Thrawn's Revenge

Mod & Network News => News & Updates => Topic started by: Corey on June 08, 2015, 06:47:28 PM

Title: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Corey on June 08, 2015, 06:47:28 PM
...Ninth Anniversary...

Although the mod is nowhere close to resembling what it was in the early days, today marks the 9th anniversary of the creation of Thrawn's Revenge. I originally set out with the sole purpose of adding Thrawn as a playable hero in Empire at War, before Forces of Corruption was even a thing, and the project quickly grew (and sometimes shrank) from there. We on the dev team for both mods would like to thank everyone for their continued support in these last nine years; without it, we'd be nowhere near what we are today.

That being said, I'm sure you're more interested in what's going on with each mod than the fact that if the mod were a person in Canada or the United States (and elsewhere) it would be in the fourth grade, so we're going to do a joint update. If you're only interested in one, just read that part. We won't be offended.

...Imperial Civil War 2.2...

We've made a few changes from the 2.2 announcement; instead of adding the Galactic Civil War scenario, we're focusing on cleaning up and expanding within the current timeline and constraints of the mod.  The primary goal is to clean up and finalize the Empire of the Hand and Pentastar Alignment, the latter of which currently relies on outmoded ships and in some cases, leftover models and skins. The secondary goal now that the Defreezer utility exists is to represent the post-Endor galaxy and let the player work towards whatever outcome they want, with whatever group they want (within reason), so essentially if something is available on the map, eventually you'll be able to pick it. In 2.2 this means enabling the Duskhan League in whichever GCs they're already in, and enabling playing as the Warlords, which have been split into Harrsk, Teradoc and Zsinj's empires, who will have a mix of different Imperial units. Ideally this would also include the Hapans, but they'd need a bit more expansion first.

Another goal is to try to mitigate the badness that is EaW's land battles. The first step in this is to remove some of the worse and more tedious ICW maps and re-enabling some of the vanilla maps so we can reduce the unit speed. Honestly, we have pretty much no hope for land ever being anywhere near salvageable but we'll see what we can do (and before anyone says anything, the presence of Clone War units wouldn't actually make ground battles good).

(http://media.moddb.com/cache/images/mods/1/8/7376/thumb_620x2000/2015-03-27_00001.jpg)(http://media.moddb.com/cache/images/mods/1/8/7376/thumb_620x2000/swfoc_2015-06-01_14-44-51-65.png)

...Ascendancy 1.0...

The goal with Ascendancy 1.0 is much as it always was; we're gathering the feedback from 0.95 to finalize the New Republic and Imperial Remnant, while adding the Empire of the Hand and Pentastar Alignment We're also adding some neutral structures and objectives, including the gravity-manipulating Centerpoint Station. We intended to include several redone models and skins, especially for the Empire of the Hand, however since the focus is still primarily on setting up gameplay mechanic and faction identities, the existing Empire of the Hand ships will be the same versions as exist in Imperial Civil War 2.1. After the release of 1.0, we'll start to redo and update certain models, with the New Republic's Ferret Scout and Empire of the Hand's Ascendancy Star Destroyer at the top of the list.

Tech trees are another primary focus in 1.0. In the existing versions, both factions have about 90 techs available to them, and in 1.0 the goal is to release with each faction hovering around 120, so even the existing factions will have several new dimensions to them upon release. On top of these new techs, each faction will be gaining some units; we've already announced the Imperial Remnant's acquisition of the Allegiance-class and Modular Taskforce Cruiser in exchange for some units being sent to the Pentastar Alignment, but the New Republic will also be gaining some new toys which we haven't mentioned yet, filling out it's currently-lacking Cruiser roster. These are the Sullustan Dauntless and Corellian Proficient.

(http://media.moddb.com/cache/images/mods/1/22/21018/thumb_620x2000/Sins_of_a_Solar_Empire_Rebellio_2015-06-08_18-20-32-84.png)(http://media.moddb.com/cache/images/mods/1/22/21018/thumb_620x2000/Sins_of_a_Solar_Empire_Rebellio_2015-05-05_14-15-37-63.png)

Let's Test!

I've made a new channel on which we will be posting Let's Plays of the mods while they're in development, including both ICW and Ascendancy. This way, those who just want to see feature previews and trailers can see them on the Thrawn's Revenge channel, and those who want longer-form playthroughs can see them on the Corey Loses channel. The first series is a playthrough of Ascendancy 1.0 as the Remnant against all four 1.0 factions. I may eventually start playing other stuff, if people are interested in that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpY6mXwU9P4

Thanks again for your support for the last nine years!
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 08, 2015, 09:28:19 PM
Can't wait to see what you do with the proficient.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 09, 2015, 07:46:33 AM
Absolutely stunning how far it's come.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Avarice1987 on June 09, 2015, 05:18:00 PM
I'm happy to Play the Bellator and Secutor Star destroyers on the Pentastar Side.

Can we see a Screen from the bellator?
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 09, 2015, 06:19:01 PM
I'm happy to Play the Bellator and Secutor Star destroyers on the Pentastar Side.

Can we see a Screen from the bellator?

Don't know about in ICW, but if you want to see what they look like, I just recently posted some screenshots of them in Ascendency this thread (http://thrawnsrevenge.com/forums/index.php?topic=4793.420), look for reply #436.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: kucsidave on June 10, 2015, 03:21:10 AM
It will be nice to play all sides in ICW, but... will they have expanded tech trees? I mean the DL as it is now is a little... underdeveloped.
That's why I created the Polished DL mod where i gave them a variety of new units(made them playable in some GCs like you plan to) and some new buildings, like mining facilities to let them have income.
Will they have similar things or...?
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Corey on June 10, 2015, 05:30:21 AM
The factions will all be developed to appropriate degrees considering their involvement. The Duskhan League isn't underdeveloped in 2.1, its developed specifically to the point required by a GC which is meant to be quick and reflect that they would have needed to win with their initial resources. They will get more now that they will be available on larger maps.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: jordanthejq12 on June 10, 2015, 12:26:00 PM
Does that mean they'll finally get mining facilities?

(I've been saying that for ages now. That one GC with them is almost freaking impossible.)
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 10, 2015, 12:50:58 PM
The factions will all be developed to appropriate degrees considering their involvement.

For each of the Imperial Warlords how do we plan to work their individual armies as well as focus. Harrsk for example seems to have focused on ISDs as his mainstay but lacked large ground forces. Teradoc had the most in medium ships and mass production, but no heavy dreadnaughts, Delvardus appeared focused on the heavy vessels as the key to dominance with the largest Ground Forces besides Zsinj and Kaine's factions. Will each also be getting their own holo intro and such?
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 10, 2015, 04:20:41 PM
Did you find a way to get 3DS Max working again that you're adding more ships again?  I thought that was why the new ships had stopped, because you're 3DS Max went kerspluttle.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Corey on June 10, 2015, 06:43:40 PM
For each of the Imperial Warlords how do we plan to work their individual armies as well as focus. Harrsk for example seems to have focused on ISDs as his mainstay but lacked large ground forces. Teradoc had the most in medium ships and mass production, but no heavy dreadnaughts, Delvardus appeared focused on the heavy vessels as the key to dominance with the largest Ground Forces besides Zsinj and Kaine's factions. Will each also be getting their own holo intro and such?

They'll be getting a combination of Remnant/Pentastar units, with their own unique ones where they're known to have had them (ie Crimson Command and Raptor), and Zsinj will inherit the PA's corporate sector stuff potentially, since he's the one who actually controlled them. As far as other difference though, I don't think enough information actually exists about these groups to make any such claims.

As for the holograms, no. Those required making new character models and animating them, something which is extremely time consuming and I have had no practice with since I made those original ones. Also...

Quote
Did you find a way to get 3DS Max working again that you're adding more ships again?  I thought that was why the new ships had stopped, because you're 3DS Max went kerspluttle.

I have a new computer. That was only for the last month or so of the old computer though. The new ships had stopped because I was working solely on Ascendancy, and Pox and I are the only ones who work on ICW. The team is actually a lot smaller than a lot of people seem to think (although plenty of old members stick around and just hang out/talk or play games with the active team, which does help give the impression there's more of us than there are).
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 11, 2015, 01:20:56 AM
Then I take it the Warlords will have their own heroes then in addition to the main leader, i.e Delvardus gets Maximillion Veers, Shea Hublin and Col. Cronus/  Teradoc would get Kosh and Leonia Tavira and Harrsk would get Roganda and Irek Ismaren.

I can do audio for these if needed as well as reprising my roles for Harrsk, Teradoc and Delvardus respectively.

Im rather excited that each of the Warlords are getting playability for their respective factions, this has been a dream of mine sunce I discovered this glorious mod. I will of course help in any way I can.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: kucsidave on June 11, 2015, 03:02:54 AM
Then I take it the Warlords will have their own heroes then in addition to the main leader, i.e Delvardus gets Maximillion Veers, Shea Hublin and Col. Cronus/  Teradoc would get Kosh and Leonia Tavira and Harrsk would get Roganda and Irek Ismaren.

I can do audio for these if needed as well as reprising my roles for Harrsk, Teradoc and Delvardus respectively.

Im rather excited that each of the Warlords are getting playability for their respective factions, this has been a dream of mine sunce I discovered this glorious mod. I will of course help in any way I can.
I am also very excited. I wanted to play as them for so long. It will be totally awesome.
Let me also offer my voice for some of the new stuff if required.
Just tell me what to say ;)
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 11, 2015, 08:29:19 AM
I am also very excited. I wanted to play as them for so long. It will be totally awesome.
Let me also offer my voice for some of the new stuff if required.
Just tell me what to say ;)

Indeed having the Warlords as their own playable factions will be the epitome of my goals made manifest.
I'd be happy to coordinate with you on the voiceovers. Do you have any equipment to record with or edit? I'd like to hear your thoughts on how you would expect Ivan Cronus, the Ismarens, Shea Hublin, Leonia Tavira and Kosh Teradoc to sound or how you picture them.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: kucsidave on June 11, 2015, 09:01:01 AM
I made some stuff. Currently i have nothing on my computer because i just had to reinstall windows, but i saved one of my previous works I planned for my submod.
it was a sound-set for the thrustship to make it a bit more distinct.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Grimnak on June 11, 2015, 10:11:38 AM
I may as well add my input regarding the 2.2 ICW Patch. I unfortunately do not play Ascendancy.

After first reading the blurb on ICW, the splitting and expansion of the Imperial Warlords is my primary interest.  I've also always wanted to play as the Hapes Consortium, so that would be amazing.  As for the Warlords, I have one question.  Since the point of large GCs such as Art of War and Essence of War is to be inclusive and all, is it possible to have all three new Warlords factions active in one GC, such as AoW?

I feel like that would add an enormous amount of returnability to those particular GCs.  One could experience the art of conquering through the eyes (and situations) of all three Warlord factions and experience the conflict between them.

It may be too much to ask for, but it is well worth the try.  Thanks for the updates!
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 11, 2015, 12:19:05 PM
After first reading the blurb on ICW, the splitting and expansion of the Imperial Warlords is my primary interest.  I've also always wanted to play as the Hapes Consortium, so that would be amazing.  As for the Warlords, I have one question.  Since the point of large GCs such as Art of War and Essence of War is to be inclusive and all, is it possible to have all three new Warlords factions active in one GC, such as AoW?

I think this is exactly what they are going for with the Warlords and I believe it was mentioned the Hapes would be expanded as a faction too.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 11, 2015, 02:06:13 PM
I think this is exactly what they are going for with the Warlords and I believe it was mentioned the Hapes would be expanded as a faction too.

Yeah, that's how I read it.  If Hapes does make it, I see it coming down the line, maybe as a 2.25 or 2.3, probably after they finish fleshing them out for Ascendency, since they would then just be able to use the same models just export for EaW, just like they did with several ships that they've remade for Ascendency and then ported BACK into ICW due to the model being better than what was being used for ICW at the time.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Grimnak on June 11, 2015, 02:53:17 PM
I actually just watched the first Let's Play video, and Corey does mention that they will be making them (Hapans) playable only if they get to them in Ascendancy.  That's definitely okay, for I'm just excited for three Warlords factions duking it out as they get pounded by the other factions as well.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 11, 2015, 03:26:35 PM
I actually just watched the first Let's Play video, and Corey does mention that they will be making them (Hapans) playable only if they get to them in Ascendancy.  That's definitely okay, for I'm just excited for three Warlords factions duking it out as they get pounded by the other factions as well.

Well said indeed
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Grimnak on June 11, 2015, 05:45:08 PM
In addition, how will the available planets be broken up?  The Warlords in their current state begin even the largest GCs with few planets.  Will some be added to compensate (doubtful), or will planets be taken from existing factions?
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 11, 2015, 07:18:47 PM
AS an AI, probably nothing will be done, they'll start with their planets, and probably get crushed.  When playing as the Warlords, they'll probably increase their holdings to something closer to the level that the PA or EoTH often start with.  That's how I'd think would be most logical.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Grimnak on June 11, 2015, 07:51:25 PM
Oh I hope the Warlord AI is expanded.  It would be a shame to see their tiny territory split into three, just so they can kill each other off by Week 10.

Edit:  While we're talking hypotheticals, it also would be one amazing addition to add the Yevetha to AoW.  I don't see why not, as there is a large open space in their designated section of the galactic map.  I tingle with excitement every time I think of an all-faction-inclusive GC.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Jorritkarwehr on June 12, 2015, 12:05:07 AM
I'm also excited for playable warlords. I've had lots of fun with the Greater Maldrood in Vulcanus' mod.

If Zsinj gets CSA units, could he get the Providence? I really like that ship. And making Tectors more common would be nice too.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 12, 2015, 03:04:08 AM
I'm also excited for playable warlords. I've had lots of fun with the Greater Maldrood in Vulcanus' mod.

If Zsinj gets CSA units, could he get the Providence? I really like that ship. And making Tectors more common would be nice too.

Same here. The idea of taking the helm of the Eriadu Authority is pparticularly appealing as Delvardus is my third favorite Warlord after Kaine and Zsinj.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 13, 2015, 04:29:33 PM
I actually like Delvardus better than Zsinj.  Zsinj was a great Admiral, but I just never liked his character.  One of the few times I was glad to see an Imperial be destroyed by the Alliance.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: kucsidave on June 15, 2015, 04:01:47 AM
I actually just watched the first Let's Play video, and Corey does mention that they will be making them (Hapans) playable only if they get to them in Ascendancy.  That's definitely okay, for I'm just excited for three Warlords factions duking it out as they get pounded by the other factions as well.
And I can't wait to beat the crap out of every other faction with them :D
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 15, 2015, 05:51:58 PM
I actually like Delvardus better than Zsinj.  Zsinj was a great Admiral, but I just never liked his character.  One of the few times I was glad to see an Imperial be destroyed by the Alliance.

Any man who faces his death like Delvardus did is admirable, knowing he would die he still tried with his last breath to kill his killer, unlike all the other warlords who panicked, begged or tried to flee. He was also the only warlord who was clever enough to sneak a weapon into the meeting, disguised as medals of his vanity, it was actually parts to a composite knife. That he survived so long after near destruction in the Outer Rim among the various Deep Core Warlords and by all accounts did very well in Shadow Hand show he is capable of solid tactics. His base that Daala visited was actually an elaborate decoy while his true power was in the customized Night Hammer which he had managed to HIDE the construction of from all the other warlords and designed to his specifications. Specifications that saw it need less than HALF the crew of a standard SSD to operate fully, massively larger amounts of Fighters and bombers(a thousand is mentioned in Darksaber) showing his understanding of Fighters and bombers as a threat to be countered en masse and finally the greatly effecting damage control and evacuation contingencies in the Night Hammer allowed nearly every single crewer to escape to fight another day point to a clever and relentless mind. A shame we don't get more on him in EU writing, but I plan to make up for that in the mod.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 15, 2015, 06:35:01 PM
You forget, he was one of the few in Palpatines inner circle that was capable of true love, that's what to me makes him stand apart from most of the other warlords.  While he was a terrible person overall, he had the CAPACITY for goodness within him.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 18, 2015, 06:13:02 PM
You forget, he was one of the few in Palpatines inner circle that was capable of true love, that's what to me makes him stand apart from most of the other warlords.  While he was a terrible person overall, he had the CAPACITY for goodness within him.

True...even if he DID kind of knock his true love into a nearly decade long coma with a dynamic hammer....
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: tlmiller on June 18, 2015, 06:36:00 PM
True...even if he DID kind of knock his true love into a nearly decade long coma with a dynamic hammer....

But that inspired him to do everything else that he did, trying to find a cure for her.  Only reason he even rejoined Palps in Shadow Hand is that he promised a cure.
Title: Re: Nine Years Lost in Space
Post by: Lord Xizer on June 19, 2015, 01:59:12 AM
But that inspired him to do everything else that he did, trying to find a cure for her.  Only reason he even rejoined Palps in Shadow Hand is that he promised a cure.

This is true. I suppose he did have a few redeeming characteristics.