Star Wars

[Atrocities]

I have started and ended so many times, my efforts on a star wars mod that I really doubt that one will ever come from me. I don't know why it is that I want to make one so desperately but when I sit down to do the actual work, I get all frustrated and give up. I guess that is because there is so much work that must be done, yet no real way to do it given the dynamic nature of SE IV and its problematic AI. I had all of these grand ideas for a star wars mod but each one died a horrible death because the AI is simply unable to perform the way I need it too. The the fact that the AI ignores restriction is so damn frustrating that I have fired off many rant filled posts and emails about it.

I have all the tools to make a great star wars mod, but again, the hard coded limitations and AI issues within SE IV make my conception of a star wars mod impossible and I think that is why I cannot bring myself to actually work on it at this point.

The only work around that I can find is to make the more like SE IV and less like a real Star Wars game. Basically SE IV with Star Wars ships and some specialty technology and racial trait tech. Kinda like what I did for STM and AST. But that really takes away from the flavor of a star wars mod and again, that is a kill joy.

I have made literally hundreds of new components and such for use with a star wars mod, but many of them are useless now because there is no way to utilize them the way I had intended to. That too is a kill joy.

And there is the fact that virtually no one plays the game any more. I mean why play an ugly 2d game with no ground combat when you can play a semi ugly game with 3d combat and ugly, yet function ground combat.

If only Aaron would open source SE IV code then perhaps we could get some of these annoying bugs fixed and revitalize peoples interest in this game. I mean what does he have to lose at this point?

If I can get my mind around the concept I might just go ahead and try it again just for my own pleasure. What I would really like to do is get into modding SE V as I have a great mod concept for that game that should work within the game physics with no problems. The issue I have with SE V is the overly complicate process of adding new ship, models, and such to the game and then modding them in.

Perhaps I could share the idea with a good SE V modder and go from there. Time will tell.

[Suicide Junkie]

I think you're being a little pessimistic lately.
Perhaps you should come visit IRC to kick around your ideas with some of the big names? I'm sure we can help refine them into something practical.
Starting a thread with lots of simple ideas here would work as well, although it would be less spontaneous.

PS:
When making a mod for either game, definitely do NOT worry about the shipsets. Don't even think about that 10ft pole in your garage.
If you make the mod fun with stock graphics, it will be fun with custom graphics too.

[Atrocities]

Thanks SJ, those are good suggestions. I agree, the ship sets are of low priority compared to getting the mod to work. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Intimidator]

Hi,

If the AI cann't be done, why not skip the AI, and make it an human only game.

I would love top play a game of your SW mod (from what I saw already....)

[Atrocities]

I have considered doing that.

[Ironmanbc]

there are so many shipsets out there now just use neoshipset and then it will work with all shipsets out there now, it's the mod itself that is the reason we all enjoy the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Atrocities]

I have pretty much an all new empire set set, droid army, separatist, and syndicate ship set sets.

[Nocturnal]

I'd play it on PBW even if it were human-only.

[Intimidator]

Indeed Noc. would love to play such game....
Just a case of finding enough humans .

Inti,

[Ironmanbc]

I play with myself (thats NOT what I mean!!!!) I play a 5 player game BY MYSELF http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I play 5 races (try to play with more gets confusing)

[Ironmanbc]

did my post offend anyone? if it did i'm sorry but it was meant to be funny.

[Nocturnal]

I don't think people are offended so much as concerned that you might develop multiple personality disorder from doing things like that.

[Ironmanbc]

Nocturnal said:
I don't think people are offended so much as concerned that you might develop multiple personality disorder from doing things like that.



Please direct your post to the "personality" that your speaking too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

gees i'm on a roll tonight LOL

[Nocturnal]

"I don't have a split personality. Neither do I!"

[Black_Knyght]

While I do understand the frustration of having a great concept and not being able to implement it like you want to, I'd have to say that myself and many, many others loved how you managed to work out things with the STM and AST mods. If that's a viable solution to helping you complete a viable SW Mod, then I for one say Godspeed and fair winds!!!

I admire your works, your diligence, and your creativity, and would readily welcome any project you put your mind to. I'd also like to offer whatever aid and/or assistance you might possibly need as well, at least to the best of my abilities.

Don't give up, my friend. There are those of us still out here who love SE4 and welcome a chance to see it continue in any way possible.

[Black_Knyght]

Just a quick question, out of interested curiosity - How goes things?

[Intimidator]

Hello,

As I said a few months ago in this thread to AT. That it would be smarter to just work on an Human playable mod, because there are still people left that want to play such an mod with SEIV....

I'm one of them..... :)

So with my old ' SW rebellion mod ' in mind, I started to redo the whole thing again :(, but now supported with the superb pictures of Atrocities and some very good ideas.

So, I can say now that an new SW mod (HUMAN ONLY) will be playable (at least for some fun test playing) soon.

So if there are still people interested, let me know NOW......

Greetz

Intimidator

[Ironmanbc]

i'm one of the people that still play se4 and i love playing mods

so this is going to be a human only mod (can we have a basic a.i. for the neutral's) so if i want cannon fodder :p :re:

[Intimidator]

Basic AI. must be possible, but I never did some AI work before. (I you wanna help ... ;) )

for now my priorities will be an working game with the 2 races. After that I can easily add two other races (Seperatists and the Trade Federation) and maybe some pirats groups.

After that, I'll have to see how many people are still interested, and is it worth to work on it. (But if we can get an small interested group, I will keep on working on it)

[Intimidator]

Here an small example :

Arc hammer around Coruscant...........

[Intimidator]

It's more worse than I expected, SEIV is has really died an silent dead.

I't 24 hours after my New Star Wars Mod post, and just one reply (thank you Ironmanbc) !!!! :( :( :(

[Black_Knyght]

I myself am still an active player of SEIV, and still [B}VERY interested in new mods and shipsets and the like for it !!!

I'd love to see this one come to fruition, and have full faith that it'd prove to be every bit and good and enjoyable as your other works !!!:up:

[Intimidator]

Thanks Knyght,

At least there are 3 of us now who wants to play this mod :)
(And Atrocities offcourse, who gave me all of his material last week...... thank you again AT.)

But for the SW lovers an short sitrep on what I'm doing right now !!!!!!! Some idea I had years ago for my Rebellion Mod but never made it :(

More important fighters than regular SEIV (stock and mods).

- Point defense is anti missile only, so now fighters have a chance to reach the larger ships.
- Fighters can enter the larger ships shielding (mentioned in SW IV, a new hope).

How did I (hopefully) did that :
- smaller ships have phased shielding only.
- Larger ships have normal shields only.
- All fighters have phased weapons.

So can somebody please confirm this ??

Greetz

[Ironmanbc]

if you are looking for ya mod http://home.spaceempires.net/downloads-file-495.html


Star Wars Rebellion Mod v1.00 Popular

It's ten years after the rise of the emperor and the galactic empire. Indeed did he bring peace but with his peace came fear and slavery. And now, after ten years of suppression and dictatorship, revolts and uprissings are occuring more and more. There are even a few planets that openly declared war on the Empire, those group are still small and not well organized but they get stronger every day.



Star Wars mod which starts playing about 10 years before "A New Hope," or 10 years after the rise of the Empire. It's heavy on roleplay proves the Hero and Personal trait and the new arranged troop-scaling, also added THE FORCE trait. The mod is based on Andr�s Lescano's Star Wars II crossover mod, so all the credits about weapons and schip scaling must go to him. http://kdy.spaceempires.net/


Author: Intimidator
Version: 1.00
Compatibility: SE4 1.91
Filesize: 22.23 MB
Added on: Jul-12-2005
Downloads: 3330
Rating: 7.63 (8 Votes)

[Black_Knyght]

Just a quick FYI - the second link you posted is a dead-end. I don't know if there's an alternative one for it.

[Ironmanbc]

We can hope that the site comes back some time

[Atrocities]

Your welcome Intimidator for the images. With any luck I will make some more soon along with finishing up the Remnant (old republic) ship set.

I don't know if I will continue to do any work on a star trek mod as I kinda been burned out on SE IV for a while now. But ya, SE V simply doesn't have anything in it that really inspires me. SE IV does. I think that is what the appeal of SE IV was for many folks, it provided inspiration. SE V for some reason really doesn't do that.

BK is no slouch either when it comes to making images. He has done some exquisite work in the ship set department.

The thing that drew my battery down was the overwhelming immensity of the mod as a whole. I had so many good ideas but no real praticle way to implement them within SE IV. Finally I figured the best approach would be to keep the mod simple and work on each race independently. The problem is getting the AI to build the right number of correct ships and to design them accordingly. If Intimidator doesn't mind, and if I can get motivated, I would enjoy working with him on a single player version of this mod. I have added a lot of little Star Wars kinda features to things and would love to see them come to fruition.

What killed SE IV is the bordom factor really. Age combined with other options hasn't helped any either. If Aaron would have taken the good advise that was offered to him, regarding SE V, for SE VI, then perhaps, with any luck at all, we might see a new inspirational 4x game in the future.

[Intimidator]

I really hope you can/wil finish the Old Republic shipset, that one is a real must for the mod. Otherwise the rebels are stuck with to many enemies and too less friends :)

I also want some other ships I missed, but I can make themmyself, but it would be a great help if you want to give me your ' Doga, color pallete files for the imperial ships, fighters and troops and the rebellion ships and troops '. It would spare me a lot of work !! (Yeah, I know I'm lazy :) )

Greetz

Frans,

[Atrocities]

I couldn't even begin to image how to extract that information. I can find the textures, and write down the color pallet info for each but to be honest past that I am a door nob.

[Intimidator]

If you could write those down , I'm happy also.
But take your time, Am not planning any ship making in the next week or 2.
Having an playable mod is my first concern, game-debt is next !!

[Intimidator]

Hi,

Here some examples of the mod.......

Let me know what you think of it ?!!??

[Kana]

Like what I see. Especially like the troops by size (platoon, company, regiment) idea, something I was bouncing around for my mods.

[Intimidator]

Hi,

I think I can have an playable (test) version ready at the end of this week (humans only). Everybody who is interested, can send me an e-mail adress which is capable of receiving +/-60 mb.

(send your e-mail to : Intimidator5@hotmail.com )

[Ironmanbc]

SEND SEND SEND :)

Ironmanbc will rule the dark side of the FORCE!!!!

[Intimidator]

Just give me a few more days ironman.......

[Ironmanbc]

Ironmanbc is warming up his....


Name := Religious Talisman
Description := Centers the spirituality of the vehicle and focuses it towards its goal.
Pic Num := 166
Tonnage Space Taken := 50
Tonnage Structure := 50
Cost Minerals := 300
Cost Organics := 300
Cost Radioactives := 300
Vehicle Type := Ship\Base\Sat\WeapPlat\Drone
Supply Amount Used := 0
Restrictions := None
General Group := Religious
Family := 6001
Roman Numeral := 0
Custom Group := 0
Number of Tech Req := 1
Tech Area Req 1 := Religious Technology
Tech Level Req 1 := 4
Number of Abilities := 1
Ability 1 Type := Weapons Always Hit
Ability 1 Descr := Direct-fire weapons fired from this vehicle will always hit their target.
Ability 1 Val 1 := 0
Ability 1 Val 2 := 0
Weapon Type := None

[Black_Knyght]

Your welcome Intimidator for the images. With any luck I will make some more soon along with finishing up the Remnant (old republic) ship set.

I don't know if I will continue to do any work on a star trek mod as I kinda been burned out on SE IV for a while now. But ya, SE V simply doesn't have anything in it that really inspires me. SE IV does. I think that is what the appeal of SE IV was for many folks, it provided inspiration. SE V for some reason really doesn't do that.

BK is no slouch either when it comes to making images. He has done some exquisite work in the ship set department.

The thing that drew my battery down was the overwhelming immensity of the mod as a whole. I had so many good ideas but no real praticle way to implement them within SE IV. Finally I figured the best approach would be to keep the mod simple and work on each race independently. The problem is getting the AI to build the right number of correct ships and to design them accordingly. If Intimidator doesn't mind, and if I can get motivated, I would enjoy working with him on a single player version of this mod. I have added a lot of little Star Wars kinda features to things and would love to see them come to fruition.

What killed SE IV is the bordom factor really. Age combined with other options hasn't helped any either. If Aaron would have taken the good advise that was offered to him, regarding SE V, for SE VI, then perhaps, with any luck at all, we might see a new inspirational 4x game in the future.

I have to admit, an Old Republic shipset would be VERY welcome. As would ANY new shipset(s) you came up with. ;)

I'm dying to see you complete the Star Wars Mod, and be sure if there's anything I can do to help, I'm always willing. And I have to agree with your assessments of SEIV and SEV. SEV just never caught and held my interests the way SEIV did, and continues too. It's just somehow missing that "something" that made SEIV so much fun.:(

By the way, I really appreciate the kind words about my work, but you'll always be the absolute Master :)

I couldn't even begin to image how to extract that information. I can find the textures, and write down the color pallet info for each but to be honest past that I am a door nob.

The simplest solution there might just be to screenshot them, and send them as a JPEG. Save you a lot of typing/writing :)

[Intimidator]

Hi,

Sorry Ironm.. just two more days, had some delays............

[Ironmanbc]

Hi,

Sorry Ironm.. just two more days, had some delays............


:bored:

[Intimidator]

Okay, it's out, (I just oploaded it to you Ironm... )

If you want it, let me know (give me an mailadress which can handle 20 mb)

Greetz,

Frans,

[Ironmanbc]

Okay, it's out, (I just oploaded it to you Ironm... )

If you want it, let me know (give me an mailadress which can handle 20 mb)

Greetz,

Frans,

:angel

[Ironmanbc]

there is an oops in the Orbital Space Dock alliance tech it should be ResourceStation :)

[Atrocities]

Like what I see. Especially like the troops by size (platoon, company, regiment) idea, something I was bouncing around for my mods.

When I started to work with the concept for the SW mod I ran into some issues that I hope Intimidator was able to work out.

[Atrocities]

Your welcome Intimidator for the images. With any luck I will make some more soon along with finishing up the Remnant (old republic) ship set.

I don't know if I will continue to do any work on a star trek mod as I kinda been burned out on SE IV for a while now. But ya, SE V simply doesn't have anything in it that really inspires me. SE IV does. I think that is what the appeal of SE IV was for many folks, it provided inspiration. SE V for some reason really doesn't do that.

BK is no slouch either when it comes to making images. He has done some exquisite work in the ship set department.

The thing that drew my battery down was the overwhelming immensity of the mod as a whole. I had so many good ideas but no real praticle way to implement them within SE IV. Finally I figured the best approach would be to keep the mod simple and work on each race independently. The problem is getting the AI to build the right number of correct ships and to design them accordingly. If Intimidator doesn't mind, and if I can get motivated, I would enjoy working with him on a single player version of this mod. I have added a lot of little Star Wars kinda features to things and would love to see them come to fruition.

What killed SE IV is the bordom factor really. Age combined with other options hasn't helped any either. If Aaron would have taken the good advise that was offered to him, regarding SE V, for SE VI, then perhaps, with any luck at all, we might see a new inspirational 4x game in the future.

I have to admit, an Old Republic shipset would be VERY welcome. As would ANY new shipset(s) you came up with. ;)

I'm dying to see you complete the Star Wars Mod, and be sure if there's anything I can do to help, I'm always willing. And I have to agree with your assessments of SEIV and SEV. SEV just never caught and held my interests the way SEIV did, and continues too. It's just somehow missing that "something" that made SEIV so much fun.:(

By the way, I really appreciate the kind words about my work, but you'll always be the absolute Master :)

I couldn't even begin to image how to extract that information. I can find the textures, and write down the color pallet info for each but to be honest past that I am a door nob.

The simplest solution there might just be to screenshot them, and send them as a JPEG. Save you a lot of typing/writing :)

I gave all of my Star Wars mod files to Intimidator. That included images, the mod itself, and all of my source work. I might play around with Intimidators mod once he has it done, and or work on the original concept in an effort to mod a single player version. The problem is that the AI is really really dumb. There would be a lot of RPG factors in a single player mod that the AI could not use. The Corp, Platoon, Regiment concept for one was something that the AI simply would not accept.

[Intimidator]

I really simplefied the troops by size idea. I just gave an infantry squad the size of 4kt (=1 trooper component). So an platoon is squad x 4, and company is platoon x 4(+ a bit extra) etc etc..... After that I designed and builded an Lambda class shuttle (which can carry up to 20 or 30 troopers) and I recalculated the cargobay size I needed.

BTW. AT. I used your idea of the elite troopers and their capabilites of taking out shields, I liked that !!

[Atrocities]

I had an idea for troop transports. Instead of calling the cargo bay the cargo bay, call it landing shuttles, and the component would look like an imperial troop landing shuttle. I just never got around to making the component yet. The comps for the troop tran and the pop tran would have to be different families, and of course mount scaled to prevent the cross usage.

[Intimidator]

BTW. Thanks Ironm.... for the remark, will take a look at it.

[Intimidator]

Yep, was stupid typo, thanks ............

[Ironmanbc]

I'm still around but things have been busy lately, I'm still playing and found that if you

[Ironmanbc]

ok I don't know what happed to the rest of my post last time but i'm having some RL problems so i wont be playing much (my dad passed away) but i'll try to let ya know if i find any more problems

[Intimidator]

My condolences.....

Take your time, and hopefully hear from you again soon,

Greetz

[Atrocities]

I am sorry about your loss.

[Intimidator]

AT.

Did you get the mod, I mailed it last week ?

[Atrocities]

no I haven't. try atrocities@gmail.com

[Ironmanbc]

I got over MSN :)

because he tryed to send it to me by my E-mail and it didn't work:confused::confused:

and we both have Hotmail

[Intimidator]

I'm working on it AT. am working on some stuff, so you will get the latest

[Intimidator]

AT. I could not send it again :(
Got the mod back with the message that your mailbos was full !!

Let me know !!

Frans

[Atrocities]

Thanks, got the data files. :)

[Atrocities]

You will need to send me your new planet images and mast planet_Bmp image. p0419 is missing. I believe it might be a warp point image. Also missing the mini_bmp image for the imperial bridge and several others.

[Intimidator]

I know, tried to send those again yesterday, but everything larger than 2MB is bounced back to me !!!!!!

Will try again, but if y're able to come online (MSN) it will be easier !!

See ya,

Frans,

[Atrocities]

ya, the upload limit on your email service sucks. I just uploaded a 50meg file from both MSN and Gmail without any problems.

[Intimidator]

Thanks :)

[Intimidator]

BTW AT.

Is there any hope for me, that you're gonna finnish the Remnant shipset. (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE) Really need that :)

And can you send me those Doga-color numbers, I'm working on some smaller Mon Calamari vessels right now, and they need an color scheme......

Greetz

[Black_Knyght]

Sounds like there's still some forward momentum in this Mod. I can't wait to see it, and if you need any help of any kind feel free to drop me a line or two anytime.

[Intimidator]

Yes, I'm still working on it !!!

Send me your e-mail, for an early version of the mod.

Intimidator5@hotmail.com

gretz Inti,

[Intimidator]

BTW BK. maybe you can help.

I don't know anything of the shipclass and fighter names from the new SW movies. So if you have some info about the Trade federation and the Separatists , please let me know !!

Inti,

[Atrocities]

BTW AT.

Is there any hope for me, that you're gonna finnish the Remnant shipset. (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE) Really need that :)

And can you send me those Doga-color numbers, I'm working on some smaller Mon Calamari vessels right now, and they need an color scheme......

Greetz

As soon as the replacement video card comes back I will get that done. Right now I can do nothing. I recommend that you set up the rebels to be that race. The RMA has just been approved so the card will be on its way tomorrow.

[Intimidator]

Okat Take your time,

Greetz

[Atrocities]

Card went out today via UPS so I should have a replacement card within 10 days.

[Intimidator]

Okay, will wait patiently :(

BTW. I just finished the Mon Calamari Race, complete different ships/fighters than the Alliance (have to work on bases later.)

I will not ad the Bothan as an Rebel race (as in my earlier rebelion mod versions). But there will be some Bothan components available.

Greetz

Frans,

[Black_Knyght]

BTW BK. maybe you can help.

I don't know anything of the shipclass and fighter names from the new SW movies. So if you have some info about the Trade federation and the Separatists , please let me know !!

Inti,

No worries, I can do that easily enough. Drop me a PM and we can sort out the specifics :cool:

[Ironmanbc]

i'm still alive but things have been wild with the lawer and such with my dad's death and finding out all the bills that have ta be paid ($6000+ for the funeral home $1000+ for the creamation and like my dad LOVED useing his CC thats like $13000 :doh:

so with the morgage is around $40000 my sis and i are like :eek:

im on welfare right now so i'm going :confused::confused::confused::confused:

and my dad does not have the money to cover it and no life insurance

so if you die all the bills go to your next of kin (just something to rember for when you die and you leave money to your next of kin they get all your BILLS too

[Makinus]

In Brazil you are only responsible up to the value of the goods left, so if there are 100.000 in goods and 200.000 in debts the creditors get the goods (100.000) and the heirs don´t have any responsability for the remaining debts...

[Atrocities]

Sad indeed and I don't want to think about such things because I know I am ****ed.

Intimidator, I have most of the Remnant done. Finished up the troop images. I need you to respond to my email. I have all but the small fighter done. Not sure what to use for it. Am waiting on research. Most of the ships are done, just need to work on transports, bases, and three ships plus the fighter.

[Atrocities]

Image

[Intimidator]

Hi,

I was away for a short while, but am back now and working again on the mod.
Good work again AT.
BK, what do you mean with :' drop me a PM '

Ironmanbc, sad to hear all this...... take care !!??

Greetz

[Atrocities]

Intimidator I need to know that the component numbers that I have reserved are still open. I have to add in about 50 more components or so to the end of the list. - Components 2706 - 2808

The Remnant set is nearly completed. I am going to have to improvise a small fighter though. I know you sent me a list of textures and color pallet requests but I cannot find it. If you could find the list and send it to me again or post the info here I can get that to you within a day or so.

Also if there are any "special" needed images, please let me know and I would be happy to try and make them.

I have a list of about 20 other ships and such that I will be working on as I am up to it. They are various neutral images like Jabba's skiffs, a few pirate ships, other aliens ships including Naboo, and the fighter that General Grievous uses.

[Intimidator]

Those components numbers are still open (2706 - 2808)

I need the color pallets for :

- Rebel (mon calamari) ships
- Imperial large ships

Thanks sofar,

Greetz

[Atrocities]

A made a lot of clone troopers.

[Intimidator]

Great, more than I ever need !!!!

[Black_Knyght]

Hi,

I was away for a short while, but am back now and working again on the mod.
Good work again AT.
BK, what do you mean with :' drop me a PM '

Ironmanbc, sad to hear all this...... take care !!??

Greetz


Hmmmm......:doh:


I meant a "Private Message", one detailing what all you need and such. The better detailed the more I can get you. I have a ton of resources at hand, and so I don't want to waste your time with stuff you weren't looking for or don't need.

Let me know what exactly you need, and in what order, and it'll be yours :)

[Intimidator]

Private Message, offcourse stupid me !!!!! (lost in translation, sorry)

will do shortly,

Greetz,

Frans,

[Intimidator]

I stop with changing anything on the mod, am just waiting now for the last pictures from AT. after that I will add the rest of the races, and make my last changes.
For now I will just play the game, to see how it works and feels.....

[Atrocities]

I should have the set done any day now. And the textures and stuff to you soon.

[Intimidator]

I just got the textures, thank you !!!!

[Intimidator]

Thanks AT. For the Remnant shipset!!

Inti,

[Ironmanbc]

I've been busy doing RL stuff and I was thinking how is the mod comming along????

[Black_Knyght]

I'll admit I'm dying to know that myself....

[Intimidator]

Hi guys,

Don't worry, I'm still alive. But due to the holiday season and some other real life issues my spare time was limited :(

But will be back on track in a few days now....

Greetz

Inti,

[Black_Knyght]

Good to hear. Soooooo looking forward to seeing this mod come to fruition!:)

[Intimidator]

Yeah, I understand, but I must honnestly say, that I have the feeling that I'm making this mod for only 5 people.
and that's not really motivating me :(

[Black_Knyght]

That's unfortunate, though I suspect more would like to see that come to completion than the handful who've posted here ;)

[Ironmanbc]

like me :)

[Alikiwi]

It's very likely Black_Knyght is right. I discussed my mod on SE.net and probably had imput from about the same number of people. Since I posted it just before Xmas, 78 copies have been uploaded! So chances are at least that many and probably more will be wanted of a new Star Wars Mod.:up:

[Intimidator]

I will take it up again , I promise

[Atrocities]

You are running into the same problem I ran into. :( I think that people will start playing the game again once they realize that their is no viable alternative. The loss of the PBW site was a catastrophic blow to the remnants of this community. The loss of all that data, games, downloads, members, etc is just to insurmountable to recover from. Yet, if SFI will would release the source code for SE IV, beings how they own the rights, a short lived revival would be had and who knows, perhaps even a complete resuscitation of interest in this game could be sparked with new innovations and such.

[Black_Knyght]

I thoroughly agree with AT here!!!

Additionally, I think if the mod came out of the "working" stage and was made available, more interest and interaction would occur. That'd certainly spur up some involvement too.

[Atrocities]

A couple of things I would have loved to have seen added to SE IV would have been:

1. The ability to set any component as required to any design.
This would be great for those special one of a kind weapons or components being required for X design only. Much like must have life support, could set, must have component Family: XXX on this design to make it valid.

2. One per empire limit ability for Facilities, and components.
This would be used for Palace and or specialty facilities or components. Say One Emperor, or One Vader.

3. Ability to have specialty facilities for specific planet types. Such as Cloud City facility for Gas Giants.

4. Higher limit on the amount of mounts you could have, say 255 per technology type. (Empire Technology = 255 possible mounts.)

5. The option to give ships the ability to become cargo. (Much like fighters.)

6. True counter Intel options.

7. The ability to set multiple types of damage per weapon. IE, Ion cannon will damage both Engines, Weapons, and Shields. etc

8. FIX the AI so that when you restrict a component it won't use it or exceed the limit for that component type.

9. FIX the problem with the AI not building and keeping the set amount of ships as indicated in such and such file. (Don't recall the file name.)

10 A UI based ship designer that you can use to custom design ships then have it generate a design file for it that can be placed into the Design_txt file. This way you know exactly what will go on the ship because you placed it their and the AI will follow that format.

[Black_Knyght]

I agree completely!!! Those are all excellent ideas!

[Atrocities]

I will never understand why Aaron didn't take the best of SE IV, improve upon the UI, and go with that for SE V.

I have been cut completely out of the loop for SE VI and given the dismal sales for SE V, I wonder if there will ever be a sixth installment to the game.

I recommended a while back that they should have released SE V under a different name... Space Empires - Evolution or something.

If they do come out with a new game, that'll have to be the road they go down. To call a game Space Empires VI would be an injustice and bad marketing IMHO.

SE V had a lot of great attributes, none of which inspired me to play it. The weakness out paced the benefits thus turning off my interest in playing the game. :( However SE IV still holds my interest albeit at a substantially reduced value these days.

I think, rather hope, that people will turn back toward the game once they realize that nothing new is coming out. PC gaming is on its final legs these days and the industry knows it. So most developers are focusing on console games and downsizing their PC options.

The spirit of innovation has been killed off one independent developer at a time. Gobbled up by the big evil mass marketing companies like EA games and others.

It was only 12 years ago that the spirit of radical innovation was alive and thriving, but now, the fields that were once busting with life life are but a desolate waste land. We are stuck with inferior clones of clone of sequals of great games. Gone are the inspirational "Got to have it" games that drove the industry for years. Even the PC game magazines are dead, or dying. The games of today are so lack luster filled with eye candy but no depth. Easy to play, and quick to bore are the standards of today.

Case in point, EAW, Lucas Arts aging game that could have been a lot more than it ultimately was. I played Empires At War and the expansion version and just couldn't get into them. They lacked depth. They offered nothing but ground hog day play. I grew bored with the game within hours. Same thing with GalCiv 2.

GalCiv 2 was really really boring. My God was that a dull *** game.

I tried Sins of a solar empire and a few other games but found them all to be repetitive and boring.

It is funny now that a simple basic browser game like Cyber nations holds my interest as captivity as SE IV once had. Out of all the games there are, this simple free to play game is the most appealing to me. Go figure.

One more thing I would have loved to have seen done with SE IV would have been:

11. The ability to more than one type of construction facility to the planet. One for ships, one for fighters, and one for troops. And for the AI to use them equally and build them.

12. The ability to set a requirement as to what facilities you want the AI to build and it actually would build them. As it is now, it be broken. The AI builds what the AI is hard coded to build. As it is now, I have to come up with a work around and that is proving to be impossible. (Another reason I burned out.)

[Kana]

I completely agree with our your assements and improvments AT. If Aaron could even consider just turning SEIV into the graphics of SEV, with those few additons you've mentioned, it would have been a great game. Hopefully he will consider either updating SEIV (Space Empires Advanced?), or just making the next SE installment we all really wanted. Yet again it makes me wonder who all did the beta testing, can if Aaron really listened to any one when making SEV.

Of course this will be after he makes his Civ clone....

[Black_Knyght]

Space Empires Advanced


Now THAT is both an excellent idea and title for an updated version of SE4, if Aaron were to just release the code.

Sooooooo very much more is possibly for SE4, and it could really save the title in ways SE5 never did!!!

[Atrocities]

No one in the Beta will talk about the beta. NDA.

But we all know who most of them were so we know Aaron got the best of the best.

I would say that when it comes to Space Empires, Aaron sets the bar high. He nailed it out of the park with SE IV, but got rained out on SE V. Many of us in the know were in the bleachers doing what fans do. We all regret the game being rained out though and really really want see a rematch.

[Captain Kwok]

I'm sorry, but I disagree with the general comments of last few posts.

Out of the list of 12 items that Atrocities posted, 9 can be readily done in SE5. Of the remaining 3, export/import ship designs for AI and vehicle type specific construction yards could be done through scripting. Only planet type specific facilities at this time would not be possible.

I understand some have difficulty getting past the different UI and it makes SE5 not enjoyable for them, but that shouldn't be used to ignore/dismiss SE5's improvement on many of SE4's mechanics. I'd be hard-pressed to find many non-UI areas where SE5 has regressed.

I'm not so bothered that you guys don't like SE5, but you should at least be somewhat specific in your criticism if you choose to post about it. The vagueness of the comments here just tells me that you never really played SE5 all that much and don't really know what the gameplay/feature differences are.

Unfortunately SE5 was released before it should have been and there wasn't time to address the primary UI issues. IMO, too much was taken on for a single developer - custom scripting language, new graphics engine, new combat engine, formula data fields - plus the usual coding/documentation that goes along with an SE game. That's the issue, too much is made of this 'testers were ignored' sentiment, which is not true.

I'm not sure how many of you lamenting guys have kept up with the patches though since the UI/game has been steadily improved from the early days and might even be "tolerable". ;)

[Ironmanbc]

what AT said "I will never understand why Aaron didn't take the best of SE IV, improve upon the UI, and go with that for SE V"

we could say the same about MOO3 :confused:
it's like WHAT were they thinking :doh:


oh well people try new things and they don't work out the way everyone like it to be

i know i haven't been on top of stuff but this starwars mod sounds like a great idea you were off to a good start and then ......

if you make it for se5 there is more scriping to play with and in a way you can do more

I don't mind the UI i just learn to live with it

i do ask if you make the mod for se5 try to make some more neostandard shipsets (if ya can) like 10 more sizes so we can custom make ships to do stuff like

Juggernought
Medical Ship
Mining Ship
Repair Barge
Resource Ship
Resource Station
Stellar Manipulation Ship
WorldShip

just to name a few

[Black_Knyght]

I'm sorry, but I disagree with the general comments of last few posts.

As is your option always :)

Out of the list of 12 items that Atrocities posted, 9 can be readily done in SE5. Of the remaining 3, export/import ship designs for AI and vehicle type specific construction yards could be done through scripting. Only planet type specific facilities at this time would not be possible.

True enough, though for me the flaw there is that you can only do that in SE5, which is the root of the issue here.

I understand some have difficulty getting past the different UI and it makes SE5 not enjoyable for them, but that shouldn't be used to ignore/dismiss SE5's improvement on many of SE4's mechanics. I'd be hard-pressed to find many non-UI areas where SE5 has regressed.

I'll readily admit SE5 lends itself better to modding. But, what possible good does it do to improve what SE5 did, and toss away general enjoyability of it at the same time. The UI alone is not the only issue some people have with SE5.

I'm not so bothered that you guys don't like SE5, but you should at least be somewhat specific in your criticism if you choose to post about it. The vagueness of the comments here just tells me that you never really played SE5 all that much and don't really know what the gameplay/feature differences are.

Specific criticism has been listed many times over, and none too vaguely either. And I for one HAVE really played SE5. Several times over. I tried the flawed demo, I went out and bought the flawed game itself. I played each flawed update. And came to the conclusion I just don't like it. At all. Most certainly not the way I did SE4. What it gains is buried in what it lost for me. I don't like the UI, or the new graphics style, or the 3D rendering of systems, ships, and such. I don't like how it's myriad of "little" flaws add up to a totally unenjoyable game for me. What I liked about SE4 was tossed aside, even as what I wanted was added in.

Unfortunately SE5 was released before it should have been and there wasn't time to address the primary UI issues. IMO, too much was taken on for a single developer - custom scripting language, new graphics engine, new combat engine, formula data fields - plus the usual coding/documentation that goes along with an SE game. That's the issue, too much is made of this 'testers were ignored' sentiment, which is not true.

I'll agree with you to a point here. How many of those issues were addressed by testers, and how many ignored or disregarded. Yes, it was too much for one developer to do, so maybe it would've been better to go with a more tried and true game and expand its capabilities, as has been so many times requested, rather than create an altogether new game that may well have put a stake in the heart of SE as a marketable commodity. A sad truth is the trackable fact that SE5 has already had a much shorter shelf life compared to it's predecessor.

I'm not sure how many of you lamenting guys have kept up with the patches though since the UI/game has been steadily improved from the early days and might even be "tolerable". ;)

So many patches later, and it's "might even be tolerable;)"? Pretty much sums up the whole issue I, and apparently others, seem to have with SE5. IMHO, anyway.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Also - to be clear, this is not a personal attack, just a differing perspective on the matter. :cool:

[Black_Knyght]

It occurs to me, as I was rereading all of this, that this thread may have been unintentionally sidetracked with an off-topic issue....


So....., while I'm here I thought I'd ask how things were going with the mod? I'm dying to see it come to be, and hope all is well still!

[Atrocities]

Well spoken BK.

CK, you know that we all sincerely appreciate all that you have done especially for SE V. Thank you. Some games appeal to people, some don't. SE V while it is a very good game in its own right isn't a game that inspires people on level that SE IV had. That isn't a bad thing, its just an unfortunate thing.

I'm sorry, but I disagree with the general comments of last few posts.

Out of the list of 12 items that Atrocities posted, 9 can be readily done in SE5. Of the remaining 3, export/import ship designs for AI and vehicle type specific construction yards could be done through scripting. Only planet type specific facilities at this time would not be possible.

That is true, but I am ashamed to say that I really don't enjoy playing SE V. :( The game frustrates me and doesn't inspire me at any level like SE IV did.


I understand some have difficulty getting past the different UI and it makes SE5 not enjoyable for them, but that shouldn't be used to ignore/dismiss SE5's improvement on many of SE4's mechanics. I'd be hard-pressed to find many non-UI areas where SE5 has regressed.

No one is denying that SE V has some great innovations. We just regret that the bad attributes of the game out weighed the positive attributes of the game.


I'm not so bothered that you guys don't like SE5, but you should at least be somewhat specific in your criticism if you choose to post about it. The vagueness of the comments here just tells me that you never really played SE5 all that much and don't really know what the gameplay/feature differences are.

While some my have said they don't like SE V, all I have said is that the game didn't inspire me and thusly I opted not to continue to play it.


I'm not sure how many of you lamenting guys have kept up with the patches though since the UI/game has been steadily improved from the early days and might even be "tolerable". ;)

No one will deny that Aaron is one cool hard working dude with a keen gaming sense and a dedication to his work that far exceeds the industry standard by 100 fold. SE V was a 3 base hit, not the home run that SE IV was, but still a respectable game none the less. I am sure the next game, if there is one, will be a home run grand slam.

[Black_Knyght]

:neth *BUMP*:neth

Thought I'd bump this back on track, and ask how things are going with the Mod?:)

[Intimidator]

Why ask me BK.

You got an working version right now ???? :) :) :) So you tell me ???? ;)

Just kidding, I needed some motivation again, and with your help we will get it back on track !!!!! (soon)


see ya all !!

Intimidator

[Ironmanbc]

Why ask me BK.

You got an working version right now ???? :) :) :) So you tell me ???? ;)

Just kidding, I needed some motivation again, and with your help we will get it back on track !!!!! (soon)


see ya all !!

Intimidator

I got your motivation right here

[Black_Knyght]

Hardy har har, Amigo !!!:p

I'd posted that BEFORE you sent me the mod, actually.

AND, from what I'm seeing, it rocks !!!:D

[Intimidator]

Hello Atrocities,

Did you, by any chance, finnish the Republic Remnant shipset. I'm eagerly waiting for the Transport and base pictures right now !!??!!??

Thanks anyway,

Intimidator

[Ironmanbc]

So how is the mod comming along???

I see the new pics for it "NewCompsSinceMarch14th"

[Atrocities]

I could use a little of that too.

I have almost finally, finished the Remnant set. Just need to make the bases and neo-standard ships.

I have submitted a boat load of new components for the component mod too. From turrets to the death star gun.

[Atrocities]

Sorry Intimidator, I just finished up the transports. I was waiting to see if any new ships were introduced in the TV show. I chose to not use the cannon transport ships seen in the movie because I didn't like the way the looked. I might change my opinion and make them anyways, but the ones I have now are more uniform and such. I will finish up the Remnant set soon and send you all that I have.

[Intimidator]

Thanks, I'm eagerly waiting again.....

update : I'm playinag an testgame with black knight right now, and it goes well.....
I just finnished rebalancing a lot (rescources gathering, anti fighter weapons and some more). But I think I come to a point to finnish for now.

I still only have 3 races, but now the main mod is done I can start work on more races (a lot of work is already done, and I still waited for some more ships from AT.)

But I can make a fair promise to finnish one extra race every month !!!!

keep you informed :

Inti,

[Intimidator]

Here it is at last.........

Read the readme files, and play scenario one (to get the right feel.)

Warning : STILL NO AI (probably never) and only 3 races ready.(I will add one races pro month from now on.)


http://files.spaceempires.net/user/65/Star_Wars_Mod_v2.08.rar