28.01.2009 22:02
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Lord Flasheart
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Northern Ireland: 1983 [The Future]
Dev Diaries:
(19th September) Dev Diary #1 -Of restructuring, recruiting, and the riddle that is PTSD.
(27TH September) PR Update - PR Update
Last Update:
09.11.09 - The Future
Past Updates:
1st Update - February 17th
2nd Update - February 20th
3rd Update - March 8th (Landrover 88)
4th Update - March 9th (Sterling Sub-machinegun High Poly model)
5th Update - 31st March (Assets Bonaza!)
6th Update - April 14th (Minor Update)
7th Update - 05.05.09: Interview with Missing-String
9th Update - 05.06.09: Buidings and a Bomb
10th Update - 05/07/09: Sneaky Preview
11th Update -25.08.09: August Update
12th Update -06.10.09 - October Update
13th Update -03.11.09 - A Late Halloween Update
14th Update -06.11.09 - Decision Time
Dev Status:
Script/Storyline: 75% complete
Weapons: 15% Complete
Vehicles: 5% Complete
General Assets: 5% Complete
Level Design: 30% Complete
Introduction:
1983. The height of The Troubles, and the Cold War.
Northern Ireland, and in particular County Armagh and County Down, have been wracked by recent attacks on the RUC, the Army, and the civilian populace. According to Intelligence reports, this is believed to be due to a recent split in the Provisional IRA, with the hardliners forming their own paramilitary organisation:
The Ultach Fuascailt Armtha, or the Ulster Liberation Army.
You take the role of 29 year old Sgt. John Casey, a member of The Increment, a shadowy black ops unit comprised of SAS, SBS, and Intelligence operatives set up in the early 70‘s to deal with threats against the crown, and NATO.
The Increment's Blue Team have been dispatched to the province in an attempt to cripple the new splinter group by tracking down and eliminating or capturing their leadership before there are further attacks, via any means nessecary.
The threat has to be eliminated before it is too late.
Failure is not an option.
Random Stream of Thought:
Basically, the main idea was to feature as much as we could from the 83-84 period, in regards to media, style, and equipment, which is one of the main thing's we're looking for to make it seem more in-depth, and playable. We're making every attempt to make the mod as unbiased as possible, but at the same time, it has to be remembered that there were horrendous actions on both sides, and more so in regards to the paramilitaries on both the Loyalist, and Republican sides. Anyway, we hope you enjoy it when we finally release it, but with the current work load, you're looking at between 10-12 months, mainly due to the script, level design, and AI that needs to be incorporated.
Recruitment:
If you have one of the following skills:
Prop Modeller
Vehicle Modeller
Weapon Modeller
Animator [URGENT]
Programmer/Coder
And are interested in helping with this oversized malevolent turkey, could you please let me know via PM here, or go to our forums and post an application.
Thanks,
-Josh
CWS Director
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This post has been edited 47 time(s), it was last edited by Squiggers: 09.11.2009 22:14.
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28.01.2009 23:27
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Beginner
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This looks interesting, will keep an eye on it. I ran a NI mod for OFP(A rather ill fated one at that) *
Some things.
1) Landrover 110s didn't come about until a lot later than 1983, I think they fully phased out the Series III 109s in around 93-94.
2) Barret: Theres no real point, the IRA used 3 between 93-97 firing a total of 23 shots.
3) Sa80: These didn't come into widespread use until 1990-91.
4) While the L96 was about in the early 80s, it wasn't used much bar shooting compitions and what not, the L42A1 Lee-Enfield rifles would have been much more common.
For British Army vehicles the most Common would have been Landrover 109 Piglets, Softskin 109s, Humber Pigs and Alvis Saracens. Along with Bedford MK trucks and maybe Bedford RL trucks, tho they were mainly 1970s.
*Smiley from these forums and the Lost World mod killed it.
This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by Tinners: 28.01.2009 23:29.
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29.01.2009 09:25
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Lord Flasheart
Thread Starter  |
| quote: |
Originally posted by Tinners
This looks interesting, will keep an eye on it. I ran a NI mod for OFP(A rather ill fated one at that) *
Some things.
1) Landrover 110s didn't come about until a lot later than 1983, I think they fully phased out the Series III 109s in around 93-94.
2) Barret: Theres no real point, the IRA used 3 between 93-97 firing a total of 23 shots.
3) Sa80: These didn't come into widespread use until 1990-91.
4) While the L96 was about in the early 80s, it wasn't used much bar shooting compitions and what not, the L42A1 Lee-Enfield rifles would have been much more common.
For British Army vehicles the most Common would have been Landrover 109 Piglets, Softskin 109s, Humber Pigs and Alvis Saracens. Along with Bedford MK trucks and maybe Bedford RL trucks, tho they were mainly 1970s.
*Smiley from these forums and the Lost World mod killed it. |
1)The 110's are more being used as a base for the other landies, same as the 88 - Like the RUC landie, for example.
2)Hmm, maybe, but we'll have to see in regards to how it effects the game.
3) The SA80 - Well, removed it, as honestly, it isn't that much good, and the first version, good GOD, was horrible.
4) Hmm, true, but if it's special forces, they'd have access to equipment other units wouldn't have use of.
Cheers for the mention of the other army vehicles, as I was trying to find the damn names of some of them - quite difficult to find some of them on the net actually, mainly for reference images, if you're doing a general search. 
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29.01.2009 23:56
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Beginner
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I'll have a dig around and see if I can find some of my old refrences if you want. Had plenty on all the vehicles.
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30.01.2009 11:36
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Lord Flasheart
Thread Starter |
Yeah, that would be a great help - if you could either post them here, or email them me?
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This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by Squiggers: 30.01.2009 11:58.
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30.01.2009 15:58
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Uber Modder
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nice the modelsq lookk cool
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Give a man a fire, he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life
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31.01.2009 16:01
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Beginner
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Thanks for the details on the landies, Tinners - greatly appreciated. I know the 110 was in production around that time, but I was'nt able to get information on when the army had put it into production. Any further info you can give will be fantastic for us, particularly if you've got links to pages we can pour over.
If all else fails, and we're using a slightly too-modern model, I may have to have an NPC voice actor make a comment of "f*** me, they've actually bought new kit?" 
From my personal tastes, I'm hoping to see the list of weapons there slightly condensed as we focus the mod in and have the storyline developed - at these early, whiteborad stages, it's a case of throwing everything we can on there, and assigning priorities and asset management as the project continues.
We (well, I) also have a L41a1 model underway, which will almost inevitably be used for the mod for a marksman's rifle. I rather foresee it being the "default" rifle for that role, and an L96 being dropped in later on, as much as a reward for players to enjoy.
I'm personally still very sceptical about having a Barrett, given the company only started in 1982. Squiggers and I have been having some heated debates over Barrett, Glock 17, and SA85 firearms, as I consider them anachronisms for the setting, and while we strive for the best balance of realism and gameplay, deciding what is best...
Personally, I'm opposed to having the most modern of the weapons; partly from rarity, partly, because the old FALs, Browning hi-powers, L41s etc help to set the game in the past, just as much as us having models of Golf Mk1s and puke-yellow coloured Morris Marina which is'nt utterly rusted away, or a Radio with 80's pop playing will say "this is early 1980's"
Creating that feel, that artistic direction is the job I consider paramount.
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31.01.2009 16:33
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Lord Flasheart
Thread Starter |
Aye, as Suze says, the weapon list is pretty...fluid, i think the word is, at the moment.
The Barrett, I'm not sure either really. I'm aware that it was used by the South Armagh IRA Brigade, at least once, but apart from that... The Glock, again, I'm not overly sure, having only been introduced maybe, what, 3 years before for the Austrian army - it could have been possible that the SAS/SBS may have got a few of them, but for use in theatre, is unlikely. The SA85, again, appears to be too modern, and quite frankly, was a pile of steaming doggy-do, so it's unlikely it'll make an appearance, unless it's a squaddie complaining about it - "God, this thing is utter s****..."
The main thing is, to keep it within the artistic style of the 80's - the more modern the equipment, then the more difficult it becomes, really.
Thankfully, Suze is in charge of the art side of it, and not me, as he appears to be far, far better at that side of it, than me. 
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31.01.2009 23:44
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Trainee
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Good setting
. I'm hoping to recognise some places!
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I'm not suffering from insanity. In fact, I'm thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
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01.02.2009 00:07
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Trained Modder
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u no wat us should do , have a split story following to oldiers from the separte sides ,1 for the sas , and 1 for da ira .just a sud jestion though ited make it more intrestin.
sure rite now there is still a ***in english pig barracks 20 foot from my bed room window priks wont take it down.
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01.02.2009 00:39
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Lord Flasheart
Thread Starter |
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Originally posted by rizla1
u no wat us should do , have a split story following to oldiers from the separte sides ,1 for the sas , and 1 for da ira .just a sud jestion though ited make it more intrestin.
sure rite now there is still a ***in english pig barracks 20 foot from my bed room window priks wont take it down. |
Nah, not gonna happen. Too much extra modelling/mapping/design/storyline work, and I'd feel immensely uncomfortable setting something involving offing British soldiers, and civvis.
We aren't taking sides, but to do an IRA side... would just add to the time that's needed to complete it, and cause far more problems than it's worth. I'm all for having options to play something, and choices on how to play something, but doing two storylines, ain't gonna happen any time soon.
Considering the last line that you said, I'm not sure I can really answer that with due candour taste.
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This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by Squiggers: 01.02.2009 00:41.
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01.02.2009 00:43
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Trainee
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| quote: |
Originally posted by Squiggers
Considering the last line that you said, I'm not sure I can really answer that with due candour taste.
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Yes, we don't want to start a row about the IRA over here...
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I'm not suffering from insanity. In fact, I'm thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
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01.02.2009 00:49
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Lord Flasheart
Thread Starter |
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Originally posted by smenj
Good setting
. I'm hoping to recognise some places!
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Yeah, we're hoping to feature quite a few of the areas of south armagh, and you may have heard of Bessbrook mill - renamed Lynbrook Mill for the mod - which is going to feature prominently in the plot, appearing quite a few times.
May look at including 'derry as well, but it depends on how well it fits really.
| quote: |
Originally posted smenj
Yes, we don't want to start a row about the IRA over here...
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Indeed. I'd be surprised if we didn't get any posts regarding them by now, unfortunately - but that's due to choice of subject matter, I guess.
I'm not gonna get into an argument over the IRA, or any other paramilitary, with anyone, but I'd rather there was minimum mention of who was right, etc, as it ain't conductive really. (Mind you, down to the mods there, i guess.
)
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This post has been edited 3 time(s), it was last edited by Squiggers: 01.02.2009 02:33.
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01.02.2009 01:20
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Trained Modder
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SORRY FOR MAKIN YES THINK AM STARTIN A ROW ,AM NOT . WAT I WAS THINKIN THOUGH , WAS LIKE CO4 STORY SPLIT STORYS/DIFFERNT CHARATERS.TA BE ONEST I COULDNT CARE BOUT THE IRA OR BRITISH. AM CATHOLIC BUT DONT BELIEVE IN GOD .ID JUST LIKE TA SEE THAT BARRACKS TAKIN DOWN DERS CAMERAS POINTIN AT MY WINDOW. sory for da caps i couldnt be bothered to change al that 
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01.02.2009 02:32
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Lord Flasheart
Thread Starter |
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Originally posted by rizla1
SORRY FOR MAKIN YES THINK AM STARTIN A ROW ,AM NOT . WAT I WAS THINKIN THOUGH , WAS LIKE CO4 STORY SPLIT STORYS/DIFFERNT CHARATERS.TA BE ONEST I COULDNT CARE BOUT THE IRA OR BRITISH. AM CATHOLIC BUT DONT BELIEVE IN GOD .ID JUST LIKE TA SEE THAT BARRACKS TAKIN DOWN DERS CAMERAS POINTIN AT MY WINDOW. sory for da caps i couldnt be bothered to change al that
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Okay, fair enough mate - if we had the time, capability, and more important, the resources to do that, we may have considered it.
By the way, you do realise, that the barracks is probably used by either the TA, or the Royal Irish Regiment, right....?
It's unlikely to be operating otherwise, really.
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01.02.2009 12:33
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Trainee
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| quote: |
Originally posted by rizla1
SORRY FOR MAKIN YES THINK AM STARTIN A ROW ,AM NOT . WAT I WAS THINKIN THOUGH , WAS LIKE CO4 STORY SPLIT STORYS/DIFFERNT CHARATERS.TA BE ONEST I COULDNT CARE BOUT THE IRA OR BRITISH. AM CATHOLIC BUT DONT BELIEVE IN GOD .ID JUST LIKE TA SEE THAT BARRACKS TAKIN DOWN DERS CAMERAS POINTIN AT MY WINDOW. sory for da caps i couldnt be bothered to change al that
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Sorry for the off-topic, but a Catholic who doesn't believe in God? Surely you are then athiest (like me)? Or do you just follow their morals or something?
Just curious. 
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I'm not suffering from insanity. In fact, I'm thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
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01.02.2009 12:49
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Trained Modder
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| quote: |
Originally posted by smenj
| quote: |
Originally posted by rizla1
SORRY FOR MAKIN YES THINK AM STARTIN A ROW ,AM NOT . WAT I WAS THINKIN THOUGH , WAS LIKE CO4 STORY SPLIT STORYS/DIFFERNT CHARATERS.TA BE ONEST I COULDNT CARE BOUT THE IRA OR BRITISH. AM CATHOLIC BUT DONT BELIEVE IN GOD .ID JUST LIKE TA SEE THAT BARRACKS TAKIN DOWN DERS CAMERAS POINTIN AT MY WINDOW. sory for da caps i couldnt be bothered to change al that
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Sorry for the off-topic, but a Catholic who doesn't believe in God? Surely you are then athiest (like me)? Or do you just follow their morals or something?
Just curious.
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wat i mean is that i was brought up catholic, and relised that god is alot of crap. so yes i am an ethist
sqiggers - the barracks was used by the cops nd army but no theres like 2 cops in it at most.
This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by rizla1: 01.02.2009 12:52.
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01.02.2009 13:08
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Uber Modder
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I'm an aethiest I have no problem with religeon...
Anyway, mod looks great, I'm really loving this, it looks incredible so far. Can't wait to see some landscapes and level design, well done guys and good luck!
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01.02.2009 15:04
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Beginner
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Well, as I mentioned on a separate thread, I'm just going to put a very quick comment on the design ethos.
There is no way to create a game that appeases everyone. in such an emotive subject as the loyalist and republican causes for northern Ireland, this is doubly so.
Our current approach is to take as neutral a line as possible through this, and while playing from a British soldier's point of view, we're planning to introduce narrative elements to allow the republican point of view to be presented equally. We are acutely aware of the tightrope we're on between each side, but I have absolutely no intention of rewriting design content to present any faction in a positive or negative manner, to satisfy people's demands.
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Whilst I would be extremely cautious about presenting such media in a commercial product, part of the reason I continue with modding alongside my professional career is that it is non-commercial, and therefore not constrained by the limitations of financial prudence. in the modern industry, contentious issues are skirted around as to create controversy is to risk sales, and in this era of AAA titles, my marketing department would have a seizure at a subject as contentious as the troubles.
This, frankly, is the great advantage of modding, and crytek, with their extensive SDK and sandbox are at the forefront of allowing non-commercial groups to create subject matter. The games industry, from developer to modder alike are part of a multi-billion dollar industry which eclipses Hollywood in annual income, and which, despite its youth, is steadily maturing in social acceptability. There will come a time, not this year, not next, but in another decade, perhaps, where indie modding teams will be creating artistic works of equal depth as indie film-makers. It is the responsibility of those without commercial constraints to push the creative boundaries, to explore the themes that AAA studios would fear to tread upon.
Will videogames someday produce a "Citizen Kane"? Absolutely. Will it be produced by the EA's, the Rockstars of the industry? Absolutely not. I honestly believe that it will be the product of independent modders. A simple first-person-shooter will not be the one that pushes the boundaries to create a great game... but if we can push the willingness to explore controversial subjects, then perhaps we're one more step towards the moment when a team can create the masterpiece that will establish video games as an art, standing equal with the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Andy Warhol, Leonardo Da Vinci, Le Corbusier, or Ingmar Bergman...
And that's why such a mod as this must be made - because if we can explore those contentious issues, it paves the way for greater work to come than our little efforts.
(edited for typos)
This post has been edited 3 time(s), it was last edited by Suzerain: 01.02.2009 15:24.
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