[BTS] Middle-earth Mod 0.4.1

[topsecret]

Well, I'm still around if you've got anything specific you'd like done.

Hey Standish, I really just need to get back at it, but I am in Junior year at college. This is my toughest semester but I am about to make it through. Hoping to get organized this summer. Give me two weeks and I will figure out something.

I appreciate you!

 

[Standish]

Alright, sounds like a plan!

 

[topsecret]

The next update isn't ready yet, but here are some Dwarven units. I have all of them finished except the mounted ones.

 

[keldath]

nice to see you topsecret, you are an oldie here as am i

 

[topsecret]

nice to see you topsecret, you are an oldie here as am i

Good to see you too, keldath. College is the only thing that really pulled me away, but my last year is my easiest, so I will have more time next year (I hope).

If you need some Dwarves, I may release some ones on horses this week.

 

[keldath]

aye school does that
glad to see the spark of civ4 is still in you


hehe no dwarfs for me maybe sometime though...youll modnever know...

 

[topsecret]

My finals are this coming week. After that the Middle-earth mod should be updating again!

 

[PPQ_Purple]

Fun fact. If my education and everyones else that I know is any indication year #1 is not the hardest. Year #2 is the hardest.

 

[topsecret]

Fun fact. If my education and everyones else that I know is any indication year #1 is not the hardest. Year #2 is the hardest.

This is my third year.

 

[<Nexus>]

The present year is always the hardest

 

[topsecret]

Since I have finished the Dwarven units, a new update will be coming soon! Most likely by Wednesday.

 

[topsecret]

OK, here's a question: do you all think I should add a soundtrack? I have found some pretty "epic LOTR" feeling pieces that can be used for free at Kevin MacLeod's site. I want the music to be different from the default game...

 

[keldath]

yes, sound adds a lot to a mod imo.

 

[topsecret]

topsecret updated Middle-earth Mod with a new update entry:

Dwarven Art Update

- Added Dwarven Unit Art
- Added Soundtrack
- Added Civic Text
- Added Building Text

Read the rest of this update entry...

 

[topsecret]

Come try out the soundtrack and see what you think! I am working on some balance issues and text before the Mordor art update. Then we shall press on to greater things! (i.e. I have to finally learn DLL modding.)

 

[Quoth the Raven]

Just found this mod and it is great.

 

[topsecret]

Just found this mod and it is great.

Glad you like it! I have been busy with other things, but I shall be returning for more updates shortly.

Also, nice username.

 

[topsecret]

Everyone: I am now going to attempt setting deadlines for myself for small, manageable updates. This should help me get more done on the mod.

The next update will be a balance and text update. Expect some gameplay changes with changed civics and perhaps new buildings (if I get to that). Target release date is Saturday, June 23rd, because I will be out for a week next week.

 

[topsecret]

Important announcement coming today or tomorrow for the Middle-earth Mod. You will probably like what you hear, so stick around for some good news.

 

[topsecret]

Beta Announcement
​

Overview
The Middle-earth Mod has now gone through many years of development, even though I have had to put development off multiple times. However, after many years of hard work, I am now pleased to announce that the Middle-earth Mod will soon be entering the Beta phase of development.

What does it mean that the Middle-earth Mod is entering Beta?

Unlike in Alpha (the current stage of development), Beta means the M-E Mod will begin receiving more promotion - I will now post a release thread in the Modpacks sub-forum, which will be the "main gameplay thread" for discussing gameplay, etc.

Beta also means the mod will need more input from players. This thread will remain as the development thread, until we reach the point where we can (hopefully) start our own sub-forum in the Project and Mod Development sub-forum. I will be seeking to open a sub-forum soon so that people can post suggestions, modmods, and other things as I develop the Middle-earth mod. This doesn't mean I will instantly accept any idea put forth - but what it does mean is I will be attempting to receive more ideas and keep the good ones, so that the mod can continue to follow my vision of Civ4, Middle-earth style. Modmods will allow people who have a different idea that I do not want in the main mod to create their own ideas.

Because we are entering Beta soon, I will be looking for more people to help with the Middle-earth mod's subprojects, such as art and coding. Also, I will definitely like to see scenarios made and even new civilizations created.

Finally, Beta means the development of better features. I will be working hard at learning Civ4 C++ skills and how to make special mod components so that the Middle-earth Mod can achieve what I want to see here. So more immersive features will be developed, all with the goal of still feeling like Civilization 4. The tech tree will be expanded, the mod will be further balanced, the wonders will receive 3D art, and new features like Unique Victory Conditions and Regions will be added. None of this will be instant, because I still have a job and one more year of college to complete, but ultimately the Middle-earth Mod will be better.

When will this happen?

I expect to release a few more updates in Alpha, but I hope to officially enter Beta by July 30.

One update will be released today.

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I hope you are excited for this as much as I am, and I look forward to seeing where the Middle-earth Mod can go when we work together.