*** Star Trek Mod Discussion ***

[Captain Kwok]

Well, I was thinking that I needed to adjust them anyways. The original armor was smaller, that's why some of the rates seem high right now...

But of course, there was always Voyager... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Ed Kolis]

Yeah, Voyager-the-light-cruiser-that-just-happened-to-have-a-built-in-spaceyard-facility, "Let's go design our own Delta Flyer and build it RIGHT HERE on our ship!" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Kevin Arisa]

Is there any way to make troops have a the ship capture and capture defense ability? I think it would be cool. If you had a security station you have to fill it with soldiers first. They would be your capture\defense personell. Is that even possible?

[Fyron]

Giving those abilities to troops would be meaningless. Only ships and bases can make use of those abilities. Units with them do nothing.

[QuarianRex]

Originally posted by Kevin Arisa:
Is there any way to make troops have a the ship capture and capture defense ability? I think it would be cool. If you had a security station you have to fill it with soldiers first. They would be your capture\defense personell. Is that even possible?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Giving those abilities to troops would be meaningless. Only ships and bases can make use of those abilities. Units with them do nothing.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think that he meant for troops to act a boarding parties/security stations while in ships cargo and act as normal troops while on planet. Good idea but unfortunately not currently possible.

[Fyron]

I know what he meant, and my answer included that and other situations in which you would consider using boarding abilities on units. Units in ship cargo have no abilities as far as the game is concerned.

[ April 17, 2003, 19:09: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Ed Kolis]

Hehe, my troops have Ubermachium Buckytube Nanoweave Armor and have 5000 hitpoints each, but since I can fit 10 of them in a cargo bay and a cargo bay has 20 hitpoints, all 50K HP worth of troops can be killed by a measly meson bLaster http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Captain Kwok]

Greetings!

Exams are over and I now have almost two weeks of 'uninterupted' time to dedicated towards getting the STmod operational. Look for a website and status update shortly.

[The Canuck]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[ZeroAdunn]

Hooray?

[Captain Kwok]

Greetings.

Here is what I want to do:

Change Cultures.txt from choices like Warriors, Engineers, Merchants, etc, to a specific one for each race, Neutral, Federation, Klingon, Romulan, etc, with appropriate values that suit each race.

The modifiers will be left for the player to distribute their points as they see fit. Allows for some player customization.

Racialtraits.txt changed to values of Neutral, Federation, etc., that allows access to specific technology trees. Maybe scrap traditional choices of propulsion experts, emotionless, etc., or apply them under an appropriate race.

The reason behind these changes is to encourage players to play the empire as they appear on the show - i.e., Federation is not emotionless with warrior culture or advanced storage techniques.

What do you think?

*PS* Still working on that website update, just a little distracted from you know what.

[ April 29, 2003, 23:17: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[dominion]

I think it's better that way.
Kligon shouldn't have merchant traits.

Let's see:
Ferengi: Merchant, Neutral
Federation:
Klingon: Warrior
Romulan:
Dominion:

[Captain Kwok]

A little graphical treat, part II:

Negh'Var and Voodieh Classes:
http://members.rogers.com/capt-kwok/graphics/klingon-neghvar.png http://members.rogers.com/capt-kwok/graphics/klingon-voodieh.png

The Negh'Var was often seen as the Klingon flagship on DS9. The Voodieh is a mix of the Vor'Cha and Negh'Var classes. It has appeared in a couple of episodes including the TNG finale "All Good Things".

[ April 30, 2003, 21:57: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[Captain Kwok]

Here is the long serving K'tinga class Battlecruiser.

K'tinga Class:
http://members.rogers.com/capt-kwok/graphics/klingon-ktinga.png

[ts22]

The new Klingon ships look great! I have never heard of the voodieh but it looks good too.
Btw-what is the word on the beta release date? Also, I think I found some cool trek pics that could work for combat scenes, etc. Let me know if you want to see them. If you've already got the graphics pics taken care of, then never mind.

[ZeroAdunn]

Kwok: Your ships are truly amazing, great job. How long till we see some of these shipsets completed?

[Captain Kwok]

This is final main Klingon ship:

Kodos Class
http://members.rogers.com/capt-kwok/graphics/klingon-kodos.png

It's a conjectural design based on a link between the K'tinga and Vor'cha class ships.

I think I'm going to finish off some of the Federation or Romulan ships next.

[Lord Kodos]

And its named after me!

although my favorite races are 8472, Breen, and the Borg.

Anyhow thanks Kwok!

Cant wait to see this baby done..

[ZeroAdunn]

It seems you are really moving on this thing. How long till we see a working Version.

When we do get a working Version, who is up for a PBW game? We would need to fill every race slot. (I claim the Breen!)

So, who's up for a game?

[Captain Kwok]

I think a couple of more weeks. The status page is up to date at the moment, so that gives a good indication of where things are at.

I've been working on getting everything organized (images, models, textures, data files, etc) and backed up on CD. I had stuff all over the place so it was hard to know what I still needed to do.

Most of the data files are done, except for a few components and facilities and lots of quadrant type entries. There are still 100 planets to finish (got about 50% of textures done) so I just need to render those and supply corresponding entries. All together, there are 300 new planets included with the mod. I've actually tested the new standard systems and they look fairly good so far.

Atrocities is working on some re-working of his many fine ships for incorporation into the STmod as neutral ships.

AI is on hold, it's likely the beta at first won't have AI so it'll be PBW and solo all-player testing to start.

[jimbob]

Zero:
Oh, I am so going to play this mod!!

Capt'n Kwok:
I don't think the problem will be finding enough players to fill all the racial slots, I'm thinking the problem will be having too many players for the number of races available at this time. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing that there'll be atleast 2 PBW games with a full complement of players! That said, count me in for one of the games, and I'm willing to play any but Species ### (I'd do a pretty crappy job of Role Playing the race).

[Ed Kolis]

I wanna be the Romulans! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif He he he, spying on everybody... I wanted to do that in that one paranoia game but I never actually got any intel facilities built... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif oh well I'd better not give out TOO many details, other players might be lurking here http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Lord Kodos]

if my pc is better by then, il be 8472

[ZeroAdunn]

Ok, so we got:

ME: Breen
Kodos: 8472
Yimbob: ????
Ed Kolis: Romulans

(I am suprised nobody has grabbed the feddies.)

[The Canuck]

ill take dominion...but it depends on when ur going to do this. ive got exams at the beginning of june and ill probably be busy studying from mid may till the end. im done school mid june so if u start then, then hell ya im in but if its during my exams time or study time, ill have NO time.

[ZeroAdunn]

No worries, I don't think this game will be starting any time soon, we still need to wait for the finished mod and beta testing.

Updated roster:

ME: Breen
Kodos: 8472
Yimbob: ????
Ed Kolis: Romulans
Cannuck: Dominion

[JLS]

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
I think a couple of more weeks. The status page is up to date at the moment, so that gives a good indication of where things are at.

I've been working on getting everything organized (images, models, textures, data files, etc) and backed up on CD. I had stuff all over the place so it was hard to know what I still needed to do.

Most of the data files are done, except for a few components and facilities and lots of quadrant type entries. There are still 100 planets to finish (got about 50% of textures done) so I just need to render those and supply corresponding entries. All together, there are 300 new planets included with the mod. I've actually tested the new standard systems and they look fairly good so far.

Atrocities is working on some re-working of his many fine ships for incorporation into the STmod as neutral ships.

AI is on hold, it's likely the beta at first won't have AI so it'll be PBW and solo all-player testing to start.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds great, Cpt. Kwok. Can't wait until it is out.

[Captain Kwok]

I suppose I'll take the Federation. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

I actually want to run 2 or 3 STmod beta PBW games concurrently just to maximize testing. Any big flaws will be corrected along the way. An 'official' PBW game can begin once the mod is reasonably balanced.

Atrocities has provided some excellent re-renders of many of his ships at my request and they look splendid. I'll be adding some neutral race preview eye candy tomorrow (6th May) on the website.

[ZeroAdunn]

Woohoo!

[openair]

Hey... I just found this mod, after waiting for a Star Trek mod for SE4 since it came out... can't wait till its released, and would very much like to join in on the PBW game... i'd like the borg or klinks...

[Ed Kolis]

The Klinks?

"NO VAAAHN, beht NO VAAAHN, eensults the honor of a WARRIOR!!!"

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Atrocities]

The Dominion http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Knightsaber]

Me = dying for even a beta of this mod.

Hand it over! *shoots self in face rather than wait longer*

[Captain Kwok]

It's getting there!

I just installed WinXP Pro yesterday, so that took a few hours to make sure everything went smoothly...

I'll post images for the remainder of the planets tomorrow (14th) or on Thursday, depending when I finish rendering them.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

i think the tholian web would be better portrayed by mines.

[Lord Kodos]

just curious but...

Shouldent 8472 ships cost only Organics? And shouldent they have that 8 ship linked Planet Killer?

Still EXCELLENT mod Kwok! Cant wait!

And thanks again for naming that ship after me ^_^

[Ed Kolis]

I think the more important part of the web is that the target can't move... after all, in SE4, if you take out the enemy's engines then unless he has backup supply storage, he can't shoot either! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

edit: also it better fits with the "spiderweb" effect!

[ May 15, 2003, 17:46: Message edited by: Ed Kolis ]

[Urendi Maleldil]

Won't "increase reload time" be useless on mines anyway?

[Fyron]

Originally posted by Urendi Maleldil:
Won't "increase reload time" be useless on mines anyway?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes it will. The reload time will be increased, but since that "combat" is over before ship combat begins, the reload time returns to normal. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

yes, but the tholian web was built slowly over a period of time, better portrayed as mines.

[Lord Kodos]

You could make it the cost whtever a 8472 DNs cost is X8 and make it only able to hold the Planet Buster ^_^ lol or implement it in the same way you are the Fusion Cubes and Spheres...

Im just being annoying arent I.

Well in any event stop reading my useless Posts and get back to work on our beta!lol

[Captain Kwok]

BTW, I wasn't referring to using those damage types on mines but instead some sort of direct fire torpedo-like weapon.

Destroying engines in STmod only prevents movement since the warp core provides the supplies to the ship, so engines only damage won't cause the weapons to fail.

At this time, I had been using engines only for the Tholian web since it really immobolizes a ship and then contracts, destroying the ship within. The weapons are still available while the ship is in the web...

[Captain Kwok]

Although Species 8472 uses Organic-based ships, I'm sure there might be some sort of requirement for other types of materials...

There is no way to duplicate the combined-8 ship planet buster thingy in se4.

How would mines better portray the Tholian web?

Woops...the message here was inaccurate...that's what you get for posting too early in the morning before work.

[ May 15, 2003, 21:36: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[Captain Kwok]

After several hours of fixing typos and other errors, I finally got the the STmod to load in SE:IV for the first time. Just need to add some image placeholders and I should be able to actually 'start' a game. There's much to fix up for the beta, but it's getting much closer now.

[Phoenix-D]

Wait- you did all that..without testing the thing along the way?! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

[Captain Kwok]

I did testing along the way, but usually in little component chunks (i.e. engines, shields, etc) but never the whole mod.

I mentioned in the Star Trek mod forum at Fyron's website that in retrospect I would have added piece by piece rather than start from scratch, so I could more effectively test or play test. Overall, the changes to most items are fundamental in terms of costs or point generation, but also family numbers, general Groups, weapon familites are all revamped. One of the reasons I hadn't loaded the files before was when I started the mod you needed to have all the data files in the directory and since there were so many changes made, it was hard to make sure everything was correalated in each file. So I usually just added to one file at a time...

Edit:

I actually have two directories for the mod, one directory that I used to test out parts of the mod, graphics, and all 'reference files' and a second that serves as the official STmod directory that contains the mod files in their proper form.

[ May 17, 2003, 21:05: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[Captain Kwok]

Website updated with latest information and a few new and/or updated graphics. Look for more images to be added in the next couple of days.

Note:

I added an extra 'Race_portrait_battlecruiser' image for each race to be displayed when adding empires. I preferred to name each image after the class ship (with a backup name corresponding to a se4 std ship) but the game would not display the 'typical' ship unless the bitmap was named '...battlecruiser' regardless of additional bitmap references. This is fine anyways, as I can use whatever image I think is most appropriate to be representative of the race with the extra pic.

[Captain Kwok]

Greetings!

Mod Info:

The 'Alpha' testing phase continues as I make the mod ready for the beta testers. Combat, ship design, and the ready graphics are looking good so far. I had to make a few minor changes to the propulsion system and I really need to fix some research and resource cost issues.

Website Info:

I'm hoping to keep the website updated every 1-2 days based on the latest state of the mod. In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to begin uploading the first parts of the Star Trek mod database. This is an alphabetical listing of components, technologies, races etc, in the mod with descriptions, tips, research paths, and other useful info.

What else...

Be sure to check out our official forum hosted by Fyron's Imperial Forums, lots of additional discussion and comments are there and might be of some interest.

Here is the link: Star Trek Mod Forum (http://galileo.spaceports.com/~kazharii/stmod.html)

Sometimes it's a little slow or down for some reason, but do not be discouraged! Try again later.

[Atrocities]

Excellent news. Too bad I can not load Fyrons Forums on dial up. They just hang. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[Fyron]

They are on a free server, so sometimes there are periods of inaccessibilty, but they do not Last long (maybe a minute or two). Most of the time the site loads just fine.

[CNCRaymond]

That is a nice looking forum Mr. Fyron, but even on a cable modem it still took a long time to load.

[ May 25, 2003, 04:53: Message edited by: CNCRaymond ]

[Fyron]

You loaded it during one of those busy times I mentioned. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Most of the day, it loads in a snap for me.

Also, do you have browser caching disabled? If so, that would explain slow loading times. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ May 25, 2003, 07:35: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Atrocities]

Netscape loaded your site just fine Fyron. I was even able to post. Most impressive this netscape.

[Knightsaber]

Any updates Captain? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I'm still totally dying to try this out.

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by Knightsaber:
Any updates Captain? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I'm still totally dying to try this out.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It's getting closer! I spent a couple of hours tonight chasing down bugs and typoes in the data files - some silly none atmosphere Gas Giants entries and things of that sort.

Check our other forum (link through the website) and see some of the Posts there, lots of good stuff including some new planet images.

[Fyron]

Originally posted by Atrocities:
Netscape loaded your site just fine Fyron. I was even able to post. Most impressive this netscape.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Which again is an indication that you need to clear the browser Cache for IE. And change the refreshing options. They are probably not set optimally at present. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Captain Kwok]

Greetings!

Look for a website update on Saturday (7th June) afternoon with the latest changes (there's been quite a few) and information about the Star Trek mod. I'm still working on getting all the races functional enough to send out in the beta, plus some basic default AI files to fix some errors I'm seeing with fleets in the mod - i.e. no strategies etc.

-----

I also want to thank you for your patience! I know it has been a year since I first proposed the mod and it seems like it will never be ready...but it's really getting there. I would send out some copies right now if it operated a little bit smoother.

-----

There are also some issues with hardcoded SE:IV stuff that I'm sending to Aaron to hopefully fix in a final patch for the game. While that patch is not certain, I'm hoping that it will be...even if it delays SE:V by a few weeks. It is really needed to cap this great game.

Some of this issues include:

Player placement when moons are involved.

Duplicate random players added when less than 20 races are available despite proper settings.txt values.

SE:IV producing non-fatal "image not found" errors for images displayed during empire setup - should just find a valid image including primary and secondary bitmap references and not just the primary values that default races follow.

Plus, why not add the research and intel abilities for components? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

-----

That's all for now. Happy treking!

[Lord Kodos]

Id also like to see the Restricted and Required racial trait fields implented as well...

Well glad to hear Kwok, cant wait for the mod and good luck!

[jimbob]

Looking forward to the update tomorrow!

[Atrocities]

Thanks for the update Kwok. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif One other thing to send to Aaron for fixing in a final patch, if there is to be one, would be to fix the;
Change Bad Intelligence Chance - System
Ability - Decreases the chance of any sabotage activities in this system; and get it to work.

With this working a viable counter intel facility could be built.

[Captain Kwok]

Greetings!

The first part of the website update has been completed, including:
</font> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Two screenshots and mini planet images in the Graphics Area.</font> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Major Ferengi ships are now complete.</font> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Updates to Treknology items</font> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Number of minor changes to race info</font> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Additional navigational Aids
</font><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The next update will include some images of different neutral race ships, more detail on cultural modifiers for each race, and hopefully a few more ships.
After that gets done, then I'll be adding the Star Trek mod database, which I'm working on as I debug the mod and will continue working on during the beta test. The database is a hyperlinked alphabetical listing of race and ship info, components and facilities, and other useful information about the mod. It will also be converted to serve as a reference manual down the road.

[Raging Deadstar]

Very nice update, i'm extremely interested in playing this mod when it comes out, It's looking very good! Don't feel rushed though Kwok, we can all wait for this to come out, even if there will be some salviating and gnashing of fangs in anticipation http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[JLS]

Looking great, Captain Kwok. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Ed Kolis]

Hey Cap'n... how do ya do that cool fade effect between the pages? I've never heard of any HTML that could do THAT! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Why are there no Multi-Target Sensors that allow you to hit two targets... they start at three... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif

The shield generator facilities don't generate many shields... remember, that's a FACILITY slot you're using up! (And planetary shields aren't even leaky...)

Armor had better be pretty darn cheap because it looks useless compared to shields... maybe if shield generators produced fewer shields (they do regenerate from damage - look at Adamant, shield generators hardly generate any shields but they still make up for that with their regeneration.) Besides, in Star Trek, even when shields are at 100%, the ship still rocks, so shields must not be invincible energy barriers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Looking forward to playing with this mod! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Krsqk]

Besides, in Star Trek, even when shields are at 100%, the ship still rocks, so shields must not be invincible energy barriers!<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">If you were holding a shield, and someone hit it with a photon torpedo, you'd rock a bit, too! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif It's just a giant-sized garbage can lid made out of energy--just a larger Version of the stick fights we had as kids. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by Ed Kolis:
Armor had better be pretty darn cheap because it looks useless compared to shields... maybe if shield generators produced fewer shields (they do regenerate from damage - look at Adamant, shield generators hardly generate any shields but they still make up for that with their regeneration.) Besides, in Star Trek, even when shields are at 100%, the ship still rocks, so shields must not be invincible energy barriers!<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You are much mistaken on this point. You need to remember that must components only have 1-2kT of structure. Armor ends up providing most of the hitpoints to suck up damage after the shields begin to leak - which happens quite readily. If you don't have armor, a single hit without shields will take you out. In fact, I had to adjust Ablative Armor because it was too effective in deflecting damage from smaller ships that it made Federation ships almost invulnerable to them in combination with the leaky shields.

The fade effect is something I can add with frontpage under 'page transitions'. I like it and it only Lasts 0.5 secs, but some people like Fyron hate it and turn in off in their internet options!

Planet cargo space is increased, so you can supplement a planet's shielding quite well with weapon platforms.

[ June 08, 2003, 05:48: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[Fyron]

Page transitions require javascript, and they most certainly suck big time. Ever see that Simpsons where Homer made a dating video for Ned, and everything used those star wipes? It's kinda like that, but worse. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif They are rather tacky.

I do not know if the values I have for shield generators in Adamant are good or not atm, as I have to get the weapons finished first to be able to properly test them. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ June 08, 2003, 05:01: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Atrocities]

The site looks great Kwok. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Ed Kolis]

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
You are much mistaken on this point. You need to remember that must components only have 1-2kT of structure. Armor ends up providing most of the hitpoints to suck up damage after the shields begin to leak - which happens quite readily. If you don't have armor, a single hit without shields will take you out.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yup, sounds like Star Trek... Our shields are down, we're dead meat! Maybe there should be no armor at all in the standard tech tree since no one on Star Trek save Captain Janeway seems to have even heard of the stuff http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Oh well, you're the one who's been testing this mod so far so you should know http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Atrocities]

You know, *evil grin* since this mod is mostly custom made, you, ahem, I mean we could sell it as an add-on.

*Ducks and runs for cover*

[Knightsaber]

*gnashes fangs*

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[tesco samoa]

and it would help meet all canadian content laws http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Suicide Junkie]

Well, I wouldn't say that armor in the mod was like the armor feature in Voyager "Endgame", but it provides a little more protection once the shields have been knocked out (which only occurs once the generators are truly destroyed) - but not too much, a heavy weapon with a mount against most ships will cripple or destroy them.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">As I recall, the shields and armor are both leaky.
That means, after the first hit, you will be taking some hull damage.

Without armor/SIF, even a little hull damage will kill you, so you definitely need to bulk your ship up.

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by Suicide Junkie:
As I recall, the shields and armor are both leaky. That means, after the first hit, you will be taking some hull damage. Without armor/SIF, even a little hull damage will kill you, so you definitely need to bulk your ship up.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I believe I did mention this about 6 or 7 Posts down! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

I guess SJ is just trying to reclaim his top poster crown after Fyron zipped by him!

[Ed Kolis]

Hey, this isn't the "Official" Star Trek Mod Discussion anymore? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[Atrocities]

Nope, the offical discussion is held at Fyron's forums unless kwok swiched it back here, and I doubt he has. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by Ed Kolis:
Hey, this isn't the "Official" Star Trek Mod Discussion anymore? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I didn't expect that anyone would notice the slight title change! I really only changed it to condense the title a bit, that's all. However, I do prefer using Fyron's forum because you can create separate threads and most items don't get buried by Posts like this one!

[Captain Kwok]

Well, I wouldn't say that armor in the mod was like the armor feature in Voyager "Endgame", but it provides a little more protection once the shields have been knocked out (which only occurs once the generators are truly destroyed) - but not too much, a heavy weapon with a mount against most ships will cripple or destroy them.

But you're right - how would you guys really know? Oh well don't fret, I'm getting there...still http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif .

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by minipol:
The battle picture (preview) on your site looks very cool. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif drool ...
How's the testing coming along?
I have a question about the AI? Are you using an own AI or have you modfied the AI of say TMD?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The mod is vastly different than the regular game, especially in terms of organization, so any old AIs will be totally non-functional - so I'll be making my own AIs based closely on each race's behavior on Star Trek, but I'm sure I'll borrow some ideas from the best AIs.

Testing is going ok but a little bit slower than I'd because of other 'life' demands. There's some issues right now that I need to clear up to make the mod functional enough to let other people use it without a few workarounds.

I'll post a few more in-game images soon with the next update.

Edit: Drop by our official forum hosted by Fyron, there's plenty of more detailed discussion there that you might find interesting! Link is available through the website!

[ June 12, 2003, 17:22: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[minipol]

The battle picture (preview) on your site looks very cool. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif drool ...
How's the testing coming along?
I have a question about the AI? Are you using an own AI or have you modfied the AI of say TMD?

[Captain Kwok]

A minor website update with some design changes (in progress) and added cultural modifier data for each race on their information page.

[ June 14, 2003, 01:48: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[minipol]

Thanks, i'll have a look at that forum.
Making the AI will be a daunting task. Maybe you could make 1 good ai and then tweak that for the different races?

[Captain Kwok]

Bad, Very Bad News

My harddrive has died. It made a few clicking noises while I was playing a pbw turn - then I realized what was happening! I tried in vain to backup what I could of my computer files, but it was too late. I had intended to copy all the mod files and graphics etc to CD a few weeks ago but had procrastinated. I feel like crying now.

I'll try and get a new harddrive if I can afford to this week and see if I can grab anything off the old one - unfortunately I don't think it will work. It sounds like the problem is mechanical.

If I cannot recover anything from the mod, I will not continue the mod. I am so sad. I keep thinking about all the time I spent making those graphics and files. All I had to do was copy it to a damn CD, half hour at most. Now I only have a few floppies with selected files from a few months ago. I'm so sorry. I feel so bad. It's been so long already and I know many of you were looking so forward and I was finally getting so close.

At least I have this laptop, so I think I'll be able to keep up with PBW turns and stuff like that. If I can't recover the data, I think I'll devote my resources into helping revive the se:ladder with Fyron and Thermodyne and making the best thing around.

I think I'm going to go for a walk, it's such a nice day. If you haven't backed up your important data recently - I suggest you do it now - don't be a dumbass like me.

[Slick]

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGG!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

That's terrible!!! I was so looking forward to this mod!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

There are places that specialize in recovering data from dead systems. From what I hear, they are expensive, though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif . I'd at least try to get an estimate. I have read reports of data being recovered from harddrives that had fell into water, run over with a truck, and many other seemingly unbelievable recoveries. Maybe it is not so expensive for a "normal" crash... Hope you didn't lose anything else.

[edit: If you do get an estimate, please post what the cost would be. Who knows, maybe we could take up a small collection to help.]

[edit2: check this out: http://www.drivesavers.com/museum/museuma.html ]

Slick.

[ June 15, 2003, 20:38: Message edited by: Slick ]

[Katchoo]

*Katchoo's jaw drops to the floor*

Good lord! First Hugh's Hard Drive goes kaput!, now yours. Can we blame the people associated with MOO3 for this?

Seriously though, it may not be all that bad http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif You have alot of images and info stored on your website and the Offical Forum. You may be able to use some of that stuff to rebuild the Mod.

Hopefully http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Hopefully http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Hopefully http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif

[Captain Kwok]

I'm just in shock really. I had that 'not going to happen to me' attitude and I sure paid for it huh?

I'll see what my options are in the next couple of days. It sounds like something is wrong with the arm/head?, the drive is making this clicking noise like it can't read the platters. I'm not fiddling with it anymore myself as I don't want to cause anymore possible damage. I'll be sure to post the details of what is going on.

[ June 15, 2003, 21:04: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[Slick]

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
I'm just in shock really. I had that 'not going to happen to me' attitude and I sure paid for it huh?

I'll see what my options are in the next couple of days. It sounds like something is wrong with the arm?, the drive is making this clicking noise like it can't read the platters. I'm not fiddling with it anymore myself as I don't want to cause any damage. I'll be sure to post the details of what is going on.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good. From what I have been reading on the data recovery sites, the noise indicates mechanical problems that can destroy data. For drives making noise the sites do not recommend trying software to recover the data; using the drive can cause more damage. (Maybe that's just trying to get business) Although, you probably knew that already.

Slick.

[Captain Kwok]

I read that too. I only tried a couple of times to re-start after the initially clicking noises began. I hope if it did cause damage, it didn't cause too much.

[minipol]

All i can say is: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif
Aaaarrrggggh. Never trust a hd. Hell, never trust a cd. I always keep several cd's with backups of my data.

[ June 15, 2003, 21:55: Message edited by: minipol ]

[Timstone]

Ouch, this a dark day indeed for the SE4 fans.
All that time you've spend on this beautiful mod, wasted...
Although Slicks idea about the cost for recovery and a little collection sounds really tempting. I'm sure there are many, many fans at this board who are willing to pay a small fee for you great mod.
Hmm... hope Hadrian won't be offended...

[Atrocities]

Kwok, save the HD as one day you might be able to get the data recovered. Trust me on this, a second HD is a god send at times. I back up all the DOGA files on that and on zip. My burner, thanks to Easy CD Creater, seldom works.

If you have BB and can access the data, email it to someone or upload it to your website for storage.

If you can not recover you work, and the ST mod is dead, then all we have left is the AST mod. And I really do not feel like going through that mod and remaking it.

Loud SCREAM of FRUSTRATION

All of your models are gone!!!!!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[ June 15, 2003, 22:06: Message edited by: Atrocities ]

[minipol]

Yeah, definitly get an estimate.
Anyway, nobody else has part of the data files?

[cybersol]

Ouch, that is really bad news for all of us, but especially for you Kwok. Sorry your HD had such a lousy sense of timing. I was (and still am if possible) really looking forward to this mod.

Getting data off the drive can be anywhere from pricey to really pricey because it usually requires a clean room at minimum. Also, it is not always possible if the heads crashed into the platter and completely destroyed the surface.

Keep us posted on the news and recovery efforts. So sorry to hear this happened to you.

[Slick]

Originally posted by Timstone:
Ouch, this a dark day indeed for the SE4 fans.
All that time you've spend on this beautiful mod, wasted...
Although Slicks idea about the cost for recovery and a little collection sounds really tempting. I'm sure there are many, many fans at this board who are willing to pay a small fee for you great mod.
Hmm... hope Hadrian won't be offended...<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Whoa... I hinted at a collection to save his hardware, NOT to pay for the mod. There is a difference and I am sure we don't want to go there.

Slick.

[Captain Kwok]

It's ok, no collection is needed!

I will take it with me to a couple of computer stores. Since I need a new HD regardless, I'm hoping to maybe make some kind of deal where if its possible to recover some data, they'll do it for me cheaper if I'll buy a new drive from them.

If all is lost, I don't think I could restart the mod. It would just be so frustrating after how much time was spent, I don't think I would ever be able to get over it. However, on a more positive note after such a horrible day, I would put my efforts into a variety of smaller projects such as ship sets (hey, Atrocities does need some competition you know), helping with other mods, and other general mayhem - just not anything too big http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif .

[Katchoo]

Is your Hard Drive under warrenty still? If so, and if you can't get the data back (or it's waaaay to expensive) then contact the manufacturer and send in the bad Drive for a new one. Aside from shipping of the bad Drive, there' no other cost to you.

From the description of the noises it sounds like you had the same thing happen as I did Last year with my 13 Gig Quantam Drive. A trip to the Maxtor (who bought out Quantam) wesbsite and I had authorization to swap the Drive for a new one.

Don't pay for a new Drive if you don't have too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[minipol]

And now that i think of it. It's probably the head that's going kaboom. Which means your top disc (normally a hd consists of several disks) is going to have some scratches. Which means lost data in those sector but the other data on the disk should be recoverable. They could get the disks out and read those.

[DeadZone]

And that could cost quite abit, unless u know the right ppl

[DeadZone]

Originally posted by Slick:
From what I have been reading on the data recovery sites, the noise indicates mechanical problems that can destroy data. For drives making noise the sites do not recommend trying software to recover the data; using the drive can cause more damage. (Maybe that's just trying to get business) Although, you probably knew that already.

Slick.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Actually it is false to some point, when I first got my hdd's they always made that noise, yet no data loss, no damage, no nothing

Tho I do know alot about computers so I can say, it is a worryin sign, just it doesnt always do anything bad

[jimbob]

Oh please be recoverable... please please please please please!

I'd be willing to chip in if need be to rescue data from the drive (note to all, I don't mean that I'd be willing to pay for a mod, but rather to help with the recovery of work done). Keep us posted. Also, if you'd like, I can store some data on my HD and back up on the server here at work. Heck, I'd burn it to CD as well, and if need be I'd snail mail you replacements!

Really sorry to hear the bad bad news. Good luck to you!

[Knightsaber]

I...I...uh

*sob*

[JLS]

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
It's ok, no collection is needed!

I will take it with me to a couple of computer stores. Since I need a new HD regardless, I'm hoping to maybe make some kind of deal where if its possible to recover some data, they'll do it for me cheaper if I'll buy a new drive from them.

If all is lost, I don't think I could restart the mod. It would just be so frustrating after how much time was spent, I don't think I would ever be able to get over it. However, on a more positive note after such a horrible day, I would put my efforts into a variety of smaller projects such as ship sets (hey, Atrocities does need some competition you know), helping with other mods, and other general mayhem - just not anything too big http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif .<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You really should finish this MOD, YOU have a lot of thought and work, in this.

I would gladly stop every thing on my plate and give you a hand Captain, just say the word http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Captain Kwok]

If I can recover most of the data than I will certainly continue!

If by chance I cannot get any data back then there is not much I can do. By the time we'd get back to this point, we'd all be talking about the upcoming Space Empires V and modding Star Fury. In that case, I rather work towards something for those games - especially SE:V, since I'm feeling really confident that it will be an incredible game and even more moddable!

However, in the second case, I think I might put together some new ship sets. I have decent talent in that respect so I might as well use it.

[Timstone]

Good decision Cap'n. All hail to Cap'n Kwok!!
Still, I hope the HD can be revived or at least that the HD gives us our long awaited Cap'n Kwok Star Trek mod. We'll await your answer about the survival (or rivival) of your precious HD.

[minipol]

yeah, definitely keep us posted Kwok!

[The_Hag]

I had a similar nightmare happen about 8 months ago.

The folks at

http://www.data-recovery.com/

saved me--100% recovery. There really is a good chance of recovering at least some of your data. I have been watching the progress of your mod for a long time and I wish you the best, but I also seriously encourage you to look into data recovery. I'd even donate a few bucks to your cause.

-The Hag

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by The_Hag:
I had a similar nightmare happen about 8 months ago.

The folks at

http://www.data-recovery.com/

saved me--100% recovery. There really is a good chance of recovering at least some of your data. I have been watching the progress of your mod for a long time and I wish you the best, but I also seriously encourage you to look into data recovery. I'd even donate a few bucks to your cause.

-The Hag<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I sent you a private message just in case you don't catch it, check under my profile.

Thanks for the link!

[minipol]

So, has the data been saved yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by minipol:
So, has the data been saved yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No not yet. After checking with a few places Online and by phone, it is likely to cost much more than I thought! If it had been a case of a few bad sectors it wouldn't be so bad and I could do it myself, but it's a serious problem. I'll hang onto the drive regardless and hope to find someone that can help me out.

Rather than spend big $'s on only a chance of recovering the data, I'm putting it into a new computer since my one is over 4 years old and it's time to say goodbye. I've pretty much decided on what I want and I hope to receive it and be up and running by late next week. By then I should also decide what I'm going to do about the future of the mod. If I decide against starting over then I'll certainly make some smaller sized contributions towards Space Empires in terms of ship sets and planets, and help set up the new ladder, not to mention - work on some stuff for the release of Starfury.

Thanks again for the offers to send money, but I'd really prefer if you saved it for yourself or even made a donation to PBW.

Although I've lost close to everything from my graphics, mods, saved games, school files, to my first programs - I feel strange about it now. While I really miss all the stuff I had, I also look forward to getting a fresh start, while being more responsible, wasting less time, and doing something new and original.

[Captain Kwok]

Originally posted by minipol:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
While I really miss all the stuff I had, I also look forward to getting a fresh start, while being more responsible, wasting less time, and doing something new and original.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good for you! A fresh start can be, well, eh, refreshing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
Anyway, don't throw out the old pc. Maybe you can build a small server from it? I did that with my old pc. I threw a debian linux on it. But there are easier linux distro's to work with but i happen to like Debian.
Now my mail is automatically collected, sorted, and checked for spam or virusses. It's neat!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm going to grab a little HD for the my old computer and sell it to my parents for a little sum to help pay for the new computer. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[minipol]

ha, memories. the ancient art of ripping of the parents. been there, done that. actually they KNOW they are being ripped off, but they don't dare to refuse since you're their kid.
but as a good parasite, you cannot drain them too much at once. slowly works best http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Atrocities]

you could always ask them for a new computer.

[Suicide Junkie]

So THAT's why old people get shrivelled and wrinkly! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[minipol]

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
While I really miss all the stuff I had, I also look forward to getting a fresh start, while being more responsible, wasting less time, and doing something new and original.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good for you! A fresh start can be, well, eh, refreshing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
Anyway, don't throw out the old pc. Maybe you can build a small server from it? I did that with my old pc. I threw a debian linux on it. But there are easier linux distro's to work with but i happen to like Debian.
Now my mail is automatically collected, sorted, and checked for spam or virusses. It's neat!

[Captain Kwok]

I don't leech off my parents! They don't have a computer, so I thought well they wouldn't mind my old one - it's good enough for what they would need it for - and I'm not going to use it. I'd probably just give it to them if the money was here, but my wife and I spend 8 months of the year in school, so there's not much of it here until were done. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

By the way, I did order my new computer and it should be ready and delivered by next Wednesday when I get back from my little trip. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Timstone]

This is the first step, convincing people you're not leeching... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[minipol]

Hehehehe ! ROFL. Nice one Timstone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Timstone]

Mijn dank, mijn waarde Belgische compaan.

[Lighthorse]

Hey Captain Kwok,

Get a CD burner with your new computer, so you can maintain all your files. I should have been maintain all my files too. But I lost everything to a conrupted bio file. Was able to restore my computer, but lost all my files in the process. I have a CD burner with my Dell computer so I have no excuses why I didn't back up my files. If you do decide to start over again with star trek mod, let us help you develop the mod and that will helps to back up the files by everyone having them.

Lighthorse

[mac5732]

Cap, Data Recovery is expensive, however, a friend of mine does that on the side, He owns his own company and does it part time.. If you like I could ask him and see if he could recover your data. You would have to send me your HD tho and I don't know how long it would take...

if your interested send me a email and we'll work out the details

just some ideas Mac

[Timstone]

Three cheers for good old Mac!

[jimbob]

Yes! Yah Mac.
If you could help Kwok out on this I'll rate you 5 stars... oh wait, I already did.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[The Canuck]

3 cheers for mac. HIP HIP HURRRAY!!! HIP HIP HURRRAY!!! HIP HIP HURRRAY!!!

(feel free to treat ur self to a beer or somethin Mac u damn well deserve it... if this works out http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif )

[BeenAssimilated]

Yes, thank you so much Mac! I am a fanatical Trekkie and have been looking forward to Captain Kwok's mod for some time. I am very, very sorry for him and pray to the prophets that he will be able to recover his valuable data and continue his mod. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[Captain Kwok]

Mac:

I just got back from my little trip. I'll send you an e-mail and see what we might be able to do.

I did have a CD burner, the worst part being that I never got around to making a CD of all the stuff I had. I'm still kicking myself for that!

[mac5732]

Cap, np, wait to hear from you, looked for you in the SE4 chat room but apparently you were out galavanting around.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

just some ideas mac

[Captain Kwok]

Greetings.

Atrocities has taken up the reigns for a Star Trek mod. Please read about it here:
New Star Trek Mod (http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=23;t=009375)

I'm going to assist in more of a consultant fashion, but I've made available whatever I had left for his use. Atrocities intends to use many of the unique features I had incorporated into the original mod, so it should play much along the same line.

I'll most likely be moving the STmod site next week to a new url, and replacing the current site with a more broad-based site on SE4, StarFury, and future things I'll work on.

[ June 24, 2003, 17:28: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

[Captain Kwok]

Ok, I've moved the old Star Trek mod website... so you can update your links. I've provided the new link in my signature below.

[Atrocities]

Man that site was, is a great source of information. It is by far one of the best trek sites out.

[oleg]

Aah,hmm (C.S.Forester copy right) , But what is the site you talking about ?

[Timstone]

Oh, pay attention good Oleg... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif