Aquila-SmartWargames

Working on a VC People's Militia campaign...
Which will also include an assassination scenario, our "Hit team" of spies & lightly armed men...

...... their targets, a hated LDF Commander & his chief bodyguard...

 
"Oppress this!"

Year of the Rat Temple Addon


- works like regular "skin" mods, place it in your z folder and they will appear
- designed primarly for the Heaven & Earth Year of the Rat campaign, replaces the two monastery domes with temple roofs
- damaged versions included
- also works in regular CMSF2 and with other HE scenarios, however not all domes have been replaced, only the 17x17 roof and the 16x8 roof
- unique textures for intact and damaged included (currently copies from the H&E dome texture), they don´t interfere with the regular dome texture, can be modified by liking
Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Creation & Custom Buildings Tutorial (works for all CM2 games):
https://youtu.be/vTnyRcb8NV0
- I by accident also did a 16x16 roof with the temple from the 2nd screenshot (not included) if one wants the files contact me on YT or Twitch.
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

In the course of dozen playthroughs and experiments with Blender/CM2 Tools (http://community.battlefront.com/topic/118928-combat-mission-modding-tools/) several assets were created which I want to share with the community:
Big Cargo Ship

 
BF109

 
Radar Station

 
Downed Blackhawk

 
Fire Truck

 
Ambulance

 
Barricade + optional Smoke/Burn Stash (Wreck, an invisible alternative is created by 37MM)

 
Barricade (three sizes)

 
Humvee V3 Woodland (Randomized Gear)

 
Humvee V3 Desert (Randomized Gear)

 
Humvee V2 Geardo Desert (Permanent Full Gear) 

 
AFRICAN UNCON (now also including conventional African Forces conversion by 37MM, original work by MikeyD) 

 
Falklands War Scorpion, Scimitar, and Argentinian LVTP-7 conversion

 
Makeshift VBIED

 
Humvee Wreck

 
Uncaged M2 Stryker

 
Marines to Army Special Forces or Navy SEALS conversion skins (including work of mjkerner, Combatinfman, Blimey)

 
BMP1/2 to BMD1/2 conversion (with corrected hatches)

 
Desert KAMAZ Skin

 
Marines frankensteined Armored MTVR Skin

 
New Syrian Special Forces and Woodland vehicles (based on the work of various modders)

 
Syrian Winter Mod (just terrain and partial "winterization" of vehicles, created for a Hasrabit Campaign playthrough)

 
PK Pickup to PK UAZ conversion

 
Russian Forces (original work Euroscape + various modders)

 
US Army & Marines Woodland Forces (original work Euroscape + various modders)

 
All these mods and many more can be found in this Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Credits to modders, 3D-Artists, and Battlefront.
For better quality footage and more information about 3D custom models check out the recent videos & descpriptions here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeK7fSyoEE8aorVLlVfNcAQ
The custom flavor objects have a "crate1" box placed into their center. Click it to interact with its placing. Zoom into the model if difficult. There are some FOV issues with bigger flavor objects can perhaps fixed by making the original "crate1" box bigger in Blender/CM2tools. Combine flavor objects with "visible/invisible" wreck objects to give them obstacle characteristics.
Good free library of 3D models you could use for importing. .max does not work with Blender. There are others.
http://www.cadnav.com/
Tutorials on Blender and CM2Tools can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkbTOSIrNV0&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXVAMaELSao&feature=youtu.be
The main intent was to explore the possibilities of this method. As I see this as accomplished I´ll step back now and hope it will motivate others to get into it. Prior getting into custom CM models I had absolute zero experience in 3D modelling, Blender or whatever but found my way into it in a short period of time and once you figure out the specifics it is not that difficult. Give it a try.  Anyone interested in custom CM models can reach out on Discord.
Happy wargaming.

Roof Building Walls Model Editing (All CM2 Games):

This was just a proof of concept test. With more work this could add alot to the detail/diversity of WW2/Modern buildings or when modtagged allow for specifically designed buildings for scenarios or campaigns: 
Reality comparison in Syria: 
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CTJW02/rooftop-aerials-and-satellite-dishes-in-damascus-syria-CTJW02.jpg
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DF27YA/syria-aleppo-satelites-tv-dishes-on-the-roofs-DF27YA.jpg
 
CMSF2 Roof Objects Test 8x8 Roofs with Objects, with no randomization, as in screenshot. Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

Year of the Rat Temple Addon


- works like regular "skin" mods, place it in your z folder and they will appear
- designed primarly for the Heaven & Earth Year of the Rat campaign, replaces the two monastery domes with temple roofs
- damaged versions included
- also works in regular CMSF2 and with other HE scenarios, however not all domes have been replaced, only the 17x17 roof and the 16x8 roof
- unique textures for intact and damaged included (currently copies from the H&E dome texture), they don´t interfere with the regular dome texture, can be modified by liking
Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Creation & Custom Buildings Tutorial (works for all CM2 games):
https://youtu.be/vTnyRcb8NV0
- I by accident also did a 16x16 roof with the temple from the 2nd screenshot (not included) if one wants the files contact me on YT or Twitch.
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

After about 6 years without CM (real Life, Children, work etc.) my motivation seems to be reborn 😎
So, the idea of this campaign is indeed resuscitated.
No promises about the date of release...but there‘s some time left until the new Modul is out...

Year of the Rat Temple Addon


- works like regular "skin" mods, place it in your z folder and they will appear
- designed primarly for the Heaven & Earth Year of the Rat campaign, replaces the two monastery domes with temple roofs
- damaged versions included
- also works in regular CMSF2 and with other HE scenarios, however not all domes have been replaced, only the 17x17 roof and the 16x8 roof
- unique textures for intact and damaged included (currently copies from the H&E dome texture), they don´t interfere with the regular dome texture, can be modified by liking
Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Creation & Custom Buildings Tutorial (works for all CM2 games):
https://youtu.be/vTnyRcb8NV0
- I by accident also did a 16x16 roof with the temple from the 2nd screenshot (not included) if one wants the files contact me on YT or Twitch.
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

One of the best mods I´ve played so far.

Year of the Rat Temple Addon


- works like regular "skin" mods, place it in your z folder and they will appear
- designed primarly for the Heaven & Earth Year of the Rat campaign, replaces the two monastery domes with temple roofs
- damaged versions included
- also works in regular CMSF2 and with other HE scenarios, however not all domes have been replaced, only the 17x17 roof and the 16x8 roof
- unique textures for intact and damaged included (currently copies from the H&E dome texture), they don´t interfere with the regular dome texture, can be modified by liking
Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Creation & Custom Buildings Tutorial (works for all CM2 games):
https://youtu.be/vTnyRcb8NV0
- I by accident also did a 16x16 roof with the temple from the 2nd screenshot (not included) if one wants the files contact me on YT or Twitch.
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

It reminds me of the discussion on the aging of game !
If it's undeniable when it comes to graphics,
the introduction of a new texture and detail pack like this one or camouflage for vehicles even if purely cosmetic could significantly improve this condition.
moreover I often find the impression given more important than a perfect rendering.
I may be too fan of the impressionist painters ...
in any case your abundance of ideas is fantastic. In addition to being technically gifted you have great ideas
well done

Other (fun) example idea, 30 sec edit:

 
But there are infinite other ideas
Either as seperate model or included in the model there are damaged or collapsed building parts which are only shown when the building receives enough damage or the designer has set the building to this state. These parts can be edited seperately. For example more debris could be added which is then only shown when the building part is damaged/collapsed. 

Roof Building Walls Model Editing (All CM2 Games):

This was just a proof of concept test. With more work this could add alot to the detail/diversity of WW2/Modern buildings or when modtagged allow for specifically designed buildings for scenarios or campaigns: 
Reality comparison in Syria: 
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CTJW02/rooftop-aerials-and-satellite-dishes-in-damascus-syria-CTJW02.jpg
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DF27YA/syria-aleppo-satelites-tv-dishes-on-the-roofs-DF27YA.jpg
 
CMSF2 Roof Objects Test 8x8 Roofs with Objects, with no randomization, as in screenshot. Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

Roof Building Walls Model Editing (All CM2 Games):

This was just a proof of concept test. With more work this could add alot to the detail/diversity of WW2/Modern buildings or when modtagged allow for specifically designed buildings for scenarios or campaigns: 
Reality comparison in Syria: 
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CTJW02/rooftop-aerials-and-satellite-dishes-in-damascus-syria-CTJW02.jpg
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DF27YA/syria-aleppo-satelites-tv-dishes-on-the-roofs-DF27YA.jpg
 
CMSF2 Roof Objects Test 8x8 Roofs with Objects, with no randomization, as in screenshot. Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1tviryry89g6py7/AAAJpSvGH6u1iEx4WzwVLSnJa?dl=0
Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

It wouldn't even need to be a full title, a forces expansion pack added to the top of Red Thunder or Final Blitzkrieg (basically just porting some OOB's and equipment from one title to the other), to allow scenario designers to make hypothetical scenarios would be welcome.

a highlight of the magnificent mod of Aquila-SmartWargames.
A bound of a hedge to the cover of a tree, under a sky infested with Typhoons




 
 

Video Playlist for CM 3D Model Editing with Showcases, Workflows, and Tutorials (latter with commentary)
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUX4ALH7zTNgpWGBYSFUCnZK-Sf7SCcl

You need to combine the ruins or other flavor models with visible/invisible low walls, wrecks, trenches, etc or invisible bushes, hedges etc to enable cover, concealment & LOS/LOF blocking. Detailed information and how to do it can be found in this thread.
I think somebody stated invisible buildings are also possible but I didn´t test much into this direction.
 

Vehicle and Helmet Camo Experiments
 
 
 

I see it also in this rather optimistic way. Sure there are always people that make out of proportion or rude demands but you have stuff like this in in every game forum. From what I´ve seen it appears even worse in forums of more casual games which might have something to do that a game like CM might attract more mature individuals in the first place, which additionally might be looking for the most definitive wargame representation, while understanding that the market and dev resources are different here. I personally see the bar CM has set as one of its biggest strength and selling points, absolutely not as its enemy. 
About graphics, I am not a graphics fetishist but not a nostalgia grog either. I like beautiful and authentic games, I have a strong machine, and alot of recent strategy games like Steel Division 2 or other genre games like PS, HLL etc. at my disposal and still when somebody would ask me "show me the most beautiful and definitive audiovisual experience in a ground strategy game" I would show him CM2 footage. Never gets old too look at the detailed vehicles and uniforms, never gets old when a big firefight errupts and the surrounds start to go down in an absolute apocalypse of gunfire, explosions, and shouting. No other strategy game reaches even close to this and I am talking here only about the (audio)visuals. Furthermore the terrain - not in a how much diverse objects there are - but talking rather about terrain complexity: In alot of strategy games you have this rather abstracted "wood, plains, urban, high ground etc." terrain features but in CM its on another level, hard to put in words but if you ever reconnoitered terrain for whatever reason, you might understand what I mean. Better than any real strategy game, even better than in some military first person shooters.
Sure I run a heavily modded audiovisual setup together with a personal fav of Reshade profile there. Some might argue "thats not part of the game" but I don´t make this differentiation. If I can do something myself in order to improve a situation or to better met certain criteria, I do it. Personal conclusion: CM2 looks to me beautiful like any current gen strat game with some aspects like uniform, vehicle detail, and combat fidelity even being on an higher level.
This of course doesn´t mean that engine overhauls or visual improvements are not welcome. Wouldn´t say no to improved rain visuals, problematic shadows in certain situations, better backgrounds, a more attractive void (the empy space beyond the map), ballistics analysis, better briefing and campaign/core force interfaces etc etc.. But if it would be gameplay/content vs. visuals right now I would go with the first. And when CM3 eventually becomes a thing, well then we´ll see 🙂

Yes
an essential mod for certain scenarios
especially in Normandy
Always fear of the Jabos !!!

Running through AI Plan #4 with a new mod by @Aquila-SmartWargames. 
The mod can be found at http://community.battlefront.com/topic/135382-custom-3d-models-and-mods-compilation/?do=findComment&comment=1814323


I think I like it best with shaders off (Hotkey: Alt-R).  I play with shaders on but when I take a screenshot with this mod I temporarily turn the shaders off.  Below is with shaders on. 

 
 

Campaign & voices done, manual update started. @mjkerner has also done some work on the Special Forces uniform from @puje ...