Hacking [Guide] Replace Zelda SS Textures and Models

[fiveighteen]

[0] Requirements:
- WiiScrubber 1.40 (MakeKeyBin.exe for the necessary keys)
- SZS Modifier
- LZ11.bat with DSDecmp (Keep both in the same folder as the file you're working with)
- An image-editing program that can open/save PNG
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword ISO (do NOT ask for it here)
*NOTE: It's recommended that you make a copy of the ISO and change the ID for the one you're going to edit, since replacing some files tends to cause the game to crash.

Additional/Optional Tools for Editing:
- xdelta and .bat patcher - Create a patch/patch files to use yourself
- Kantilan's brresviewer 1.2 - View BRRES files
- BrawlBox 0.65 - Supports .DAE model exporting, .BRSAR audio editing (don't use for replacement)

[1] Extracting & Decompressing the File:
*NOTE: Only ObjectPack.arc.LZ needs to be decompressed. All other arc's can just be opened with SZS Modifier

Open WiiScrubber and load The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.iso
(must have key.bin in the same folder as WiiScrubber)
Open the Object subtree and right-click, Extract ObjectPack.arc.LZ

Drag ObjectPack.arc.LZ to LZ11.bat
Type 0 and hit enter to decompress (the original file is replaced with the decompressed file)

[2] Extracting the Image:
Open SZS Modifier
Click File, Open, and choose ObjectPack.arc.LZ (You will have to change the filetype box to "All Files (*.*)" to see it)
Open the two subtrees, then choose an arc to export (In this guide I will use Alink.arc, where Link's textures are stored)
Right click Alink.arc and click Export Raw Data..
Type Alink.arc and hit Save

Still in SZS Modifier, click File, Open
Choose Alink.arc
Open the two subtrees, then to edit a texture, open the texture subtree.
Click on a texture to preview it
Double click the preview image to open the Texture Edit window
Click File, Export
Type the name of the texture and click Save.

Open the image in your graphics editing program and edit away...

[3] Replacing the Image:
(This is basically just going to go backwards)

In the SZS Modifier Texture Edit window click File, Import
Choose the edited PNG and click Save

In the main SZS Modifier window, click File, Save
Then click File, Open
Choose ObjectPack.arc.LZ
Open the two subtrees and right click on Alink.arc
Click Import Raw Data.. and choose Alink.arc
Click File, Save (Close SZS Modifier)


[4] Compressing & Replacing the File:
*NOTE: Only ObjectPack.arc.LZ needs to be recompressed. All other .arc's can just be replaced in the ISO.

Drag ObjectPack.arc.LZ to LZ11.exe
Type 1 and hit enter to compress (the decompressed file is replaced with the compressed file)
*Note: Compressing ObjectPack.arc.LZ takes around 4 minutes

In WiiScrubber, right click ObjectPack.arc.LZ and click Replace
It will reparse the ISO and then you're done!
______________________________________________________________________

Files that need to be decompressed:
- ObjectPack.arc.LZ
- *.brresC (from PLCompItem.arc)

______________________________________________________________________

Texture/Image Mods:

Map and Title Wii Strap Screens

Spoiler

Created By: Summersett
ARC Edited: /US/Layout/strapU.arc
[Download Patch]

Ho-oh Loftwing

Spoiler

Created By: Summersett
ARC Edited: /Object/ObjectPack.arc.LZ/Bird_Link.arc
[Download Patch]

Dark Loftwing

Spoiler

Created By: Errorjack
ARC Edited: /Object/ObjectPack.arc.LZ/Bird_Link.arc
[Download Game Patch]

Dark Link v2

Spoiler

Created By: Errorjack
ARC Edited: /Object/ObjectPack.arc.LZ/Alink.arc
[Download Game Patch]
[Download Demo Patch]

 

[Lucif3r]

Nice guide.
However, SZS modifier doesnt work properly with 3d models, at least not for me.
Or rather, some aint working. "al", "al_head" and "pl_body" is completely messed up, and trying to replace them is impossible (getting invalid file, even if exporting the model and importing it again).

 

[fiveighteen]

The models don't appear correct for me either. And to be honest I haven't even tried editing those, I've just been messing with the textures. I know a few people have been importing the models and textures into 3DS Max or the Unreal Development Kit, so maybe they can shed some light on things and get the ball rolling.

 

[Lucif3r]

Ye i got a tool to export them properly, I just need something that can import it as well.
Brawlbox works to a certain extent. It doesnt align the vertixes 100% and wont apply the correct textures.

 

[JoostinOnline]

When I tried to save al_eyeball as a png (I wanted to start simple and do black eyes), image editors say it's corrupt.

Nevermind, I was exporting raw data.

 

[Errorjack]

It doesn't want to show in-game. I have the edits correct yet it doesn't show in-game!!!!

 

[fiveighteen]

What did you try to edit exactly? Give more specific info.

 

[JoostinOnline]

Well I tried editing the eye but now everytime I start up it freezes at the motion plus sync calibration screen.

 

[Errorjack]

This method does not work. The decompression or re compression of the game breaks it at either the logo screen or the WM+ screen.

 

[Lucif3r]

Is there any way to emulate M+ in dolphin? >_> I really cba to transfer the whole iso to my wii just to check if it works.

 

[JoostinOnline]

Is there any way to emulate M+ in dolphin? >_> I really cba to transfer the whole iso to my wii just to check if it works.

It doesn't work, as stated above.

 

[Lucif3r]

Is there any way to emulate M+ in dolphin? >_> I really cba to transfer the whole iso to my wii just to check if it works.

It doesn't work, as stated above.

Actually Im not doing the same thing as you. nor do I use the exact same applications as OP.

 

[Fishaman P]

Probably a checksum done by the game.

Then again, the Pokemon games check the save file checksums, and we get around those on a daily basis.

EDIT: There are special configuration files for Dolphin that emulate a WM+, but it doesn't even do a half-assed job. Even connecting a real Wii Remote Plus gives a terrible experience.

 

[Lucif3r]

EDIT: There are special configuration files for Dolphin that emulate a WM+, but it doesn't even do a half-assed job. Even connecting a real Wii Remote Plus gives a terrible experience.

Im not going to PLAY the game, I just want to get in game to check the changes Im doing, without having to transfer the crap over to the Wii.


-snip-

 

[fiveighteen]

I read that Dolphin r59xx will emulate WM+, and downloaded one to try, but it only would let me get as far as the create-a-name screen and would then say "Please connect a WM+ and nunchuk to the controller"

Also, unless I did something really funky, that guide is working for me... proof:

I'll try another one.

 

[Hyro-Sama]

The game already has great textures IMO. Why changed it to something nasty looking like a purple haired Link? Make a Dungeon editor or something.

 

[Lucif3r]

Yea it had m+ emulation, but didnt get past the calibration.

Ah well, Im still unsuccessful with importing models to the .arc files...

 

[fiveighteen]

The game already has great textures IMO. Why changed it to something nasty looking like a purple haired Link? Make a Dungeon editor or something.

Because we CAN.

A dungeon editor could come with time. The game isn't even officially released yet lol.

 

[JoostinOnline]

What I want is a cheat for IR support.

 

[Lucif3r]

Well, Ive successfully replaced a texture now (I found my ~10year old BT dongle so can play on dolphin now lol ).

If only I could figure out why the fuck models wont import....