Unofficial Patch V1.5 - Plans and suggestions

Topic Subject: Unofficial Patch V1.5 - Plans and suggestions

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Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-28-05 11:51 AM EDT (US)

Note: This thread is meant to provide news about the progress of the v1.5 project. Suggestions are welcome, although more threads will be made in the future to make the information flow more fluent.
If at all possible, keep the thread a summary of ideas with a short explanation. Try and keep discussion on a topic minimal and make a thread and link to it, if you think your topic is up for discussion. Remember that suggestions are meant as a patch and the aim is wide acceptance by the AoW-community. This means that changes must be in line and compatible with existing maps and campaigns. In addition, gameplay changes should take Online, Play by Email and Single Player into account. This is different from a mod that is able to change large gaming concepts or is made for whomever is interested.

PLAN FOR UNOFFICIAL PATCH: VERSION 1.5

WHY DEVELOP AN UNOFFICIAL PATCH V1.5?
- To keep interest in Age of Wonders alive!!
- To keep improving aspects of the game.
- To keep the game interesting and dynamic on a competitive level.
- To dramatically improve the possibilities for mapmakers and modders.
- To enhance community involvement.

HOW CAN I HELP?
The development forums are here and everyone who wants to can sign up and contribute! Core members will be admitted by invitation only.

WHEN WILL IT BE RELEASED?

Since the project isn't a financially sponsored or paid endeavour, we have no strict deadline. The patch will not be a rushed product and the necessary time will be taken to fix issues and thoroughly test balance changes. Delays are possible and may take as long as months.

EXPECTED RELEASE DATE:
Currrently undetermined

WHAT IS POSSIBLE?
The teammembers will consist of very able people in the modding/playing/mapmaking/writing world that are capable of working in teams. What is possible will largely depend on the qualities of the teammembers and rules we allow ourselves to break. Decisions regarding some of these issues, as you may understand, are not allowed to be discussed in public on these forums. Please email me at swolte at gmail dot com with questions regarding copyright, hacks, etc...

In terms of additions to the game, v1.5 will be much bolder than v1.4 was.

********************WHAT IS PLANNED SO FAR?********************
This list may be expanded.

CAMPAIGN + Campaign Editor (35% complete)
The campaign will consist out of many linked maps replacing the old campaign (yes, you will be able to switch back and forth). The basic campaign structure therefore is linear but the internal design will allow for as much (perhaps even more than expected...) freedom.
We'll also attempt a campaign editor that actually works so users can make campaigns themselves a lot easier

MORE BUGFIXES (80% complete)

Fixes

RACIAL BOATS/PIONEERS/MACHINES (55% complete)
v1.5 will be a bit bolder in the sense that we will add and replace some existing units. Perhaps only with a couple of races.
- Racial Boats
- Racial Machines
- Racial Pioneers
- Extra Builder unit at Mastery Guild for some Constructor races.

This picture shows Bilge rats (the new Goblin Transport 'boat') transporting nasty Goblins and Kobolds to the human wharf. The peasants and defending pikeman are fleeing for safety towards the old mining tunnel.

NEW HEROES FOR CLASS (80% complete)
This will be the biggest change planned as it will impact gameplay as well as game feel. The intention is to replace existing hero classes with unique graphics (keeping some, but replacing most...). We have decided to go for it, in full force.
Discussion here.

ADDITIONAL WIZARDS and ITEMS. (85% complete)
Some new items and Wizards will be added to the standard library. This means that these can now also show up in the Random Map Generator.

NEW MAPS. (30% complete)
These are maps that will come with the patch. They will show some of the new editor features that will otherwise not be available when playing the game.

This picture shows more water based tiles and units. The whirlpool can suck in even the giant seamonster. On land, there is a fortress holding many magical creatures. and a Seer sees trouble from afar, when a Spiked Maw is flinching its three large, and deadly spikes on his back

MORE NEW UNITS/STRUCTURES/TERRAIN. (80% complete)
Especially mapmakers and single-players will be treated the most with these additions. None of the existing possibilities will be altered or changed. These can be considered as bonuses and have no effect on playing existing maps. Mapmakers can add them at will, the advantage is that a lot of work by fans and hidden opportunities of mapmakers will now be directed supported and easily accessible by everyone.
- New units will also now be available in standard structures (as defenders or recruits), as spirit rewards/infidels.

NEW RACES + RACE SWITCHER (~ temporarily stopped ~)
Another ambitious project is the race switcher. This utility will let you play new races (also in rmg) at the cost of switching one.
Some new races planned:
- Demons
- Gnomes
- Beast
- Fairy
- Lizard

This will be the last priority. If the patch's release is delayed too much, we may opt to do this as a future add-on.

********************WHO WILL BE INVOLVED?********************
These teams will be elaborated as time goes on. This is the current status. Vacant positions will be posted in this thread.

Map Team
This team is the core design team for the campaign
- Morgul666
- Swolte
- A
- Enginerd
- Nyarlathotep
- Albaron

Graphics design Team
This team will create units and structures for the game!
- PawelS
- Swolte
- The_Groll
- Albaron
- Achilles Reborn
- Beastfeast
- TravisII
- MagicIceFlame

Technical Support
- PawelS

NOTES
- This patch will be larger in size than the previous one. For v1.4, size was a restriction for certain additions and for v1.5 we're gonna let that go completely. Especially now that we are adding movies to the Campaign, hitting 500 MB is possible.

Get the unofficial Patch v1.4. here!
My best AoW-Sm map: Drums of Death (This is the multiplayer version; for single player, or AI use different version)
Other proud AoW-sm maps: The Key of Kharzul, The Fight for Light, Waikiti Island, Goldrush Mountains
My proud AoW2 maps:The River Arne
Coordinator of the v1.4 and v1.5 patchteams, Seraph of AoWHeaven, PBEM Singles Champion 2008

[This message has been edited by Swolte (edited 10-16-2011 @ 12:47 PM).]

Author

Replies:

shelper
HG Alumnus
(id: Smileyshelper)

posted 12-18-06 05:04 PM EDT (US) 571 / 2787

Quote:

hm....what about my metamorphosis/draconian growth comment/rant?

I (in my limited online experience) agree with your earlier point that Pacifist is almost too popular as a negative skillpick. The problem here, in my opinion, is that i'm not sure there's actually a win/win scenario here.

If too many people are picking pacifist, you try and counter that by giving units more interesting abilities at medals. (something Upatch 1.4 did nicely, i might add).
However, give too many units abilities on medals, and everybody will build nothing but War shrines, ignoring the other shrines. There's a very fine line between these two, one i'm not sure can be perfectly balanced, especially with all 15 races.

I know i'm not really commenting on your Draconian Growth / metamorphisis point, because i'm not sure what you want to change about it. Do you want them to morph into stronger units? Do you want them to do it more, have them reach their Elite status faster? Do you want to give it to more units so it'll happen more often?

It's like watching a flock of clown-like apes trying to navigate a ship, even though the ship has in fact been stranded on some kind of reef for about 7 years and none of the apes have noticed it yet. -Drahnier on OD moderation.

[This message has been edited by shelper (edited 12-18-2006 @ 05:08 PM).]

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-18-06 05:49 PM EDT (US) 572 / 2787

This is one of the reasons why v1.4 gives a small growth penalty for War Shrine.

Note that for standard online games, people mostly care for medals on the level 4 units. In a game where level 2 and 3 units are more important, this could change... It also depends on strategy. In pbem/online, lower level units play a bigger role as you can simply do more with them against indies.
Sometimes it can be more beneficial to go for a different Shrine, for example.

DM, I already gave answer for that!

Tekee
Member

posted 12-18-06 06:51 PM EDT (US) 573 / 2787

Hey i know lev!!

Hi lev!!!!
Oh wow I am returing to communtiy!!!

jankes
Member

posted 12-19-06 02:38 PM EDT (US) 574 / 2787

And now for something completely different...

Is it possible to change 'explore structure' tactical map into something like it was in AOW1. I mean actually exploring the structure (corridors, rooms etc.) rather than playing normal battle on normal map just with some symbolic textures in the middle?

Keep the good work guys and add some more graphics! Like spring- summer- fall-looking trees and grass.

Ah... And add DHD to your teleporter ring

DE OPPRESSO LIBER

[This message has been edited by jankes (edited 12-19-2006 @ 02:40 PM).]

DarkMystery
Member

posted 12-19-06 02:58 PM EDT (US) 575 / 2787

war shrine is still good, but not so important as before, order shrine and nature shrine got a lot of boosts in 1.4 and other mods.

also if you build for instance an order shrine with an evil race or alignment you usually get evil infidels. sometimes i got a karagh infidel quest before turn 20 and rejected the quest and hired the karagh and the 2 goblin wolfraiders, does not happen that oftne though.

but as order spirit considers killing a doombat as easy quest you can hire that one too early on. doombat can kill most weak-average guards without trouble.

also nature shrine gives a lot of gold if you really build it in each city and growth too, i think igot 2500 gold income on turn 60 last game.

you can always sell a nature shrine in lvl4 facilities and build a war shrine there. with that tactic you can also skip expander skill and take explorer and constructor instead, or merchant.

i also think the nr of how many lvl4 or lvl5(in na2) you can make at what turn is more important than just a silver medal... but it depends onthe situation, sphinxes always want silver medal.

Honored Core Balance Team Member of UPatch 1.4
Also known as TirAsleen
Dwiggsvillain

Merkraad
Member

posted 12-20-06 04:33 PM EDT (US) 576 / 2787

Ok time for my nit pick suggestion...

Dwarf Boar Rider has a Horse death sound for Death animation, but he rides a boar! It should be M_Grunt2.wav andM_Grunt1.wav, the sounds used for death of Boar unit

Don't forget to mention me as the nit picker

Artist, Sorcerer, Monk and AoW Series fan
Proud citizen of BRASIL \o/ |o/ \o| \o/ |o| /o/ \o/
Blog with some art

www.the-battlefield.com ex-member with fond memories:Battlefield Player of the year 2003;Battlefield Winner of 4 Tourneys;Battlefield Winner of AoW league 2004
Proud owner of an AoW SM poster signed by Devs!
Please try the fantastic BNW Mod made by my friend Kirky Picardo! The best AoW:SM Mod!

DarkMystery
Member

posted 12-20-06 05:43 PM EDT (US) 577 / 2787

dwarf boar rider should get a pig deahtsound, for more fun

Honored Core Balance Team Member of UPatch 1.4
Also known as TirAsleen
Dwiggsvillain

sausud
Member

posted 12-20-06 11:38 PM EDT (US) 578 / 2787

he should curse the one who kills him.

-= Love heals all =-
The One and only NymphMaster!
Aow-SM Maps: The Titan Gate (4.9/5)
Aow-TWT Maps:Glass (4.6/5)
Got any questions/suggestions regarding my maps? Post them HERE

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-21-06 11:30 AM EDT (US) 579 / 2787

Fixed

Here is another candidate for the Sonic Blast ability:

[This message has been edited by swolte (edited 12-21-2006 @ 11:30 AM).]

sausud
Member

posted 12-21-06 12:55 PM EDT (US) 580 / 2787

Hey Swolte, I wanted to know if the tiles for 'fish jumping out of the water' was made? Also can you make a 'whirlpool' tile?

-= Love heals all =-
The One and only NymphMaster!
Aow-SM Maps: The Titan Gate (4.9/5)
Aow-TWT Maps:Glass (4.6/5)
Got any questions/suggestions regarding my maps? Post them HERE

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-21-06 01:58 PM EDT (US) 581 / 2787

Not yet, the fx-department has been on a holiday.

bam65
Member

posted 12-21-06 02:33 PM EDT (US) 582 / 2787

I'm assuming that unit will be called a 'sonic cannon'?

Merkraad
Member

posted 12-21-06 04:27 PM EDT (US) 583 / 2787

We need a Loud Bard unit to also have Sonic Blast ability

I checked some Mods, none has convincing Bard unit for AoW... by convincing I mean guitar or other musical instrument at hand and some colorful clothes and a silly hat

Artist, Sorcerer, Monk and AoW Series fan
Proud citizen of BRASIL \o/ |o/ \o| \o/ |o| /o/ \o/
Blog with some art

shelper
HG Alumnus
(id: Smileyshelper)

posted 12-21-06 05:26 PM EDT (US) 584 / 2787

Some sort of Jester, you mean? The leprechaun is certainly silly enough, but i'm not sure how well he recolours.

Merkraad
Member

posted 12-21-06 06:10 PM EDT (US) 585 / 2787

No not Leprechaun recolored obviously.. I mean a human(oid) bard not a fantasy creature such as a leprechaun

Artist, Sorcerer, Monk and AoW Series fan
Proud citizen of BRASIL \o/ |o/ \o| \o/ |o| /o/ \o/
Blog with some art

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-21-06 08:15 PM EDT (US) 586 / 2787

Yes, good idea about the 'bard'. A recolored Halfling Wizard might fit.

Merkraad
Member

posted 12-21-06 08:37 PM EDT (US) 587 / 2787

True but still no musical instrument

I will check Civ units to see if someone made a Bard with it.

Artist, Sorcerer, Monk and AoW Series fan
Proud citizen of BRASIL \o/ |o/ \o| \o/ |o| /o/ \o/
Blog with some art

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-21-06 08:46 PM EDT (US) 588 / 2787

Yes, but too small.

bam65
Member

posted 12-21-06 09:49 PM EDT (US) 589 / 2787

The 'mercenary' unit in Dwiggs has a colorful outfit and looks kind of like a bard.

sausud
Member

posted 12-21-06 11:35 PM EDT (US) 590 / 2787

All hail the bard. let the lullabies begin!

-= Love heals all =-
The One and only NymphMaster!
Aow-SM Maps: The Titan Gate (4.9/5)
Aow-TWT Maps:Glass (4.6/5)
Got any questions/suggestions regarding my maps? Post them HERE

Timelord
HG Cherub

posted 12-22-06 02:39 AM EDT (US) 591 / 2787

Quote:

The 'mercenary' unit in Dwiggs has a colorful outfit and looks kind of like a bard

He certainly looks like an Arabian dancer with those billowing trousers but not a bard.

A good choice would be Tickles, a hero in Dwiggs.

2009 1v1-Mapmaking Champion, Former PBEM Singles Champion, Proud contributor to the UPatch 1.4 and 1.5 effort
War of the Twins- 1 vs 1 PBEM map, Too Much Water - 1 vs 1 PBEM map, winner of 2009 1vs1 Mapmaking Challenge
My Dragon Age development blog

PetrusOctavianus
Member

posted 12-22-06 06:58 AM EDT (US) 592 / 2787

I don't know if this has been suggested in the 500 messages in this thread, but would it be possible to make it such that on the TC map, only units with Swimming can enter water?

It's very annoying to defend on a bridge and then the enemy just crosses the water and attacks from behind.

After all, lava does work as it should, so why not water?

bam65
Member

posted 12-22-06 02:18 PM EDT (US) 593 / 2787

Quote:

He certainly looks like an Arabian dancer with those billowing trousers but not a bard.

You might not think so but the mercenary fits the desciption Merkraad laid out for a bard, except he doesn't have an instrument.

jankes
Member

posted 12-22-06 04:11 PM EDT (US) 594 / 2787

You are right Petrus. That water thing really pisses me off. I noticed this only when creating a map with a HEAVILY defended bridge, that needed to be crossed. The the key to success was to bombard the enemy from the water (galleys are perfect for the job). At least that was the plan.
When testing the map I couldn't believe when the enemy ground units entered the water and started destroying my ships.

I'm not sure if that can be fixed in the patch though.

DE OPPRESSO LIBER

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-23-06 02:05 PM EDT (US) 595 / 2787

Yes, I think when we have looked into this for v1.4 that it wasn't doable. It also results in many crashes...

The same question was asked when AoW-SM was still in development and it proved to be difficult then. I guess I imagine shallow water when close to shore. I think an AoW3 (if ever) should have lot more emphasis on the naval aspects.

sausud
Member

posted 12-27-06 02:09 PM EDT (US) 596 / 2787

what happened to this thread? Why aint anyone posting any ideas here? Lost interest already? Or are you out of ideas? Swolte, could you please post one or two pics here so that ppl 'resurge' back!

-= Love heals all =-
The One and only NymphMaster!
Aow-SM Maps: The Titan Gate (4.9/5)
Aow-TWT Maps:Glass (4.6/5)
Got any questions/suggestions regarding my maps? Post them HERE

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-27-06 02:16 PM EDT (US) 597 / 2787

Relax, just a small post-Christmas break...

Merkraad
Member

posted 12-27-06 03:10 PM EDT (US) 598 / 2787

Yes, holidays and all

Swolte, what about Spells FX? (Or that is, my next nit pick suggestion for Upatch 1.5)

After messing a bit with editor I found out that Stone Skin spell uses Protection_From_Evil.fx, which is a golden glow, while Bless uses Enchant.fx. At least in my opinion, this should be switched around, the golden glow fx is more fitting for Bless.

Also, there is a currently unused Haste.fx which could be assigned to Haste instead of the same generic Enchant.fx. I think it looks good, not sure what others think.

There are also some other unused spells fx that perhaps could be used but those 2 above could be a good bet I think.

If people want to see Fx's in action there is this map, the FX DEMO's (FX Finder 2)this map where you can play and see them easily at work!

Artist, Sorcerer, Monk and AoW Series fan
Proud citizen of BRASIL \o/ |o/ \o| \o/ |o| /o/ \o/
Blog with some art

[This message has been edited by Merkraad (edited 12-27-2006 @ 03:12 PM).]

jankes
Member

posted 12-27-06 04:59 PM EDT (US) 599 / 2787

Ok... That's what I have to say:

1. Online gaming: take a look at the poll results. Most people prefer single player games.

2. Slower city growth. I like the city growth idea, but Situation, where one can easily build all-level-4 army makes poor swordsmen, archers and other 1 and 2-s useless (think of an unemployment?) If it's really necessary to have so many level 4-s introduce a level 5 unit: Chuck Norris

3. More racial characteristics to ships and other machines, cities etc. (No! I'm not racist! I have a color telly!

4. Change glutton into something less resembling Jabba the Hutt.

5. Better, more user-friendly editor.

6. General suggestion: Try to make all units more unique, special, so in order to win one would need units with different specializations (like a good A-Team)

7. Different hero class should have a different unit body. And some dismounted heroes ass well.

8. add some stronger siege machines, like towers or something.

9. More structures to explore (i mean BIG, like pyramids)

10. More items (i can supply some graphics. just created 56 extra items for my new map).

If possible:

11. Something that can look like a gate: it's closed unless you have the key.

12. A place, where one can buy and SELL an item.

DE OPPRESSO LIBER

Swolte
AOWH/AOW2H Seraph

posted 12-27-06 05:11 PM EDT (US) 600 / 2787

Will look into fx's, yes!

Quote:

1. Online gaming: take a look at the poll results. Most people prefer single player games.

Not sure what the question is here...

Quote:

I like this idea a lot. Especially the growth in cities is very large, imo, and makes hurry production too easy.

Quote:

3. More racial characteristics to ships and other machines, cities etc. (No! I'm not racist! I have a color telly!

Will do, and have done already.

Quote:

4. Change glutton into something less resembling Jabba the Hutt.

How can you not like Jabba?!!

Quote:

5. Better, more user-friendly editor.

Beyond the scope and our skills, although writing comprehensive guides might help. I am actually thinking of setting up a wiki...

Quote:

6. General suggestion: Try to make all units more unique, special, so in order to win one would need units with different specializations (like a good A-Team)

Yes, this is one of the guiding principles, and the reason why a reaper should not get Pass Wall...

Quote:

7. Different hero class should have a different unit body. And some dismounted heroes ass well.

Yes, we are tinkering with this (very daring) idea...

Quote:

8. add some stronger siege machines, like towers or something.

Limit is finding good animations.

Quote:

9. More structures to explore (i mean BIG, like pyramids)

We have alread some very cool ones!

Quote:

10. More items (i can supply some graphics. just created 56 extra items for my new map).

Consider it done!

Quote:

11. Something that can look like a gate: it's closed unless you have the key.

This is possible with events.

Quote:

12. A place, where one can buy and SELL an item.

Possible with events. Try my Drums of Death map (see sig) and play Obrynn. Whilst you are there, also try the Harbour Gates (see the two signs) to the west of Obrynn's Dwarven realm.

[This message has been edited by swolte (edited 12-27-2006 @ 05:14 PM).]

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Age of Wonders 2 Heaven » Forums » General Discussion & Suggestions » Unofficial Patch V1.5 - Plans and suggestions

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