Information Request

[sirmetman]

Hey everyone, I'm new to modding, but I've spent time in the industry and doing coding, and very basic map work for my own amusement. I'm trying to determine which engine would best suit my needs. I'm looking to do a modern/near-future RTS mod to fit (at least for the time being) a map concept I have. The main technical aspects I've identified for my idea are:

Large (multiple square miles) map area
Tactical (possibly squad-based command) level focus
Game managed resources (no peon pushing)
I want to have a strong current in a river flowing through the level
Very good 3D line of sight detection
Transport-capable player-controlled vehicles
Full true 3D environment and units
Directional fortifications (like sandbag walls that only provide defence in one direction)
Ability to garrison structures and/or take cover on map elements/buildings
Destructable terrain (to some degree at least)
40-80 units per player

The engines I've come up with are the real time engine from one of the Total War games, the Supreme Commander engine, the Full Spectrum Warrior engine, and the C&C: Generals engine. I'm of course open to any other suggestions as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Nxs]

The Total War engine seems like it would be a good bet. Couldn't hurt trying the Unreal engine either :D

[Gazz]

Perhaps the theatre of war engine? Not really hightech but it has all the ingredients you are after. Linky! (http://www.battlefront.com/products/tow/gallery.html)

[sirmetman]

Well, I'm not necissarily looking to blow people out of the water with a first attempt at a serious mod, so whizbang and flashiness isn't as important as core capability. The ToW engine looks good tentatively, but there doesn't seem to be the biggest mod community or support out there for that game. Am I missing something? I really appreciate the prompt responses from you guys as well. I want to get this off the ground as fast as I can.

[Nxs]

If you are looking for mod support, BF, UT and CandC are right up there. However, RTS' always have that been there done that feel. There is a guy on here that might be able to help you a little bit. SR Caveman. He is an RTS guy :D

[Magus]

Get out of your cave, Caveman! :D

[sirmetman]

Hmm, I hear your point on the been there done that thing, Nxs. I guess my decision was based more on my personal preference for games then anything else. Maybe I will take it in a BF direction instead. The map design is very much team/strategy oriented, but I do recognize that going with the FPS play mechanic presents alot fewer challenges with making cameras work well in complex environments. My basic idea is a large river with a bridge span across it, the bridge modeled after either the Tappan Zee bridge on the Hudson River in New York or the Tower Bridge in London (I was leaning towards the TZ simply because it's simpler for implementation in a strategy setting) with a set of toll booths at one end and a highway interchange cloverleaf at the other. I know bridges have been done before, but I thought the designs of both the bridges I was thinking to model after are somewhat unique.

As far as support goes, I'm more interested in it since this is my first project, I'd rather have a strong knowledge base to work from than be starting basically from absolute zero. I don't want to bite off more then I can chew (or at least chew in a reasonable amount of time, heh). Thanks alot again for all you guys' help, I got some things to think about now, heh.

[Gazz]

Originally posted by sirmetman@May 13 2007, 10:14 PM
Well, I'm not necissarily looking to blow people out of the water with a first attempt at a serious mod, so whizbang and flashiness isn't as important as core capability. The ToW engine looks good tentatively, but there doesn't seem to be the biggest mod community or support out there for that game. Am I missing something? I really appreciate the prompt responses from you guys as well. I want to get this off the ground as fast as I can.
Theatre of war is brand new, that explains the lack of mods right now. If you really want a community with tons of the hardest to the bone hardcore mod support you will have to check the Blitzkrieg series. There are over 2000 maps available for that game (BK 1 and 2 and some 20 expansions) and the number of people able to help you are immense. Bk2 might be up your alley, anyway, heres the linky! (http://bkportal.com/default.asp) There are some fps view mods around so browse for them :D

[sirmetman]

Hmm, that looks promising. I think I'm going Blitzkrieg or C&C now. Thanks alot. Now on to fleshing out the design, heh.

[Gazz]

Well, if you need any help with Blitzkrieg then I'll give you a hand. Been ages but that game rules regardless of the fact that it looks outdated. Pretty though game too, most of the expansions are not for noobs.

[Magus]

(noobs like me :P)

[Gazz]

Originally posted by Magus@May 14 2007, 08:42 PM
(noobs like me :P)
Hell yeah, I remember that you told me over msn you couldn't even move 10 yards without getting your entire squad of tanks blown to bits on easy. In your defence, the expansion that you bought was extremely though and even I as an seasoned player had to replay it multiple times. You still got it, or sold it as you said? We could play a game online one of these days.

[Slaymate]

Sounds like Gazz wants to beat you down and shat on ya. HeHeHe
I think you'll have to challange him with a game your good at and
then let us know the results of both matches :-)

[Gazz]

Originally posted by Slaymate@May 15 2007, 12:01 AM
Sounds like Gazz wants to beat you down and shat on ya. HeHeHe
I think you'll have to challange him with a game your good at and
then let us know the results of both matches :-)
That sure sounds like fun. Now the only challenge would b for Magus to find a game he is good at :P Don't bother thinking about Counterstrike since I'd whoop your ass in it. Weren't you pretty good in Cod?

[Magus]

Well i beat the first level actually. I have it lying in a closet right now.
But i'd love to whoop your ass in Counterstrike.
I can also reinstall CoD2 if you like. :D

[Gazz]

Fine, lets do that then. First a game of cod2 then to start crying your eyes out?