Empire and Napoleon News (Coverage by Capt. Fozdike, Saint Nicholas, ToonTotalWar, & ulti)
Welcome to the next installment of the Empire & Napoleon News. We hope you enjoyed the last edition and thankfully we didn't get any tomatoes thrown at us :plzdont: Dammit! Well, please excuse me to go and clean all the tomato off... I'M BACK! Anyway, we have gone to a great amount of trouble to get these articles for you to read so please enjoy! And could you please keep the tomatoes to yourself? :plzdont: You haven't even read it yet! :P
On the Shelves
The latest and greatest! The newest and bluest! The... Well, you get the idea.
A lot of new excellent mods have been released in the last month so here are the ones we have written about.
The Showroom
Other announcements strut their stuff.
We found some good looking previews in the NTW section now that the young modders are beginning to really speed up their mod production.
Thoragoros has taken some time out to create a multitude of tutorials designed to enhance your NTW gaming experience. While the man has a small book to his name just about, I can only tell you about one of his tutorials, that is enabling more of your men to fire by rank! Yes if you're upset that only the front row is firing then this is the tutorial for you! Watch as your newly unlocked firing abilities decimate the enemy and turn him into canned soup. For the bloodthirsty or just plain evil, give yourself the arms you need, don't worry about the tools that god gave you, throw them out and use this tutorial!
Have you ever wanted your cannons in game to fire like Howitzers?? Now they can with this excellent tutorial! Basically you have 7 very easy steps to get this one going in game.
This is a great mod for all those wishing longer battles in game, I for one think Nappy Total War is like playing World War 1 sometimes as the battles seem to be finished too quickly, but not with this mod!! By making some small adjustments in the db files tables you can reduce the effects of firepower to muskets, cannons etc, and make those games last longer, OR increase the stats and you can have 50mm Browning Machine gun battles all day long, the choice is yours!!
Hazbones has created an MS Access 2007 Database to mod land units. The database is a basic tool that is meant to help those people that prefer a visual step-by-step method of how to create a custom unit or modify stats of units, and it helps when doing mass unit modding because you have all the tool features that Access offers to speed up data entry and search/sorting.
Well I think the title speaks for itself! This is a great little guide from Marshal Beale and will be an ongoing project on setting up your first mod. He is also looking to cover areas of GIMP and Photoshop in the near future. Designed for newcomers in mind, but also a nice reminder to us old hands on making that first mod, for any who have forgotten how to of course.
Medieval II and Kingdoms News (Coverage by Viking Prince, Dewy, & The Dutch Devil)
Welcome to the seventh installment of Medieval II and Kingdoms News.
A light month. Perhaps the college students in our ranks had something better to do running up to the end of the semester, or maybe spring fever has hit. The coverage would be better if you all were to send in your own bits and pieces of the news. If we like it and print it -- you get the by line. If we like you, you might get drafted.
If there is a mistake here, I take the blame. If anything seems outstanding and worthy of compliments — rep my assistants. They deserve the rep even if (oh never mind — you get the idea). Now on to the NEWS!
Refreshments
Patches and additions to enhance existing mods
Refreshments
This is bad. A whole month, and no new release, or even a sub-mod! I don't like this section anymore! Nah, just kidding. But seriously now. To compensate the lack of news for the Eras news, we have some trivia, some tutorial overviews, and even a UNIT PREVIEW coming up! That's right, we're squeezing every last bit of juice out of this frikken platform!
Trivia
Undoubtedly the least original but most to-the-point title ever
Trivia
Did you know that:
Rome Total Realism is considered the first big mod for Rome Total War? It was the first mod to change all sorts of things, rather than just a faction re-skin or a bug fix every now and then.
There already was a mod in 2005 (approx. 1 year after RTW release) that had models and animations in it that even now are considered almost impossible to do. And then we have dudes in M2TW complaining that animating a Balrog is tough! My ass!
Roma Surrectum 2.0 has about 3GB worth of files? That's almost as much as my copy of Rome Total War: Gold Edition, which has Rome Total War patched to version 1.5 + Barbarian Invasion. Yes, it's that big.
The Lord of the Rings: Total War was founded after the creator(wlesmana) had turned a hastati into a Gondorian soldier.
Most big Rome: Total War mods with a large enough fanbase are planning to move the mods to M2TW after their mod for Rome Total War is released.
Yes, these trivia are extremely boring and non-interesting. But it's better than nothing, right? RIGHT??
For this month's edition, we'll list some of the best and/or greatest tutorials that are made for the RTW community:
Units:
- RTW Skeletons cracked Perhaps one of the biggest breakthroughs in RTW history. Sounds so exciting. And it is. Just look at the videos! Wlesmana (creator of LOTR:TW) has just given Rome: Total War some fresh air! We have animated bowstrings, complex animations, and all that kind of stuff that completely rocks. It's also included in the following tutorial.
- The Complete Animations Guide This is undoubtedly one of the most needed tutorials. Animations have so little documentation, and PatrcicanS really guides us step-by-step through animation-making, and he's made an easy-to-understand tool. What more could you want?
- Basic Modeling Tutorial Not hosted on this site, this tutorial is reaaally helpful when you want to create a unit for the first time (meaning modeling and skinning). Shows techniques of creating weapons and such, as well as UV-Mapping and some minor skinning tips.
Maps:
- Myrddraal's Mapping Essentials This is just the tutorial that every mapper, new or experienced should read. Has information on all files and guides you through the process of making a map, be it simply adding new regions or creating a whole new map. You might even say it's the mapper's bible, or is that being a bit too freaky?
- TiMe Project This is a tool that's comparable with Geomod for M2TW. It's an easy-to-use map editor for those who don't wanna do boring coding. Not entirely bug-free though.
- BDH's guide to map_heights Awesome tutorial if you want to make an historical map! You should definitely read it, it guides you through the process of making a geographically correct map_heights file.
Next time we'll feature the other tutorials (Scripting, Coding, Miscellaneous)
Ok guys, that was it for this edition. We're sorry for the lack of news but it's not something we decide :) I know the replacement sections are less exciting (except for the unit preview perhaps :P), but at least I tried, ay?
The Captain's Cabin (Coverage by Augustus Lucifer, Capt. Fozdike, & Viking Prince)
Oh, hello, I didn't see you there. Come to partake in the bountiful offerings of the Major's bosom I see. Well the Major is out, and he ain't coming back, ya hear? You're welcome to mosey around though and partake of the buffet. We've got an interview with -TopCat-, potato salad, green bean casserole, an interview with druvatar, california rolls, and a homemade apple pie.
Well here we are folks, today I am talking with the creator of the Europe in Conflict mod for NTW, -TopCat-. I asked him all manner of modding questions and he has done a great job of getting lengthy and detailed answers back to me.
Interview with -TopCat- on.. Europe in Conflict
1. When did you join TWC and why?
I joined TWC on June 14 2009. To be perfectly honest I can't remember exactly why I joined, even though it was such a short while ago! My first post was to release a small mod for Empire: Total War which unlocked the Highlanders unit for Great Britain. I was very proud of it at the start but soon found out what it compared to when I discovered the Hosted Mods sub-forum.
2. How long after buying Napoleon Total War did you start working on modding it?
Well I had some experience of modding from Empire TW, and I had worked on a mod right up until my copy of Napoleon arrived in the post. At that point I felt I deserved a break, so I spent a few weeks just playing Napoleon and seeing what it had to offer. I was very impressed with it, especially its stability — I think we were all wary of another Empire-like release. But after a time playing it I began to see where I though I could improve it. I suppose one thing lead to another and here I am now spending more time with the Pack File Manager on my computer screen than the game itself!
3. Who is on the Mod Team for Europe in Conflict?
I am the the leader of the team and DoomBunny666 is the other "chief" modder. Together we do most of the concept and game development, but we aren't alone. We have a team of researchers including smark74, Lil Jazzer and fish food carl. Then we have Frederich Barbarossa who is leading our creative writing team. Aside from that we have had input form Guy (2D artwork), ulti (startpos editing and forum managing) and Capt. Fozdike (forum managing). As you can see we have quite a mixed bunch there, but even so we still welcome new members.
4. How hard was it to put together the team?
I have to say, this team came together easier than most. Myself and DoomBunny666 had worked on an older project called Continents in Conflict: 1809 (for Empire) together. I also lead that team, but due to a serious lack of manpower it only ever achieved beta stage. We both had ideas about what could and should be done to Napoleon, so after a few weeks of playing got together and started work on Europe in Conflict (we decided to carry part of the name on from the Empire project). When we released the Beta we got good general feedback and we got some requests from people looking to join the team as researchers. After this the mod picked up some speed and we found it easier to recruit people, especially from classified ads in the General resource centre. This had been the problem with the previous mod — it didn't take up enough for people to want to join. As well as that we were only doing modeling and skinning work before the Beta, so new recruits needed to be pretty highly skilled.
5. What are some of the new features in Europe in Conflict?
Well, where to start? We've overhauled the morale system so that troops now rout at realistic levels — in vanilla N:TW they mightn't rout until 80% casualties — and musket lethality is now based on range. As well as that we've introduced shell-shock; morale follows a bell-shaped curve style whereby new recruits have the lowest morale. They then peak and eventually drop back to just above recruit level. This is well documented in many wars when veteran troops weren't as eager as the young recruits after seeing what war could really do to people. This was used in some older Empire mods, but I feel it works very well with the new level of importance of generals that N:TW promotes. This is supplemented by the "realistic campaigning" feature which makes fighting in an enemy land much more doable. There are many other changes, including an overhaul of how sieges are played etc. It's only a Beta yet, and needs quite a bit of polishing, but the best way for you to see everything is to get over to the thread in the Released Mods forum and see it for yourself.
6. What do you think will be in store for Europe in Conflict in the future?
We are currently working on v1.0 and it's going to be pretty big. We are balancing all of the factions so that they are historically accurate for starters. After that we are introducing a brand new tech tree — it will be at least 75% new material. We also plan on introducing many new building types and a naval overhaul. We're aiming at a type of gameplay where the tech tree and buildings have a much bigger influence on the game — troop and equipment quality will completely depend on your economy in v1.0. You will also be able to "downgrade" your troops — if your economy can't cope you can stop supplying your troops with the most expensive equipment and even reduce their supply levels.
I suppose in a more long term view I'd just like EiC to be eventually seen as one of the better realism mods out there — but we still have a long way to go.
7. When did you first start modding TW Games?
Pretty much after Empire came out. In the beginning I learned to make a mod for my own personal use and released it. After that it just developed when I realized all the things that could be done via modding.
8. How many mods approximately have you been a part of?
2 - both of which I lead, one of which is dead (:( ). I've released my own various standalone mods, but I think I prefer the atmosphere of team modding.
9. For you what is the hardest aspect of modding?
That's a question that can be answered in many ways. Some would say it's the parts that can't yet be done i.e. map making. Others would say it's figuring out the more obscure entries in the db tables. For me, I think it has to be dealing with people. Keeping the team together can be difficult at times, and even harder than that is keeping morale up. It really doesn't help when you go long periods of time without a release or when some changes are badly received. I think it's rewarding though; if the team works well together the results are going to reflect that.
10. What would be your favorite TW Mod?
That's a difficult one! There has been so many great TW mods over the last few years, but I think I'll have to go for DarthMod, simply because it's been there for every TW game since Rome and provided consistent game improvements. (Here's hoping for DarthMod Napoleon!)
Well there we are, ladies and gentlemen. Hope you enjoyed the interview and it provided you with a lot of information!
I recently asked druvatar what it took to get Claimants, Heirs, and Conquerors (ChC) established as sub-forum in modifications in development. I then thought that this process might be a good bit of information for all of the aspiring future modders who like to call TWC home. I know the old pros among our readers already know this tale, but for others this topic may be of interest.
druvatar started with a single thread idea in Wips, Ideas, and Proposals. It then branched out into several WIP threads and underwent a few small Beta releases. For the rest, I will let him tell the tale.
druvatar addresses.. How does a mod get a hosted mod forum?
It takes a singular focus on the project! I needed to show the administration here at TWC how diligent, active, and determined I was. I actively participated in mod development. I did not simply wait and hope for others and their interest to develop.
It took extreme patience and a calm head! There were endless and tedious attempts by trial and error. The trail of CTDs is historic!
I needed to produce quality work. Again, it is sometimes painstaking and involves relentless trial and error attempts. The production of quality and professional work takes time.
I was able to show the administration that I was committed. I needed a serious and focused/controlled vision for the mod. I had gone from being a complete "newbie" to a decent/proficient modder in months! I now was capable of producing quality 2D art and all other major aspects of M2TW modding.
So to recap, you should start with a WIPs thread. You should have a member or two helping out, but you need to be doing the work as well. I also suspect that you should have some accomplishments to show. This was more than an idea, but less than a finished product. This means some concrete aspects of the development prior to the sub forum creation. Do you have any 2D for the project? How about any 3D for the project? How about some faction research? Mapping? Scripting? I know it was not complete, but there must be some progress to show.
I don't know if druvatar could have outlined this process before he started, but I am appreciative that he took the time to write it down for me to share with our readers. The next question for him to answer will be after the even longer and more tedious process of getting a mod development idea into a released form. I will be waiting for the chance to do that interview.
What, you expected more? This is the Last Word section, singular, not the Last Words section. I'm already over my quota. If you're a mod leader or PR man and would like to talk to the ES about your mod, send a PM to one of our writers and they will tick all the appropriate boxes and sign the requisite number of times in order to insure that can happen. You're welcome.
Welcome all to another edition of the Lookout Post, where we take a look at one of the major modifications for the Total War games. This month I decided to take on the challenge of reviewing one of the biggest mods on TWC and surely one that has had a large following on M2TW for a long time. I speak of course of Stainless Steel. This mammoth game is my mod of choice for this month. So sit back, read, relax, enjoy and try not to fall asleep at the wheel.
The Artist's Gallery (Coverage by Juvenal, Killerbee, & Saint Nicholas)
Welcome to Artist's Gallery, dedicated to bringing you the news about the creative arts at TWC.
Covered this month are the Monthly AAR competition, Tale of the Week, Picture of the Week and the Scriptorium Writing competition.
You will find that there is a lot going on at TWC, a creative outpouring which is truly astonishing in its breadth and depth. Somewhere amongst the links presented below is a story for every taste and every mood. Go on, give them a try!
AAR Round-up
In which Juvenal consumes AARs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper
Welcome gentles all to yet another edition of the Tale of the Week roundup, covering the month of April this time around. What a month it has been for the competition; those that navigate regularly to the ToTW forum should notice the insane amount of stickied threads! Many tales to read and vote on, many competitions open and just waiting for that cunning writer to charge in and snatch the prize! Also a few successful challenges to comment on later in the roundup. But we have lots to cover so let's get to the winners and challenges of April shall we?
Well that's all for the winners of the regular competition. It is a bit all over the place at the moment. With the recent shakeup in leadership and all that, ToTW is in a bit of a mess right now! Don't be afraid though, our stalwart champion Mega Tortas de bodemloze is there to save the day as always. Please note at the time the Eagle Standard went to print these competitions were/are still in need of more stories and or votes! See them here: ToTW 76b, ToTW 77a, ToTW 78a and ToTW 78b.
Well, another month, another roundup complete. That concludes the April roundup of ToTW, we look forward to your company again in the near future! Don't forget to write/comment/vote on the previously mentioned threads, they are still in dire need of participants! Remember these? ToTW 76b, ToTW 77a, ToTW 78a and ToTW 78b.
Also, while you're here, you must know there is a current Scriptorium Writing Competition happening on TWC. Unfortunately the time to submit entries has passed but for those of you playing at home, you can read and vote on your favourites and support the great writers of TWC and their creative works. Please see the Scriptorium Writing Competition sub-forum for more info! That's all folks! Until next time.
Hmm. Looks like both competitions are being dominated. The UesW is almost always an RS2.0 shot, but this time, some TATW screenies finally brought some variation to the UesW competition :)
The PotW on the other hand is being dominated by Finlander (damn the scandanavian!). He has won the last two PotW competitions. Personally I couldn't see what was so special about 191, but it looks like I am in a minority on that, and no one listens to my ramblings anyway.
Signing out with a class rap, I'm just gonna clap, weeh. 'cause I float like a butterfly, and I'm not being high. weeeh!
Last Word
In which Juvenal finally notices that there is something going on in the Scriptorium
Please take the time to visit the Scriptorium Writing Competition. There were an impressive 36 entries this time, presented anonymously by the Scriptorium staff. They were organised into five simultaneous first-round competitions, the winners progressing to a final round shoot-out. There is much at stake, not just the delicate egos of writers yearning for the coveted Scriptorium Writing Competition Winner badge, but also a large bag-full of rep-points due to be awarded to the lucky winners.
The knock-out rounds have just concluded and the five winners have now been posted for the final round shoot-out here. Please go visit the forum, read the submissions and cast your vote. They are all winners of their respective sub-competitions, so the quality will be high.
Personally I was quite proud of my own story which, after an extended period of writer's block, finally came to fruition not long before the deadline for submissions. Sadly it failed to attract the admiration of the voters so you won't find it in the final, but oh well, c'est la vie. :(
If you liked Artist's Gallery this month, please don't forget to direct your rep towards my loyal crew: Saint Nicholas and Killerbee. Feel free to post your comments. Praise, (constructive) criticism or suggestions for changing our scope are all welcome.
Life = Like a beanstalk
Preview Scroll Five: Song Dynasty Mini-Preview 3/3 (In need of catchy name!)
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