Mord

Pertaining to our conversation in the other thread about moving Black Sea's mdr files into SF2. Here's a test I just did moving CMBN's mdrs and textures into SF. It was a quick check and I didn't rename anything etc. You get the sloped roofs without doing any model work. The flat roof textures ended up on the peaks but I didn't bother delving deeper into what needed to be renamed (or if it's even possible) to get the BN roof texture to show. There's still at least one flat roof present, which could come in handy, or be renamed to get the slope. Anyway, something to consider when you go back to the Euroscape mod. Might be less work if the roof textures are a simple renaming of bmps. Mord.

I worked a tiny bit on that mod, and the roofs were actually what I focused on. Not sure why they didn't make it in. I may not have finished. But, from what I remember, guys sent to the roof will actually end up under the eaves (inside the house). Kinda cool. I don't think they get a protection bonus though. Hard to remember, it was what, 11 years ago? You may be able to just copy and paste the entire building set from Black Sea (minus churches)? Do they have mds/lod files? If so it'd be a one shot deal. Mord.

I highly doubt any texture mod switching is gonna work (the Russian models are different than the Syrians). Even if you rename the Russian mds (I think that's the name) files to Syrian I don't think they'll take because ALL the Syrian soldier models are wrapped up in those couple files (you could try it). You can't hex edit like the old days. It use to be each soldier model had its own set of files, now they are all combined. Best you could do is rename the Russian sound files to Syrian. Other than that you probably gotta explore all the stuff 37mm and Aquila are doing in the various model threads to find a way around it. Mord.

Thanks, man. I get inspired when new people come along and show interest. It reignites my enthusiasm for the series, explaining all the nuances and reasons why I love the games and I get to see them through fresh eyes to boot. The best way to grow the community base is to welcome new or potential players with open arms and share our knowledge and passion to peak their interests. I get hyped because I want people to experience the same kinda badass moments that I have. Welp, the one thing Mikey left out is that you can actually do both at the same time if you play WEGO. Plot and play your moves from way up high, then rewind and get down in the dirt for a more immersive experience on the second/third/fourth viewing of the turn. You can travel around the map and view all the action up close and personal from any angle you want, catching all the killer scenes as they play out. You don't miss out on 90% of the coolness like you do in most every other game at this level. Here's a little vid @IICptMillerII posted a while back that I like to use to illustrate the allure of a CM game. That beautiful 14 seconds of immersion is what keeps a lot of us coming back for more. I would also recommend not limiting yourself to just Modern or just WWII. CM's various flavors are a big part of the series's attraction. As you get comfortable with the play-style and mechanics you definitely should branch out into other titles. And added bonus, the engine state stays consistent across tiles. No feature envy. If a new title came out tomorrow and added new explosion graphics and detailed hand to hand combat animations all the titles would eventually get access to them. Pretty damn cool. If you are still looking for a turn based modern game (and don't already know about it), I'd suggest checking out Campaign Series: Middle East 1948 to 1985, its a bit older but they will continuously update it as they add new features to their upcoming/future titles (like their Nam game). I hope one day they'll do a complete graphics overhaul, but it has a decidedly board game-ish feel to it and covers some obscure conflicts. If you have any more questions about CM or other stuff, just ask away and we'll do our best to help you out. Mord. P.S. And if you want to break your 15 hour curse, stick around, interact with the boards. I find discussing the games, posting pics, AARs, and relaying experiences helps keep the enthusiasm and interest levels high.

Saturdays are good days to post screenshots for up coming modules set in Italy. Says so in the Constitution. Mord.

To add to 37's explanation, you also lose access to multiple uniform/helmet, face textures on lower settings (if you decide to start adding mods to your games). And let me tell you screwing with mods (whether making them or just using them) is one of the games within the game. It can end up being quite a giant rabbit hole. Mord.

This space reserved for @BFCElvis to upload a crap-ton of new screenshots or announce a new thread that showcases a crap-ton of new screenshots. Either way, lets see a crap-ton of new screenshots. Mord.

CM isn't a game in the sense we usually think of games. Yes, it's fun, entertaining, and you use rules and orders to interact with it but it's more a simulation. You don't really finish a CM title like say you would a FPS or RT game. It's designed in a way that it technically could never end. I've been playing BN since 2011 and am still going, still doing things involved with it, whether that be firing up a scenario or modding. Think of it more as an investment in historical immersion, research, interaction, and play. There are a huge number of ways you can enjoy these titles; modding, scenario play, scenario design, campaign design, historical research, loading up the vehicles and studying their design/systems, map making etc. You can watch a WWII documentary or read a good memoir, then jump into one of the titles and experience the battles and fire fights you just watched or read about on a visceral level that engages the imagination—you become the general, the captain, the private locked in fierce combat across France/Germany/Russia/Italy with all the formations, weapons, vehicles and armor that can entail. When I invest in a wargame I usually shoot for one that has longevity (editor etc.), historical immersion, detail, and a passionate community that will keep it alive for years to come. CM nails that criteria. If the game grabs you (like it has so many of us) your return on dollar spent is in the pennies. These are bar none some of the best bang for your buck titles in the hobby. Mord.

GOOD! Make sure sburke turns the AA on this time! LOL. Mord.

My favorite is the stomach clutch and drop. It's the most realistic in my opinion. Totally agree on the "Egyptian" dude. I can't wait until the "monkey run" animation is replaced for pistol packing crews etc. God, I hate that animation! Mord.

It sure does accelerates your ability to digest some awfully dense info like graphical software how-tos/techniques. I could've used it 21 years ago when I first opened Elements! Damn nice work, especially considering you just started. At this rate you'll be a master in a year. Mord.

It's not in your main install folder? Mord.

BOING! Mord.

Nice little bone everyone ignored. I want to know more! @BFCElvis we need some RT screenies STAT! Mord.

There was a lot more going on with SF's release than "unachievable expectations". Lets be honest. SF was easily 8 months early. Paradox walked away without a scratch though, didn't they? BF learned a painful lesson and worked their asses off to rectify it and have more than made up for it in the 12 years since. They may suck sometimes with communicating and stuff can be beyond long in coming at points but I've never doubted them once after watching them brunt the storm and wrestle SF into shape. I can get irritated with the silence sometimes but I think Elvis has been doing a good job keeping people up to speed these past few months. People are forgetting that. Communications have actually gotten better. Mord.

I thought multiplayer had been set up to where you could still play a battle as long as one player owned the DLC content present in a scenario? Mord.

I don't have a problem with seeing more packs. I'd love to see more packs! I don't think they've been utilized near as well as they can be. But I take exception to it being after the RT module (and I hope Steve is just blowing off steam here because he's frustrated and stressed). CMFB should get its due with a CW module just like FI and BN got, THEN we could focus on just packs for the existing titles. I am much more interested in vehicles, weapon, formation packs than anything else and have been looking forward to seeing some more. I thought BN's had a good amount of content for its price. And I'd be happy to see them for all game titles. But I warn you now, there'll be just as much bitching over them as there is about modules being late because wargamers are a miserable lot by default and never happy and if not done strategically you'll be accused of milking the poor destitute guys that blow a couple hundred a month on nothing. Mord. P.S. I guarantee you right now indignant chests are puffing and heads are exploding on various forums around the net after that tidbit dropped.

Scalable LODs so faster computer owners don't have to look at a blobbity mess every time they zoom out or peer across a map. Mord.

You're welcome, guys. I am really digging how that People's Army guy came out. And I think the new soldier is the best so far. Mord.

Well, Isandlawana and the Little Bighorn are stand alone battles but there's a mod that adds a huge amount of countries and armies that weren't in the original release for skirmish battles and custom campaigns. I agree, I love up close action but if you approach it from the table top perspective (around which it's designed) it's easier to accept. I'd much rather see guys getting shot, bodies dropping, hand to hand combat etc. but it's cool for what it is. Great game! One of the best TW titles ever made (it might never leave my hard drive). They really hit the sweet spot with the characters in that game. Just the right balance of detail without them being too simplified. I use the Stainless Steel mod when I play. It's really nice. Mord.

You're welcome. It's a fun game. I installed a sound mod that really adds to the immersion. It's not quite as deep as CM of course, but it fills a niche that is fairly ignored. There are a zillion user made scenarios available that you download within the game itself, so no need to search them out, that cover everything from the Ottomans to Isandlwana to the Little Bighorn and everything in between. It's fairly Beer and Pretzels but in a good way. One of those games that is very easy to pick up but has enough depth to make it interesting and fun. I hope they'll do a new version once they finish Field of Glory II as I'd like to see some more visceral elements added to the battlefield atmosphere (namely bodies!). Hold out for a sale and you can pick it up for a song. Mord.

Try Pike And Shot (if you don't already know about it), that should hold you for at least 100 years. Skip to 10:30 for the action. Mord.

My advice would be to start with Reshade and whatever sound FX (a VERY deep rabbit hole) that float your boat. Sounds are such a personal taste thing you could spend many an hour testing all the various files. Reshade, however, is a game changer. Use it as a base for everything else and you won't need that many other mods because it does so much out of the gate. It's without a doubt one of the best additions to CM modding since SF 1 was released. I highly recommend it. Here's the primer I put together that covers how to install. Once you get a Reshade look you really enjoy, you can branch out and add specific mods as you see fit. But I'd definitely add some special effects stuff, especially fire and smoke. Vein's effects are a good starting point or you can jump in and try out 37mm's package as he mentioned above. Have fun! Mord.

Punji pits are another good example of wounding more than killing guys. Nasty and tie up a couple soldiers depending on how bad the wound. Mord.

Your wish is mine command. This is what I came up with for the moment. Plus a People's Army type dude. And a new and improved regular soldier. Here's what they all look like together including the militia guy from a few weeks ago. Mord.