This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to alter the graphics in the game and then mod them back in. Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael reconvene in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, a gorgeously realistic beat ’em up in which they kick shell. Check out the guide below for more.
How to Edit Sprites and Swap Palettes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Overview
Hey! This guide was first published on Nexus Mods. When I mod something, I like to pass on what I’ve learned if I can. It only makes sense for me to make this tutorial available for everyone, therefore I’m doing it. With this information, I wish to reach as many individuals as possible.
Except for the layout, this instruction and the one I provided on Nexus Mods are identical. Nexus allows you to modify typefaces and other settings, but this isn’t actually necessary. I’ll update both guidelines if anything changes. So you can rest assured that what you’re reading now is the most recent version.
In the spirit of Nexus Mods, you may download my Archie Comics Raphael Palette Swap by clicking here! [www.nexusmods.com] There are tonnes of additional mods on that website as well. There are now 20. Let’s make that number bigger!
(This page was last updated on June 20, 2022.)
Modding: Extracting Art Assets from zxnb Files
1. Get xnbcli from [github.com].
NOTE: There are numerous instructions and videos available for this tool on the internet. It was originally designed for Stardew Valley modders, but it’s also used in a variety of other games.
If you get stuck on anything, there’s a good chance your question has previously been answered online. However, if you still require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’m on Instagram and Twitter. I’ll also react to inquiries below, although comments take longer for me to respond to. Sorry!
2. Unzip the file into a folder of your choice.
Note: There are two sub-folders inside the folder: ‘packed’ and ‘unpacked.’ They’ll be used at a later time.
3. Navigate to the game’s installation folder.
Note: The quickest way to get here, in my opinion, is to right-click the game in your Steam library, hover over ‘manage,’ and then select ‘browse local files.’
4. Select 2D from the Contents menu.
Note: The game’s art assets are housed in these four subfolders. If all you want to do is edit the player characters, go to Animations > Players. Then there are seven subfolders named after our primary cast members. Let’s pretend we’re modifying Raphael’s color scheme.
5. For the sake of illustration, we’ll edit Raphael. So go to Raphael > Players > Animations.
6. Paste the file RaphaelTexture.zxnb into the previously stated ‘packed’ folder.
CAUTION: The following procedure will overwrite existing files in the ‘unpack’ folder with the same names without notice!
7. Run the ‘unpack’ command from your xnbcli folder.
This should be a .bat file if you’re using Windows. A command file will appear for OS X users. I’m sorry, Linux folks, but you’re on your own.
8. Go to the ‘unpacked’ folder and look through it. RaphaelTexture.png and RaphaelTexture.json should be the two new files.
Note: Let’s hope that works. If you’re using Windows, check for help online! Because xnbcli isn’t a new tool, there’s a good probability that someone else has already solved your problem. To be honest, you shouldn’t have any issues.
However, if you’re a Mac user like me, you might run into the same issue I did. If you receive a permission denied error, open a terminal window and type:
chmod +x
After the ‘x,’ add that space. The ‘pack.command’ will now be dragged to your terminal window. If it prompts you for your admin password, type it in. You’ll need ‘unpack.command’ for the following step, so do the same for it. It should now work.
9. Make any changes you want to RaphaelTexture.png.
Note that switching palettes is a simple procedure from here. If you want to modify the sprite itself, you can do so as well! Just keep in mind that the bounds are yet undetermined. And, based on the sprite sheet, the bounds don’t appear to be uniform. Perhaps you’ll get an extra two pixels on the longest side? But don’t take my word for it; it’s only a guess.
Modifying the Game to Showcase Your Custom Graphics
NOTE: This should go without saying, but I’ll mention it anyway: these edits will not be seen by people online. They’re only for your eyes! But, hey, if you’re a streamer, it might be a nice shift for your audience. And, after tweaking the game, I’ve found that it’s a LOT simpler to identify the turtles different in multiplayer. The main reason I pursued this was for the six-player mayhem. But, sure, mix and match the mods and have some fun!
1. Look through the unpacked folder. RaphaelTexture.json and your new RaphaelTexture.png (the one with your edits) should be in there.
CAUTION: The following procedure is will overwrite existing files in the ‘packed’ folder with the same names without notice!
2. Run the ‘unpack’ command from your xnbcli folder.
3. Look for RaphaelTexture.xnb in the ‘packed’ folder. Your game-ready assets have been edited!
NOTE: You’ll note that the file extension differs somewhat from RaphaelTexture.zxnb. The z just denotes that the file is compressed. xnbcli compresses the files instead of packing them. Fortunately for us, the game doesn’t seem to mind! Renaming the extension will cause the game to crash. I had to learn the hard way, lol!
4. Paste RaphaelTexture.xnb into your game’s Animations > Players > Raphael folder.
5. Delete the original RaphaelTexture.zxnb file or rename it.
NOTE: I haven’t tested running the game with both a zxnb and a znb file in the same folder, but I assume the zxnb file is used by default. If you accidentally deleted it and want it back, you can always re-download it from Steam with the “Verify integrity of game files…” option. Just keep in mind that doing so will remove all of your mods.
6. Play the game and take pride in your work! You’ve done it!
7. Finally, zip a copy of your xnb file (or files) and upload it to Nexus Mods! But seriously, zip those xnb files; it makes a world of difference.
Isn’t it that simple? I’m excited to see your crazy edits! If you have any questions, I’m more accessible on social media. Also, you may leave a comment for me to answer. Thanks for reading and goodbye!
Last Updated on June 20, 2022
An avid listener of music from a number of countries. Writing is his hobby and passion. A follower of all the latest android and PC games. Not to mention his favorite: Mobile Legends!