DarthMod addon for TATW-RC

[DARTH VADER]

LAST UPDATE 14/05/09:
-Final adjustments to AI. I will not work on this anymore. I do not think there is interest either from Point Blank and Mithrandir. Too bad I was asked to do this and lose later my time. I hope you the fans enjoy it though. It should play with no problems since it follows the logic of RC.

UPDATED 13/05/09:
-Corrected (or improved) some issues reported for AI

UPDATED 12/05/09:
-I changed some mass settings and especially for more realistic Mumakils.
-I balanced the effectiveness rates of projectiles to balance with the PB settings


I started to work together with Mithrandir and Point Blank on a common project for TATW.

The very good work of Point Blank has its own base.
I include over it my DarthMod flavour.

Until Point Blank tests and decides if he will use my files or not, we both agreed to offer this in a separate thread so that all of you can test, enjoy and give feedback for each work.

It is for the best of the community to decide how is the best balance for this combined work of Modders for Third Age Total War.

Credits go to:
Mithrandir for motivating me to start working on this and for the general cooperation in the project.
Point Blank for the balance of EDU and other files which I used as a base with his permission.
King Kong and all who have helped him to offer to us this magnificent Mod... TATW.

Very briefly... what you will notice immediately once you use my files:

-New AI Formations (Better positioning of AI and holding of the main line)
-New Pathfinding (Realistic unit Movement of units, Cohesion enhanced, more effective ground penalties)
-New BAI configurations + New Mass settings (Realistic cohesion, Penetration effects, More violence and battle frenzy in the battlefield, Powerful Charges)

How to install:

1)Download and install as per instructions THIS
2)Download my file below and extract the content to replace only the respective files of Real Combat

-You will not damage your installation, because the files I use do not mess with the main files of Point Blank (EDU, Projectiles etc.).

-You can continue to play TATW + follow the updates of Real Combat + use my AI modifications, especially made for this.

-Every time that PB offers a new update, copy all of his work in the data folder, and then copy my files on top =The best way to work.


Feedback is very valuable.
Play the mod with Real Combat and then apply my DarthMod AI addon to understand the differences.

[Metallistic]

+ rep
Excellent work.

[JonSnow]

I assume it's not compatible with germanicu5's BAI switcher yet?

[DARTH VADER]

Not yet.

[Lap]

Not yet.

Does that mean you are considering having your AI as part of the AI switcher's choices?

[DARTH VADER]

Yes of course. But I want to verify that my files will cooperate well with the rest. Or else this will remain a solid extra modification.

[Space Voyager]

Just please don't overdo it. Usually I found charges in your mods far too effective and powerful.

[DARTH VADER]

It is based on Real Combat stats and follows this line. It improves though many things, such as the visual physics (swing rates, units band together and not wander behind one another, reaction times better etc.)

[Neige]

Wow, Looks very prommising! But I think I will wait until it is compatible with germanicus5 mod. Anyways, +rep.

[Leesin]

Eh my problem is how do I uninstall Germanicus mod I think I pasted over the Thirdage.bat without backing up

[DARTH VADER]

I have never used the Germanicus mod. Maybe it does work without CTD issues but surely I cannot guarantee of the full effect. I am at work currently, so I cannot really test myself to tell you.

[Incontinenta Buttox]

Is this work intended to be included in the imminent official patch? Along with the work of Point Blank, and Mithrandir.

[zowrath]

@Darth

Up until now I've been using 'Better cavalry engagement' and 'Taiji Battle AI for TA:TW+RC' of submods. I they are not compatible as you overwrite them, the first one was really good though. I will have a go at your version when I get home from work. Knowing you, it probably shines right of the bat

[Templar_Knight]

This is truly Darth´s work. The AI is very aggressive and clever, very intense battles that just feel "real". If I put archers in front of my infantery, the AI cavalry will get them 1 minute after the beginning of the battle. Besides: Very good outflanking manoeuvers during the whole battle, in each of my 3 custom battles I´ve had lots of enemy troops in my back. There only seem to be some problems against broarder defensive formations, in this case the AI cavalry in some cases tends to attack the flanks of the formation from the front and not from behind- even if they consist of Pikemen.
Excellent work. What a pitty it isn´t part of RC yet.

[zowrath]

Obsolete post

[Fev]

Thanks darth !

[Anibal at portas]

Is this work intended to be included in the imminent official patch with a self install as in mod 1.0?,thanks.

[DARTH VADER]

@Darth

Up until now I've been using 'Better cavalry engagement' and 'Taiji Battle AI for TA:TW+RC' of submods. I they are not compatible as you overwrite them, the first one was really good though. I will have a go at your version when I get home from work. Knowing you, it probably shines right of the bat

Thanks zowrath. I really expect your thorough feedback. You always find something interesting and valuable to report.

This is truly Darth´s work. The AI is very aggressive and clever, very intense battles that just feel "real". If I put archers in front of my infantery, the AI cavalry will get them 1 minute after the beginning of the battle. Besides: Very good outflanking manoeuvers during the whole battle, in each of my 3 custom battles I´ve had lots of enemy troops in my back. There only seem to be some problems against broarder defensive formations, in this case the AI cavalry in some cases tends to attack the flanks of the formation from the front and not from behind- even if they consist of Pikemen.
Excellent work. What a pitty it isn´t part of RC yet.

Thanks for the feedback. All these are exactly the points I wanted to offer. I am happy you enjoy it.

Is this work intended to be included in the imminent official patch with a self install as in mod 1.0?,thanks.

Is this work intended to be included in the imminent official patch? Along with the work of Point Blank, and Mithrandir.

I really do not know. I am confused myself with all these mods around. I just want to enjoy myself and it depends from the mod leaders if they want to implement it finally. People should play, see for themselves and if they want it to report here.

[Lacedaemonian]

Little feedback:

In custom battle when i choose 1 unit of Mordor Trolls(weaker ones) and charge a infantry unit of Gondor(no matter wich unit) few seconds after trolls reach infantry,infantry turn they back and start marching few meters and then turn back to face trolls..
Very strange AI behavior.

In opposite situation,when i choose one Gondor infantry and 1 unit of Mordor Trolls(weaker ones) as opponent trolls march within 5 meters of my infantry then wait,and then come closer just meter away and wait as long as I dont attack first...

I tested this two situations numerous times with same result.

[DARTH VADER]

Little feedback:

In custom battle when i choose 1 unit of Mordor Trolls(weaker ones) and charge a infantry unit of Gondor(no matter wich unit) few seconds after trolls reach infantry,infantry turn they back and start marching few meters and then turn back to face trolls..
Very strange AI behavior.

In opposite situation,when i choose one Gondor infantry and 1 unit of Mordor Trolls(weaker ones) as opponent trolls march within 5 meters of my infantry then wait,and then come closer just meter away and wait as long as I dont attack first...

I tested this two situations numerous times with same result.

Hmm. I do not know. I will find time to capture some movies to see battles with trolls and others using the settings I provide. The best is to see in action for others.