I want my First Game to be Perfect!

**Gobbledygook5000** · October 22, 2012, 10:23 AM

So, after YEARS of not playing Total War, I am finally back!

Actually, I'm finally back to playing PC Games in general, after not having had a true gaming PC for years (mostly due travelling a lot, so been using a laptop). Can't express how happy I am!! =D

I was a very active member on this board back in the RTW days. Anyway..

I'm posting now because I'm about to begin my first Shogun 2 campaign! But before I begin, I want to find out what Mods I should install to improve the gameplay experience.

What I want is a mod or group of mods that will improve the battles and make them more challenging, and perhaps something that will fix a few issues/bugs, and maybe improve the interface in some ways. But basically I want to keep the Vanilla gameplay experience overall. I don't want anything that adds new units or buildings, or changes the fundamental game in big ways.

I'm pretty sure people are going to recommend DarthMod, but I just want to get some opinions before I proceed.

It might seem crazy to wait for this information before just playing the game, but I have some other new games to play, and I've been waiting sooooo long to play a new Total War game, I can wait a little longer to make that first experience PerfecT!!

**eXistenZ** · October 22, 2012, 12:18 PM

well most people want their "first time" to be perfect, but its rarely the case. you cant compare without trying

**Gobbledygook5000** · October 22, 2012, 12:31 PM

well let me rephrase. with this type of game, I know there are mods out there that will improve it a bit.. so why not install it right from the start?

I just want to know what's the best way to Mod the game to make the improvements I've already mentioned, without drastically changing the Vanilla experience..

**Humble Warrior** · October 22, 2012, 05:54 PM

Oh you rephrase it, never mind then.

Try darthmod. Although I recommened just playing your first game and working from that.

**AngryTitusPullo** · October 22, 2012, 06:02 PM

Check Steam workshop for mods.

**Gobbledygook5000** · October 22, 2012, 11:35 PM

I think I will play Vanilla first one time..

But the way I think of these things is this: If I was just now installing Medieval 2 for the first time, getting ready to play it, would you recommend going Vanilla? Or what about Civilization 4.. Would you recommend it without BUG/BAT installed?

It's funny, with a game that's a few years old, I think ALL experienced players of said game would recommend installing the essential mods before playing, even for the first time..

But I guess this 'rule' is different with a newer game.. Perhaps those 'essential vanilla mods' just need a little bit longer to gel for Shogun 2. ;-)

**daniu** · October 23, 2012, 01:16 AM

Originally Posted by Gobbledygook5000

I think I will play Vanilla first one time..

I think that's a good idea in Shogun's case.
It's a very good on its own; it does have a few quirks, but I'd say which exactly are mostly a matter of taste.
Play Vanilla, and then search for the mods addressing what you find the weaknesses.

**amaROenuZ** · October 23, 2012, 12:28 AM

Shogun 2 is such a well built game that honestly, I don't think mods are necessary. They're more there to spice things up after you've grown bored of the existing content.

I highly recommend both Rise of the Samurai and Fall of the Samurai as well, and esentially all of the available DLC. One of the most fun experiences I've had was a marathon game where I went Rise-Shogun2-Fall as the same "area" each time. (Kamakura, Hojo, Jozai.)