TDM-ModPack 3.30 BETA

[dogscoff]

Any chance of a download with just the AI files in? I already have all the images and 10 meg is quite a fat download for my skinny dialup connection=-)

Thanks.

[Tampa_Gamer]

TDM-ModPack 3.30 (beta still)

FYI - For those of you wondering how significant of an upgrade this is and whether or not it is worth the pain of downloading again here are the statistics (please note that except for my Last statement, I have not made any specific references to races or their authors, since to do so would unduly set them above the others contained in the mod - for a full list of all contributors, see the "Readme - TDM Mod Pack.txt" file):

* The mod now contains 15 revised original races (4 added with this revision) & 17 entirely new races (1 of which is added with this revision) for a total of 32 races.

* Of the 32 races, 26 have been substantially revised since the Last Version of TDM-ModPack was released in August 2002 (of course 5 are new with this Version, so the statistic is more like 21 out of 26).

* This latest Version now contains a total of 1,992 files, 415 of which have changed since the August 2002 Version, including 74 .bmp files for the new race.

* My special thanks goes to Mephisto (for his extremely hard work organizing the latest updates, keeping on top of everyone & install program) and Master Belisarius (for coordinating the AI dead match which greatly helped all of us AI modders with their latest updates).

Dogscoff - due to the amount of files, it would take a tremendous amount of additional time to sort out which files were update/added since the Last official Version. Combine that with all the requests we got for assistance with the zip files, and that is why Mephisto put a ton of time into searching for and creating this install program. Of course, the mod may be freely distributed as long as none of the files are modified, etc. so that does not stop anyone from creating such an incremental file...

-TG

[ February 07, 2003, 16:22: Message edited by: Tampa_Gamer ]

[F Te antKe]

dogscoff ,
I downloaded the exe and ran it.
I then zipped all of the *.txt files
The size is about 1.6 mb.
Is that what you mean?
I can email it to you.

[mac5732]

this is only a small request, but would it be possible that when you play the game with the TDM and it shows Using TDM Directory in upper right, it could also list the TDM Version Number? This would help us old geezers know that we have the right Version when we play the game, especailly as with PBW we use different Versions...

Thanks for a great MOD

just some ideas Mac

[Tampa_Gamer]

Mac - good idea. Done.

[Mephisto]

TDM330Full.exe, for download click here

TDM-ModPack 3.30 (Gold Version)
February 7, 2003

For use with Space Empires IV Version 1.84 only.

INTRODUCTION
==============

First - many thanks to the folks at Malfador Machinations ("MM") and Shrapnel Games for their continued support and communication with the gaming community. Since MM is dedicated to releasing a number of future patches, this "Mod" pack does not contain any modified tech trees, new components or facilities, just a major overhaul to the AI files to get the most of the current Version of SE4.

INSTALLING THE TDM-MODPACK
=============================

AUTO-INSTALLER - Just double-click on the file and follow the instructions.

UN-INSTALLING THE TDM-MODPACK (OPTION 1)
=========================================

(1) Copy the file "original Path.txt" from the TDM-ModPack folder to your Space Empires IV folder.

(2) Delete the file "Path.txt" in your Space Empire IV folder.

(3) Rename the file "Original Path.txt" now located in the Space Empire IV folder to "Path.txt".

(4) The game will now run with it's default settings. The "TDM-ModPack" folder is still present. You can either delete it now or keep it to reinstall the TDM-ModPack if you desire to do so. To re-install the ModPack, follow the instructions for un-install but use the "TDM-ModPack Path.txt" instead.

UN-INSTALLING THE TDM-MODPACK (OPTION 2)
=========================================

(1) Open the file "Path.txt" in your Space Empires IV folder.

(2) Alter this line:

Using Mod Directory := TDM-ModPack

to

Using Mod Directory := None

(3) Save and close the file "Path.txt".

(4) The game will now run with it's default settings. The "TDM-ModPack" folder is still present. You can either delete it now or keep it to reinstall the TDM-ModPack if you desire to do so. To re-install the ModPack, follow the instructions for un-install but use the "TDM-ModPack Path.txt" instead.

THE SE4 LAUNCHER UTILITY BY MATRYX
====================================

As of Version 3.10 of the TDM-ModPack, we are happy to be able to incorporate one of the best utilities created by a fellow player for those that use mods with this game. This utility was designed by Matryx and is included with his express permission. It allows you to choose a particular "mod" folder upon starting SE4. This utility will be automatically installed along with the TDM-ModPack and will be located in your main SE4 folder. For more detailed information be sure to read the file "SE4Launcher.doc" located in the main SE4 directory after installation. To use:

(1) Press your "Start" button on the windows task bar, select "Programs," then select "Shrapnel Games" and click on the program called "SE4 ModLauncher"
(2) When the utility starts, choose the mod in the left most column that you would like to use for this game by clicking once with the mouse (note- the utility automatically creates these choices based on the list of folders located in your main directory and is designed to give your information for each mod that contains a "modinfo.txt" file)
(3) Once your selection is made, click the button called "Play SEIV."
(4) That's it! If you selected the "TDM-ModPack" you should be greeted with our specially modified intro screen to let you know your selection was successful.

INSTALLING OTHER MODS
=======================

If you want to use other Mods while playing the TDM-ModPack, make sure to install all other MODs you download into the "TDM-ModPack" folder and do not edit or override the "Path.txt" in your Space Empires IV folder. Following these instructions makes sure you don't cripple your ModPack installation involuntarily. BEWARE: Overriding any files in the "TDM-ModPack" folder may disrupt your ModPack installation!

HISTORY
========
VERSION 3.30 - Maintenance update due to the Space Empires IV 1.84 patch. 5 races were added.

Compiled file contains the following:

(01) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Aquilaeian" - Version 2.30 (with shipset by Klaus Lehtonen a/k/a Zarix and AI files by Master Belisarius).

(02) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Colonials" - Version 1.23 (with shipset and AI files by Dracus).

(03) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Cue Cappa" - Version 1.21 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Rollo and speech file by Quikngruvn).

(04) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Cylons" - Version 1.40 (with shipset and AI files by Dracus).

(05) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Dra'kol" - Version 2.10 (with shipset by Don Phillips a/k/a Voidhawk, AI files by Tampa_Gamer and speech file by John Zamarra).

(06) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Earth Alliance" - Version 3.00 (with shipset by Randy Stulce and other artists and AI files by Mephisto).

(07) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "EEE" - Version 1.30 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Rexxx).

(08) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Fazrah" - Version 1.50 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Blade).

(09) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Gron" - Version 1.10 (with shipset by Richard Meics, AI files by Rexxx).

(10) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Jraenar" - Version 1.78j (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(11) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Klingons" - Version 1.78j (with shipset from Atrocities, AI files by God Emperor).

(12) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Krill" - Version 3.00 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Atraikius).

(13) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Narn Regime" - Version 3.00 (with shipset by Randy Stulce and other artists and AI/speech files by Mephisto).

(14) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Norak" - Version 2.10 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Daynarr).

(15) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Orks" - Version 3.00 (with shipset and AI files by Atraikius).

(16) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Piundon - Version 1.60 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Tampa_Gamer, speech file by John Zamarra)

(17) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Praetorian" - Version 1.78j (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(18) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Pyrochette" - Version 2.20 (with shipset by Grand Mausic Yith Saulkar and AI files by Master Belisarius).

(19) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Rage Collective" - Version 2.50 (with shipset and AI files by Alpha Kodiak)

(20) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Romulans" - Version 1.78j (with shipset from Atrocities, AI files by God Emperor).

(21) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Sallega" - Version 1.78j (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(22) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Sergetti" - Version 2.10 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Daynarr).

(23) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Shadows" - Version 1.78j (with shipset from Atrocities, AI files by God Emperor).

(24) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Terran" - Version 3.00 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Mephisto).

(25) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Toltayan" - Version 1.78j (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(26) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Toron Confederation" - Version 3.00 (with shipset by Klaus Lehtonen and AI by Mephisto).

(27) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Ukratel" - Version 1.78j (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by God Emperor).

(28) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "United Flora" - Version 2.02 (with shipset by Henk Brouwer, AI files by Rollo).

(29) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Vaxin" - Version 1.31 (with shipset and AI files by Alpha Kodiak).

(30) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Vikings" - Version 1.11 (with shipset by Dogscoff and AI files by Rollo).

(31) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Xiati" - Version 3.00 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Mephisto).

(32) Complete AI Race files and Shipset for "Xi'Chung" - Version 2.20 (with default shipset by Malfador Machinations, AI files by Daynarr).

(33) Revised default AI_Planet_Types file to tweak planet selection for AI (by Daynarr).

(34) New formations.txt file that includes 9 new formations (contributions by Tampa_Gamer, Daynarr and Master Belisarius)

(35) Settings.txt modified to make "Quick Start" option available for all races - including 4 additional default races and all new races and increased default max units/ships (modified by Tampa_Gamer and Mephisto).

(36) "Modlauncher" info file added (created by Mephisto).

(37) Revised "Intro.bmp" screens for both 800x and 1024x Versions to indicate that "TDM-ModPack Directory" in use (created by Tampa_Gamer).

(38) Complete SE4 Launcher Utility - Version 2.26 (created by Gregory 'DM-Matryx' Sweetman).

(39) New default AI_Construction_Units file included to increase AI unit production in default, non-modded AI races (by Tampa_Gamer and Mephisto).

VERSION 3.20 - Maintenance update due to the Space Empires IV 1.78 patch. Added the "United Flora" races.

VERSION 3.11 - Includes fixes for all known bugs from Version 3.10. The Earth Alliance, the Narn, the Terrans, the Torons and the Xiati were tweaked. Fixed a problem with the install program.

VERSION 3.10 - Introduction screen now using the GOLD screen (again modified to indicate use of "TDM-ModPack Directory"), minor bug fixes, again rework of all previous races and re-adding several races that we left out on the CD for copyright reasons. Also, most of these new races files take advantage of the new features implemented via the Gold Patch.

VERSION 3.00 - GOLD-Version of the TDM-ModPack. All the races were modified and made compatible with the GOLD-Edition.

VERSION 2.00 - Introduction screens modified to indicate use of "TDM-ModPack Directory", major reworks to previous races and several races added (Cue Cappa, Jraenar, Krill, Praetorian, Ukratel, Terran, Xiati and Vaxin).

VERSION 1.80 - Aquilaeian race added, older races updated and ModLauncher info file added.

VERSION 1.75 - All races (except Norak, Xi'Chung and Sergetti which have been tested and are working with Version 1.41) reworked by respective authors.

VERSION 1.72 - Minor patch to include strategy changes to Norak, Sergetti & Xi'Chung and minor tweaks/spelling corrections to other AI files

VERSION 1.71 - Revisions to all races, updated for SE4 ver 1.35 & Pyrochette race added.

VERSION 1.70 - Revisions to all races & additional races added.

VERSION 1.60 - Revisions to all races.

VERSION 1.50 - Added shipsets for two races, all AI files tweaked and updated.

VERSION 1.01 - Fixed several range errors caused by spacing and spelling error in Dra'kol files.

VERSION 1.00 - Initial Release.

NOTES
======

(1) Each of the races has a complete revision history and additional notes contained in their own respective "readme.txt" files located in the race subfolders.

(2) You can find the most recent Version of the TDM-ModPack at
http://home.t-Online.de/home/320045362204-0001/
or in the "Space Empires: IV - AI Races/Ship Sets" folder on the Shrapnel Games website download section located at
http://216.167.123.13/cgi-bin/ultima...&f=50&t=000001

(3) Contact the TDm-ModPack-Team at HeavyLoad@Gmx.de

(4) The TDM-ModPack may be freely distributed as long as no files are modified, added or deleted.

Have Fun!
- The TDM-ModPack Team

[ February 13, 2003, 13:10: Message edited by: Mephisto ]

[Tenryu]

Awesome, thanks you guys. I love this Mod.

[Mephisto]

Hi Oleg, Imperator Fyron,
please post about the TDM here, not in the New Scenario/Mod Forum. You were just lucky I found your Posts over there.
As I have explained many times, I will not offer an zip-file. I had enough people asking for help because they could not handle the zip files. All this has vanished with the installer. What’s the problem with the installer anyway? You can disable icon installation, it won't write a single line into your registry, it is simple to use and allows you to install wherever you want.
Finally, the installer is in fact smaller then the zip file: The Installer is 9.576 kb, the zip file is 10.478 with maximum compression.

[Fyron]

Sorry, I didn't feel like searching for this thread. You can delete my post over there if you want to.

You can't view any files in it without installing the whole thing, for one. It offers nothing that WinZip doesn't offer. It forces me to reinstall the Mod Launcher, which is pointless. What would be worse is if a new Version of the Mod Launcher comes out, and then the TDM installer installs and obselete Version.

[edit]
Actually, it is even worse than that. The TDM installer includes a Launcher.ini file! This is extremely bad, as it will overwrite the Launcher.ini file that people already have, which will cause them to lose all stored password. Luckily I didn't install it straight to the SE4 folder.
[/edit]

Zip files are extremely easy to use. Anyone that is downloading files from the internet needs to learn how to use them. The instructions necessary to explain how to install the TDM mod from a zip file would not be very long at all.

[ February 09, 2003, 11:35: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Mephisto]

I cannot delete any files in the Mod Forum, no moderator can.
You can install the ModPack anywhere you like so you are really not forced to override any files like the ModLauncher. I think the need to watch or extract only one single file from the pack isn’t very widespread and even if you want to do it, you can simply install the TDM in another folder and get the file from there.
I agree with you that anybody on the internet should be able to handle Winzip. But that’s a “should”. Many people are not able to use Winzip. Many people haven’t the slightest idea what a folder is. Many more don’t know what files need to be in what directory with what settings to be able to run TDM. Others are unable to find the folder SE4 is installed in let alone the ModLauncher without an icon. The people unable to overcome these obstacles are many more then the number of people able to work with a zip file as intended. And no, a good documentation won’t help. We had a detailed “how to install” winzip documentation in the readme but to follow this you need to understand your explorer, folder structure and – the biggest problem – find and read the readme carefully before you try something silly.
Your wishes as the TDM-Team is to bring the best possible AIs to as many SE4 Customers as possible as easy as possible and as small on the download as possible.
You may ask why there aren’t to Versions of the ModPack, one zip and one exe. Besides that the exe is smaller then the zip, it is because people who are unable to use the zip tend to download just zips and not the installer. Don’t ask me why, it some of Murphy’s laws, obviously. Finally, it is a quite a bit of work to maintain the TDM and offer support for people, especially with two different install methods. And telling them to once again download the easier install is quite annoying for the modem Users.
I see why some people would like a Winzip as they are expert Users but the majority of Users is not and I just don’t have the time for all the double work so there will be only the installer Version as the official Version. Feel free to post and maintain a unofficial Winzip Version. You are free to do so as long as no file are modified, added or deleted.