Difference between revisions of "SpliceHack"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:SpliceHack}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:SpliceHack}}
 
{{tocright}}
 
{{tocright}}
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[[SpliceHack]] is a variant of NetHack 3.6.x and SLASH'EM developed by [[User:Agulp|AntiGulp]]. The goal of SpliceHack's development is to create a balanced variant that is easy to pick up and play without extensive use of outside materials, which also incorporates a very large number of new and dynamic monsters, items, and features. SpliceHack is actively developed, and regularly incorporates ideas and feedback from the community. Discussion of SpliceHack occurs on the [[Hardfought]] IRC channel. Bugs can be reported there or on the [https://github.com/nullcgt/splicehack/issues issues page].
+
{{distinguish|SliceHack}}
  
−
The current version of SpliceHack is 0.6.4.
+
== Overview ==
 +
[[SpliceHack]] is a variant of [[NetHack|NetHack 3.7.0]] and in part of [[SLASH'EM]], developed by [[User:Agulp|AntiGulp]]. The goal of SpliceHack's development is to create a balanced variant that is easy to pick up and play without extensive use of outside materials, which also incorporates a very large number of new and dynamic monsters, items, and features along with community feedback and ideas. Discussion of SpliceHack occurs on the [[Hardfought]] IRC channel, and bugs can be reported there or on the [https://github.com/nullcgt/splicehack/issues issues page] - be aware when reporting that '''SpliceHack is currently not being maintained or developed - for details regarding the most recent versions of the variant, see [[SpliceHack-Rewrite]].'''
 +
 
 +
The released version of SpliceHack is 1.0.1.
  
 
== Design philosophy ==
 
== Design philosophy ==
−
* All features and changes must be clear enough that a player from vanilla NetHack can learn to play SpliceHack without undue difficulty.
+
* '''Accessibility:''' All features and changes must be clear enough that a player from vanilla NetHack can learn to play SpliceHack without undue difficulty. A fully functioning tileset must be maintained at all times, and the game should be kept as accessible as possible.
−
* Game balance must be carefully considered before making an addition.
+
* '''Variety:''' Any object or monster added must present a unique choice, challenge, or opportunity to the player. The game should consistently present the player with interesting choices and trade-offs in order to keep them engaged.
−
* Any object or monster added must be unique in some way, be it in abilities, flavor, or special features.
+
* '''Dynamic features:''' When possible, additions should be extensible in some way, such as monster steeds, new behaviors, or object materials, so that items and monsters added in vanilla can take advantage of them.
−
* The endgame must be interesting and engaging. Additions that add variety to an ascension kit are highly valued.
+
* '''Interesting endgame:''' The endgame must be interesting and engaging. Additions that add variety to an ascension kit are highly valued. Further, at no point should the player be so well-equipped that they can win without continuing to employ careful strategy.
−
* When possible, additions should be extensible in some way, such as monster steeds, new behaviors, or object materials, so that items and monsters added in vanilla can take advantage of them.
 
−
* A fully functioning tileset must be maintained at all times.
 
  
 
== How to play SpliceHack ==
 
== How to play SpliceHack ==
−
If one is familiar with vanilla NetHack, SpliceHack plays extremely similarly. New players may want to examine the [[Roles and races (SpliceHack)|list of new roles and races]] and the [[Standard strategy (SpliceHack)|SpliceHack strategy guide]]. Regardless of whether one plays online or offline, SpliceHack comes with a fully functional tileset, and can be played in tiles or in ASCII mode.
+
If one is familiar with vanilla NetHack, SpliceHack plays extremely similarly. New players may want to examine the [[Roles and races (SpliceHack)|list of new roles and races]], the [[SpliceHack/Rules changes|rules changes]] or the [[Standard strategy (SpliceHack)|SpliceHack strategy guide]]. Regardless of whether one plays online or offline, SpliceHack comes with a fully functional tileset, and can be played in tiles or in ASCII mode.
−
* '''Online:''' SpliceHack v0.6.4 is hosted online on [https://www.hardfought.org/nethack/ Hardfought].  
+
* '''Online:''' SpliceHack is hosted online on [https://www.hardfought.org/nethack/ Hardfought].  
−
* '''Offline:''' Developmental versions of SpliceHack can be compiled on unix systems using the source on [https://github.com/NullCGT/SpliceHack GitHub].
+
* '''Offline:''' Developmental versions of SpliceHack can be compiled using the source on [https://github.com/NullCGT/SpliceHack GitHub].
 +
* '''Offline:''' Compiled Windows binaries of each major release will generally be posted on the github [https://github.com/NullCGT/SpliceHack/releases releases] page, depending on the availability of a Windows compiler. If anyone requests them, binaries for linux/macOS can also be produced easily.
  
−
== Character Creation ==
+
== Character creation ==
−
* All vanilla roles and races are available in SpliceHack, as well as numerous additional roles and races, some of which are unique to SpliceHack. The full list and table of playable combinations can be found on the [[Roles and races (SpliceHack)|Roles and Races Page]].
+
* All vanilla roles and races are available in SpliceHack, as well as numerous additional roles and races, some of which are unique to SpliceHack. Additionally, some role and race combinations that were restricted in vanilla are available for play. The full table of playable combinations can be found on the [[Roles and races (SpliceHack)|roles and races page]].
−
* Players have the option of playing as [[male]], [[female]], or [[gender|nonbinary]], all of which have different gameplay implications.
+
* Each role has access to the usual [[skills]] as well as some [[skills (SpliceHack) |new skills]].
−
* Some role and race combinations that were restricted in vanilla are available for play.
+
* Players have the option of playing as [[male]], [[female]], or [[gender#SpliceHack|nonbinary]], all of which have minor gameplay implications.
 +
* Players can define the sexuality of their character in the [[options]] via <code>orientation:?</code>. Currently available sexualities are straight, gay, bisexual, and asexual. Sexuality has no gameplay impact outside of interactions with monsters with [[seduction]] attacks.
  
−
== New roleplay and challenge mode options ==
+
== New players ==
−
SpliceHack contains many new challenge modes. All of these can be toggled manually inside of the options file.
+
New to SpliceHack, or variants in general? Start [[Standard_strategy_(SpliceHack)|here]].
−
* '''Intrinsicswap''': Gaining a resistance other than poison resistance through food will cause you to lose your other resistances. Originally intended as an experimental balancing option, this is now a very challenging alternative gameplay mode.
 
−
* '''Deaf''': A roleplay option and conduct that allows you to play a deaf character.
 
−
* '''Hallucinating''': A roleplay option and conduct that allows you to play a permanently hallucinating character. Using an artifact to gain hallucination resistance will break this, as will drinking a potion of sickness.
 
−
* '''Clumsy''': A roleplay option and conduct that allows you to play a permanently fumbling character. Probably not terribly hard to ascend with, just very frustrating.
 
−
* '''Illfated''': A challenge mode where the dungeon difficulty is automatically upped by 50.
 
−
* '''Marathon''': A challenge mode where you start with 999 HP, but cannot heal or otherwise regenerate hit points.
 
  
−
== Quality of life changes ==
+
=== Essential tips ===
−
* Colored walls and floors, using modified version of L's colored walls and floors patch.
 
−
* Branch staircases are colored yellow (ported from [[xNetHack]]).
 
−
* Altars are colored based on alignment (ported from xNetHack).
 
−
* Paranoid trap and swim confirmation (ported from xNetHack).
 
−
* Peaceful monsters can be displaced (ported from xNetHack).
 
−
* Looking at monsters now tells you what weapon they are wielding, and whether they are armored. Looking up a monster provides you with a list of their resistances, attacks, and other statistics (ported from xNetHack and expanded on).
 
−
* The hilite_hidden_stairs option highlights stairs with objects on top of them (ported from NAO 3.4.3).
 
−
* Deadly poison no longer instantly kills you, but instead will cause both HP and attribute damage.
 
−
* #give can be used to give items to your pet or peaceful monsters, putting the items directly in their inventory. This should streamline the process of trying to get pets to take something.
 
−
* The vibrating square can be teleported onto directly.
 
−
* Artifact wishing is based on the number of artifacts wished for, not generated, preventing the increased number of artifacts from nerfing artifact wishing.
 
  
−
== Monsters and Monster AI ==
+
* '''Far look unfamiliar monsters:''' Using the [[far look]] command on a monster will display a window with the attacks, resistances, and attributes of the monster, as well as any relevant encyclopedia entries. The information displayed in this window should be considered the single source of truth, since it is dynamically generated from the game's data.
−
SpliceHack contains a very large number of monsters, both original and from other variants. See the [[Monster_(SpliceHack)|list of monsters in SpliceHack]] for more information.
+
* '''Rely on pets:''' Pets in SpliceHack can gain intrinsics by eating corpses, use additional items and abilities, and can improve your hit chance when you [[flank]] enemies with your pet.
−
Additionally, all monsters in SpliceHack are smarter and make more effective use of items than their vanilla counterparts. This change makes combat more difficult, but also makes pets more effective. It is much more worthwhile to keep a pet around long term in SpliceHack than in vanilla.
+
* '''Read the rules changes:''' Take a few minutes to examine the [[SpliceHack/Rules changes|rules changes page]]. It contains vital information about some of the changes from NetHack to SpliceHack.
−
* SpliceHack implements an updated version of the intelligent pet patch, from [[GruntHack]]. This means that monsters will cast spells at one another, use ranged attacks against other monsters, and more.
 
−
* Monsters now use a wider variety of items, including (but not limited to) applying figurines, sacrificing corpses on altars, and playing instruments. They are even capable of making wishes from smoky potions.
 
−
* Monsters are capable of riding other monsters. The movement speed of the rider is not changed based on the steed. Currently, only headless horsemen and the Riders use steeds.
 
−
* Monsters that eat corpses can gain intrinsics, just like the player does. This makes keeping a pet around much more worthwhile than in vanilla. Monsters are capable of gaining displacement, jumping, water walking, and other abilities that are not available to them in vanilla.
 
  
−
== New damage types ==
+
=== Choosing a role and race ===
−
* '''Sonic''': Sonic damage can destroy any type of glass or gemstone item, and gaining resistance to it is extremely difficult. It can be resisted if one is deafened.
+
Choosing a role and race in a new variant can be intimidating. In SpliceHack alone, there are 13 races and 18 roles to choose from. Beginners are encouraged to read the [[Roles and races (SpliceHack)|roles and races]] page. Alternatively, relatively easy combinations for beginners include:
−
* '''Psychic''': Psychic damage cannot be reflected in the form of rays, but does not affect mindless monsters.
 
  
−
== Object materials ==
+
* '''[[Dwarf (starting race)|Dwarven]] [[Valkyrie]]''': Apart from starting with a spear instead of a sword, Valkyrie in SpliceHack are similar in ease of play to vanilla and can be played in the same style.
−
SpliceHack makes use of the object materials patch from [[xNetHack#Object materials|xNetHack]]. This becomes particularly important to remember when playing as an infernal, since they will be grievously harmed by silver objects.
+
* '''[[Human (starting race)|Human]] [[Dragonmaster]]''': Dragonmasters are unique in that they start with a [[saddle]]d [[baby dragon]] as a pet. They have strong intrinsics when leveling up, and strong, simple techniques. Additionally, they can tame dragons in the same way that other roles can tame domestic monsters.
 +
* '''[[Infernal (starting race)|Infernal]] [[Barbarian]]''': Infernal Barbarian is one of the easier combinations of role and race in SpliceHack. Infernals receive intrinsic [[regeneration]] beginning at level 4, turning them into powerful melee combatants.
  
−
== Ascension run changes ==
+
== Features ==
−
The endgame of SpliceHack is much more hectic than vanilla. Although the mysterious force is no longer an issue, many other obstacles stand in your way as you ascend through the dungeon with the Amulet:
+
{{float right|{{caption|{{SpliceHackMonsters}}|Click on a glyph to go to that monster's page.}}}}
−
* While you have the amulet, many monsters are generated awake.
+
* [[Roles and races (SpliceHack)|New roles and races]]
−
* Upon performing the invocation ritual, all demon princes and demon lords that have not yet been generated or been slain will instantly teleport to random levels with the dungeon, including SpliceHack-specific demons. This means that one will almost definitely encounter Demogorgon in the course of ascension. Fortunately, unique demons spawned this way are not covetous.
+
* [[Gender#Variants|Gender and sexuality options]]
−
* The Astral Plane is populated by more player monsters than in vanilla. Due to the increased number of artifacts, it is more likely than in vanilla that you will encounter player monsters with artifact weapons.
+
* [[Monster (SpliceHack)|Numerous new monsters]]
−
* All player monsters are capable of stealing the Amulet from you. If they succeed in stealing it, they will flee. Should a monster manage to make it to a coaligned high altar with the amulet, they will sacrifice it, causing you to lose the game.
+
* [[Item (SpliceHack)|New items]]
 +
* [[SpliceHack/Special levels|Special levels]]
 +
* [[Artifact (SpliceHack)|New and rebalanced artifacts]]
 +
* [[Object materials]]
 +
* [[SpliceHack/Unique demons|Unique demons]]
 +
* [[SpliceHack/Rules changes|Rules changes]]
 +
* [[Unofficial conduct#Conducts in variants|New conducts and challenge modes]]
  
 
{{featured}}
 
{{featured}}
 
[[Category:SpliceHack]]
 
[[Category:SpliceHack]]
 
[[Category:Variants]]
 
[[Category:Variants]]

Latest revision as of 10:13, 16 February 2024

Not to be confused with SliceHack.

Overview

SpliceHack is a variant of NetHack 3.7.0 and in part of SLASH'EM, developed by AntiGulp. The goal of SpliceHack's development is to create a balanced variant that is easy to pick up and play without extensive use of outside materials, which also incorporates a very large number of new and dynamic monsters, items, and features along with community feedback and ideas. Discussion of SpliceHack occurs on the Hardfought IRC channel, and bugs can be reported there or on the issues page - be aware when reporting that SpliceHack is currently not being maintained or developed - for details regarding the most recent versions of the variant, see SpliceHack-Rewrite.

The released version of SpliceHack is 1.0.1.

Design philosophy

  • Accessibility: All features and changes must be clear enough that a player from vanilla NetHack can learn to play SpliceHack without undue difficulty. A fully functioning tileset must be maintained at all times, and the game should be kept as accessible as possible.
  • Variety: Any object or monster added must present a unique choice, challenge, or opportunity to the player. The game should consistently present the player with interesting choices and trade-offs in order to keep them engaged.
  • Dynamic features: When possible, additions should be extensible in some way, such as monster steeds, new behaviors, or object materials, so that items and monsters added in vanilla can take advantage of them.
  • Interesting endgame: The endgame must be interesting and engaging. Additions that add variety to an ascension kit are highly valued. Further, at no point should the player be so well-equipped that they can win without continuing to employ careful strategy.

How to play SpliceHack

If one is familiar with vanilla NetHack, SpliceHack plays extremely similarly. New players may want to examine the list of new roles and races, the rules changes or the SpliceHack strategy guide. Regardless of whether one plays online or offline, SpliceHack comes with a fully functional tileset, and can be played in tiles or in ASCII mode.

  • Online: SpliceHack is hosted online on Hardfought.
  • Offline: Developmental versions of SpliceHack can be compiled using the source on GitHub.
  • Offline: Compiled Windows binaries of each major release will generally be posted on the github releases page, depending on the availability of a Windows compiler. If anyone requests them, binaries for linux/macOS can also be produced easily.

Character creation

  • All vanilla roles and races are available in SpliceHack, as well as numerous additional roles and races, some of which are unique to SpliceHack. Additionally, some role and race combinations that were restricted in vanilla are available for play. The full table of playable combinations can be found on the roles and races page.
  • Each role has access to the usual skills as well as some new skills.
  • Players have the option of playing as male, female, or nonbinary, all of which have minor gameplay implications.
  • Players can define the sexuality of their character in the options via orientation:?. Currently available sexualities are straight, gay, bisexual, and asexual. Sexuality has no gameplay impact outside of interactions with monsters with seduction attacks.

New players

New to SpliceHack, or variants in general? Start here.

Essential tips

  • Far look unfamiliar monsters: Using the far look command on a monster will display a window with the attacks, resistances, and attributes of the monster, as well as any relevant encyclopedia entries. The information displayed in this window should be considered the single source of truth, since it is dynamically generated from the game's data.
  • Rely on pets: Pets in SpliceHack can gain intrinsics by eating corpses, use additional items and abilities, and can improve your hit chance when you flank enemies with your pet.
  • Read the rules changes: Take a few minutes to examine the rules changes page. It contains vital information about some of the changes from NetHack to SpliceHack.

Choosing a role and race

Choosing a role and race in a new variant can be intimidating. In SpliceHack alone, there are 13 races and 18 roles to choose from. Beginners are encouraged to read the roles and races page. Alternatively, relatively easy combinations for beginners include:

  • Dwarven Valkyrie: Apart from starting with a spear instead of a sword, Valkyrie in SpliceHack are similar in ease of play to vanilla and can be played in the same style.
  • Human Dragonmaster: Dragonmasters are unique in that they start with a saddled baby dragon as a pet. They have strong intrinsics when leveling up, and strong, simple techniques. Additionally, they can tame dragons in the same way that other roles can tame domestic monsters.
  • Infernal Barbarian: Infernal Barbarian is one of the easier combinations of role and race in SpliceHack. Infernals receive intrinsic regeneration beginning at level 4, turning them into powerful melee combatants.

Features

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Click on a glyph to go to that monster's page.
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