The Cinemod

[wuhjah]

Perhaps the units in Silent & B&W eras could actually be in B&W ? It would require quite a lot of time making palettes but it should be possible for most units. In later era, the originals could be used (with the suffix _MODERN_ERA in pediaicons).

Edit: Actually, it shouldn't take that much time. Extracting PCX out of FLC (15 sec), transforming into B&W (5 sec), copy-pasting the magenta colors from original (30-60 sec), making the new palette (60 sec), and finally exporting the new FLC (20 sec). That's roughly 10 minutes for each unit and I'm sure I'm overestimating it.

Now that is an interesting idea, complete with color updates in the technicolor era. I wonder how those B&W units would look. I might just give it a try following your instructions; however you probably weren't overestimating. I'd certainly be a bit clumsy the first few units until getting into the swing of things.

Thanks for the input.

 

[tom2050]

Turning them into B&W would be very similar, although easier than recoloring a unit. If you want to keep the civ color on the unit it would take longer.

1050 BC playing 20th century fox... building the professional academy to get Assassins. Built the pyramids to get tomb raiders.

Other than that I have John Kimbles, Skeleton Archers, Highlanders, and Tomb Swarms.

Fix: Skeleton Archers must have range set to 0. So they can bombard nothing.

So far very interesting; haven't ran across a nation yet, so gotta continue inward or get a ship.

Adv Barbs are tough; but manageable with the right units.

Just got horses, so I have Ghost Rider now! Expensive but worth it.

 

[wuhjah]

Fix: Skeleton Archers must have range set to 0. So they can bombard nothing.


Just got horses, so I have Ghost Rider now! Expensive but worth it.

Could you clarify the "must"? I mean, do you mean they obviously have or do you mean they should have...

I think you'll find the Ghost Riders won't feel so expensive when your movie sets grow just a little bigger.

I'm glad to hear an update.

*Edit:
P.s. Don't waste time thinking about a ship; just go inward.

 

[tom2050]

Skeleton Archers; in your biq; have a bombardment range of 0. It needs to be changed to 1 or higher in order to allow them to bombard. Right now they can only bombard their own square that they are standing on. Not sure if you meant that or not, because the unit has bombard checked. If it was meant to only have defensive bombard, then bombard does not need to be checked.

 

[Jorsalfare]

I've just played through the silent movie era, and I like this mod. Refreshing new concept, and nice use of the companies signature-music as background/ambient sounds. Clearly, you have put much both time and effort into Cinemod. Thank you for sharing. I will certainly continue playing it. Maybe you could provide an "open" biq (without a pre-defined map) as well?

Perhaps the units in Silent & B&W eras could actually be in B&W ?

That is a great idea! Maybe it could be taken even further, so in the silent movie era, the units were - well - silent? Maybe with text frames integrated in the animations? I imagine it could look something like this:

 

[Supa]

Haha ! Love it !

 

[Cyc]

That is very cool.

 

[wuhjah]

Skeleton Archers; in your biq; have a bombardment range of 0. It needs to be changed to 1 or higher in order to allow them to bombard. Right now they can only bombard their own square that they are standing on. Not sure if you meant that or not, because the unit has bombard checked. If it was meant to only have defensive bombard, then bombard does not need to be checked.

Ah, okay, I understand now. So, your idea was correct. It was only meant to have defensive bombardment. I didn't know that the bombard flag wasn't necessary though I did think it odd to have the bombard square only on the unit. For that matter, there are several other units throughout the mod that will have the same issue as I flagged them in the same manner. I just put this on the things to fix list.

I've just played through the silent movie era, and I like this mod. Refreshing new concept, and nice use of the companies signature-music as background/ambient sounds. Clearly, you have put much both time and effort into Cinemod. Thank you for sharing. I will certainly continue playing it. Maybe you could provide an "open" biq (without a pre-defined map) as well?

That is a great idea! Maybe it could be taken even further, so in the silent movie era, the units were - well - silent? Maybe with text frames integrated in the animations? I imagine it could look something like this:

First, I'm glad you've enjoyed the first era and thanks for the feedback. As far as the random map, now I don't know. I did think about having one once, but the resource situation is a little complex in my opinion. Though maybe it's not as bad as I think. At this point, I'll just say it's a possibility and not on my priority list. While I agree random maps should also be fun, I really enjoy the concept of fighting in the center and watching the other "Civs" go at it.

(Truly, anyone could just copy the biq, rename it and wipe the map and give it a go. I don't know if the world size - global research and optimal cities would work without changes, and again the resources, but hey, have a try if you like.) (A related issue, I think I made a mistake in the optimal cities. After my last test, I jacked up the number considerably and in my present game I've experienced nearly no corruption, which wasn't exactly my intention.)

As soon as Supa said the comment about black and white, I also began to think how that would/could be extended to the silent era. Your idea is pretty great. I see you did make the Robin Hood black and white, so at least you've proven it's possible and looks pretty good. With contributions and ideas like these, the Cinemod could actually become something special. So, really, thanks again. These kinds of ideas will go on a priority list (along with fixes.)

As far as getting any of these ideas going, I'm in the middle of a game myself so everything else will wait for that. Then I'll start messing around a bit and see what, with my abilities, I can or can't accomplish.

 

[Blue Monkey]

As far as the random map, now I don't know. I did think about having one once, but the resource situation is a little complex in my opinion.

Talent/Location Scouts, with a high movement rate ...

Followed up with second unit directors to colonize

 

[wuhjah]

Talent/Location Scouts, with a high movement rate ...
Followed up with second unit directors to colonize

Thanks for the suggestion. I have been thinking about it, though I'm still not convinced it's the total solution. I do agree it would work to some extent.

To elaborate on the problem, (one I don't doubt other more experienced modders have found better solutions to deal with) there are a few different issues. The first, and I worry the biggest issue, is that there are duplicate resources. If one has had a chance to see the map in the editor, he/she would have noticed every territory has two locations of horses or salt peter or something else. However, a player only sees one in the game. The resource that they can't see is only visible to those in the other Distribution line. This, naturally, was to allow random start locations.

Maybe the editor/computer/random generator takes all that into account when configuring the game, but I don't have any idea about that.

Second, and certainly less of a real problem, is many buildings, those that increase production, have required resources. Pre-loading the map ensured balance in the Civ's ability to build if they wanted but not overbuild and become too powerful too early. I can accept this may become just luck of the draw in a random map game. But, if my neighbor had, let's say, stone, gems and grapes, and I had none, I'd be a little angry.

Lastly, I changed many resources to strategic resources to allow them to be requirements for buildings. I think I need to get a better understanding of the Appearance ratios before finding a better solution.

If someone says, "Hey don't worry about any of that as the random generator will solve all those problems," then I say...eh Luigi, what are we waiting for?

The final kicker is this. I play random maps sometimes, but when I envisioned this mod, this is the map I saw in my head. I wanted to be able to have an all out brawl, or at least watch an all out brawl and not just focus on my own stuff all the time. I know someday I may have to do a complete overhaul, and I don't mind doing one that furthers my own vision. Some really great ideas mentioned in this thread certainly further my vision, and even go beyond to things I had never thought of. I'm just not completely sold on doing an overhaul for random maps.
(With that said, even I admit my "vision" could change...)

 

[T-mun]

I still wonder how I missed this mod Very good idea, looks cool and fun to play. I will try it for sure as soon as I have more time

 

[Blue Monkey]

The multiple resources problem is no problem - you've already solved it. Resources are invisible if the required tech can't be researched. AFAIK your "distribution lines" are using a zero-era tech. QED.

Frequency of appearance can be a problem with random maps. It can also be part of the fun/challenge that keeps a scenario fresh and fun to play after the optimal strategy for a given map is like last year's summer blockbuster. TAM, MEM and several other scenario / mod packages include both mapped and random biqs.

Another map or a random biq would allow for an expansion pack of new civs. Some examples:

• Shaw Brothers - Wuxia (Kung Fu) & Asian Fantasy units
• Hammer Films - Horror & Film Noir. Does one of your factions already have either of the voodoo dolls or Baron Samedi?
• National Geographic - Pandas, Beavers, ... and the many "natural forces" units like the storm, whirlpool & iceberg
• Toho - Kaiju & Samurai
• Hanna-Barbera / Walter Lantz / Terrytoons - there are lots of units out there: a clown, kool-aid man, deku scrub, that seem like they'd fit as products of a cartoon studio. Another posibbility would be to call such a faction "George Pal Studios"
• Cinecittà - Italian sword & sandal epics & spaghetti westerns . "Hercules vs. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"
• Bollywood - Indian, Raj, & other similar units - even the Elvis unit would make sense here given the Indian passion for matinee idols. I can just see a unit breaking into a bhangra routine for its victory animation

Definitely keep to your vision. I'm having a lot of fun playing. Before any major changes it would be nice to see some polishing. Things like arrows for the tech lines.

 

[wuhjah]

First, your ideas and comments are very much appreciated, so thank you. And, of course, I'm glad to hear anyone say that they are having a bit of fun with it.
Anyone who doesn't smile at least once while playing can PM me for a full refund.

Frequency of appearance can be a problem with random maps. It can also be part of the fun/challenge that keeps a scenario fresh and fun to play after the optimal strategy for a given map is like last year's summer blockbuster.

Yes, Mr. Siskel, you've nailed it. As a fan of the inspirational Dominatrix map, I know exactly what you mean. Though in some ways, I hope instead of last summer's blockbuster, it may someday be viewed as yonder year's classic. Not to eschew the point of random maps further, but I'll also add that I thought map tweaks and updates could also fit into those various "cuts" or "editions" you mentioned in a previous post. I've already imagined a few that might please those who are looking for more seafaring in their game.

Another map or a random biq would allow for an expansion pack of new civs. Some examples:

• Shaw Brothers - Wuxia (Kung Fu) & Asian Fantasy units
• Hammer Films - Horror & Film Noir. Does one of your factions already have either of the voodoo dolls or Baron Samedi?
• National Geographic - Pandas, Beavers, ... and the many "natural forces" units like the storm, whirlpool & iceberg
• Toho - Kaiju & Samurai
• Hanna-Barbera / Walter Lantz / Terrytoons - there are lots of units out there: a clown, kool-aid man, deku scrub, that seem like they'd fit as products of a cartoon studio. Another posibbility would be to call such a faction "George Pal Studios"
• Cinecittà - Italian sword & sandal epics & spaghetti westerns . "Hercules vs. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"
• Bollywood - Indian, Raj, & other similar units - even the Elvis unit would make sense here given the Indian passion for matinee idols. I can just see a unit breaking into a bhangra routine for its victory animation

I have to admit adding more civs/factions had not been in my sight-line, but now I see they could/should be. Apparently my own lack of creativity caused me to underestimate that of others. Thanks for opening my eyes a bit. You have made a great case and there's no argument against it.
(I too wanted Bollywood in the mix, but initially tried as a counterpart to Hollywood until I found I couldn't have two palace type buildings to auto-produce settlers. The unused image is still in the wonder splash folder.)

Before any major changes it would be nice to see some polishing. Things like arrows for the tech lines. fixing the units you destroyed.

Fixed it for you. I can only assume you haven't played far enough to see the problem or you would have mentioned this...
Yeah, you're right, though. From pixelated pictures to tech arrows and everything in between, there is a lot of room for polishing.

I don't know what MEM or TAM is, but I did see a reference to MEM recently in another thread. I'll have to check things out. Remember, no matter how inexperienced I may seem, I'm actually even more inexperienced than that.

Thanks again for your input. It's really helpful.


*Edit: Found YP MEMII (I hope to check it out in the near future.)

 

[Blue Monkey]

MEM = Medieval Europe Mod
TAM = The Ancient Mediterranean
Both scenario sets available here.

When Rob redid AD (Anno Domini) he also made AD : DD (Different Dawn). Basically the same gameplay, tech lines, etc. with different civs (LHs, UUs, unique improvements, etc.) added to the mix. Something like that is much easier to do with a random map scenario.

Between those three you should be able to see good examples of many of the things you want to do.

 

[wuhjah]

Thank you.

 

[clearmurky]

Just D/L ed, does any civ have any advantage?

 

[wuhjah]

Just D/L ed, does any civ have any advantage?

I hope you can enjoy your time playing it.
Simply put, my first answer is no. I think every "civ" is fairly balanced. Moreover, I would say I choose mine as I choose in any regular Conquests game. I look for the traits I want and then I consider the timing of the UU. If not using that method, I'd just choose one I like. I mean, do you like Pixar movies or Warner Bros. movies or which UU would you like to play with?

However, this is one caveat I'll add as I've noticed something while playing lately. It is possible that every (6) Production Company in the Domestic Distribution may in fact have an advantage for humans. This being due to the one unit that has true artillery function. The Foreign Distribution channel does not have such a unit. (I wouldn't worry about this though, as the AI won't beat you with it if you happen to choose a Foreign Distribution Company.)

haven't ran across a nation yet, so gotta continue inward or get a ship.

How's that going for you, Tom2050? Meet everyone? Those Lara Crofts get any Mummies for you?

I've just played through the silent movie era,

How about you, Jorsalfare? Ever make it to the Black and Whites? If so, you've probably had your hands full with the coffins, no?

 

[tom2050]

How's that going for you, Tom2050? Meet everyone? Those Lara Crofts get any Mummies for you?

Haven't gotten further yet because I haven't had time to do anything for a couple weeks. But yes, the Laras are making some Mummies to help out; and I am pumping out units and Ghost Riders and bringing them up to the center of the map, and thinking about how to proceed.

 

[wuhjah]

Haven't gotten further yet because I haven't had time to do anything for a couple weeks. But yes, the Laras are making some Mummies to help out; and I am pumping out units and Ghost Riders and bringing them up to the center of the map, and thinking about how to proceed.

No worries; take your time. I was just curious to hear how things had been going for you. Glad to hear you're center bound. Good luck with whatever comes next.

 

[clearmurky]

I've got a problem with my D/L, it takes me a super long time to D/L, and then doesn't work. Help?