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1.7.0 'Summer Break' Surprise Update

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@z64me z64me released this 04 Aug 17:28
· 35 commits to main since this release

It's a surprise update, because even we had no idea we were making it! Originally, we set out to prepare a 1.6.2 release with some minor bugfixes. Then came the first big new feature. Within a week, many more features were added. Releasing 1.7.0 exactly one year after 1.6.0 seemed doable, and the deadline kept us motivated. We missed our deadline, but doing so gave us a little more time to polish things up. Enjoy!

Here's what's new

  • (Feature) Object status limit increased (see #1) (this means you can now add way more than 15 unique objects to your maps: 3x as many!)
  • (Feature) Player struct can now be expanded (simply declare types and variables in player_extras.h)
  • (Feature) EasyTalk text system makes it easier to create NPCs and set up Navi descriptions (examples here)
  • (Feature) Motion Blur (by @Thar0, ported to z64rom by @Nokaubure)
  • (Feature) Integration with z64font for streamlined custom fonts (how-to guide here)
  • (Feature) Text titlecard system (everything you need to know)
  • (Feature) Actor payload system (writeup)
  • (Feature) Scene setup library: Supports embedded overlays for executing scene-specific code (example/tutorial here)
  • (Feature) Scene texture banks (explanation and sample use cases)
  • (Feature) z64yartool recipe files are compiled automatically when found in object folders (see #4) (primarily intended for building scene texture banks, but can also be used to retexture any other object in the game)
  • (Feature) New cutscene commands: Motion Blur, Trigger Exit, Play Sound, Set Flag/Give Item
  • (Feature) Optional patches for MM style interface, saving/continuing the game anywhere, faster running with Bunny Hood
  • (Feature) Assert z64hdr version (some new features required changes to z64hdr, so make sure you get the latest version)
  • (Feature) DrawString library for quickly putting text on the screen using the game's textbox font (seen here) (by @Zelllll)
  • (Feature) z64convert: add --no-prefix option for keeping names as they appear in Blender (good for Fast64 interop) (by @Nokaubure)
  • (Feature) Scene setup library: FreezeAtEnd
  • (Feature) --force-audio to force only audio to rebuild, --force-code for code rebuild (by @Zeldaboy14)
  • (QOL) Control Stick on Map Select for faster movement
  • (QOL) Mark tools executable on Linux following installation (solution by @Javarooster-png)
  • (QOL) z64rom now includes some helpful files to make moving projects to GitHub a little easier (.gitignore) (beginner guide)
  • (QOL) Better integration with git (e.g. when building, less likely to throw errors about missing folders after cloning a project repo) (big thanks @Javarooster-png)
  • (QOL) Fix z64hdr automatic installation
  • (Bugfix) Scene setup library: Conditional draw feature is now working
  • (Bugfix) Incorrect headers were referenced in some retail cutscenes (including title screen) (by @Nokaubure)
  • (Bugfix) z64convert: hotfix output symbols for objects w/ multiple skeletons & animations (by @Jinnosuke9)
  • (Bugfix) z64convert: ia4 texture color channel rollover into alpha channel fixed
  • (Bugfix) gDPSetTileCustom macro substitution was causing graphical glitches
  • (Bugfix) Prevent download progress bar from being duplicated as downloads are completed
  • (Bugfix) Prevent actor id 0 from being dumped in corner cases
  • (Bugfix) z64hdr and binutils zip are automatically deleted from the folders. Using an outdated z64hdr will prompt a warning
  • (Feature) Update system now stores its update channel in a separate file, so users can change it if they ever need to
  • (Deprecated) The project update system is now deprecated (see note)

Deprecation of update system & how to update your project now

Users should handle updates this way from now on:

  • Compress your currently project folder into a .zip to back it up.
  • Please reference the GitHub Desktop beginner guide for z64rom users before you start. You will want to place the .gitignore file in the root of your project directory before your first commit.
  • Set up version control. If you aren't already, start now:
    • Download GitHub Desktop
    • Create a repo
    • Put your project files in it
    • Make your first commit
  • Review the changelog, specifically what's changed in the project/ directory.
  • Apply those same changes to your project.

Core Team

The following Zelda fans were directly involved with programming, testing, and debugging this release:

Full Changelog: 1.6.1...1.7.0