Ever since ETW came out, players have wished for replacements for the CGI style portraits that carried over from Medieval II (this time with wigs). Over the years, several extensive, as well as partial mod packs have been released here and there in order to remedy this situation. The most well known is the one originally made by Onkel Tuca, and used for Darthmod Empire. However, subsequent attempts to complete the full culture specific portraits categories for the game have been spread out - meaning that they can be difficult to find in one cohesive package. At least I thought so.
Introduction
Ever since I first started playing Napoleon: Total War (having played ETW the year before), I have wished for a similar mod that blends in with the period aesthetics like the portraits do in that game. One unified and consistent style that covers everything in the game, with nothing left of the previous files. Finally, after a long time in the making, I finished my own portraits, and can now share them with the community.
Features- Remastered historical artwork. Every single portrait in the mod has been reworked using image software, giving them a unified style and the highest level of quality possible. Everything from detail, colors, shapes, lighting, saturation etc. Some types of portraits were a lot more challenging than others!
- 100% coverage. Every culture in the game have new portraits, with greater variety for European factions due to how the vanilla game is designed. Ancillaries, advisors, and George Washington/John Smith are also included along with a new portrait frame.
- Historical characters. Most European factions in the game have authentic portraits for their starting ruler, and most also get at least one historical general accurately depicted.
- Character professions and roles. Generals, kings, priests (of different faiths) and ministers can be told apart from each other by their clothing.
- Vanilla compatible. Since the mod follows the original ETW file structure, it is a simple drag-and-drop install that can be used with a number of mods (see end of page for suggestions).
CompatibilityThe file should work with most mods that don't make any changes to the portraits system in the game. It's designed for vanilla and light gameplay mods, but using it in big overhauls might have unintended effects or not work at all. I have tested them mainly on my own vanilla install as well as my main modded ETW install, using Windows 7 and 10. If you aren't sure that the file is compatible with the mod you are using, testing is simple - the game will crash on the startup screen if not compatible. Just delete the file and you're back to normal.
Permissions- All usage in other mods requires express permission. Permission is likely to be granted only to mod collections - where the majority of files/changes are made by different authors and stated as so. For other mods, like overhauls made by individuals and teams, permission will not likely be given.
- In case of failed contact. If you want to use this file only for a mod collection with files mainly from different authors (see above), then you may receive automatic permission for this purpose if a contact attempt via forum private message is sent, but not replied to within 6 months. You must in that case also a) only use the original files, and not add or subtract, nor change them it in any other way, and b) contact must also be made with relevant TWC forum administrators/modding staff for them to make sure that the conditions stated are all met. If they deem the conditions not met, permission is not granted.
- Download link goes down. If the download link in this post stop working, any user on the forum may re-upload the unchanged file in this thread, but nowhere else. TWC forum staff can host the file wherever they deem appropriate.
- Credit. If you have been given permission for usage of this mod in your work, or gotten automatic permission, you are required to give credit.
- Uploading elsewhere. It is expressly forbidden to upload public links to this mod on other sites.
Download link
CLICK HERE
Installation: Drop the downloaded file in the /data folder, inside your main ETW install directory.
Suggested additional modsIn the past few years, the modding scene for ETW has produced a number of interesting new developments, with updates of major overhauls and independent collections of mods taking the spotlight. There have also been several standalone graphics packs to enjoy. Therefore, in order to experience a complete version of ETW on modern systems, I recommend the following mods:
- Empire Realism - a full campaign and battle overhaul, should be entirely compatible with new portraits added.
- Additional Units Mod - adds many new units to ETW.
- Ultima Ratio - a visual package, meant to enhance several different areas like UI/effects.
- Terrestria Orbis - upgraded graphics for battles and the campaign map.
Note. There is an "oversight" by CA regarding the portraits that are used for king Frederick of Denmark and king Charles XII of Sweden. The portraits use the same file. If anybody requests a fix to this, feel free to ask in the thread and I'll create instructions for it.
Enjoy!