Unofficial programs vs. level editing

[tuerda]

Hi. After switching to linux a long time ago I thought I had sacrificed lasertank, but lately I found that this is not true and it is still possible to play either via some native linux clones or via http://lb3.one/lasertank/ which allows me to play in a browser. I also later ran into an android program that will allow me to play the first level set.

What I HAVEN'T found is any way to create new levels. I had a lot of fun making levels way back when (although I never sent any in. I regret not doing so), and now that I am back into lasertank I was hoping to make some levels. Unfortunately, to my knowledge the only way to do it is via the official (windows only) program. Is this true? I am willing to try most anything, including editing lvl files by hand if they are human readable (are they?).

[Secret Squïrrel]

Welcome to the forum!

1. I haven't tried any of these so I don't know whether they're fully functional with a working editor but worth a look.
https://wrldwzrd89.itch.io/lasertank-bundle
https://sourceforge.net/projects/wxlasertank/files/
https://github.com/h4tr3d/laser-tank
wrldwzrd89 drops in here from time to time and is working on a big upgrade to LaserTank so you could try contacting him directly.

2. Have you considered installing something like Wine (https://www.winehq.org/) or running Windows in a virtual machine using KVM (https://www.linux-kvm.org/page/Main_Page) or VMware (https://www.vmware.com/au/products/work ... layer.html)?

3. The LVL files are (sort of) human readable and the 16x16 board certainly is - you'll just need to use a hex editor but, ugh.

Hopefully you can get something sorted as I'm interested in playing your levels.

[tuerda]

Nice try and thanks for the help! You took this more seriously than I expected anyone would. The first of the three links you gave me is one I had not seen before. It actually has a level editor and everything. Unfortunately it is so buggy that it is unusable.

wine or vms are plausible options I guess. I would have to convince myself that I am willing to go that far for a game. Maybe someday I will do so.

Option 3 sounds more daunting than I was hoping for, but one day when I am feeling brave I will give it a try.

Regardless of temporary failure, hats off and major thanks!

[Jay]

Although I currently use MS Windows to run LaserTank, at one time I was running LaserTank in Linux using Wine, and I did not have any problems with it when I did.