Ahem

[_Tristan_]

We could go completely bonkers and play the Aztecs.

That could be fun but it would be necessary to give the AI a (very) big boost otherwise it should be a walk in the park...

[Ramses II CP]

I really think we should consider Broken Crescent for the next run. It does not have a true titles system like SS 4.1, although there are some titles from cities, but that is it's sole disadvantage. The Broken Crescent map is a complete break from Europe, and full of it's own unique strategic and tactical implications. The factions and gameplay are very much different from vanilla, especially the movement rate changes, and the Mongols on the battlefield are everything you could hope for. If we're nearby when they arrive, we will lose settlements to them without having to contrive success for the AI.

I haven't played SS since it moved to Kingdoms for it's current version, so I can't speak authoritatively on it, but what I recall from trying it out is that the game on the strategy map moves more slowly. That might be what we want, to allow for more interesting political developments, or it might not if power is more difficult to accumulate.

Anyway, I encourage everyone to try out BC. Right now there are clearly still some minor bugs (Some AI citadels eventually build cannon towers for example, which were supposed to be removed from the game) but the mod is extremely stable and quite enjoyable.

[TinCow]

I requested a subforum for the new game. I guess this is it. We'll get the name of the subforum changed when we figure out what we're going to call it.

BC is a good contender for the next game. I'm also drooling over Stainless Steel 6.0, which is due to be released soon. That requires Kingdoms, though, so I don't know whether it's a good idea or not.

[Privateerkev]

I have Kingdoms so I can handle a mod that needs it.

But, I know some in here might have some major reservations regarding Kingdoms because of Securom. So, if we stay with normal M2TW mods, I can try to do a dual-install because I have the hard-drive space. I just might be asking some of you for help on how to do it because I am relatively computer illiterate.

[Ramses II CP]

If the sparkly new Kingdoms patch proves stable over the next few days I'm going to pick up the expansion. For KotR I'd jump the hoops necessary to remove SecuRom anyway.

edit: No dual installs should be necessary PK.

[TinCow]

I don't own Kingdoms either, but I would buy it if it was needed for the next game. Such a decision needs a lot of discussion, though, since a Kingdoms based game would limit the pool of players.

[Privateerkev]

edit: No dual installs should be necessary PK.

From my very limited understanding of mods, it seems that some mods only work up to patch 1.2 and won't for Kingdoms/1.3. Is this correct? And if so, does that mean I need two copies of the game on my system?

I wonder what would limit the pool of players more. A M2TW mod, a Kingdoms pure game, or a Kingdoms based mod. Any ideas? Obviously a pure M2TW game would probably limit us the least since most people have patch 1.3. But with a few of us patching to 1.4, that might put us out of reach with the 1.3 people. That is, if they ever get 1.4 out. They just took it back down...

[Northnovas]

I am also one who held off on Kingdoms but have the 1.3 patch. There are mods to accommodate such has the SS 4.1. Like TC mentioned I would also give consideration for a purchase with reservations.

The Securom is a minor issue more of an annoyance on principle. I just don't like the fact of paying for something again that is not an upgrade. If it was a new patch and many issues addressed that have been out in a mod I would not hesitate but when I can get the fix from a mod and enjoy the game without the further cost I am content with that.

Its not the issue of cost for a new game but what am I getting for my money.

[Privateerkev]

I was very much against Kingdoms because of Securom. But, I held my breath, installed it, and saw my computer did not explode like I first feared. Now I love it. The Crusade campaign by itself was worth the extra money.

But I know others have their reservations. We've learned the hard way that we need to all have the same version of the game so I'll try to dual-install if we go with a non-Kingdom mod. I have the hard-drive space just sitting there since I don't download things and I only play 1 or 2 games at a time.

[AussieGiant]

I don't have Kingdom's either.

I really think we should keep the game based on the main game and not an expansion...only because many people don't purchase an expansion for a variety of reasons. I guess I'm one of those examples...and I have every expansion up until kingdoms.

[FactionHeir]

Afaik mods designed using 1.2 will not run into problems using 1.3.

Regarding the Kingdoms patch, it depends on whether it patches kingdoms.exe only or also medieval2.exe. If the former, then there should be no problems if a M2TW only mod is chosen.

[Privateerkev]

Afaik mods designed using 1.2 will not run into problems using 1.3.

Regarding the Kingdoms patch, it depends on whether it patches kingdoms.exe only or also medieval2.exe. If the former, then there should be no problems if a M2TW only mod is chosen.

Cool, if they ever get around to putting it back up, I'll get 1.4. Let me know what to look for and I'll tell you which file it patches.

[FactionHeir]

I think maybe half or less of the KOTR players have Kingdoms.
There's probably more of those in the modded hotseats.

Personally, I have no intention of getting it, but that shouldn't stop you from using it anyway