Kingdoms Expansion and mods...

[jesuscakes]

First off, what does the Kingdoms expansion do to my regular campaigns, and how much does it add? Do most of the mods work for Kingdoms? What is the best mod in your opinion for vanilla MTW 2, and what is the best mod in your opinion for MTW 2 Kingdoms?

I am getting tired of the regular game and haven't even beaten it yet. I am trying to spice things up. It's weird that I am getting burned out so fast since I love all Total War games. This is by no way a knock on the game. The game rocks. I just think it has room for improvement and am wondering if you guys have suggestions.

Thanks for any and ALL responses. :juggle2: :yes: :beam: :2thumbsup: :egypt:

[anweRU]

Kingdoms won't do anything to your regular campaign. If you wish to use Kingdoms units in the grand campaign, you'll need to download the Retrofit Grand Campaign for Kingdoms.

AFAIK, you'll need to find the Kingdoms version of any METW2 mods. I only have Broken Crescent, which will work with METW2, not Kingdoms.

[Meneldil]

Broken Crescent is a good first choice. It doesn't really add anything gameplay-wise, but is set in the Middle-East.
The game is I think a bit more difficult than vanilla (though I played with the most difficult faction so far), but it's still doable.

Then, you can try Ruischi TW. It takes medieval russia as a setting. You can only play as Kiev, Novgorod or Moscovy (or is it Suzdal?). The game is damn challenging, and offers a lot of scripted events (such as relations with the Byzantine Empire, the Mongol invasion and the breakup of the mongol empire, the Teutonic Order arrival and what not).
To be honest, I find it a bit too stupidly difficult, but it's great nonetheless, and the units are AFAIK, the most beautiful MTW2 units ever made.

Then you have mods like SS6.1, DLV and what not. Those are mostly redesigned vanilla grand campaigns. They add new factions (whose quality and design vary greatly) and a whole lot of gameplay features designed to make the game more challenging/interesting.
Once again, to be honest, I find these mods sometimes to stupidly challenging, as in everything is made to slow down the player and help the AI. The numerous options are overwhelming at first. I can understand why people like it, but if I want a real empire-building simulation, I'd rather play Europa Universalis.

[djbrock4life]

Do a search for Lands To Conquer mod.
This mod I found to be the best change to the grand campaign, and balances alot of things.
It also gives you the option to start in 3 different time periods like Medieval 1.

[Alp Arlsan]

LTC is an amazing mod, hours upon hours of gameply. Also though I would reccommend trying out vanilla kingdoms games, these are simply brilliant. At first I was a bit pessimistic about them but I have to admit that they are growing on me.

[Zim]

Then, you can try Ruischi TW. It takes medieval russia as a setting. You can only play as Kiev, Novgorod or Moscovy (or is it Suzdal?). The game is damn challenging, and offers a lot of scripted events (such as relations with the Byzantine Empire, the Mongol invasion and the breakup of the mongol empire, the Teutonic Order arrival and what not).
To be honest, I find it a bit too stupidly difficult, but it's great nonetheless, and the units are AFAIK, the most beautiful MTW2 units ever made.


Where can that mod be found? It sounds like something I'd like to try (well, after I finish my test and get caught up on throne room stuff. :clown:).

[Meneldil]

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=187774

[Mount Suribachi]

I've found the Kingdoms expansion to be the best vanilla TW games ever, to be honest. I think its because its so heavily scripted, but nevertheless great fun and a decent challenge. Playing as the Turks in the Crusades game is quite tough (especially as the Unique Unit is bugged for the AI, so instead of facing just 1 uber-unit, you're facing armies of them). And I've not even mentioned when the Mongols arrive...