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A Modding Project ( DF ??? )

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Demortia
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Registered: 11-2004
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A Modding Project ( DF ??? )

Been having connection issues over the last week or so, but during that time I have been investigating the Mod-ability aspects of a particular game just for something to keep the mind occupied with.

The game in question is "Starwars - Empire at War " and its potential is almost unlimited. Because the entire game engine is built upon simple config-type files ( XML to be precise, but all this requires is a simple XML editor that is little different than a simple text editor or Notepad )

It actually takes longer to test the new additions or changes than to add them!
Anyway, all this had me thinking, of a complete Dark Future total conversion mod!
Theres even a simple map editor ( easier and simpler than Vamps map editor! ) to make both land and space battle maps.

There is two things that might be a problem however. I havent a clue how to make new models or animations, and the LUA format scripting is something I havent looked into yet. I've managed to add a ton of new content already, but I'll post some pics of the most interesting parts :

This is the universe map, if you look closely you can see a new Planet I added ( Necros ) It is entirely possible to discard everything relating to the Starwars Planets and add in those relevent to DF!

Zoomed in view of Necros, showing the orbiting station and any space and ground forces present. As you can see my character Demortia is there on the surface being her usual bossy self, making sure those mines and production facilties are running efficiently.
Adding in new character's ( Leaders and commander are used as characters with special skills or benefits that effect the army they are commanding )
You may wonder why she's part of the Imperial forces and not the rebellion! well, simple answer, they have cooler looking armies and ships.
However, it is entirely possible to discard both the Rebellion and Empire factions and replace them with the factions present in Dark Future!

Heres Demortia leading an Imperial ground assault. Currently I've had to use existing models and animations ( The model used for my Character is actually Mara Jade, the resources for Mara are in the game, but it seems they arent actually used in it! )
I've managed to download new models ( Such as Battle Droids, and TIE Interceptors ) and successfully include them with no problems at all.
If you've played Warhammer : Dawn of War, you have a good idea of what the Planetary surface battles are like, although the base building aspect isnt there ( Base building is done via the universe map ), you can call down reinforcements from orbit ( Its cool how they actually arrive in transport ships and shuttles too ) by capturing Strategy Points which increase your overall ground force size limit.

When theres a space battle, my character actually uses a ship model instead ( Dynamically using the model to suit planet or space combats )
As you can see I've added in the Crimson Nebula, the first ship the Corp owned in DF.
All the weapon points are fully custom built too ( each "Hardpoint" can be damaged seperate from the ship itself, even being blown completely away with the weapon section breaking away and floating off into space)

A better view of the Crimson Nebula in relation to the other ships. Space combat is amazing to watch in cinematic mode with camara shots changing dynamically to where the action is. Space battles are simple, but can become chaotic, everything is happening everywhere!
If you can add one ship, then why not change everything! Modding is damn easy to do, and would be a simple matter of changing from Rebellion vs Empire to Crimson Corp vs Camarilla ( Sub factions exist too, such as pirates, so having Sabbat and the other factions in the world of DF would be a simple matter to include )

Of course there would be a limit to the models that can be used, which would be a mix of Empire, Rebellion, and some others I can download ( such as from the Stargate Mod ) But, it would all be done intelligently and fairly, and would be a damn awesome thing to have...

Oh, and Force powers in Starwars.... Vampiric diciplines in DF maybe?

Gotta love these massive things, having these stomping accross the battlefield is one amazing sight! ( The Titan Project?? )

I'll attempt a total Dark Future conversion at some point ( even just for my own enjoyment ) but if anyone is interested in the idea ( and has Starwars - Empire at War ) and would like to test various stuff and offer ideas then let me know

Last edited by Demortia, 6/10/2007, 1:27 pm

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6/10/2007, 12:42 pm

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Demortia
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Registered: 11-2004
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Posts: 434
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Re: A Modding Project ( DF ??? )

I've successfully managed to create and add the whole Dark Future world into the game! It is a fully playable single player campaign with a functioning ( and very aggressive AI opponent ) Making this into a multiplayer Campaign would be an even simpler matter!

The unrendered planets are ones that havent been explored yet and the green connecting lines are trade routes that boost your planetary income and allow faster travel.
But, its all there, the whole DF world, fully functioning. They use stock surface and space maps at the moment though, and theres still a lot of text to add for various descriptions.
But, the toughests part is done! I'll also add in some of the important gas giant moons since you cant build mines on gas giants and only build space stations and ship construction yards.

The strangest thing is, this game is remarkably similar ( Both in style and concept - Has Lucarts been ripping me off I wonder! ) to the forum based DF Strategy Game I had been working on in the past!

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A Guest once said to me "Oh I like Roleplaying, I just dont like it when people stand around pretending to be Vampires!"

6/11/2007, 2:09 pm

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Demortia
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Registered: 11-2004
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Posts: 434
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Re: A Modding Project ( DF ??? )

Was up at 4:30am so decided to take advantage of the peace and quiet ( Apart from those damned noisy tweeting birds! ) by doing a little work on the Dark Future mod.

The mod doesnt change or alter any of the game resources and can be run by clicking its own icon. This way the original game remains intact and unaltered, giving you the choice to run either the original game OR the mod.

A simple bit of editing and heres the two main ( playable ) factions.
A little more editing and I can add in other playable factions

New models for the Crimson Corp fighter squadrons ( yes, they are from Stargate ). Main armament is self guiding missiles, but all units have strengths and weaknesses.
Just need to work on the bomber squadrons next.

And heres the full description for the unit.

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A Guest once said to me "Oh I like Roleplaying, I just dont like it when people stand around pretending to be Vampires!"

6/26/2007, 7:31 am

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