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jirisys
11-03-2010, 17:57
As you have all seen the Phalanx Mod (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?94341-Fanatic’s-First-Cohort-Phalanx-Elephant-Chariot-minimod) made by TWFanatic.

However the link to his files have been lost.

I, however, have made the reduplication of the mod. The units included are:

Quarthadastim: Sacred Band Infantry, Elite African Pikemen, Liby-Phoenician Infantry, Liby-Phoenician Heavy Infantry, Poeni Citizien Militia.

Sweboz: Germanic Pike Infantry.

Celtic: Mori Gaesum (Helvetii Phalanx)

Hellenic: All classical hoplites and Macedonian phalanxes except for Celto-Hellenic Hoplite (their javelins become a spear held upwards).

Eastern: Babylonian Heavy Spearmen, Armenian Noble Infantry.

I hope you enjoy it.

Here's the Original Mod:

The Phalanx/Aquilifer Mod Patch 1.2 Compatible
My Christmas gift to the EB Community.
In case you are wondering why elephants and chariots are mentioned in the title, this is because they used to be bugged. They were fixed in 1.1 though and so I have minimized the area of modification to the phalanx units. There is also an Aquilifer mod if you want Aquilifers for your first cohorts.
I will give the download links immediately for those of you who don’t want to bother trudging through all that text. Both are savegame compatible.
Download the Phalanx Mod here:
http://files.filefront.com/Phalanx+Mod+v12zip/;12664704;/fileinfo.html
Download the Aquilifer Mod here:
http://files.filefront.com/Eagle+bearer+Aquilifer+ofszip/;9992465;/fileinfo.html
To install the Phalanx Mod, simply extract into the folder you have installed EB into (it is probably called Rome: Total War unless you have changed it). DO NOT extract into your EB mod folder (which is contained inside your Rome: Total War folder). Directions on how to install the Aquilifer Mod are included at the bottom of this post. You may want to back up your export_descr_unit files in case you decide you want to revert back to vanilla. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to help.
To avoid confusion, here is a brief overview of terms I use:
Macedonian phalanx - Any unit with the “phalanx” special ability uses what I term the Macedonian phalanx.
Classical or Hoplite phalanx - Any unit that fights in the hoplite-style phalanx. These units are easily recognizable by name or description. The hoplite phalanx is a tightly packed formation with overlapping shields and spears protruding from above, an impenetrable wall of bronze, iron and oak, an implacable force made seemingly not of individuals but a single inexorable contraption, an…OK you get the idea, I’ll stop.
NOTE: Despite that last comment, I am not a phalanx fan boy. Phalanx units—particularly Macedonian phalanxes—are not necessarily improved with this mod. And I like the Celtic factions best if that means anything…
NOTE # 2: Guard mode is no longer necessary! You do not need it. You fight better without it and can still keep a cohesive formation. Also, you no longer need to stand still and receive a charge. Hoplites now deliver a crushing charge and will maintain formation while (and after) doing so. Thanks to Barrabas for pointing this out.
Here is a brief overview of the changes made in the Phalanx Mod (Scroll down to see the Aquilifer and how to install it.):
-to Macedonian phalanxes: -.03 spear lethality, -1 sword attack, -2 armor, + 2 defense skill; given spear attribute (light_spear attribute removed).
What this means: Although Macedonian phalanxes maintain their attack ratings, decreased lethality causes their hits to knock opponents down more frequently (rather than kill). The decrease in armor is made up for in head on contests (when unit is in phalanx) by the increase in skill, which effects melee defense from the front and left (shield) sides; armor effects missile and melee defense from all sides. Thus, Macedonian phalanxes are now more vulnerable to missiles fired from any direction, but particularly at their exposed rear and flanks. They are also more vulnerable to flanking attacks. The spear attribute makes them push more and harder (something phalanxes were very good at). The downside to this attribute is that it can make units push so hard that their formation loses cohesion.
-to Classical (Hoplite) phalanxes: -.02 spear lethality, -2 armor, + 2 shield defense, +3 charge bonus; given short_pike attribute; given spear attribute (light_spear attribute removed).
What this means: See Macedonian phalanxes. The changes are similar except that hoplites receive an increase in shield defense rather than defense skill. This is because hoplite phalanxes in EB do not use phalanx, and thus are not nearly as resistant to missiles from the front and left side as are the Macedonian variety, whose shield defense is doubled when in phalanx.
Hoplites too get a reduction in lethality so as to better reflect hoplite warfare. Casualties were generally few until one formation or another broke from the extreme force of the pressing phalanx--that was when the real killing began. The spear attribute makes them push more and harder (something hoplites were very good at). The downside to this attribute is that it can make units push so hard that they break formation. In combination with a cohesive formation trait such as the short_pike attribute, however, they maintain formation and the ability to push hard.
The biggest change here is indeed the short_pike attribute. This does a number of things. First, it shrinks their spears from approximately twelve feet in length to nine. Twelve feet is simply inaccurately long for classical hoplites or Spartiates.
The other effects I will show below with screen shots.
BEFORE:
https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p107/FunnyVids/before1.jpg
They march with the tops of their spears magically dragging beneath the ground and their butt spikes in the air.
AFTER:
https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p107/FunnyVids/after1.jpg
They march with spears held level and pointed forward.
BEFORE:
https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p107/FunnyVids/before2.jpg
They break formation and charge like unorganized rabble.
AFTER:
https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p107/FunnyVids/after2.jpg
They stay in a tight, orderly formation and slam into the enemy as one - an invincible, unstoppable phalanx.
BEFORE:
https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p107/FunnyVids/before3.jpg
They fight like barbarians, individuals fighting for personal glory with no resemblance of a formation.
AFTER:
https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p107/FunnyVids/after3.jpg
They fight like, well, a phalanx! A single, implacable body pushing the enemy backwards with great force until they finally break and run.

Here's the link

http://www.mediafire.com/?ajiiiogigrzp21u

~Jirisys ()

Biowulf
11-04-2010, 13:40
Biggest question I have: Is it save-game compatible?

jirisys
11-04-2010, 17:21
It doesn't show up in your game if you install it, your campaign will have the same hoplites (and could become buggier even); so no; no SGC, you need to restart the campaign

~Jirisys (5 KH campaign lost to CTD on less than a decade :cry:)

Lazy O
11-04-2010, 18:04
Hiya,
Id like permission to use the spear and short pike idea on an adaptation of this for RS 2. Ive only edited those attributs but I will do the rest as needed later. Just want permission to go ahead and post it(with original thread ofc). TWFanatics last activity was listed dec 28 2008 so I decided to just post it here instead :)
Thanks

Unintended BM
11-05-2010, 04:14
Good job. I used to use this on RTW, but since I got alex, I haven't been able to use it.

jirisys
11-06-2010, 04:24
Good job. I used to use this on RTW, but since I got alex, I haven't been able to use it.

This is for Alex :)

It's not my idea, it's Fanatic's one. But I think you can, it's just a change in a code.

~Jirisys (Hai =/= Hi)

Unintended BM
11-06-2010, 06:50
Yeah, that's why I like it, because it's for alex. I worded my post funny.

Vaginacles
11-07-2010, 10:19
is it possible to get this just for RTW?

jirisys
11-07-2010, 18:00
is it possible to get this just for RTW?

I think it is for both; the EB vanilla and Alex EDU are not changed at all.

I worded the phrase incorrectly, I meant that it was for Alex too (RTW and BI being compatible); if not, contact me when you try it and I'll do you an RTW version :)

~Jirisys (Hardworking or Working hard? :inquisitive:)

vartan
11-08-2010, 00:38
Good job. I used to use this on RTW, but since I got alex, I haven't been able to use it.
EB on the Alex engine is simply that: The same EB you've been playing this whole time, simply on the Alex engine. The EDUs should be identical.

This is for Alex :)
~Jirisys (Hai =/= Hi)
It should work for RTW. Anyone with problems should indicate so in this thread. I'm going to go ahead and integrate this with the Comp. Pack (I've talked with you on MSN).

Vaginacles
11-12-2010, 02:57
Oddly enough, its harder to fight a classical phalanx with a macedonian phalanx formation in this. Also, levy hoplites are pretty much useless against any other phalanx formation, since they just get cut up quick as hell because of the constant pushing. Not that i'm complaining, this mod is awesome.

jirisys
11-12-2010, 03:25
Oddly enough, its harder to fight a classical phalanx with a macedonian phalanx formation in this.

Pyrrhos also found out that when he attacked Sparta :clown:


Also, levy hoplites are pretty much useless against any other phalanx formation, since they just get cut up quick as hell because of the constant pushing.

No wonder they are levy and the lowest tier of hoplites :clown:


Not that i'm complaining, this mod is awesome.

I know it is

~Jirisys (Now... GO CONQUER MAKEDONIA!:whip::clown:)

vartan
11-12-2010, 03:36
Oddly enough, its harder to fight a classical phalanx with a macedonian phalanx formation in this. Also, levy hoplites are pretty much useless against any other phalanx formation, since they just get cut up quick as hell because of the constant pushing. Not that i'm complaining, this mod is awesome.
I haven't tested this mod. Are you saying that with this mod, the Makedonian Phalanx has a harder time defeating a Classical Hoplite? Do you mean the Makedonian Phalanx still wins, but with more casualties?

jirisys
11-12-2010, 03:42
I haven't tested this mod. Are you saying that with this mod, the Makedonian Phalanx has a harder time defeating a Classical Hoplite? Do you mean the Makedonian Phalanx still wins, but with more casualties?

Not really, It's the same; it just takes more time since the shield defense is raised (but if you flank then from the right or rear, you'll massacre them, as defense ability is lowered)

~Jirisys (But really, conquer MAKEDONIA!!!:whip:)

Vaginacles
11-12-2010, 05:13
To clarify, i tested this as makedonia against the KH, and first battle was pretty even matchup between KH classical hoplites and levy phalanx. Even though the Levies tend to win over the classical, i find that after they close in my levies get cut up against the hoplites. Its no longer the "stand motionless while the phalanx pokes you to death hoplites" but now they actually push in to close and engage in melee combat. Obviously, this causes much more casualties.

This mod basically demotes levy hoplites from useful line infantry to "push to the death" infantry, i haven't tested it against the Romanoi or barbaroi factions yet, but i suspect it will fair the same.

Oh and one more thing, don't put guard mode on Makedonian phalanxes, it'll just ruin you in Phalanx vs Phalanx battles.

Flanking them is easier said than done, for some reason they refused to die/rout when i run my FM into a phalanx's butt, probably because of the opposing general still being alive.

jirisys
11-12-2010, 06:00
To clarify, i tested this as makedonia against the KH, and first battle was pretty even matchup between KH classical hoplites and levy phalanx. Even though the Levies tend to win over the classical, i find that after they close in my levies get cut up against the hoplites. Its no longer the "stand motionless while the phalanx pokes you to death hoplites" but now they actually push in to close and engage in melee combat. Obviously, this causes much more casualties.

This mod basically demotes levy hoplites from useful line infantry to "push to the death" infantry, i haven't tested it against the Romanoi or barbaroi factions yet, but i suspect it will fair the same.

Oh and one more thing, don't put guard mode on Makedonian phalanxes, it'll just ruin you in Phalanx vs Phalanx battles.

Flanking them is easier said than done, for some reason they refused to die/rout when i run my FM into a phalanx's butt, probably because of the opposing general still being alive.

Did you use Guard mode on when you get attacked? If not, well, they are just going not to guard the spot and try to kill them.
Vartan already confirmed this in his paper; if you want to win in a Phalx. v. Phalx. combat, don't use guard mode

AND

From the OP:


NOTE # 2: Guard mode is no longer necessary! You do not need it. You fight better without it and can still keep a cohesive formation. Also, you no longer need to stand still and receive a charge. Hoplites now deliver a crushing charge and will maintain formation while (and after) doing so. Thanks to Barrabas for pointing this out.

~Jirisys (PUSH TO THE DEATH!!!!!!)

Vaginacles
11-12-2010, 06:07
Well i put on guard mode when facing Greek Phalanxes, expecting that my formation would keep the greek hoplites at bay, but they actually use their weight now. Against Makedonian phalanx, i don't use guard at all

Atraphoenix
12-09-2010, 23:25
Thanks mate for your efforts for Alex EB fans.

QuintusSertorius
12-11-2010, 12:13
Would this alteration make it possible for hoplites to regain their swords?

jirisys
12-11-2010, 17:24
Would this alteration make it possible for hoplites to regain their swords?

I don't think so, I tried with massalian hoplites; went real bad; as it is explained in the OT... But that's because they had their swords as primary, maybe if they have it as secondary it will change, but I don't know about that

~Jirisys (You could try to)

jirisys
01-04-2011, 18:27
Well i put on guard mode when facing Greek Phalanxes, expecting that my formation would keep the greek hoplites at bay, but they actually use their weight now. Against Makedonian phalanx, i don't use guard at all

It's because THEY (The Artificial Idiot) Doesn't, so it attacks you without guard mode, so... You do the same too, the AI is too dumb to understand that they will not do anything against the phalanx.

~Jirisys (I misunderstood:shame:)


Thanks mate for your efforts for Alex EB fans.

I am a fan too, If only my EB wouldn't be nicknamed EB: The return of CTD.

~Jirisys (Yes Ludens, you can merge the posts :smile:)