Difference between revisions of "Partial conversion"

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A '''partial conversion''' is a [[PWAD]] that replaces a portion of the resources of the original game's [[IWAD]]. In contrast to a [[total conversion]], the partial retains enough visuals, sounds, or gameplay mechanics to be considered a variant of the original, not a separate game.
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A '''partial conversion''' is a [[PWAD]] that signficantly alters the original game, intending to provide a distinctly different experience. However, in contrast to a [[total conversion]], the partial retains enough visuals, sounds, and gameplay mechanics to be considered a variant of the original, not a separate game. Notable examples of partial conversions are [[STRAIN]] and [[Paradise]].
  
The most common form of partial conversion is called a '''gameplay mod'''. Many of these have been created over the years, replacing the weapons or monsters or specific gameplay mechanics, while preserving the rest of the original game. Thus it's common for players of mod-friendly [[source port]]s, like [[GZDoom]], to combine multiple gameplay mods that do not overlap with one another.
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One important factor distinguishes a partial conversion from a [[gameplay mod]]: custom maps. Partial conversions are self-contained experiences with custom maps and gameplay changes. But gameplay mods do not have maps and are thus intended to be used with any number of regular maps. A good example of this is the [[Supercharge (mod)|Supercharge]] mod, which originated as the gameplay changes of Paradise.
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To complicate matters, the community has a history of using the term loosely. For example, [[Back to Saturn X]] billed itself as a partial conversion, but it is actually just maps with custom textures and no gameplay changes. Since maps with custom textures have become quite common, this is no longer generally accepted as a partial conversion.
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== See also ==
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* [[Total conversion]]
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* [[Gameplay mod]]
  
 
[[Category:Partial conversions|*]]
 
[[Category:Partial conversions|*]]
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[[Category:PWAD types]]

Revision as of 16:14, 26 January 2022

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Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page.

A partial conversion is a PWAD that signficantly alters the original game, intending to provide a distinctly different experience. However, in contrast to a total conversion, the partial retains enough visuals, sounds, and gameplay mechanics to be considered a variant of the original, not a separate game. Notable examples of partial conversions are STRAIN and Paradise.

One important factor distinguishes a partial conversion from a gameplay mod: custom maps. Partial conversions are self-contained experiences with custom maps and gameplay changes. But gameplay mods do not have maps and are thus intended to be used with any number of regular maps. A good example of this is the Supercharge mod, which originated as the gameplay changes of Paradise.

To complicate matters, the community has a history of using the term loosely. For example, Back to Saturn X billed itself as a partial conversion, but it is actually just maps with custom textures and no gameplay changes. Since maps with custom textures have become quite common, this is no longer generally accepted as a partial conversion.

See also