ME2 Armory tweaks

- General description;
- Edit description;
- Armory properties;
- Armor bonuses;
- Additional info;



[++++++++++++++++++++ General description ++++++++++++++++++++]

All game settings are stored in Coalesced.ini file:
Mass Effect 2\BioGame\Config\PC\Cooked\

Programs required:
Notepad++ and ME2IniFixer
https://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v6.9.1.html
https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect2/mods/116/?

Edit DLC Bio.ini files: doesn't required to use ME2IniFixer;

Main game armor properties are stored in Coalesced.ini;
DLC armor properties are stored in BIOGame.ini (in each DLC folder);



[++++++++++++++++++++ Edit description ++++++++++++++++++++]

Download Notepad++; DO NOT USE Word, Wordpad or Notepad - this will break game files;
- go to: Mass Effect 2\BioGame\Config\PC\Cooked\ and open Coalesced.ini file;
- right-click on file > Edit with Notepad++

// How to compare two files in Notepad++ ? //
In Notepad++ add plugin "Compare":
main panel > plugins > plugin manager > show plugin manager > find plugin Compare > Install >
> (if program asks if you would like to update manager? - Yes, only once) >
> Open two Coalesced.ini-s > main panel > plugins > Compare > select one of two files > Set as first to compare >
> switch to second file > main panel > plugins > Compare > Compare
Differences between two files will be highlighted;

Commenting code: comment prevent game engine from reading and executing commands in string.
[< ; >] semicolon before string: ;Variable=Value

If you want to use several Coalesced.ini mods, create merged file:
- copy your current moded file from: Mass Effect 2\BioGame\Config\PC\Cooked\ to any folder (as backup);
- download mod > compare mod file and your file in Notepad++: use Compare plugin > find differences > copy code from mod file to your file (ignore iniversion strings);
- Launch ME2IniFixer;
> if mod is require specific code to run properly - that code takes priority over the others mods code;
> if mod adds new stuff > use mod values instead of yours;
> if some setting has greater/lesser value in compare to your file > read mod description about this value > choose one variant (not both);

EDIT FILE > LAUNCH ME2IniFixer > LAUNCH GAME

^ Description definitions:
String/line - Variable=Value
Boolean: true / false; (true=yes/on/use; false=no/off/don't use);
[SFXGame.SFXPawn_Player] - section in file;
HelmetAppearances= - variable;
SFXGameEffect_Gear_N7Helmet - value;



[++++++++++++++++++++ Armory properties ++++++++++++++++++++]

[SFXGame.SFXPawn_Player]
- All armors and armor parts properties are stored in this section in Coalesced.ini and BIOGame.ini (in each DLC folder);

...Appearances=(Id=...,Name=...,Description=...,Type=CustomizableType_...,Mesh=(Male="...",Female="...",bHideHair=...),GameEffects=("..."),PlotFlag=...)

Appearances - armor classes:
HelmetAppearances - helmet;
TorsoAppearances - chest;
ShoulderAppearances - shoulders;
ArmAppearances - arms;
LegAppearances - legs;
FullBodyAppearances - dlc full-body armor set;

Id - armor/armor part id - must be unique;
Note: HelmetAppearances=(Id=0 - helmetless appearance;

Name, Description - text string number in .TLK files relation - edit: "Additional info" readme section below;
- You can create new armor: copy existing armor string > change Name and Description > edit .TLK file;

Type=CustomizableType_ - armor part type definition in customization menu (armor locker);
- Same as Appearances;

Mesh= Male (HMM), Female (HMF) - mesh and textures folder in .pcc files relation;
- You can change/swap armor appearance by changing their paths - textures tree in ME3 Explorer > Texplorer will give you more detailed info;

bHideHair=True
- helmets - determines that Shep's hair will be hidden, when specific helmet is worn;

bHasBreather=True
- helmets - determines that helmet can be worn in vacuum environment;
- changes Sheps's speech (voice) to radio-like;

PlotFlag=-1
- determines armor/armor part acquiring condition;
=-1 - armor will be available (unlocked) anytime from the start of the game;
// set, if you want to test specific armor part at any game progress stage //;

GameEffects=("1-st","2-nd")
- armor bonuses - see full list below;
Rules:
- you can add any or even all armor bonuses at once for specific armor/armor part;
- no repeat - each bonus you'll add must be unique, otherwise only one bonus will work;
- bonuses are summarize - if you'll add +5% health and +10% health, result bonus will be +15% health;
- adding dlc armor bonuses: mix from different dlc and dlc bonuses for base game armor parts - not tested;



[++++++++++++++++++++ Armor bonuses ++++++++++++++++++++]

{ BASE GAME }

<[ HELMET - HelmetAppearances ]>

[ N7 Helmet / N7 Breather Helmet ]
+5% Health
SFXGameEffect_Gear_N7Helmet

[ Kuwashii Visor ]
+10% Headshot damage
SFXGameEffect_Gear_Visor

[ Death Mask ]
+10% Negotiation bonus
SFXGameEffect_Gear_DeathMask


<[ CHEST - TorsoAppearances ]>

[ N7 Chestplate ]
+3% Power damage
SFXGameEffect_Gear_N7Torso

[ Aegis Vest ]
+5% Health
SFXGameEffect_Gear_BodyArmor

[ Capacitor Chestplate ]
-10% Shield regeneration delay
SFXGameEffect_Gear_CapacitorChestplate

[ Shield Harness ]
+5% Shields
SFXGameEffect_Gear_PowerBelt


<[ SHOULDERS - ShoulderAppearances ]>

[ N7 Shoulder Guards ]
+3% Weapon damage
SFXGameEffect_Gear_N7Shoulders

[ Amplifier Plates ]
+5% Power damage
SFXGameEffect_Gear_AmplifierPads

[ Asymmetric Defense Layer ]
+5% Health
SFXGameEffect_Gear_HeavyLeftSideArmor

[ Strength Boost Pads ]
+25% Melee damage
SFXGameEffect_Gear_StrengthBoostPads


<[ ARMS - ArmAppearances ]>

[ N7 Gauntlets ]
+3% Health
SFXGameEffect_Gear_N7Arms

[ Heavy Damping Gauntlets ]
+5% Shields
SFXGameEffect_Gear_HeavyDampingGauntlets

[ Off-Hand Ammo Pack ]
+10% All weapons ammo capacity
SFXGameEffect_Gear_LeftArmAmmoPack

[ Stabilization Gauntlets ]
+5% Weapon damage
SFXGameEffect_Gear_StabilizationGauntlets


<[ LEGS - LegAppearances ]>

[ N7 Greaves ]
+3% Shields
SFXGameEffect_Gear_N7Legs

[ Stimulator Conduits ]
+10% Sprint speed
SFXGameEffect_Gear_StimulatorConduits

[ Life Support Webbing ]
+10% Health
SFXGameEffect_Gear_LifeSupportWebbing

[ Ordnance Packs ]
+10% Heavy Weapons ammo capacity
SFXGameEffect_Gear_EquipmentPacks



{ DLC HELMET - HelmetAppearances }

[ Umbra Visor ]
+5% Power damage
SFXGameContentDLC_PRO_Pepper01.SFXGameEffect_Gear_Pepper01Helmet
DLC_PRO_Pepper01
Dr.Pepper Promotion

[ Recon Hood ]
+5% Weapon damage
SFXGameContentDLC_PRO_Pepper02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_Pepper02Helmet
DLC_PRO_Pepper02
Dr.Pepper Promotion

[ Sentry Interface ]
+5% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_PRO_Gulp01.SFXGameEffect_Gear_GulpHelmet
DLC_PRO_Gulp01
Dr.Pepper Promotion

[ Archon Visor ]
+5% Power recharge speed
SFXGameContentDLC_MCR_05.SFXGameEffect_Gear_MCR_05
DLC_MCR_03
Equalizer Pack

[ Capacitor Helmet ]
-10% Shield regeneration delay
SFXGameContentDLC_MCR_03.SFXGameEffect_Gear_MCR_03
DLC_MCR_03
Equalizer Pack



{ DLC SET - FullBodyAppearances }

[ Blood Dragon Armor ]
+15% Power damage
SFXGameContentDLC_PRE_DA.SFXGameEffect_Gear_DA_PowerBonus
+10% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_PRE_DA.SFXGameEffect_Gear_DA_ShieldBonus
DLC_PRE_DA
Dragon Age: Origins Bonus

[ Cerberus Assault Armor ]
+10% Health
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Cerberus.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CerberusHealthBonus
+10% Shields
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Cerberus.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CerberusShieldBonus
+10% Heavy Weapons ammo capacity
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Cerberus.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CerberusHvyWpnMagazines
DLC_PRE_Cerberus
Cerberus Network

[ Collector Armor ]
+20% Health
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Collectors.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CollectorsHealthBonus
+10% Health regeneration speed
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Collectors.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CollectorsRegenBonus
+10% Sprint speed
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Collectors.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CollectorsStormSpeed
DLC_PRE_Collectors
Collectors' Edition Bonus

[ Inferno Armor ]
+10% Paragon/Renegade bonus
SFXGameDLC_PRE_General.SFXGameEffect_Gear_InfernoNegotiationBonus
+10% Power damage
SFXGameContentDLC_MCR_03.SFXGameEffect_Gear_InfernoPowerDamage_MCR_03
+10% Sprint speed
SFXGameContentDLC_MCR_03.SFXGameEffect_Gear_InfernoStormSpeed_MCR_03
DLC_MCR_03
Pre-Order Bonus/Equalizer Pack

[ Terminus Assault Armor ]
+15% Shields
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Gamestop.SFXGameEffect_Gear_TerminusShieldBonus
+10% All weapons ammo capacity
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Gamestop.SFXGameEffect_Gear_TerminusWpnMagazines
+10% Sprint speed
SFXGameDLC_PRE_Gamestop.SFXGameEffect_Gear_TerminusStormSpeed
DLC_PRE_Gamestop
Pre-Order Bonus

[ Kestrel Armor ]

{ Helmet }
+3% Weapon damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_HelmetWeaponDmgBonus
+5% Headshot damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_HelmetHeadShotBonus
+3% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_HelmetShieldBonus

{ Chest }
+5% Weapon damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_TorsoWeaponDmgBonus
+10% Melee damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_TorsoMeleeBonus
+3% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_TorsoShieldBonus

{ Shoulders }
+10% Melee damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_ShoulderMeleeBonus
+8% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_ShoulderShieldBonus

{ Arms }
+3% Weapon damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_ArmWeaponDmgBonus
+10% Melee damage
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_ArmMeleeBonus
+3% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_ArmShieldBonus

{ Legs }
+8% Shields
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_LegShieldBonus
+5% Heavy Weapons ammo capacity
SFXGameContentDLC_CER_02.SFXGameEffect_Gear_CER02_LegHvyAmmoBonus

{ Total }
+11% Weapon damage
+5% Headshot damage
+30% Melee damage
+25% Shields
+5% Heavy Weapons ammo capacity
DLC_CER_02
Aegis Pack



[++++++++++++++++++++ Additional info ++++++++++++++++++++]

> Armor stats, health and shields displayed correctly ONLY in combat mode locations - when Shep can wear armor and use weapons;

Mod armor bonuses (GameEffects):
DLC armor sets and helmets - used only base game bonuses - they will always be applied and enabled for any DLC armor;
Base game armor parts - used only base game bonuses combination - DLC bonuses for armor parts not included, because not every person has all ME2 DLC;


======== Armor locker ========

[SFXGame.SFXGameModeDefault]
Bindings=( Name="Home", Command="OnlyLoadLevel BioD_Nor_000Cabin | Onlyloadlevel BioD_Nor_002CabinKelly
| OnTap 2.0 showmenu | OnTap 3.0 OpenGUI Personalization" )

[ Home ] - Armor locker menu open button - you'll be able to change armor anytime during game;


======== Armor stats display information ========

You can change armor stats and descriptions displayed text, by editing .TLK files:
- All ME2 text strings are stored in TLK files - ME3 Explorer can convert TLK to .xml files - edit them with Notepad++;
- Each ME2 localization has its own BIOGame_AAA.tlk files, where AAA is your language;

* Each armor .TLK files are files stored in:
- base game - BIOGame_INT.tlk (INT - english) - edit .tlk files for your localization;
- DLC - in its corresponded folder;
* Move default .tlk file from folder as backup file;

* ME3 Explorer > ME3 + ME2 TLK Editor > Load TLK file tab > choose folders:
- Current path to TLK file - select file to load from;
- Current path to output text file - select folder where to create .xml file, set any name;
- Start!

* Open converted .xml file with Notepad++ > search for text for armor description that displayed in armor locker >
> use armor Description=<number> to search corresponded string ID number in .TLK file;
> edit armor description text > save file;
note: maximum characters in armor locker's descriptions are capped, if edited description text is larger - last strings won't be displayed;

* ME3 Explorer > ME3 + ME2 TLK Editor > Create TLK file tab > choose folders:
- Current path to XML file - select your edited file;
- Current path to output TLK file - select folder where to create .TLK file, set exact original .TLK file name;
- Start!

* Place created .TLK file into its corresponded folder > Done!


======== Change game localization ========

<path-to-game>\Mass Effect 2\data\ sku.ini
VOLanguage=INT
TextLanguage=INT

https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_2#Localizations


[++++++++++++++++++++ Notes ++++++++++++++++++++]
http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Armor_Customization