Middle Earth: Total War - v0.1 released!

[ME:TW - Team]

http://chronicles.metw.net/files/forum/METW_title.gif
http://chronicles.metw.net/files/forum/title_release.gif

Installation notes
The Unit Beta v0.1 release is now ready for download here (http://chronicles.metw.net/files/METW_BETA_01.zip). (6.4mb)
Note that this is for Medieval: Total War version 1.1 only To install do the following:
- extract the zip file into a temporary directory
- then copy the entire content of that directory over a clean installation of M:TW 1.1, overwrite everything.

Playing Middle Earth: Total War
After installation, set up a custom battle using the new Middle Earth: Third Age period and select either the Rohan or Isengard faction. This release features the Rohan and Isengard units that are listed in this topic (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=5;t=10312;st=0).
Have fun

Work in progress...
Please note that this is only a beta release and is still only a work in progress. If after playing this mod you have the urge to help us recreate Middle Earth then feel free to drop by at our forums (http://www.leftzed.com/lotr/index.php).

Further releases
A map pack of Middle Earth maps, set in the homelands of both Rohan and Isengard will be released in the near future.

Regards,
- ME:TW Mod Team

Legal disclaimer: All literary content is property of the Estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. ME:TW-Team in no way claims any content from the publications of J.R.R. Tolkien to be its own.

[Gregoshi]

We need a drooling emoticon...

[scoobie]

Hi, i dont know what im doing wrong. I saved the game to desktop, then i created a directory. I hit copy on the folder, but i dont know where to paste it. Ive tried pasting it in the folder that says Medieval- Total War. All it does is create a new folder inside of that folder. What do i need to do. Thanks for taking the time to help me out
Scoobs

[ME:TW - Team]

You misread the installation notes:

To install do the following:
- extract the zip file into a temporary directory
You did this correctly.
- then copy the entire content of that directory over a clean installation of M:TW 1.1, overwrite everything.
And here you made the mistake. You copied the entire directory while you only should only copy the content of that directory.

[SmokWawelski]

When you will move the MOD into the 2.0 MTW version, I will have a heart attack out of the pure joy

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[Lord_Baltimore]

Hello,

I dont know who is in charge of creating the Middle Earth Total War mod, but I am fairly well-read when it comes to all things Tolkien and would be happy to provide any assistance or input, conceptually speaking. Technically speaking, however, I know next to nothing about how to actually modify a computer game.

[ME:TW - Team]

Hello Lord Baltimore,

At the moment we have enough background experts and adding more would only delay the project since there would be too much talking. I hope you understand this approach.

Right now we need graphical artists that can make icons, edit the interface and campaign map.

Cheers, ME:TW - Team

[Lord_Baltimore]

Hello again,

Also, I dont know what work has been done WRT the various orders of battle for the different factions of Middle-Earth, but I think the following sites may provide some worthwhile insight, if they havent already been perused:

* http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~kuijt/orcs/TolkeinDBA.html
* http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/se/~luv20009/MiddleEarthintro.html
* http://tetrad.stanford.edu/var/MiddleEarthLists.html

These sites discuss warfare in Middle-Earth from the context of DBM/DBA (a tabletop miniatures warfare system); however, the discussions and decisions taken by the various designers are thought-provoking.

[Lord_Baltimore]

ME : TW - Team,

Thanks for the quick reply. I understand you must have lots of (i.e., too many) people leaping at the opportunity to help. Nonetheless, I'm here as a resource, if you like.

[Shahed]

Brilliant Thank you. I can't wait to try this out over the week-end.

Question: is it possible to play this online in multi-player ?

[Duke John]

Multiplayer
It is possible to play Middle Earth: Total War over the internet. All the particiapants should have the exact same installation. Perhaps you can add METW01 before your game name to let others know that you're playing with Middle Earth: Total War version 0.1
Note that this version is only for M:TW version 1.1

SeljukSinan
Will you post your findings here? I'm very curious of what you think since both factions are yet to be balanced. Especially the unit costs are not correct, so play a fair game not a competition. The armies are meant for low valor.

Cheers, Duke John

[Shahed]

Cool. Sure thing. I'll do that. Np at all.

[LordKarolinger]

Is.... to...... good.... can't..... stop...... playing... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

[Monk]

Quote[/b] (LordKarolinger @ Sep. 05 2003,18:54)]Is.... to...... good.... can't..... stop...... playing... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif
I have to agree, This Mod is turning out to be very good indeed. The only problem i have is with the Orcs speaking Latin http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

But there's still plenty of time to fix that in the full release. keep up the good work ME:TW team http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

[Knight_Yellow]

i think the Orc warriors should be a lot more vurnerable to arrows.

just my opinion like.

[mandt]

If you follow the instructions, the game loads fine and plays as smoothly as the main game.

I have played about a dozen battles. So far I've recorded three that I think are of interest. I'm in the process of writing battle reports for each.

I'm having trouble winning with Rohan. I could be because I'm not picking good force mixes for them. I've been building the Rohan armies around the Warriors of Rohan, but I think that's a mistake. I think you need more Axemen in the mix -- especially against Uruk Warriors.

It's too early to tell if there are balance problems. I'll know more in a day or two.

General Comments:
The graphics look great. I just watched some Rohan mounted Javaliners get chased across the map by Warg Riders. They were all scattered and strung out. It looked very cool.

The Uruk Pike phalanxes look very good. the more you put into the battle, the better it looks.

All in all, it's a great job, and I thank you for your hard work, and for posting your mod. I feel I owe you guys. So, I'll continue to play custom battles and will send reports. I'm also working on a couple of maps, which i will send you when complete.

[Duke John]

Thank you Mandt

Having trouble winning with Rohan is not surprising it's supposed to be a more difficult faction. Isengard is easier because their troops are meant to be charging forward and rely on their brute strength. Rohan must however use the mobility of their Cavalry, it's pretty easy to divert some units with your cavalry, just watch out for the Wargs since they can outpace your cavalry.
I usually have 3 Warriors, 2 Axemen, 1 Royal Guard, 2 Archers, 1 Javelineers, 1 Fyrdmen and some cavalry. Rohan infantry is not supposed to win against Isengard, they're not build around infantry. While they can stand a chance, their strentgh lies in cavalry. Just wait for Gondor if you want to play a infantry based army.

I'm really looking forward to your battlereports

Cheers, Duke John

[LordKarolinger]

I like to use axemen alot against the uruks but alot of the time my archers pick off a lot of them but flanking cavalry always tends to work best. As for the actuall mod the only thing I really noticed was when I was playing a bridge battle against Isengard and my archers and axemen had slaughtered hundreds of Uruks:wacko: when I noticed the corpses of both sides were all yellow people which I am wondering if that will be changed. Other then that the mod is awesome.

[Duke John]

Graphical anamolies
As you all have guessed correctly, this is indeed still a BETA. And there are some graphical changes that need to made. I am aware of all of them, so you don't need to mention them. A few notable things are:
- No weapons and shields for Wargs, Berserkers and Wildmen;
- Javelineers have a not synchronised shooting animation;
- Dead bodies are displayed incorrectly.

These things will hopefully corrected in the next version.

Cheers, Duke John

[Marshal Murat]

Why are the Wargs faster then calvary? I mean they're large wolves If you want to change that part, just go to the unit prod and change the speed and max speed of the Wargs.

[Cheetah]

Warriors of Rohan are spearmen so use them as other spears: on hold/hold in closely packed formations. Protect flanks with axemen and royal foot guars and do the flanking with your excellent cavalry http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Emp. Conralius]

I've played many a battle with this mod. Rohan is indeed a more difficult faction to play as, but they certainly have more than enough to win. If your a fan of the films, dont expect to to lead successful charges of Horse Lords and Riders of Rohan into walls of pikes.

The Uruk-Hai are vicious in battle, and for the most part, Rohan rarely ever defeats them in a prolonged melee. As I was playing, my Rohirrim usually had to depent on breaking the Uruks on the charge or holding them of with Rohan's capable infantry and then charging home with the riders.

The Pike Uruks are done very well As are all of the Rohirrim.

As far as varying armies go (ive seen these from posts at the ME TW forum):

Isengard: Strong infantry-heavy army, difficult to break

Mordor: Huge spectrum of units: heavy cav, light cav, heavy inf, light inf (cav trolls, Nazgul, Oliphants, ect)

ELves: Largely infantry army, with possibly small number of cav (looks doubtful, still under deliberation)

Dwarves: Powerful inf army, with possibly human mercenary cav. units

Goblins: Huge, cowardly units of lesser-orcish rabble (rebel faction, I believe)

Rohan: Mostly cav army, has difficulty winning prolonged melee, must break enemy on the charge

Gondor: large variety of units, similar to Mordor

[pyj99]

METWBetav01 INFO

About Units weapons&shields in METWBetav01:

The post from CUGEL in the METW thread in the dungeon is incorrect.

In the version released all units have Weapons & Shields positionned... Except the followings:

Dunland Axemen & Wildmen
Warg riders & archers
Berserkers

So for most units it is weapon fighting & not wrestling

DUKE John's post earlier in this thread is correct.

regards,

PYJ99

PS: Sorry to insist on them but this important for would-be users of the mod to know that graphics are nearly complete. Moreover, I did the Weapon positionning & it was hard work

PPS: could an administrator move this message to the METW mod thread in the dungeon, please.

[desdichado]

Need some help anybody, please - can't get a battle to work. Followed instructions to install mod (over a new, clean version of mtw) and game seems to load properly but when I start a custom battle it stops. I can get to the screen where you choose faction, florins etc but when i click accept nothing happens.

Anybody else experienced this problem?

Next step is to re-install MTw but don't want to if don't have to.

[Cheetah]

You should have the 1.1 patch installed. So install patch and copy ME:TW files again. If it does not works then re-install MTW, install patch, copy ME:TW.

[desdichado]

doh.

Thanks Cheetah, I am a dummy, I forgot to patch after install\ http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

Looks like a re-install tonight then.

[_Martyr_]

Heres a Beta preview of the most likey Campaign Map...

Well done to Knight of Ni, he made it. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Click Here (http://www.metw.net/images/preview/camp_preview.jpg)

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Scipio]

When is the campaign release gonna come out? it is a total conversian right?

[Kraellin]

what sort of icons are you looking for? post some specs, sizes, type, facings, picture format, etc.

K.

[MILITARYMAN]

Yes we need a DROOOOOOOOLLIIIIIIIIING SMILIE for this one http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

[Alrowan]

that looks beautiful, nice work indeed guys

[Russ Mitchell]

Indeed. Sweet isn't even the word...

[_Martyr_]

Update:

Helper has made fantastic strides on the Camp Map... I think that the mountains look superb http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

http://helper.metw.net/images/campmap-sample-udun-sm.jpg
http://helper.metw.net/images/campmap-sample-misty-sm.jpg
http://helper.metw.net/images/campmap-sample-mordor-sm.jpg

The playtesters have finnished all the tests (and believe me there was a LOT of testing) for Isengard vs Rohan. They developed an ingenious system based on spreadsheet value tables. We hope its going to be very balanced because of this.

DJ is going to start working on the Gondorian and Mordor troop Bifs next. The army rosters are beeing finalised now.

The background team is beginning to write the appropiate descriptions now.

The front-end files will be completely modded soon enough.

(again, screenshots will be provided of everything as soon as we feel a preview is ready:) )

[Teutonic Knight]

when will this be ready for a VI release?

[NicSO]

Units are totally awesome, gameplay is superb (Im BIG LOTR fan) and I just
cant wait to see final version of the mod....aaaaa.

I want it even more than ROME: TW...

A+ from me:)

[[DnC]]

Quote[/b] (Gregoshi @ Sep. 03 2003,22:08)]We need a drooling emoticon...
http://jeroenonline.nl/sitsquad/forum/html/emoticons/kwijl.gif

[ME:TW - Team]

For the people who are interested in our ME:TW mod or who want to discuss Middle Earth in general, we have set up a players forum where you happily chat away and be the first ones to know about news concerning the ME:TW mod.

Just follow this link and register: ME:TW - Players forum (http://www.metw.net/forum)

Cheers, ME:TW - Team

[Wild Bill Kelso]

This is simply amazing. I feel you guys have done a better job with this mod than most game developers do when they produce a new game i am really looking forward to seeing the complete version Keep up the good work I wouldnt be suprised if Peter Jackson becomes a fan of this mod.

[Quokka]

Quote[/b] ([DnC] @ Oct. 15 2003,20:59)][QUOTE=Quote (Gregoshi @ Sep. 03 2003,22:08)]We need a drooling emoticon...
http://jeroenonline.nl/sitsquad/forum/html/emoticons/kwijl.gif

[Emp. Conralius]

You guys have really captured the essence of what makes Middle Earth what it is. Great Job

What makes me even more excited is that you guys have only given us the tip of the iceberg and you have everyone (including me of course) drueling over what quite possibly will be the greatest MTW mod in existence. And since the release date of Rome has been pushed back till Fall '04, the more power to ya http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[ShadesPanther]

Has anyone seen the article in PC Zone about the upcoming LOTR: Battle for Middle Earth? It looks klass and I hope this mod is really similar http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Emp. Conralius]

LOTR: Battle for Middle Earth looks very impressive indeed EA is really putting a lot of effort into there LOTR movie license and as a result, teir making great games (this is rare in the movie-to-game genre).

Peter Jackson is letting the developers of the game use the same program that he and his team used to create the battles of Helm's Deep and the Pellenor Fields.

[RZST]

do you guys still need gfx on the camp map interface?

[LOTR-Helper]

This is LOTR-Helper of the METW conversion/mod.
I am the team leader of the Background group and I am also the artist doing the mountains and other geography on the campaign map.

If you would like to contribute to the campmap graphics in any way, you may post your ideas and artwork on Our Public Forum (http://www.metw.net/forum) (you have to sign on first). You may also want to PM me here or there so that I am aware of when and where you have done so.

We will evaluate it from there. WE will not use your work without explicit permission. If you post enough work up to our standards, we will gladly invite you to join the team.

On another note. Regarding our mod in relation to commercial products like the above mentioned game. Our conversion/mod will be based on all of Tolkien's works and ideas -- it will not be focused on specific events or characters in the LotR books or in the current trilogy of movies. We are not interested in competing with or infringing on other copywritten material in any way.

Cordially,
Helper.

[Emp. Conralius]

Quote[/b] (LOTR-Helper @ Oct. 28 2003,20:24)]This is LOTR-Helper of the METW conversion/mod.
I am the team leader of the Background group and I am also the artist doing the mountains and other geography on the campaign map.

If you would like to contribute to the campmap graphics in any way, you may post your ideas and artwork on Our Public Forum (http://www.metw.net/forum) (you have to sign on first). You may also want to PM me here or there so that I am aware of when and where you have done so.

We will evaluate it from there. WE will not use your work without explicit permission. If you post enough work up to our standards, we will gladly invite you to join the team.

On another note. Regarding our mod in relation to commercial products like the above mentioned game. Our conversion/mod will be based on all of Tolkien's works and ideas -- it will not be focused on specific events or characters in the LotR books or in the current trilogy of movies. We are not interested in competing with or infringing on other copywritten material in any way.

Cordially,
Helper.
I wasn't implying about this mod competing with any official LOTR product, or anything of that sort. I merely mentioned it.

[Teutonic Knight]

when will this be ready for a VI release?

[Emp. Conralius]

I understnd that you guys are currently working on Mordor and Gondor as far as units go, but before that is released, will there be a re-release of the Rohan And Isengard units (fixing the body error, the weaponless units, and maybe siege engines)?

[LOTR-Helper]

My apologies
No implications to you either from the METW team or myself. It is part of our standard policy to be clear regarding commercial and legal issues.

At this point, there is no explicit plan for other early releases. The weapon and shield positioning for Rohan/Isengard is done now, thanks to some hard work from PYJ99. If we have the time to do so, this certainly could be shared.

LOTR-Helper.

[Emp. Conralius]

Great No need to apologize Keep it up

[Emp. Conralius]

Quote[/b] (LOTR-Helper @ Oct. 30 2003,03:58)]My apologies
No implications to you either from the METW team or myself. It is part of our standard policy to be clear regarding commercial and legal issues.

At this point, there is no explicit plan for other early releases. The weapon and shield positioning for Rohan/Isengard is done now, thanks to some hard work from PYJ99. If we have the time to do so, this certainly could be shared.

LOTR-Helper.
when would this be possible?

[LOTR-Helper]

Martyr is compiling a map pack. I love these maps (I made several of them) I have included your desires for the new bifs coordinates in my message to him, maybe they will be part of this release.

That is no guarantee of it getting in there. We are all really, really busy just keeping the mod progressing (and our real lives), so even a map pack is even a surprise to me

I will post as soon as I know more.

[Emp. Conralius]

thanx what maps will be included?

[Emp. Conralius]

gotta keep this one bumped Too good to miss http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[_Martyr_]

The map pack is available for download from our forum's download section (http://www.metw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3).

I will let PYJ99 add the weapons patch to the game files and also make a seperate small patch. It should be done within the next few days. Its simply a few tweaks, but it should enhance the gameplay somewhat
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Funky Phantom]

Very interesting thread, gotta keep it up there for everyones sake http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[_Martyr_]

The update patch is out and can be downloaded from form's download section. (http://www.metw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28)

This update corrects variuos known bugs and glitches. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Mr.Scary ClanMan]

O.K just played your mod and i think its really cool the colors are very dark though as i have it on highest resolution when i play and its hard to see any detail on the units without squinting.I know its only a beta but just thought i should mention that,and anyway i appreciate all the work you have put in for this considering u dont get paid so well done http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Duke John]

I made the unit graphics and I like the dark colours. In my opinion it sets the mod into the right atmosphere: one of doom and despair.

Cheers, Duke John

[Emp. Conralius]

The unit list for MORDOR is up Check it out here:

http://www.metw.net/forum....5a473ed (http://www.metw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34&sid=a745b6a080ca2cb2d8f6195675a473ed)

[ME:TW - Team]

*bump* Who did that? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I don't want to leave you reading an emptypost, so here is a screenshot of how infopics will look like:
http://chronicles.metw.net/images/screenshots/metw_infopic_isengard_berserker_02.jpg
And join the ME:TW - forum (http://metw.net/dev/index.php?sid=7578ae58007cf8f8c1d2ba927606bc37) if you want to stay updated

Merry Christmas everybody http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/santa.gif

ME:TW - Team

[Sun Tzui]

*druling*

*drip,drip,drip*

A Campaign....I need a Campaign....fast.... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

This mod is too good to be true... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

Keep up the good work. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[Ashen]

this will definatly help me spend some time until R:TW and Half-Life 2 finally come out http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Emp. Conralius]

Mini-beta released


Contains 3 Gondor units

here:
http://aldaeron.metw.net/METW_MiniBETA.zip