So, what are the main programs used for modding and hacking?

[Mental_Gear]

I've got an emulated version of this (damn, this emulator eats RAM like a fat kid eats cake, but oh well) and I'd prefer to hack the PSP one, but beggars can't be choosers.

In any case, once I get past the introductory battle crap I'd like to start looking into modding, hacking, and patching the game - starting with custom sprites and jobs. I'm not sure what programs I'd need - I'm pretty sure that one is 'LionEditor' and that's where I'm stumped. Can't remember the name of the sprite maker...shiji or something? Shinji? Chishi? Chibi?

I also have a little program for slapping patches onto ISOs, so that's that bit sorted, thanks.

Apologies for noobishness.  

[Smash]

You could start with FFpatcher for general modding, and FFTactext for simple text and name edits.

Also, lol, sprite maker. You probably mean Shishi sprite editor, that lets you put custom spritesheets on the rom. If you want a sprite maker, then there's Ms Paint for that.

Find them all here:  http://www.ffhacktics.com/downloads.php?id=1

Someone move this to Help section.

[Mental_Gear]

Ah, thanks Smash. I figured this would be best in the FFT section though because this is for FFT, NOT WotL. Thanks anyway.

Is it actually possible to make your own sprites on MS Paint or GIMP / Photoshop or whatever? It seems as if it would take ages...

[Kaijyuu]

Is it actually possible to make your own sprites on MS Paint or GIMP / Photoshop or whatever? It seems as if it would take ages...

Yes and yes.

[Mental_Gear]

Okay, thanks. Also, while reading the description on the google page, it says FFPatcher is intended for the PSP version, however I'm playing an emulated PSX version - would it work the same?

[Kaijyuu]

Patcher works fine with the psx version.

Pretty much every tool for hacking FFT was made for the psx version first. So... don't worry about compatibility too much.

[Mental_Gear]

Great, thanks. I've had a look at the programs and my, my, my, they ARE in-depth. I'll sniff around for some tutorials (the readme for LionEditor is very basic and I can't use the Sprite Editor at all really, as there's no instructions) and then play around.

The main hurdle for me will probably be recognising words and such - I'm familiar with WotL terms, names, etc. so it'll take a while for me to know what's what.

Oh, and there is no 'TacText' program, so I assume that's a part of LionEditor?

[Vanya]

No. The newest Patcher doesn't include it but there is a new FFTacText available ... somewhere ...
I don't remember if it was posted in the forums or if we've just been passing it around PM & chat.

[Mental_Gear]

I googled it and got it. Very comprehensive indeed.

[Vanya]

I commend you on using google.

[Mental_Gear]

XD

I'll get FFTastic today. BTW, I'm using an emulator called (I think) PSX_1_13', but what's the most commonly used emulator here?

[Vanya]

That and EPSXE.
I prefer pSX.

[Mental_Gear]

But I read somewhere about FFTastic not working with pSX...

[Aquilae]

It works with pSX. It uses the same save files as ePSXe.