37 réponses à ce sujet

[Sarielle]

OK. I'm not particularly new to modding RPGs in general...my Oblivion load list is frankly ridiculous for instance, lol. But there seem to be a lot of megamod...things floating around and I'm really not sure where to begin. I've never played the Baldur's Gate series (for shame!) so I'm not
necessarily looking for any new adventures or anything at this point --
just improvements to the vanilla games. I will be purchasing both. (For the record, yes, I have read
this
sticky as a starting point.)


My criteria: Mods I typically enjoy are immersion improvements, texture improvements and character creation/customization goodies (from fresh races to appearances), and anything that removes pointless annoyance factor (but avoiding heavy cheese).



Here are some questions/mods I plan to use. If you have any suggestions or comments on these, please, do post! Let me go ahead and add a disclaimer that I will read readmes and if it says it's not compatible w/ the megamod I use, I won't be a dummy, lol.

Megamod choices:
Easy Tutu ...is an engine upgrade? It seems expansive. Instructions/DL here.
OR
BGT Also engine upgrade and appears to make one megagame from all the expansions. Am I correct?
OR
Big
World Project Expands upon/includes BGT looks like?

So, thanks to this very helpful post, I'm leaning to BGT unless Big World Project has had all the bugs ironed out in the 7 months since that was posted. Does this sound like a solid idea, since I do plan to play to get the whole story?

...and
Widescreen mod This sounds great for me.
fixed sewer lighting Just a cosmetic thing
NPC damage Showing wounds seems realistic
Soundsets More is better!

and I'm curious about...
The Big Picture sounds like another megamod. Should I be considering it over BGT?
Check the Bodies looks like mostly added quests. Worth it, based on my criteria?
The Bigg House That drop weapon thing looks rage-inducing. I'm considering that for the fix.


Are there other megapacks I'm missing/should consider? Any smaller mods that just make playability better/prettier/awesome-er? :B And especially, anything to expand/improve character creation? Please and thank you!

[ussnorway]

Sarielle wrote...

My criteria: Mods I typically enjoy are immersion improvements, texture improvements and character creation/customization goodies (from fresh races to appearances), and anything that removes pointless annoyance factor (but avoiding heavy cheese).

ScS is one of the better mods around but I'd skip over any thing with "IMPROVED" in the name untill after your third playthrough.

Megamod choices:
Easy Tutu ...is an engine upgrade?

Yes the BG1 engine is very basic (no pause etc) and tutu allows you to play the old BG1 with the improved BG2 engine... also fixes some bugs.

It seems expansive. Instructions/DL here.

That is a very old link for easytutu... this link is the newest (the one I use) and allows for win7 & the GOG games.

Modifié par ussnorway, 15 octobre 2011 - 02:06 .

[Sarielle]

Oooh, thank you! If I do go with EasyTutu I'll definitely use that link.

What's the reason you went with that one vs. BGT, if I may ask?


EDIT: And while I'm thinking of it, are there any mods that offer better balance you guys could recommend? Sword Coast Stratagems seems to make some changes there but if there's anything else, I'm all easrs

Modifié par Sarielle, 15 octobre 2011 - 01:54 .

[ussnorway]

K.I.S.S... most of what you get from BGT is now included in easytutu. some people do like BWP (allows you to jump from bg1 into bg2 without coping your save across) but I find the hassle of installing my bg1 save is less than the extra care you need to take in order to have a stabble BWP... use whatever one you like!

Edit:
None of the mods are going for balance (they all increase the difficulty) because this game is already fine on that score. The mods are trying to offer new challenges to players that have been adventuring in the footsteps of Drizzt and Cattie-Brie for 15 years!

IMO you need to play the game at least 4 times (two good & two evil) before you will come across the dreaded ‘been there done that’ syndrome that needs SCS to fix.

Modifié par ussnorway, 15 octobre 2011 - 02:22 .

[Gorthaur X]

SCS is great, but not necessarily something you'll want or need as a first-time player, except perhaps for the "smarter general AI" and "better calls for help" components, which IMO do add significantly to immersion.

Also, if you've grown accustomed to the type of NPC interaction and banter that's been present in Bio games from BG2 on, but which vanilla BG1 offered very little of, the BG1NPC project might be for you.

On the purely cosmetic side, the various 1pp mods are worth checking out. I particularly like the ability to have dualed thieves still look like thieves, and the revamping of some particularly horrid-looking spell effects, but it affects lots of things.

[Sarielle]

Thank you, that's the sort of insight I was hoping for you two. Does anyone have any experience with Big Picture? One install for BGT seemed to say Big Picture had taken over/was more updated.

Anyways, Gorthaur, looking at your signature links you're running a ton of things; are most of those megamod stuffs? Some is obvious from the names where it came from (like the 1 pixel productions stuff) but I'm not totally sure about a lot of it.

[AnonymousHero]

For a first playthrough I'd recommend the G3 Fixpack and maybe the G3 Tweak pack.

For the second playthough, I'd definitely recommend the SCS II components that Gorthaur X mentioned.

The G3 FIxpack fixes a lot of potentially game-breaking bugs, and the G3 Tweak pack changes some things which people may find annoying (small stacks of consumables, lack of Bags of Holding in BG1, etc.).

[Gorthaur X]

Something worth noting is that the BG2 Fixpack works on BGT, but not EasyTutu (unless the newer version incorporate it).

My installs of BG1 and BG2 are obviously separate, and all of my mods have been installed separately.

Going briefly over what I have installed for the first game:
-the degreenifier fixes a "green water" bug in Tutu
-TuTuGUI restores the original appearance of BG1 (purely cosmetic)
-TobEx allows for mods to circumvent some bugs that are otherwise unavoidable, but isn't necessarily worth the hassle for someone who doesn't yet know the game well enough to know if those issues are even worth addressing
-BG1UB (Unfinished Business) restores content cut from the game
-BG1NPC adds romances, interactions, banters and NPC quests
-SCS is a difficulty-increasing tactical mod (makes enemies smarter, but doesn't add extra abilities, apart from the "tactical challenges" components)
-aTweaks makes some small adjustments, mostly for flavour
-Level1NPC allows you to modify the existing NPCs prior to meeting them (not something that you's likely want to use as a first time player)

The rest are probably obvious from the WeiDu descriptions.

[Humanoid_Taifun]

ussnorway wrote...
most of what you get from BGT is now included in easytutu.

Could you explain?
1) Importing. This isn't just about moving save games. This is about proper importing where Minsc, Jaheira, Imoen, Viconia and Edwin are actually as you left them.
2) Importing. No incompability between your installations means that your build will definitely remain consistent and not lose its kit or abilities during transition.
3) Consistent mods (this may actually count as a disadvantage as well, but oh well)

@OP
I don't know how experienced you are so far with the Baldur's Gate series, but I wouldn't advice a beginner to install too many mega mods. There are a number of mods even a first timer should use (BGT/Tutu, BG1 NPC Project, G3 Fixpack, Widescreen Mod...) but mega mods are on an entirely different level (and you'll have enough to explore with just the normal BG1 and BG2 even without additional quests).
On that matter, a first timer probably should be really careful around SCS as well. Unless you like reloading. More than playing, I mean.

Graphic upgrades don't work the same way in 2D games as they do in 3D games. You can change what things look like, but maybe you should find out first what the original is before you decide that something else would be better. (if you DO think so however, there is Infinity Animations, Moinesse Avatars, or 1PP, or any combination of these)

Read up on compability and installation order though!

[BelgarathMTH]

You're definitely going to want the BG1 NPC Project. If you don't install that, the characters won't banter with each other and talk to you during BG1, and they will have little or no story after you add them to your party.

[Gorthaur X]

They do banter somewhat, actually, even in vanilla BG1 (sometimes I forget which ones were in the original game and which were added by BG1NPC - a testament to the quality of the mod - but there are some voiced banters which obviously were not added by fans). It's just going to be really sparse and rare, compared to Dragon Age and such.

[Sarielle]

Humanoid_Taifun wrote...
@OP
I don't know how experienced you are so far with the Baldur's Gate series, but I wouldn't advice a beginner to install too many mega mods. There are a number of mods even a first timer should use (BGT/Tutu, BG1 NPC Project, G3 Fixpack, Widescreen Mod...) but mega mods are on an entirely different level (and you'll have enough to explore with just the normal BG1 and BG2 even without additional quests).
On that matter, a first timer probably should be really careful around SCS as well. Unless you like reloading. More than playing, I mean.

I haven't played them at all before (I was getting nostalgic for NWN and realized I should really give Baldur's Gate a go). What you're mentioning here is what I'm looking for. What improves the game so much that even if I haven't played before, I should have? I'll definitely grab those you've mentioned.


@ Gorthaur: Thank you for the extra details! Unfinished Business looks like something I'd want.

@Belgarath: Yep, definitely. I love party interaction It's the reason Deekin never left my side in NWN once I got him, lol.


EDIT: Any mods out there worth adding that give subraces/appearances (I know, the characters are very basic but modders actually gave them eyes and lips, for instance, in NWN).

Modifié par Sarielle, 15 octobre 2011 - 09:45 .

[PicklePepperPiper]

On top of Unfinished Business, I'd recommend the mini-quests and encounters mod, just for a little extra side-quest content (it never hurts!). Tutu and BGT are huge recommendations, either or is perfectly fine (I use Tutu, personally). And as said before, NPC Project is a must if you've installed Tutu or BGT.

Also, google around for the Ultimate Portrait Pack - it's just the little cosmetic things that make a difference.
-PPP

[ussnorway]

Humanoid_Taifun wrote...

ussnorway wrote...
most of what you get from BGT is now included in easytutu.

Could you explain?
1) Importing. This isn't just about moving save games. This is about proper importing where Minsc, Jaheira, Imoen, Viconia and Edwin are actually as you left them.
2) Importing. No incompability between your installations means that your build will definitely remain consistent and not lose its kit or abilities during transition.
3) Consistent mods (this may actually count as a disadvantage as well, but oh well)

@OP
I don't know how experienced you are so far with the Baldur's Gate series, but I wouldn't advice a beginner to install too many mega mods. There are a number of mods even a first timer should use (BGT/Tutu, BG1 NPC Project, G3 Fixpack, Widescreen Mod...) but mega mods are on an entirely different level (and you'll have enough to explore with just the normal BG1 and BG2 even without additional quests).
On that matter, a first timer probably should be really careful around SCS as well. Unless you like reloading. More than playing, I mean.

Graphic upgrades don't work the same way in 2D games as they do in 3D games. You can change what things look like, but maybe you should find out first what the original is before you decide that something else would be better. (if you DO think so however, there is Infinity Animations, Moinesse Avatars, or 1PP, or any combination of these)

Read up on compability and installation order though!

I’m just referring to the major bug fixes eg. Beregost save crash & of course the official patches are incorporated into the GoG games now so that all the end user has to do is install the basic games and tutu then play.

Importing saves only brings your main character or group (multi)... the others can be adjusted using shadowkeeper... there is no compatibility issues because bg1tutu & bg2 are the same engine.


SCS 1&2 and npc mods remain optional but I'm not a fan of the G3 fixpack because it goes beyond just fixing bugs... bottom line is install/ play the game you enjoy:wub:

Modifié par ussnorway, 16 octobre 2011 - 09:31 .

[Humanoid_Taifun]

ussnorway wrote...
I’m just referring to the major bug fixes eg. Beregost save crash & of course the official patches are incorporated into the GoG games now so that all the end user has to do is install the basic games and tutu then play.

Ah, so let's hope then the OP doesn't use discs.

Importing saves only brings your main character

With BGT all characters that appear in both games are properly imported (though they do wait for you at the usual locations).

there is no compatibility issues because bg1tutu & bg2 are the same engine.

Unless you are using mods that add new kits or change abilities... Even then still not likely that stuff breaks, but it can happen.

I'm not a fan of the G3 fixpack because it goes beyond just fixing bugs...

I'm under the impression that with many mods nowadays, even the dislikers don't have much of an option though. I believe BGT requires it (while Tutu doesn't work with it).
I've never actually bothered to read through the entire documentary (because it's huge), but I figure that it's the most up-to-date fixpack out there, and certainly the best supported one (unless you visit some of the enemies of G3, like Improved Anvil)
What are the main things you dislike?

[Gate70]

I've used vanilla, EasyTutu, BGT and BWP extensively. Now have BGT and a few mods; 1PP, Ascension (mainly affects Throne of Bhaal), BG2 Tweaks and Generalised Biffing (removes lagging in my Linux install). Whatever you do choose, don't install in a windows program file location, choose something like c:\\games otherwise it becomes more difficult to find and move the saves.

I would suggest starting with Easytutu as it gives a better BG1 experience while your BG2 install isn't affected in any way.

BGT gives a similar BG1 experience but adds a cut-scene between games (below). If you mess up the install or make a real hash of the mods you'll have to re-install BG2 again, whereas Easytutu installs to a distinct location so you only re-install the mod.


BWP automates a modded BGT install, however if you want to install part of a mod you have to start editing the install file. e.g. if you want all of SCS but not the improved spiders you have to comment out or delete a line. If you only want a few mods BWP adds little value, if you're going for extensive modding it is a fantastic piece of work.

For BG I'd add parts of BG2 tweaks (bags of holding, increased arrow / gem / potion / scroll stacking) otherwise inventory management can get annoying. As you've highlighted interaction I'd agree with other responses about BG1 NPC and BG1 UB.

For BG2 I'd suggest the standard game, the G3 fixpack core fixes,1PP and the BG2 Tweaks as above.

[ScotGaymer]

I would recommend you use EasyTutu your first play thru along with the fix packs and tweak packs that people recommended.

I would stay away from SCS (its hella hard) and BGT (and its related mods). I have never gotten BGT to work at all ever. So I cant recommend it.

And the other mods you already guessed are good too.

[Gorthaur X]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet, but should probably have been among the first:

Sarielle, I suggest you make backups of the appropriate files for restoring a clean install before installing any mods. This is something I wish I'd've learned sooner: sometimes, you'll have to reinstall mods, and WeiDu can't always handle a complex install. Following these instructions will ensure you don't have to reinstall the entire game because of a mod mishap (something I had to do several times when I was new to modding, and my copy of the game is on several CD-ROMs).

[The Fred]

There are LOADS of mods. Too many to go into right off the bat, I think. My advice would be to figure out how to make multiple installs *before* modding everything up. I actually have a pretty sucky system where for some reason I have to copy all the data files, but I have 5 BG1 installs and 2 TuTu installs (they take up over 15% of my used hard drive!). This lets you have different games using different mod setups simultaneously. Whilst you may not want that now, it's nice to have a clean install to make new copies from later.

[ncknck]

OP has played too many Bethesda games.

[Sarielle]

Gate70 wrote...
BWP automates a modded BGT install, however if you want to install part of a mod you have to start editing the install file. e.g. if you want all of SCS but not the improved spiders you have to comment out or delete a line. If you only want a few mods BWP adds little value, if you're going for extensive modding it is a fantastic piece of work.

Ah, yeah, I don't think I want to mess with that, heh. Thanks for the heads up, and the mod suggestions!

Gorthaur X wrote...
Following these instructions will ensure you don't have to reinstall the entire game because of a mod mishap (something I had to do several times when I was new to modding, and my copy of the game is on several CD-ROMs).

Hah, yeah, I learned my lesson with that already (unfortunately, the same way you did). Those instructions are still quite helpful, though. :3

ncknck wrote...

OP has played too many Bethesda games.

You consider one too many?



EDIT: I was actually thinking of buying from GOG...I should have no issues with anything, right? I remember some oblivion mods didn't like steam...or was it direct2drive?...if they required the script extender. Meh. Anyways, I'm gonna assume it doesn't matter.

EDIT EDIT: What say you guys on the Spell Revisions mod? Does it really improve balance or will it make a caster wtfOP?

Modifié par Sarielle, 16 octobre 2011 - 11:48 .

[ussnorway]

Sarielle wrote...

EDIT: I was actually thinking of buying from GOG...I should have no issues with anything, right? I remember some oblivion mods didn't like steam...or was it direct2drive?...if they required the script extender. Meh. Anyways, I'm gonna assume it doesn't matter.

That should make things considerably easier except remember two points;
They are already fully patched & don’t install them into your programs folder but make a new location eg C:/Games/ .

EDIT EDIT: What say you guys on the Spell Revisions mod? Does it really improve balance or will it make a caster wtfOP?

I’m not a fan… found it very buggy but it’s been a while so they could have fixed it up.

Modifié par ussnorway, 17 octobre 2011 - 01:58 .

[Sarielle]

Great, thank you!

[Humanoid_Taifun]

I wouldn't look too much into changing the system before understanding how the system works.
Sure, there are useless spells that you need never cast (Infravision for one), IMO it's still one of the best CRPG spell systems. Stuff like DA:O doesn't even come close.
SR (and likewise, Item Revisions) is more for veterans who would like to mix things up for their nth playthrough.

[ncknck]

You consider one too many?

One is enough! BG2 is different and a pretty complete game out of the box. All you need are bugfixes. A G3 fixpack, beware, lots of text and dangerous options there, but common sense will help. Tobex patch. And widescreen patch. And thats all. And im not telling this just for that mythical "preserve crappy game but original feeling" opinion. Its just BG2 is already good. You could also install difficulty increasing mods like Tactics or SCS (i prefer tactics), but for a first timer original game is difficult enough, and above mods, especially Tactics, could make it almost impossible to complete. Unlike Oblivoin BG2 doesnt care for your well-being. Its a harsh world.

Modifié par ncknck, 17 octobre 2011 - 08:51 .