FAQ
You have found the Frequently Asked Questions. If the answer to your question is not found here then stop by the forum for some help.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
What is Mimesis?
Mimesis is a brand new content distribution app that will change the way you get your modded game content forever.
It will check for the latest content from a centralized server just like the Live! service does. By choosing from a list of available content on your TV screen (each with its own a preview image/video and map details), you will simply select the one you want to play and it will download and install itself to your Xbox! That's how easy it will be to get the latest and greatest modded content for your Live! enabled games. Sound familiar? That's right, its just as easy as getting 'official' content from the Live! service. Only difference is that this content was built by fellow modders in the Xbox community, oh yeah, and its free!
It will check for the latest content from a centralized server just like the Live! service does. By choosing from a list of available content on your TV screen (each with its own a preview image/video and map details), you will simply select the one you want to play and it will download and install itself to your Xbox! That's how easy it will be to get the latest and greatest modded content for your Live! enabled games. Sound familiar? That's right, its just as easy as getting 'official' content from the Live! service. Only difference is that this content was built by fellow modders in the Xbox community, oh yeah, and its free!
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Can this program be used by un-modded boxes via AR or memory cards and/or an exploit?
By using the Mimesis Lite Generator, exactly this canbe done.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Do I need a Live! account to use Mimesis?
You do need the 1.1 update from Bungie. Other than getting that Auto Update, you do not need LIVE! to make use of Mimesis.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
How much does Mimesis cost? Is it a monthly charge like the Live! service?
Mimesis is absolutely free. All we ask is that you donate from time to time in order to pay for the bandwidth costs.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Can I play Mimesis maps on the Live! service?
Update From Bunige AU #4 Release on 7-20-2005
I am leaving the old FAQ answer below but it IS out of date.
Yes. It has been tested in many ways. Of course the cheating aspect has been tested as well and does not work. If you intend to use Mimesis to cheat, have fun trying to get it to work! PS: The Mimesis Team does not support or condone using the maps on XBOX Live. Mimesis does not garantee that maps will work on live or that they will not get you banned form the live service. Try at your own risk.
Need proof? Check out this thread ----- UPDATE: This will get you perma-banned from matchmaking
Q: What if I am playing ONLY custom games with modded content?
A: You will be banned. We do not discriminate between custom and Matchmade games with regards to modded content. Sorry, but that's the way it is. And don't get all holier than thou – it is in the terms of use that you can't modify our content, and you know you shouldn't be doing it anyway. Here's a couple of examples from the Xbox Live Terms of Use statement:
Unless expressly allowed, you may not modify,
copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish,
license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any
information, software or services obtained from or through Xbox Live.
And this one is a zinger:
Xbox Live may only be accessed with an unmodified, except for Microsoft authorized repairs and upgrades, Xbox video game console. Any attempt to disassemble, decompile, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, modify, further sublicense, distribute or use for other purposes either the hardware or software of the Xbox or the Service, is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of your account and/or your ability to access Xbox Live via your Xbox, and the pursuit of other legal remedies by Microsoft. Microsoft may take any legal action it deems appropriate against users who violate Microsoft's systems or network security, and such users may also incur criminal and/or civil liability.
Again, if you want to play in Matchmaking again, delete any and all modded Halo content now for safety, and don't log onto our service with a modified box.
So I guess the short answer is NO.I am leaving the old FAQ answer below but it IS out of date.
Yes. It has been tested in many ways. Of course the cheating aspect has been tested as well and does not work. If you intend to use Mimesis to cheat, have fun trying to get it to work! PS: The Mimesis Team does not support or condone using the maps on XBOX Live. Mimesis does not garantee that maps will work on live or that they will not get you banned form the live service. Try at your own risk.
Need proof? Check out this thread ----- UPDATE: This will get you perma-banned from matchmaking
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Will you be able to install your own content or only content off the specified server?
You can only install from the server using Mimesis. It wouldn't be much of an improvement on FTP'ing maps over if you just did it from your PC.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
If you have an approval process for a map to get on the Mimesis servers then the only way I could get the maps would be through the DLC app.
The author of the map would not be restricted to only releasing via Mimesis. They could of course also host it up elsewhere (halomods.com files forum for example)
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Will all the features of new maps work on an unmodded box. Will my normal box be able to pick up Jackal shields and such? That'd be great.
All you need is the ability to run the app long enough to install the DLC onto your virgin box. This can be accomplished via an exploit and a light version of Mimesis to fit on a memory card. We plan to release a light version to support this of course.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Is there any chance I can get banned from Live! for playing modded maps on it via custom games against other people with the same map? Either way, I'd still use the content with a split screen or XBC.
We do not take responsibility for what may come of anyone trying to play maps installed by Mimesis on the Live! service. Mimesis was written as a distribution method for modded maps but we do not support playing them over the Live! network.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Do you plan on releasing the app as a MA exploit, SC exploit, or 007:AUF, exploit, or all of them?
Lite packages are currently available for all 3 games.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Will this program and the mods hosted on its server work fine for those of us with the Halo 2 1.1 Autoupdate?
You will need the V1.1 AutoUpdate to run any DLC for Halo2.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
Since this program is anti-piracy, does that means that we won't see any mods based on the official Bungie DLC maps?
Due to the nature of DLC, Mimesis must host the full map file; not just a patch. Understanding that, even after the official DLC maps become free to download on the LIVE service they are still for sale on disc for $20 to those who do not already pay a monthly subscription fee to the LIVE service. Therefor there is an eminent potential for someone to patch a DLC mod from the Mimesis servers back to its original state. Thus getting the DLC map that Bungie charges for, completely free. Its because of this that we will not be hosting mods of the official DLC maps.
Could you imagine what Bungie would do to us if they heard that instead of buying the DLC disc, people could download a mod from Mimesis based on a DLC map, then patch it back to normal?? I can give you a hint... law suit.
Could you imagine what Bungie would do to us if they heard that instead of buying the DLC disc, people could download a mod from Mimesis based on a DLC map, then patch it back to normal?? I can give you a hint... law suit.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
You say Mimesis does not touch the Live! servers at all but in order to get to the DLC section you need to sign in with your gamertag.
You do not need a Live! account for Mimesis. You do not access Mimesis from the in game menu. You do not need to be signed into Live! for Mimesis to work. Live! and Mimesis are not connected at all.
| Added 05-2-2005 |
BTW, all you guys who worked on this are geniuses. Seriously, did you guys all major in stuff like this in college?
First time ever messing with C++ for both of us. Especially for the xbox. I have had the idea of a better distribution model from way back when I started messing with Halo1. I made a few apps to make distribution and installation easier but this will be my most ambitious project to date for sure.
I am an RPG/ILE (IBM AS400) & Net.Data programmer by day and mess around with a lot of different scripting languages as well in my free time (Lingo, PHP, JS, AppleScript, etc...). I was a graphic design major in college and did that for a couple years after school.
Ramzi took a high school and college courses in C++ and has been in the xbox modding scene for about 4 years.
I am an RPG/ILE (IBM AS400) & Net.Data programmer by day and mess around with a lot of different scripting languages as well in my free time (Lingo, PHP, JS, AppleScript, etc...). I was a graphic design major in college and did that for a couple years after school.
Ramzi took a high school and college courses in C++ and has been in the xbox modding scene for about 4 years.
| Added 05-29-2005 |
Can maps be accessed without having to download them?
No. The maps have to be installed on your xbox in order for them to work with Halo 2
| Added 05-29-2005 |
Do maps have to be in the DLC Package in order for them to work with Halo 2?
No. But for Mimesis, they will be included in the DLC package for several reasons. One reason being the ContentMeta.xbx signature that is used on the map. This improves the security and less chance of it being modded.
| Added 05-29-2005 |
This LVL Creator App, was it stolen from Bungie?
This question was found at this topic. No, CLuis is writing the supporting PC application which creates the lvl files. Also, this application will remain available only to the Mimesis Dev team. It does the submission of the map to the server and waits for it to be 'Approved'. Once the map is approved, it will appear on the Mimesis list on the XBOX.
| Added 05-29-2005 |
This LVL Creator App, does it use the XDK to make the DLC?
Not at all. The whole ContentMeta.xbx format has been mapped out and we can now recreate the DLC without using XLast or the command line programs from the XDK. This way the content packages are created for Mimesis will remain 100% legal.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
I have some extra bandwidth to spare, so I was looking for some info on how to donate mirrors for the content.
I anticipate my "unmetered" transfers at angrycamel.com quickly becoming "metered" once Mimesis is released. lol
We will need to make use of automatic mirror redirection for the content packages. The main database and Mimesis server side software will reside on my servers but each content package will need to contain information on alternative download locations. This is something we are working on implementing right now.
Since this is the plan, the actual mirrors will be needed in the future, so we would like to take advantage of any offers when the time comes. We will be setting up a section on the site where people can offer up bandwidth as mirrors. They will simply need to register a url via a form on the site. (pointing to a server that holds a particular Mimesis DLC) Once submitted that url is added to the list of available mirrors for that DLC and will be used automatically when bandwidth is low.
We will need to make use of automatic mirror redirection for the content packages. The main database and Mimesis server side software will reside on my servers but each content package will need to contain information on alternative download locations. This is something we are working on implementing right now.
Since this is the plan, the actual mirrors will be needed in the future, so we would like to take advantage of any offers when the time comes. We will be setting up a section on the site where people can offer up bandwidth as mirrors. They will simply need to register a url via a form on the site. (pointing to a server that holds a particular Mimesis DLC) Once submitted that url is added to the list of available mirrors for that DLC and will be used automatically when bandwidth is low.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
Will it work for a version 1.6 Xbox?
Yes, it will work. If an exploit will work this app will work.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
Mainmenu.map obviously isn't editable on the Halo 2 disc, so how will this work for non-modded xbox's?
Bungie was kind enough to write in a system that patches the mainmenu in memory and is supported for playing off of the disc. Its called Live DLC.
All Mimesis content is installed in exactly the same manner, thus is supported by the original game disc. When the game is loaded from the disc it will check for any new content and load it into the game.
All Mimesis content is installed in exactly the same manner, thus is supported by the original game disc. When the game is loaded from the disc it will check for any new content and load it into the game.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
Do you have to have a modchip, can it be softmodded?
Mimesis will be usable on either a modded, or unmodded console. For modded consoles, you will simply need to trasfer over the release package. For unmodded console, a memory card version, that makes use of a game save exploit, will be released.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
I'm currently having problems with FTPing to my xbox, do you need to have a connection, I have the ability to go on live but cannot connect.
If your xbox can access the internet then Mimesis will work. No FTP'ing to your PC will be involved when retrieving maps.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
Where will this program search for the maps? Can I search for a specific one and get it on my map?
Maps which have passed the approval process will be hosted on the Mimesis server and will be immediately appear in the list of available content. The approval process ensures quality individuality amongst all content available via the Mimesis application.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
Will this support games with DLC other than Halo 2?
Yes - there is a wide array of currently supported games.
| Added 05-30-2005 |
Can I run Mimesis off of a CD or DVD?
Yes. Any type of media that the XBOX accepts.
| Added 06-01-2005 |
Is Mimesis legal or illegal?
The exectutable file that runs on your xbox has to be built with the XDK, thus that file is illegal, yes. Creation of the content packages is 100% legal.
| Added 06-01-2005 |
Will the Mimesis maps contain weapons mods?
If the creator of that map modded the weapons then yes. Mimesis does not have any influence on the style of the mods.
| Added 06-13-2005 |
How did you come up with the name, Mimesis?
Mimesis (my-mee'-sis) Gk. "imitation":
Greek name for the rhetorical pedagogy known as imitation.
Greek term referring to the art of imitation through physical and vocal means
The logo was designed with a recognizable color scheme that would, on the subliminal level, silently coerce your brain into making a connection between the quality and functionality of the Live service to that of Mimesis. Thus the orange primary and the green supporting. This, and the fact that the praying mantis is a memorable little character, are the reasons that the identity package for Mimesis looks like it does.
Greek name for the rhetorical pedagogy known as imitation.
Greek term referring to the art of imitation through physical and vocal means
The logo was designed with a recognizable color scheme that would, on the subliminal level, silently coerce your brain into making a connection between the quality and functionality of the Live service to that of Mimesis. Thus the orange primary and the green supporting. This, and the fact that the praying mantis is a memorable little character, are the reasons that the identity package for Mimesis looks like it does.
| Added 06-21-2005 |
Can you host the v1.1 AutoUpdate from Bungie so everyone can download it?
No, that would be illegal.
| Added 06-21-2005 |
I have read that maps will have individual identifications on them so that they will not be confused with any of the original maps in the Halo 2 menu system. What if someone was to develop a map and ask you to host it but it had the same identifications as Coagulation? Would this be allowed?
First of all this would not be possible since our publishing system handles all of the map identification tying it directly into our database backend.
Second of all the Halo 2 menu system will not allow for a downloaded maps to override an original even if all of the identifications were the same.
Second of all the Halo 2 menu system will not allow for a downloaded maps to override an original even if all of the identifications were the same.
| Added 06-21-2005 |
Is the light version going to be avalible when the first public release is avalible?
Yes, it is currently available.
| Added 06-21-2005 |
I mean after all Mimesis itself is illegal, so what's the big deal if the maps hosted are on a legal line? Why do they have to be completely new maps? Why can't Mimesis support mods of the originals?
Mimesis binaries are illegal, not the concept. For that very reason, I will obviously not be hosting the binaries for Mimesis. So the same logic can be applied to the maps.
If it contains copyrighted content, I wont host it. That could be considered as a form of pirating the game content. End of story.
If it contains copyrighted content, I wont host it. That could be considered as a form of pirating the game content. End of story.
| Added 06-21-2005 |
I have a modded Xbox and an Xbox Live! Account. If I install a Mimesis map on my Xbox just for playing on tunneling apps such as XBC & XLink Kai, can Microsoft detect the map files if I go on LIVE! with them installed? Even if I don't play the maps on the LIVE! service?
First off you need to read this thread and all of the links in it.
The short answer can be summed up in a quote from a Bungie cheat FAQ (link found in the thread above)
"...due to the "Live Aware" nature of Halo 2, you could get banned even for using these files over system link, if one of your boxes is still attached to the internet."
The short answer can be summed up in a quote from a Bungie cheat FAQ (link found in the thread above)
"...due to the "Live Aware" nature of Halo 2, you could get banned even for using these files over system link, if one of your boxes is still attached to the internet."
| Added 06-23-2005 |
Is Mimesis open or closed source?
Closed source to prevent people from try to use Mimesis to help in cheating on the LIVE! service.
| Added 08-29-2005 |
I keep getting the content installed is corrupt message after installing DLC for Halo 2, what gives?
For any downloadable content to work on Halo 2, you will need to have one of the 1.1 AutoUpdates installed. You can do this with CDX manually by editing the cdx.inx in the cdxmedia folder, or you can just use the already configured inx from the AWSK CDX package. Search around for it.
On the first screen of Halo 2 you should see a 1.1 on the bottom, if you do not see this then its not going to work.
In case your wondering, the newest AutoUpdate from Bungie, the one that was the supposed fix for cheating, will not work as it prevents any map other than official ones from being played.
On the first screen of Halo 2 you should see a 1.1 on the bottom, if you do not see this then its not going to work.
In case your wondering, the newest AutoUpdate from Bungie, the one that was the supposed fix for cheating, will not work as it prevents any map other than official ones from being played.
| Added 08-29-2005 |
Will Mimesis content for Halo 2 work with the most recent AutoUpdate from Bungie?
No. You must install one of the older 1.1 updates.
| Added 08-29-2005 |
How do I set it up on my xbox so that I can have my Live maps seperate from my Mimesis maps? Can I do the same thing with the AutoUpdates so that playing on live is a flick of a switch?
For Mimesis version 2 you can use the DLC and AU Managers built into Mimesis.
If you are in Mimesis version 1 then its a bit more involved, as is explained below.
==============================
Inside of /E/TDATA/4d530064/ there are two folders: $C and $U. $U is for the AutoUpdates and $C is for the content.
The simplest solution is to have a Mimesis version of 4d530064 and a LIVE version of 4d530064. So switching between the two will be as simple as renaming the folders for each version like so:
4d530064_Mimesis
4d530064_Live
Whichever you want to active just rename to plain ol' 4d530064.
If you are in Mimesis version 1 then its a bit more involved, as is explained below.
==============================
Inside of /E/TDATA/4d530064/ there are two folders: $C and $U. $U is for the AutoUpdates and $C is for the content.
The simplest solution is to have a Mimesis version of 4d530064 and a LIVE version of 4d530064. So switching between the two will be as simple as renaming the folders for each version like so:
4d530064_Mimesis
4d530064_Live
Whichever you want to active just rename to plain ol' 4d530064.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
Where can I get Mimesis?
You will not find a download here because Mimesis has to be built with the XDK. Search the internet and check the 'usual places'
| Added 09-12-2005 |
When I try to download content, the progress bar stays at 0%. What am I doing wrong?
This is due to a bad mirror. Please post in the forum with the mirror_id number that shows in the debug log file (where you installed mimesis) and we will remove it.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
When I run Mimesis, it goes back to my dashboard. What is going on?
This is caused by a corrupt default.xbe. Try downloading again or from another source.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
After installing content, I do not see it in game. How do I make it show up?
Some games require an Auto Update (usually from the Live service) to run DLC. Search the forums for more information about your game's requirements.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
When I try to play Halo 2 with these maps, it returns me to the lobby after going to the blue screen.
This is because you are using Halo 2 1.2. This AU disables any maps other than those made by Bungie. Downgrade to version 1.1. No, we won't tell you where to get it, so don't ask. Go buy the map disc, it has it.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
Can I have the source code?
Nope; Mimesis is closed source.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
Can you tell me how to make my own DLC?
We CAN tell you how, but we won't. Mainly because we don't want people to use this information to cheat on Xbox Live! as this is not the purpose of Mimesis.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
When are you going to host mods of the new maps?
The day Xbox Live! becomes entirely free. In other words, never.
| Added 09-12-2005 |
Where do I install Mimesis to?
It can really be run from anywhere that has space for the maps that its downloading. (generally about 30MB per package) Remember, your E: drive must have enough space as well to hold the installed maps.
Either E:\Apps or F:\Apps. But don't put it in the root of the folder. It would be like
E:\Apps\Mimesis or
F:\Apps\Mimesis
then the files. (default.xbe, contentlister.xbe, and the 4 folders)
Either E:\Apps or F:\Apps. But don't put it in the root of the folder. It would be like
E:\Apps\Mimesis or
F:\Apps\Mimesis
then the files. (default.xbe, contentlister.xbe, and the 4 folders)
| Added 09-14-2005 |
When I load Mimesis, everything seems to work just fine but I can't select anything from the menu. What gives?
This was a problem in Mimesis V1 and V2. However this was fixed in Mimesis V3.
| Added 04-11-2006 |
Will I get banned from Live for Mimesis content?
Not if you play it smart. When going onto Live, be sure to use Mimesis to "Install Backup" of your 1.2 AU. Also be sure to Disable ALL Mimesis content. Sign in, and you'll be fine. It's possible they might start scanning all of TDATA - the only 100% safe way is to completely remove your Mimesis content.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
So, I finally got the 1.1 update on the map disk everyone told me to buy. How do I install it?
It's easy! AngryCamel wrote up a great guide on how to do it, complete with pictures and everything. Check it out here. Once this update is installed, you'll be able to load Mimesis Halo 2 content.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
I don't want to pay for the 1.1AU, who wants to send me it?
No one. This is illegal. One, this is entirely Bungie's content. We can't toss it around. Two, it's an Xbox binary compiled by the XDK - that makes it illegal to distribute.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
Why was my support topic locked/ignored?
Chances are you asked something already covered in the FAQ or in one of the stickied topics such as this one. It's also possible the thread was ignored because one of us missed it, or was too busy to reply.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
After installing Mimesis content, my Halo 2 won't load any maps. What gives?
On some Xbox's, Halo 2 may become slightly overwhelmed by the large amount of DLC it now has. To fix this, allow your copy of Halo 2 to sit at the menu for a little while befor eyou sign in, usually until the first attract video plays. Alternatively, switch back and forth between loading Acension and Midship in SplitScreen until one loads. Then all maps should load.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
What are the "usual places"?
The "usual places" is exactly as it says, the usual places. It is where various files can be obtained. No information will be given out on how to locate this place. One good place to look is Xbox-Scene.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
My screen says 1.1, but I can't load maps. Why?
The latest update is 1.2, even though the screen says 1.1. This is because the subversion only changes when theres a drastic change. Subversion being the 1.1.
Since they only added code to not load anything other that Bungie maps, it's not a drastic change, therefor the subversion didn't change. Ensure you're using 1.1 off of the disc by erasing E:\TDATA\4d530064\$u and reinstalling with the disc.
Since they only added code to not load anything other that Bungie maps, it's not a drastic change, therefor the subversion didn't change. Ensure you're using 1.1 off of the disc by erasing E:\TDATA\4d530064\$u and reinstalling with the disc.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
Can you tell me how to make the patch_v3.lvl?
No, because doing so will cause major legal issues. As well as, possibly, damage Xbox Live!
| Added 04-16-2006 |
Why is the contentmeta.xbx format available then?
The patch_v3.lvl format was laid out by the Mimesis team after lots of time staring at it.
The reason the contentmeta.xbx format can be released is it can be generated by almost anyone with XLAST (although it is an illegal application to have). The patch file, however, was MADE by Bungie. They were made to be made only by Bungie. No other developer uses this format. All games, as well as the console itself, uses contentmeta.xbx.
The reason the contentmeta.xbx format can be released is it can be generated by almost anyone with XLAST (although it is an illegal application to have). The patch file, however, was MADE by Bungie. They were made to be made only by Bungie. No other developer uses this format. All games, as well as the console itself, uses contentmeta.xbx.
| Added 04-16-2006 |
Mimesis keeps going from 'Getting content...' to 'No content found.. Returning to main menu'. Why is it doing this?
This was a bug in the previous versions of Mimesis, but was fixed in v3. It was because only controller port 1 was supported, and you didnt have a controller in that port.
| Added 01-27-2007 |
What is the VIP code?
The VIP code is a security feature in the forum registration system to keep away automated spambots. The VIP code required to register is 2552.
