info on patches, mods, etc. for tech novice

[champdouglas]

When browsing the various websites dedicated to STW and its offspring, I am always reading talk about this or that "patch" or "mod" and how you can greatly expand your gaming experience by taking advantage of these resources (stats, analysis, maps, etc., is what I gather).

The problem for me is that on these sites, everybody is talking like they already know the ins and outs of this whole patch/mod thing, and I have no idea what they're talking about, really, so I'm having a hard time taking advantage of these things, even though I want to.

So, does anyone know of a FAQ or guide or other info resource that will help me understand the *basics* of these sorts of things. Keep in mind that I am not what you would call a "computer person" -- I know how to use a computer, but only for the stuff I need (windows, e-mail, internet, etc. etc.). So I'm not real well-versed in this or that type of file extension, etc, whatever.

So thanks a bunch if anyone can help me out on this one.

champ

[LittleGrizzly]

r u talking bout the 1.03 patch for shogun or modding for example the medieval demo ?

[FasT]

Xplain then maybe u get help?

Maps maybe?
xplain ur problem and we can help?

[champdouglas]

basically i don't know what "patches" or "modding" or anything is. i can tell that around here these concepts are thoroughly ingrained into everyone's vocabulary, so it may seem unusual that I profess such cluelessness. but believe me, i am truly clueless when it comes to such matters:

what is a "patch?"
what is a "mod?"
how do "patches" and "mods" function, and what is the reason for their existence?

if it seems like a waste of time to explain such elementary material, i fully understand. but if someone could at least point me to a place (a web link, maybe?) where a total novice could learn about these sorts of things, I would very much appreciate it.

okay i hope i've been clear enough. thanks for tryin to help me out. btw, i've found that the people who post on this forum are generally more helpful/pleasant than the users of just about any other forum i've participated in (but then again, most of those forums were filled with musicians, and we're a really crabby bunch).

peace,
champ

[Orda Khan]

You do not need to be pc literate, Orda is pc illiterate but has managed thanks to nice forum ppl. A patch is an official change to game, as in v1.02. This you can down load. Orda does this to desktop. There is usually a read me file and/or installer contained to help you file in right place. A mod, as in 1.03 statswap is an unofficial change to the game unit stats. The patches are released to solve problems with the game but some still remain or become apparent. The imminent release of MTW meant the end of MI/WE patches. 103 was created to solve this.
For example...Before v1.02 Mongols were unstoppable, v1.02 toned down their strength but unfortunately muskets became too strong and Ashi peasants could be transformed into superhuman units. Mod 103 sorts this, peasants with sticks remain peasants with sticks, muskets are more realistic to the time period - not very accurate and slower to reload. Mongols have been weakened further still (too much IMO)
Other downloads make the battles more enjoyable such as custom maps.
If you go through your program files you will find the totalwar directory and all the folders within so for example you would open a custom map file and send the contents to totalwar/shogun WE/battle/maps.
Orda does not mean to offend but you did say you were not a 'computer person'
Go to the Org and get these things then join the MP community. We will look out for you.
Good luck Champ
.....Orda

------------------
" Send us your ambassadors and thus we shall judge whether you wish to be at peace with us or at war..if you make war on us the Everlasting God, who makes easy what was difficult and makes near what was far, knows that we know what our power is."

[champdouglas]

thank you, orda. believe me, in matters such as this there is no such thing as "too simple," for me at this stage at least. i appreciate you taking the time to explain what the deal is with this type of stuff.

thanks,
champ

[FasT]

Orda 2 the rescue http://www.totalwar.org/ubb/smile.gif

[Puzz3D]

champdouglas,
The patch you want for original STW is v1.12. Here at the org in the files/patches section it's called Shogun112. If you get Warlords Edition, you want the ShogunWv1.02_Euro.exe patch. If you get the Mongol Invasion add-on to STW, you want the ShogunM1.02_Euro.exe patch. Both WE and MI are exactly the same game.

The WE/MI v1.00 first release of the game had some very pronounced gameplay balance issues in the online multiplayer battles. The developer took input from the community and a smaller group of community selected beta testers to improve the play balance in online games without ruining the single player balance. Those adjutments are present in the v1.02 patch. A subsequent further refinement of the play balance intended for online games only was recently completed by another community based group and released as v1.03. It's not a patch, but is an alternate parameter set for the units. Two different stats swappers are available to facilitate switching in various alternate stats, such as v1.03, or returning to the official v1.02 stat set. If you only play the single player game, you should stick with the v1.02.

You can find all the patches, stats, maps, editing tools, and player made scenarios and campaigns here: http://www.totalwar.org/maps/

MizuYuuki ~~~
Clan Takiyama ~~~

[LittleGrizzly]

id just like to point out 1.03 is not essentail for multiplayer