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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Philippe on October 16, 2018, 11:31:45 AM

Title: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on October 16, 2018, 11:31:45 AM
End of the Belle Epoque II
--------------------------
(JTS FWWC France '14 and East Prussia '14)

Here are some screenshots from the latest incarnation of my End of the Belle Epoque mod which works with the new JTS versions. 

Fog of war off so you can see what both sides are doing.


From France '14:
----------------

Most of the units are battalions, squadrons, or batteries.

The screenshots have been updated to reflect the current state of the mod.

(https://i.imgur.com/2sEZTaT.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/7ypLfp8.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/jCSrIJh.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/rvxzqpG.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/RgIIyYh.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/3qJxQS8.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/PsyCap7.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/WwgUp4u.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/Doitju0.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/RrRPnCX.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/5cAhqot.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/Mze14oc.jpg)



From East Prussia '14:
----------------------

Most of the units are battalions, squadrons, or batteries.

The screenshots have been updated to reflect the current state of the mod.


(https://i.imgur.com/cwHoX4Q.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/8izQyj2.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/90iE8R6.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/Snx6ZZh.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/EcQZWX7.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/RPtMlBo.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/J0ViTlc.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/pspMJpw.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/octuM4J.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/301j8kw.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/umZGTC6.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/4oJORq4.jpg)



This is the second incarnation of my End of the Belle Epoque mod.

It is designed to work with the JTS version of the game. (If you have the HPS version get in touch with support at JTS and they will help you upgrade to the JTS version). 

The original mod came out shortly after France '14 was first released, and has been updated several times since.

Since the initial HPS release of France '14 the graphics have undergone quite a few changes.  This version of the Belle Epoque mod works with the new JTS graphics, and has been co-ordinated and harmonized with a sister mod for East

Prussia '14.

This is a graphics mod, and only effects the 2D and 3D textures.

The mod does two things. 

First, it uses a color palette that is a bit more in keeping with traditional maps, though it preserves many of the features of the JTS graphics.

Second, it separates the hex grid from the background map textures, as in the original.  This way you have the option of viewing the map with or without the hexgrid.  That's why the original design had a 'show hexgrid' settings option.

The mod uses a few of its own conventions that you need to be aware of. 

Improved positions, trenches, and obstacles are represented by different color shadings super-imposed on the map.

Headquarters units are color-coded so that you can tell at a glance how far up the chain of command a particular HQ unit is.  Brigade HQ's have no color filling, Divisional HQ's have black filling, Corps HQ's have red filling, Army HQ's

are white outlined with red, and Army Group HQ'are white outlined with black.

The mod uses a red circular aiming reticle for fire and shock combat.  This isn't cast in stone, and might change if I ever come up with something I like better.

The mod includes distinct destop icons for France '14 and East Prussia '14. 


The mod for France '14 works with the later of the two Volcano Man graphics mods (but not the original).  Ed hasn't made a graphics mod for East Prussia '14 (yet), but if he ever does I will make whatever adjustments are needed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The mods can be downloaded from here:


For France '14:

https://app.box.com/s/9zw7gckkt9ha5fssicmvs9oz1s23mxc6

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gnyhh88t4uhwhlf/Belle%20Epoque%20II%20%28France%20%2714%29%203.2b.zip?dl=0


For East Prussia '14:

https://app.box.com/s/ry35ox8jtzxau2iedac23d70z8cxmfht

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lk6j4h52nke08tj/Belle%20Epoque%20II%20%28East%20Prussia%20%2714%29%203.2b.zip?dl=0

---------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn more about JTS First World War Campaigns go here:


https://john-tiller-software.myshopify.com/collections/first-world-war-campaigns



For France '14 go here:

http://www.johntillersoftware.com/WWICampaigns/France14.html



For East Prussia '14 go here:

http://www.johntillersoftware.com/WWICampaigns/EastPrussia14.html



and for both of them, go here:

https://john-tiller-software.myshopify.com/collections/first-world-war-campaigns





Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: stolypin on October 16, 2018, 12:17:13 PM
Thank you!
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Gusington on October 16, 2018, 01:23:42 PM
Delicious👍
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: ArizonaTank on October 16, 2018, 03:24:51 PM
Great stuff!!!

I know JTS is pretty tight-lipped about upcoming projects...but I would love to see this game series ported to 1918 on the Western Front and 1915-1916 on the Eastern Front.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on October 21, 2018, 02:21:46 PM
France '14 and East Prussia '14 have both been upgraded to version 1.1.

The links in the first post of this thread will take you to the latest version.

What's changed is that the Belle Epoque mod is now using a different set of symbols for broken terrain and planted fields.

The broken terrain symbol is quite common near Mons and between Dunkirk and Antwerp in France '14.

The field terrain is one of the most common textures in East Prussia '14.

I don't have any screenshots that show this yet because I'm busy working on a solution to the 3D terrain problem. 

If things pan out there will be another release in about a week.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Old TImer on October 21, 2018, 06:18:25 PM
Couldn't find version 1.1 on the products page in the JTS website......is it out already?
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on October 21, 2018, 10:18:57 PM
Quote from: Philippe on October 21, 2018, 02:21:46 PM

The links in the first post of this thread will take you to the latest version.


Both France '14 and East Prussia '14 are way beyond version 1.1.

Last time I looked the JTS website does not post links to mods.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on October 21, 2018, 10:28:08 PM
Screenshots from the latest version of the mod:


(https://i.imgur.com/DmJr24H.jpg)

Antwerp



(https://i.imgur.com/BG8WHyW.jpg)

The Channel



(https://i.imgur.com/nDA7hr1.jpg)

Mons



(https://i.imgur.com/ruX9Mjp.jpg)

Paris


(https://i.imgur.com/bRMajtw.jpg)

Ypres



(https://i.imgur.com/7jcgwfZ.jpg)

Koenigsberg



(https://i.imgur.com/DRHom3W.jpg)

Gumbinnen



(https://i.imgur.com/O2fMLPh.jpg)

Masurian Lakes
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on October 22, 2018, 12:17:55 PM
I've uploaded version 2.0 of the Belle Epoque mod (France '14 and East Prussia '14). 

You can download it from the appropriate links in the first post of this thread.

I don't have screenshots yet, but I've taken a stab at improving the 3D textures.

It isn't the solution of my dreams, but it's an improvement.

I don't think anyone would want to play in 3D instead of 2D, but the 3D view can be useful ffom time to time when the terrain in the 2D view doesn't click.

A real solution would be dependant on rewriting part of the program, and unless John Tiller quits his day job, that ain't gonna happen.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on November 16, 2018, 11:40:49 PM
I've uploaded version 3.0 of the End of the Belle Epoque II (France '14 and East Prussia '14).

You can download it from the appropriate links in the first post of this thread.

After much gnashing of teeth I've launched a major overhaul of the 3D textures.  I'm not finished yet, but the 3D screens are in good enough shape that my eyes don't bleed when I look at them.

My current idea is to live with the mod in its present state for a couple of months and try to get a handle on how to integrate it into my gameplay.

I'm hoping that that will suggest the next round of improvements. 

Here are a few screenshots of the 3D textures:


(https://i.imgur.com/qOK8MyA.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/aGILeRt.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/82MaKJg.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/OHvdern.jpg)
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on November 27, 2018, 10:41:05 PM
I've updated the mod to version 3.2 and it can be downloaded from the links in the first post of this thread.

The unit colors of the British, French, and Russians have been adjusted, along with a few minor corrections.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: IICptMillerII on November 28, 2018, 10:35:57 PM
Wow, very impressive!

Just wondering, did you make any new maps for these projects?
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on November 29, 2018, 12:13:06 AM
Not sure I follow what you mean by making new maps.

These are graphic mods only, and they use whatever a particular scenario happens to summon up.

Among other things, that means that a player using one of my mods can play against someone who doesn't, and there will be no difference that the game engine can recognize.

(The only real difference is that someone using my mod will have an easier time distinguishing between brigade, division, corps, and army hq's because in my mod these are color coded).

I wish the France '14 game map would get extended to the Swiss border, but every comment I've ever heard from Ed suggests it ain't gonna happen.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Old TImer on December 06, 2018, 06:16:46 PM
I'm unable to find any updates or patches for France 1914.  Does anybody have a link or is there nothing to find?
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on December 06, 2018, 07:29:26 PM
Look at the end of of the first post in this thread, after the screenshots.  There are separate links for the latest versions of the France '14 mod and the East Prussia '14 mod.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on December 07, 2018, 01:07:20 PM
The End of the Belle Epoque II mod has been updated to version 3.2B.

Download links for the France '14 and East Prussia '14 mods are at the end of the first post in this thread.

Be sure to update the games with the latest official patches before you install the mods.  The latest offficial patches can be found in the Update section of the JTS website.

Note that the two mods are slighty different, so please don't install the France '14 mod into East Prussia '14 or vice versa.

This update came about because I was playing one of the battle of the Marne scenarios and noticed that I was having a hard time telling what divisional HQ went with which division. 

The lettering on the large 2D divisional HQ's is now transparent so you can tell who is in charge of what when divisional colors are turned on.

Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Old TImer on January 29, 2019, 08:59:45 PM
I don't understand this.  I installed France 14 from the CD.  No problems. 
Then I got the 1.06a update from the Tiller Games site.  Now it suddenly
wants a serial number (?).  There's no serial number on the CD case or
the CD itself.  wtf
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: jomni on January 30, 2019, 12:10:02 AM
Quote from: gregb41352 on January 29, 2019, 08:59:45 PM
I don't understand this.  I installed France 14 from the CD.  No problems. 
Then I got the 1.06a update from the Tiller Games site.  Now it suddenly
wants a serial number (?).  There's no serial number on the CD case or
the CD itself.  wtf

JTS does not issue CD's. You probably got your game from HPS?
If so, you can send an email to support and have them issue you a serial number.
http://www.johntillersoftware.com/Resources.php
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Tuna on January 30, 2019, 06:33:51 AM
Quote from: jomni on January 30, 2019, 12:10:02 AM
Quote from: gregb41352 on January 29, 2019, 08:59:45 PM
I don't understand this.  I installed France 14 from the CD.  No problems. 
Then I got the 1.06a update from the Tiller Games site.  Now it suddenly
wants a serial number (?).  There's no serial number on the CD case or
the CD itself.  wtf

JTS does not issue CD's. You probably got you're game from HPS?
If so, you can send an email to support and have them issue you a serial number.
http://www.johntillersoftware.com/Resources.php

What he said ^ ... I just updated all my CDs that way.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Old TImer on January 30, 2019, 04:22:44 PM
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on March 30, 2020, 02:03:01 PM
Due to a run on my Napoleonic mods this weekend I have temporarily run out of bandwidth in my Box account.

Whenever that happens, my bandwidth resets a few days after the start of the month, which will be later this week.

If the problem persists I will set up links to a Dropbox account, which I use for back-up when this kind of thing happens.

Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Philippe on December 27, 2020, 06:41:10 PM
Because of increased activity caused by the JTS Software sale, I've run out of bandwidth in my Box account.

So I've added Dropbox download links to the first post in this thread.
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Boggit on January 05, 2021, 11:02:09 PM
Don't forget that I am trying to organise a Serbia '14 team competition with players fighting as division/corps commanders (depending on numbers). JTS has kindly agreed to provide copies of the game for the competitors.

Sign up! :hug:
Title: Re: JTS First World War Campaigns (End of the Belle Epoque II)
Post by: Boggit on January 06, 2021, 01:22:33 AM
Lovely work - as usual with your mods Philippe. :bd: