Updated: MBII Version Switcher

[Leo]

MBII Version Switcher
switching versions has never been easier

DOWNLOAD HERE

This app serves as an easy way of switching your current MBII version to one of the archived ones.
-- includes --
» built-in serverlist & playerlist for servers that don't run MBII R20
» modifications tab for supported versions
» direct download of the desired archived version
» quick settings tab to apply some common changes to your config
-----

Supported versions:

Spoiler: Application Access

Application uses HttpClient to access moddb & mediafire links in order to dowload archived versions of MBII
These are by default dowloaded into your GameData folder, then extracted into their folder and the .zip file is removed.
On launch, a .bat file gets created that takes care of renaming folders in order to launch the game under game path "MBII".
After exiting the game, folder will be renamed back and your MBII folder will again become what it was before (R20)
Your documents folder will contain a folder called "MBII Version Switcher" where your gamedata path and serverlist from last launch of the application will be stored.
VirusTotal

Spoiler: Supported folder names

for existing installations, so that you don't have to reinstall, please move the content of the MBII folder of your version to a new folder called exactly like one of these:
MBII1.4.8.1
MBII1.6.2
MBII1.10.1
MBII1.10.0.1
MBII1.9.3.1
MBII1.9.2.2
MBII1.9.1.1
MBII1.9.0.1
MBII1.8.2.1
MBII1.8.1.2
MBII1.8
MBII1.7.2.1
MBII1.7.1.1
MBII1.7.0.2
MBII1.6.1.1
MBII1.6
MBII1.5.5
MBII1.5.4
MBII1.5.3
MBII1.4.9
MBII1.5.2
MBII1.5.1
MBII1.4.6
MBII1.3
MBII1.0
MBII0.1.8
MBII0.1
MBIIrc3
MBIIrc2
MBIIrc1
MBIIb191
MBIIb18
MBIIb17
MBIIb16

​

Spoiler: Patch log

26/11/2024
​

added a playerlist panel rather than displaying it below the serverlist. this will hopefully solve any future issues were the serverlist growing.
added direct connect to the servers through the panel.

fixed dropping .zip files as an alternative for version installation
​

25/11/2024
​

added "drop .zip" button to main menu, as an alternative for those experiencing 403. You will be automatically redirected to such menu if you won't be successful with your automatic download. Drop .zip expects a .zip with the same name as the archived .zips from moddb or files from mediafire that I've uploaded. If you fail a download, you will be redirected to the appropriate browser tab.
It will automatically rename and extract the content, assuring everything will still work no matter what.
Zip files must be placed in GameData folder. (else you will get a success message, but the extracted folder will be in the same location as the .zip file)

new logic on the first launch of version switcher, restart will happen that will copy the version switcher to your gamedata folder, remove the old .exe and safely create shortcut, to ensure the app is always searchable
new logic app will now require to be launched as administrator to ensure access to folders, renames, deleting files, etc.


fixed 1.9.3.1 version not working
fixed 1.10.0.1 version not working
fixed special characters in playernames in the playerlist
fixed configs not applying to featured versions

reimagined install/play button to also contain the highlighting as other buttons​

24/11/2024​

added b17
added b16
added refresh button for servers
added loading servers... screen to avoid potential issues in the future due to serverlist being broken again
added no valid gamedata path screen to avoid user from using the app if they haven't selected the gamedata path

improved logic of applying custom config through quick settings tab
improved logic of the .bat files (now the user should be able to have file explorer open and still use the version switcher)
improved logic for shortcut creation

fixed not being able to rename gamedata path after using version switcher
fixed serverlist
fixed configs not applying for most versions

renamed "improve 3rd person camera" to "Fix Camera and Target damp" (sets these values to 1, default since ~1.6+)
replaced karusVC with kvintos animations for 1.9.2 - 1.10 (need confirmation if they work for the versions)
replaced 1.4.8 download with mediafire instead of moddb​

​

By no means is this supposed to be cool looking flawless application. Its main priority is to ensure easy installation of accessible MBII versions, with some side extra features. Modifications weren't made by me and the credits go to their respective owners, being:
Schizopack - Joel, Vioxini
Penekepack, Penekemations - Penekowski
Kvinto's Animation Pack - Kvinto
NoobGuided Pack - Noob, The Unguided
Fetus Crosshair - BobbaFetus
J| Advanced ACM Counter - J clan / Pelmenu
Notable mention: Kvinto - for providing access to more MBII versions

Incase any issues appear, please contact leonss. on discord​

 

[Teh Evil Cow]

Tip: when hosting old versions, older than 1.4.8, the best provider is probably Blue Fang Solutions. Otherwise, use jampded on windows. I ran 0.1.8 without issues with BFS. (They aren't so great with the latest MB2 version though, unless you pay them extra to install it for you.)

 

[TeKilla]

Can I host multiple MB2 versions together on the same machine? If so, are there any specific setup tips or potential issues I should be aware of?

 

[Teh Evil Cow]

Can I host multiple MB2 versions together on the same machine? If so, are there any specific setup tips or potential issues I should be aware of?

There is a problem with folder names. JKA identifies mods not by content, but by the folder name. In order for clients to join, they must have the correct files and the folder that contains them must have the same name as the mod folder on the server. So, if the folder's MB2 folder is called "MBII", the client's must be "MBII". If this isn't the case, for example the server folder name is MBII148, the client will try to load a folder called MBII148. If this doesn't exist, it will create a new folder in your gamedata, try to load base JKA, then fail halfway and won't connect since it won't have the maps.

In practical terms, this means that you will need to rename the version's folder to MBII each time you wish to host it, since you can't have multiple folders called MBII. The alternative is telling people to match your folder's name, which kills any chance of getting randoms to join

 

[RogueWookiee]

awesome dude

 

[TeKilla]

Today I had the chance to test it more thoroughly, and I really liked it. Thank you very much!

One small feedback: every time the app starts, it creates a shortcut in the windows start menu. Since I already have it saved elsewhere, it would be great if this only happened the first time.

 

[Leo]

Today I had the chance to test it more thoroughly, and I really liked it. Thank you very much!

One small feedback: every time the app starts, it creates a shortcut in the windows start menu. Since I already have it saved elsewhere, it would be great if this only happened the first time.

I intend on looking more closely into some of the stuff, but I don't know yet when will I have the time for it. I'll add it to my list

 

[2cwldys]

The only issue I encountered with this, is when starting it but not entering your gamedata path, it causes it to crash and gives filesystem errors. It refuses to open after that, and it wont let me delete it. It disappeared on computer restart though. Obviously using it as it's intended would work, but consider that a bug report if you will.

 

[Leo]

The only issue I encountered with this, is when starting it but not entering your gamedata path, it causes it to crash and gives filesystem errors. It refuses to open after that, and it wont let me delete it. It disappeared on computer restart though. Obviously using it as it's intended would work, but consider that a bug report if you will.

ill look into that

 

[Leo]

added b17
added b16
added refresh button for servers
added loading servers... screen to avoid potential issues in the future due to serverlist being broken again
added no valid gamedata path screen to avoid user from using the app if they haven't selected the gamedata path

improved logic of applying custom config through quick settings tab
improved logic of the .bat files (now the user should be able to have file explorer open and still use the version switcher)
improved logic for shortcut creation

fixed not being able to rename gamedata path after using version switcher
fixed serverlist
fixed configs not applying for most versions

renamed "improve 3rd person camera" to "Fix Camera and Target damp" (sets these values to 1, default since ~1.6+)
replaced karusVC with kvintos animations for 1.9.2 - 1.10 (need confirmation if they work for the versions)
replaced 1.4.8 download with mediafire instead of moddb


hopefully reduced the amount of 403s and all sorts of "connection cut by remote host" issues. if they do occur as always please contact me on discord

Users need to redownload the program to get this update.

 

[RogueWookiee]

replaced 1.4.8 download with mediafire instead of moddb

Thanks!

 

[Leo]

Thanks!

apparently it still causes 403 for someone so.... my brain is melting because i cant replicate that issue no matter what

 

[2cwldys]

Do you do commissions with this kind of "launcher" work? My work is pretty much done for my gamemode but I'm facing constant stonewalling by the MBII team. A simple program with some graphics and some buttons that can grab my latest files would put my current updater to shame.
I can put the needed files players need on mediafire or some kind of cloud hosting platform that would interact with HTTPClient.

I'm just thinking this is my last and final option, and my Plan B. I'd be glad to carry this over private discussion if needed. TY.

 

[Defiant]

Do you do commissions with this kind of "launcher" work? My work is pretty much done for my gamemode but I'm facing constant stonewalling by the MBII team. A simple program with some graphics and some buttons that can grab my latest files would put my current updater to shame.
I can put the needed files players need on mediafire or some kind of cloud hosting platform that would interact with HTTPClient.

I'm just thinking this is my last and final option, and my Plan B. I'd be glad to carry this over private discussion if needed. TY.

You are not being "stonewalled". You have an exceedingly generous offer that even has a pathway to your work becoming official over time. What you would like to do, is to take advantage of our infrastructure, and bandwidth and not allow other MBII Servers parity, even with the offer of allowing you keeping your advantage in the short to medium term - this could be a timespan measured in years. I'm not sure other server owners will not find this to be a particuarly fair offer, and that many other people would quite like their work to be published in the same way.

 

[2cwldys]

You are not being "stonewalled". You have an exceedingly generous offer that even has a pathway to your work becoming official over time. What you would like to do, is to take advantage of our infrastructure, and bandwidth and not allow other MBII Servers parity, even with the offer of allowing you keeping your advantage in the short to medium term - this could be a timespan measured in years. I'm not sure other server owners will not find this to be a particuarly fair offer, and that many other people would quite like their work to be published in the same way.

I am being stonewalled. From a team that doesn't respect my work or efforts remotely at all. This game of cat and mouse ends here, and I am looking for reasonable solutions to my problems. I was told to have a v1.0 ready by this week and I have done so. Everytime I hear from a different team member I hear something different. You guys are so uncoordinated and I tend to agree with Mace about that. I'm going to do the adult thing, and find solutions to implement the hard work I've been doing for over a year that players are highly invested in and want to play.

I have payed other people to work on this project which is a completely non-profit project that has seen the most difficulty in it's integration. I don't understand the yapping about "taking advantage of infrastructure." OK, so if we're going there, people have actually been in fact taking advantage of this project, all the assets surrounding it, and implementing it in Moviebattles & Legends far before giving my project any credence or recognition. The first problem was copyright, but then you guys allow things like Powerbattles II and III. When my contributions here involve very little copyright, and ports. Literally miniscule compared to the 200~ mb of work I've completed. A lot of the problems I've encountered is simply obstacles with dev filibuster.

Honestly, at this point, it's a shot in your own foot. Instead of ghosting me for weeks Defiant, how about you actually speak to me about properly integrating these files? John wrote the clientize parser because people have tried to steal my work in it's earliest stages and appropriate it for their own gain and social outreach. This has happened when I wrote the earliest implements, and was blocked by people and not even involved. This community is too dead for these kind of social problems, and I will lead by example if I have to with this new gamemode I am making. All I have seen is mishandling, miscommunication, and the worst disrespect possible given in all regards to my efforts in giving back to this game. This is no run of the mill "collection of FAs" and I am quite proud of this work. I will do anything I can to make sure the players can enjoy it, regardless of this slop of dev bureaucracy we have to jump hurdles through in this 20 year old game. Everything about this mode has been forged around player feedback in every aspect.

 

[RogueWookiee]

You are not being "stonewalled". You have an exceedingly generous offer that even has a pathway to your work becoming official over time. What you would like to do, is to take advantage of our infrastructure, and bandwidth and not allow other MBII Servers parity, even with the offer of allowing you keeping your advantage in the short to medium term - this could be a timespan measured in years. I'm not sure other server owners will not find this to be a particuarly fair offer, and that many other people would quite like their work to be published in the same way.

imagine dismissing someone whos attempting to make a positive impact on your game (which is dying) for little to no reason.

this kind of stubbornness is whats killing mb2

 

[Defiant]

I am being stonewalled. From a team that doesn't respect my work or efforts remotely at all. This game of cat and mouse ends here, and I am looking for reasonable solutions to my problems. I was told to have a v1.0 ready by this week and I have done so. Everytime I hear from a different team member I hear something different. You guys are so uncoordinated and I tend to agree with Mace about that. I'm going to do the adult thing, and find solutions to implement the hard work I've been doing for over a year that players are highly invested in and want to play.

I have payed other people to work on this project which is a completely non-profit project that has seen the most difficulty in it's integration. I don't understand the yapping about "taking advantage of infrastructure." OK, so if we're going there, people have actually been in fact taking advantage of this project, all the assets surrounding it, and implementing it in Moviebattles & Legends far before giving my project any credence or recognition. The first problem was copyright, but then you guys allow things like Powerbattles II and III. When my contributions here involve very little copyright, and ports. Literally miniscule compared to the 200~ mb of work I've completed. A lot of the problems I've encountered is simply obstacles with dev filibuster.

Honestly, at this point, it's a shot in your own foot. Instead of ghosting me for weeks Defiant, how about you actually speak to me about properly integrating these files? John wrote the clientize parser because people have tried to steal my work in it's earliest stages and appropriate it for their own gain and social outreach. This has happened when I wrote the earliest implements, and was blocked by people and not even involved. This community is too dead for these kind of social problems, and I will lead by example if I have to with this new gamemode I am making. All I have seen is mishandling, miscommunication, and the worst disrespect possible given in all regards to my efforts in giving back to this game. This is no run of the mill "collection of FAs" and I am quite proud of this work. I will do anything I can to make sure the players can enjoy it, regardless of this slop of dev bureaucracy we have to jump hurdles through in this 20 year old game. Everything about this mode has been forged around player feedback in every aspect.

We had a discussion about it, and I set out the terms on which it could happen very clearly. You have yet to agree to them. You got this from the horses mouth, so I dont know how you can claim any confusion what so ever.

and i went on to clarify

imagine dismissing someone whos attempting to make a positive impact on your game (which is dying) for little to no reason.

this kind of stubbornness is whats killing mb2

Dismissing? I offered him a team position to make it official and put it out in front of everyone. I offered him what he is asking for on a silver platter.

 

[2cwldys]

Dismissing? I offered him a team position to make it official and put it out in front of everyone. I offered him what he is asking for on a silver platter.

They tell me something different I need to do every time, then to take the ground from underneath me.

 

[Leo]

Released new update that will hopefully make the lives of people with 403 errors easier. Notes are in patch log spoiler
NOTE: The .zip files must be in GameData. Else you'll get a success messagebox, but the "success" will be in the same folder as the .zip, not GameData.

 

[Leo]

Released smaller update, hopefully the last one for next couple of weeks. Added new panel for displaying playerlist & direct connect to a server button. Also it seems I may have forgotten to add all supported .zip file names to the "Drop .zip" thing. Should be all okay now.

 

[noel]

Are there 1.4.8 or 1.4.9 servers up?