I was just curious why no one seems to have compiled any huge high-res texture and vehicle packs for the Combat Mission games. Everything I've seen has been bits and pieces.
It's interesting to examine the modification style of old games. With some, there is a single group of dedicated developers that want to release an unofficial patch or texture pack to improve an old classic. With games like Jagged Alliance 2, System Shock 2, etc. there are 2 or 3 "main" mods to install that overhaul the game significantly, and for most people, that is all they'll ever need.
Other times there is a very distributed mod scene but a few mega packs will show up. Morrowind is a good example of this. There are niche mods that improve all the tableware in the game, but I also have one pack for high-resolution trees and one for all major game textures.
Then we have Combat Mission, where it seems like you have to download a hundred little alterations -- a new Sherman here, some snow textures there, a better pine tree, etc. The advantage is you get to customize the game how you want, but it's somewhat disappointing for a new player such as myself who just wants to take an hour or two to modernize the game and get playing without having to wade through huge databases. Most of the mod advice is "look for things by mod authors ABC and XYZ." If it's a frequently asked question, why not compile some popular mods and throw them together in one installation? Is it because the authors don't want their work dumped in with other things, or is it just the style of this community?
Your thoughts?