Hack 52. Mod Maps with DotHalo

DotHalo offers another Halo 2 map-editing option.

DotHalo is a new version of a Halo map editor formerly known as H2Edit (Halo 2 Edit). As with ADI and Ch2r, DotHalo can be used to alter various aspects of maps. For example, this app allow you to play with textures. DotHalo is available from the HaloMods Download page (http://files.halomods.com/). Because the location of the file moves around from time to time, be sure to look for sticky posts in the forums these are posts that are kept at the top of the forum so they are easier to find. Figure 6-10 shows the main window of DotHalo; Figure 6-11 shows the DotHalo tag editor.

DotHalo can also produce patch (.PPF) files. These patch files allow modders to store their changes and then apply them to a .MAP file using a tool called PPF-O-Matic. Since all of the map changes are stored in the patch, modders can distribute their mods without having to send around large .MAP files.

To give you an example of how DotHalo works, here's how to alter the height of the Elite model. Using the Tags window, navigate toobjects\ characters\elite\elite_mp(see Figure 6-12).

Figure 6-10. The DotHalo main window

Figure 6-11. The DotHalo tag editor

Figure 6-12. The elite_mp tag in DotHalo

In this example, you will alter the Standing height of the Elite model. To do this, you must change the value from 0.62 to 1.62 (see Figure 6-13).

Figure 6-13. After altering the Standing Height of the Elite model

After you have made this change, you will need to use the Fix Encryption feature to sign the map [Hack #53] and then FTP the modded map back to your Xbox ([Hack #54] shows this being done with CuteFTP, but you should be able to use your favorite FTP client).

With this change, the Elite will appear as normal to other players, but anyone playing as an Elite will have a different perspective. In general, Elite players will be able to see more of the map. There will also be areas where Elites will be able to see through walls (see Figure 6-14).

Figure 6-14. The bottom window shows the altered perspective