New Patron asks for Assistance

[KukriKhan]

Hello Dungeon-ites. New patron iksander posts in the Entrance Hall:

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Hi there,

I am currently a student studying Multimedia at a University in Australia.

I have a project in mind for my end of year exhibition but am still attempting to find a means to go about completing it.

The project:
I wish to create a re-enactment of one of Alexander the Great's campaigns and wish to do this using some form of 3d software.

This is where my question comes in - is it possible, using MTW, to create a map/terrain, populate it and script the AI to perform certain actions/movements?

What I am after is some form of in-game cinematic that I can record in some way that provides a re-enactment of an entire battle involving cavalry and infantry, across various terrain and surfaces, including water (most likely a river battle).

Additionally, is it possible to extract the current unit models and skins and alter them, as well as the animations? If so, can 3d studio max, or similar application (Maya, lightwave) be used?

I have never played this game so I thought I'd ask if this type of thing was possible before purchasing it.

Many thanks to any that can either answer this question or offer a different game as a suggestion (I have been looking at Age of Mythology, C&C Generals but neither seem to offer the number of troops on the battle field that I require)

Also links to level editor/modding tutorials are much appreciated.

Cheers and thanks again,
Tim

PS: I assume this post would be more relevant in the Dungeon.
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visit iksander here:
http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin....y130904 (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=15&t=9392&st=&&#entry130904)

[cromwell]

Hi, there is a program called "Fraps" which was made to measure frames per second for ggaming. It can also record the game you are playing. I used it to record some games and played them back in windows media player. Don't know if that helps or not.


FearofCromwell

[Degtyarev14.5]

Hey iksander,

I can't really help; was just wondering which uni you're at... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

A.

[LeBob]

unfortunately,

You cannot force the AI to perfom certain move. What you can do is having two people play the game the way you want it.
Yes you can change the units (using 3D max and some stuff Duke John knows about).
Yes the map can be created
You cannot cross water (unless there is a bridge http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Lord Le Bob
PS: it will be interesting to see the results

[NagatsukaShumi]

It is possible to script the AI in Historical Battles and Campaigns. There is a help for this installed with the game.

[Lord Of Storms]

Naggy is correct as this heading shows
Introduction
============
A new feature for the add on is the ability to control the ai in historical battles. This is done by placing commands (henceforth called actions) in the .adf file for each faction. The overall stance of the ai can be set, as well as more specific instructions being given. In addition the arrival and positioning of reinforcements can be controlled. A trigger system is provided so that new instructions can be given according to how the battle unfolds.
This heading is from the AISCRIPTINGINSTRUCTIONS file found in MedievalTotalWar/Battle/batinit/ and has the info needed to script the commands for an MTW historical battle. LOS

[iksander]

SOrry bout my late reply.

Thanks for ya input guys. At the moment I'm sorta heading towards Age of Mythology as there seems to be quite a lot of resources out there and the whole river crossing with bridges only deal just isn't that great. Additionally AOM has a lot of the basic units that I require: hoplites, chariots, archers, elephants, etc.

I also think that getting two people to play out the battle rather than scripting the AI would be the better option as I am not really attempting to create a playable campaign here - I just need it for a demonstration of Alexander tactics and the basic events of the battle.

Thanks for all ya input guys and I will try and keep you updated with my progress - I tend to be rather lazy so I hope I dont fall behind.

Bye.