the originals.
The two backgrounds above are higher resolution versions of backgrounds that already exist in the game. So, that is why I put them in.
While spectacular images by themselves look, well, spectacular, they are not always a good match with the planets that the program combines them with. Some combinations work really well, others don't. Generally, the more detail and color a background has the less likely it will match with the planet and the forground. Unfortunately, I cannot chose which planets should go with which backgrounds, the program decides that.
My general approach (besides trying to keep faithful to the spirit of the original graphics) is that the backgrounds should be not too distracting and rather subtle. But once in a while a spectaculat background is okay for things not to get too boring.

Yes, you can add your own backgrounds. You don't even need the mod manager for that. Simply download one of the tools from the forum that unpack the original game files. Unpack ressource.dat. In that directory you'll find all backgrounds under img/stars. Replace any graphic you like. Make sure your graphics are 1280x720 and in png format. Then repack the directory and there you go...
Btw, my mod file can be renamed from .ftl to .zip and unpacked and you can extract individual images and use them for your own personal mod.

[Baguker]

I understand all of your points, but not sure if i approve it. With your instruction i will check it myself. Still, i think there's a lot of space to maneuver, there's no necessary to stick with vanilla.

Yes, you can add your own backgrounds. You don't even need the mod manager for that. Simply download one of the tools from the forum that unpack the original game files. Unpack ressource.dat. In that directory you'll find all backgrounds under img/stars. Replace any graphic you like. Make sure your graphics are 1280x720 and in png format. Then repack the directory and there you go...
Btw, my mod file can be renamed from .ftl to .zip and unpacked and you can extract individual images and use them for your own personal mod.

Thanks!

[Kingsofhere]

Registered just so I could come in and say how awesome I think the High-res backgrounds are. I'm big into studying space, sci-fi geek and all that, so the cleaner starfields and nebulae backdrops was a clear must-install for me.

chenquieh!

[Kerch]

Great, great, great!

[splette]

Thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate the feedback.

[carrots_macduff]

if i might offer a suggestion, could you increase the opacity of the crew and weapon buttons? some of the stars sort of obscure the text a little bit.

not a big deal though. other than that im well pleased with the new background images. thanks!

[Mr. Mister]

Wait, so if you replaced all planets with transparent textures, then there would never be a planet that didn't combine well with a spectacular background, right?

[Sab3r]

These are great! but the only thing distracting to me is some of the stars are super bright. Maybe tone down the sharpness/brightness of some of the stars?