Report: Analysis of Character Modification in Honey Select 2 Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Technical Overview, Ecosystem, and Community Practices regarding Character Mods in Honey Select 2 (Illusion)

1. Executive Summary Honey Select 2 (HS2), developed by Illusion, is a 3D eroge character creation and simulation game. While the base game offers a robust character creator, the longevity and popularity of the title are almost entirely driven by its extensive modding community. This report details the technical architecture of HS2 character mods, the tools used for creation, the distribution ecosystem, and the current trends within the modding scene. 2. Technical Architecture of Character Mods Character modification in Honey Select 2 differs from traditional "modding" (altering game code) and functions more as "asset creation." The game utilizes the Unity engine, and mods are essentially external asset bundles loaded into the game at runtime. 2.1. The Zipmod Format The standard file format for HS2 mods is .zipmod .

Structure: A zipmod is a compressed archive containing Unity assets (meshes, textures) and a configuration file ( mod.xml ). Purpose: This format normalizes diverse assets, allowing the game to categorize clothing, accessories, and body parts without altering the core game files. Sideloading: Mods are "sideloaded," meaning they remain separate from the game’s main data folders, reducing file bloat and simplifying uninstallation.

2.2. Core Mod Components A character mod typically consists of three distinct layers:

Geometry (Mesh/Rigging):

Custom 3D models (blenders files converted to Unity .mesh format). Mods must be "rigged" (skinned) to the game’s internal skeleton bones to animate correctly. Bone mapping is critical; poorly rigged clothing will clip through the character's body or stretch unnaturally during animations.

Textures and Materials:

Diffuse maps (base color), normal maps (surface detail/bumpiness), and specular maps (shininess). Advanced mods utilize custom Shader graphs (often based on the "XMedia" shader family) to allow for transparency, color-changing interfaces, and specular adjustments in-game.

List Files (XML):

These files tell the game where to put the mod. They assign the asset to a specific category (e.g., "Top Clothing," "Hair Accessory") and determine properties such as coordinate groups and ID conflicts.

2.3. The "Hard Mod" vs. "Overlay" Distinction

Hard Mods: Traditional mods that add new meshes to the character list (e.g., a new jacket or a new hairstyle). Overlays: Textures applied over the existing body mesh. This is frequently used for body tattoos, custom lingerie patterns, or face details without altering the underlying 3D geometry.