Unified Vidya Games thread

[Cain]

Just a quick alert: potentially the most amazing Skyrim mod ever is currently under construction.

http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/26vhyd/ama_t3nd0_creator_of_skyre_and_well_just_come_in/

That's a huge list of talent, right there.  T3nd0 made SkyRe, which is of course awesome.  Apollodown is responsible for making dragons scary and the civil war like an actual war.  I've played Mike Hancho's Helgen Reborn mod, and I was impressed with the attention to detail, voice-acting, consistency and storyline.  Eckss, Lifestorock, Missjennabee and Ironman5000 are also names I recognise, from some very well made mods.

Apparently, the aim with this mod is to make something that is DLC-worthy...and possibly so good that Bethesda are forced to make it part of the official lore (maybe).

[Junkenstein]

That will be interesting to see. Hopefully it'll be pretty universally compatible.

Seems time to finally talk about the mods we're not talking about though:
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/news/12350/?

Back in March you might remember a news post written by myself titled Be Careful: Trojans masquerading as popular executables. To cut a long story short, a user was uploading a malicious file to the site that, when installed, would enable the user to find out your Nexus username and password, which was then in turn used to log in to other user's accounts with the stolen login information and continue to upload the same virus to the sites.

Today we were alerted to a malicious change to SkyUI, one of the most popular files on the Nexus network, at around about 12.30pm GMT. Within 20 minutes the file was removed and we got to work investigating how the file was added and who removed the original SkyUI file and replaced it with a malicious executable (thank you to those people who reported the file and were clever enough not to install it!).

As a distribution method, the only thing that surprises me is that it isn't more widespread. Then the thought occured that there are various other mod hosting sites (I'm pretty sure you know which one I'm referring to in particular here) that would probably be the perfect distribution method for all kinds of malware hidden as "Bouncier breast TGGSOMMWFTBBQ". 

[Cain]

Yeah, thankfully the modding community is, by and large, a very good bunch of people (despite the disturbing "Jessica Alba in breastplate" enthusiasts - thank god the Infinity Engine didn't support such depravity, back when I helped make mods) and tend to look out for each other.

As for "Awake: The Rise of Mannimarco", the authors intend to make it as compatible as possible.  T3nd0 says it will definitely be SkyRe compatible, and they're hoping to talk with Arizoth (who makes all the Requiem patches) so all versions can be released at the same time.

In the meantime, thought this might interest you

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12452/?
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32394/?

Sands of Time allows for you to be ambushed when sleeping, fast travelling or in dungeons, and DFB Random Encounters means even more insane wildlife/bandits/Vigilants attacking you in the wilderness.

[Cain]

Currently playing with this set up for the Requiem overhaul mod

Skyrim.esm Active
Update.esm Active
Unofficial Skyrim Patch.esp Version 2.0.3 Active
Dawnguard.esm Active
Unofficial Dawnguard Patch.esp Version 2.0.3 Active
HearthFires.esm Active
Unofficial Hearthfire Patch.esp Version 2.0.3 Active
Dragonborn.esm Active
Unofficial Dragonborn Patch.esp Version 2.0.3 Active
Skyrim Project Optimization - Full Version.esm Active
ClimatesOfTamriel.esm Version 3.1 Active
EagleEyePerk.esm Active
HighResTexturePack01.esp Active
HighResTexturePack02.esp Active
HighResTexturePack03.esp Active
Unofficial High Resolution Patch.esp Version 1.1.6 Active
Weapons & Armor Fixes_Remade.esp Active
Clothing & Clutter Fixes.esp Active
ADS.esp Active
StaticMeshImprovementMod.esp Active
StaticMeshImprovementMod-DragonbornTernFix.esp Active
StaticMeshImprovementMod-FurnitureChestSnowFix.esp Active
TradeBarter.esp Active
AK- Boethiah Alternate.esp Active
BooksBooksBooks.esp Active
DD_Dawnguard Additions.esp Active
DD_Dragonborn Additions.esp Active
Long lost smelters by Hyralux.esp Active
Skyrim Immersive Creatures.esp Version v6.5.2 Active
Skyrim Immersive Creatures - DLC2.esp Version v6.5.2 Active
SkyUI.esp Version 4.1 Active
MinimalHUD.esp Active
Cloaks.esp Active
Cloaks - Dawnguard.esp Active
DawnguardHelmetReplacer-V1.1.esp Active
Hothtrooper44_Armor_Ecksstra.esp Active
Hothtrooper44_ArmorCompilation.esp Version 7.1 Active
Immersive Weapons.esp Active
Dr_Bandolier.esp Active
Complete Crafting Overhaul_Remade.esp Active
Requiem.esp Active
Requiem - Resources.esp Active
Requiem - WAF+Clothing and Clutter Fixes Patch.esp Active
Requiem - SIC Patch.esp Active
Requiem - Immersive Weapons.esp Active
Requiem - Dragonborn - CCOR Patch.esp Active
Requiem - CCOR Patch - Hearthfires.esp Active
Requiem - USKP Patch.esp Active
Requiem - Immersive Armors.esp Active
Requiem - Dragonborn.esp Active
Requiem - Trade and Barter.esp Active
Requiem - SIC CCOR Patch.esp Active
Requiem - HearthFires.esp Active
HouseOfHorrorsAlternateEnding.esp Active
Inconsequential NPCs.esp Active
towBlockSteal.esp Active
BetterQuestObjectives.esp Active
BetterQuestObjectives-Dawnguard.esp Active
BetterQuestObjectives-Hearthfire.esp Active
BetterQuestObjectives-RequiemPatch.esp Active
Distant DetailHF.esp Active
Proper Aiming.esp Active
Open Cities Skyrim.esp Version 1.0.5 Active
EnhancedLightsandFX.esp Active
ELFX - Exteriors.esp Active
ELFX - NoTaverns.esp
ELFX - Dawnguard.esp Active
ELFX - Dragonborn.esp Active
ELFXEnhancer.esp Active
CombatDramaOverhaul.esp Active
DragonCombatOverhaulDragonborn.esp Active
The Dance of Death - Ultimate Edition.esp Version 1.8 Active
3DNPC.esp Active
AmazingFollowerTweaks.esp Active
BetterQuestObjectives-AFTPatch.esp Active
dD - Realistic Ragdoll Force - Realistic.esp Active
ethereal_elven_overhaul.esp Active
DragonCombatOverhaulDragonborn - Requiem Patch.esp Active

So far, so fun.  Playing a Dunmer, going for a rogue/assassin build, which is apparently a very hard way to play in Reqieum, as opposed to vanilla.  Combat is exceedingly deadly - I can drop a soldier or stormcloak (which I believe are classed as a mid-tier enemy) in 2-3 hits, with no perks and little skill in one-handed weapons...but they can drop me in a single hit.  Bows would be deadly, given iron arrows hit for 84 damage with one perk in archery, but the limited range of the lower-tier bows is cramping my attempted rampage of sniping destruction.  Easy to get exhausted in combat too, and so disarmed.  Not happened so far, but I know it will.

No doubt a Bosmer would be more deadly for this attempted playstyle, but Dunmer are IMHO better, for reasons of having the single most badass culture in Tamriel.  Also allows for the option of specialising in Destruction and Illusion later with less effort than the Bosmer would take.

Everything is insanely expensive, too.  I think it now costs 5000 gold to hire a mercenary, which seems about right, but is well out of my early-game price range.  Merchants are taking the piss, too...I don't think I've gotten more than 35 gold for anything...and I've been trying to sell bear pelts, enchanted robes and flawless amethysts.  200 gold for carriages to any hold capital, and 50 gold for a night in an inn.  Probably about 500 gold for a decent leather curiass...not that I've seen one yet. 

Poison is fun...with no alchemy perks, you can make a poison that hits for 40 extra damage right out of Helgen.  Poison effects are also fun...my character ate the alchemy ingredient from one of the frostbite spiders, to find out what effect it had.  Well, in addition to doing some significant damage when combined with spider eggs, it also makes you see double.  It was actually kinda hilarious, bumbling around unable to see anything properly.  Thank God I waited until Riverwood to attempt the amateur alchemy.  I also need some more frostbite poison...that stuff hits seriously hard.  2 points of damage per second for 60 seconds, and two seconds of paralysis.  I believe you need some kind of alchemical book to know how to extract it properly though, and I do not have that book as of yet.  Not to mention I'll have to kill frostbite spiders to get it, which won't be fun, as no doubt their poison spit is equally deadly.

There's been some decent placement of items and immersion so far.  Justifying the existence of the spiders in Helgen was a nice touch, as was hiding certain books (Bestiary of Skyrim and Armorer's Basic Guide), gold pouches and keys in the keep.

Now it's prep time.  Apparently, doing the Dragonstone quest before level 10 and without a large quantity of silver weapons is akin to suicide, so I know what I have to do.  Get money for decent equipment, clear out every bandit camp within reach of Whiterun and get enough money to purchase Jenassa's loyalty.  Not necessarily in that order.  I suspect I'm going to be chopping a hell of a lot of wood for the next few days...

[Junkenstein]

hxxp://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54922/?

Adding this into what I've come to think of as my "Fuck you" run.

This is a port of iNeed's spoilage system adjusted to dynamically track the degradation state of weapons and armor in your inventory. Items in the world may also be found in various degradation states throughout your travels. Upon first installation you must remove then add all equipment back into your inventory. You can adjust degradation rates and other options if SkyUI is installed. Daedric/Aedric artifacts are not affected by degradation.

I'm already using the ineed spoilage system with no obvious woes so I expect this to add in nicely.

Progress has been limited as I've not played much, but there has been progress. Not classy, dignified progress, but progress.

[Cain]

"File not found".

I reckon you should use Requiem as the base game, and add these things in.  Lots of people use Frostfall and Realistic Needs and Diseases with it, and the base game is hard enough that adding in Revenge of the Enemies, High Level Enemies, Duel, ACE Realistic Fighting etc in addition to weapon and armor degredation would make the world almost instantly lethal.

I mean, I just tried the Embershard Mines.  I hit a bandit with three steel arrows, from stealth, and his healthbar only went down by 10%.  And then he hit my character so hard he ragdolled nearly halfway back up the entry tunnel to the mine.

Oh, and I had a follower backing me up (heavy armor, steel two handed weapon).

SkyRe would also be somewhat lethal, as it distributes the perks quite efficiently to enemies, but SkyRe's fighting system is actually very well balanced.  I know I didn't have problems until I came up against yari-wielding draugr, and even then when using timed blocks effectively the threat was not so great.  In contrast, I get wrecked by lone wolves in Requiem.  One snuck up behind me on the way to the mine, and completely wrecked my shit.  Despite having acquired a full suit of leather armor, a crossbow and a steel sword.

[Junkenstein]

How odd. I was literally look at that on the nexus yesterday. Probably been pulled for some reason or other.

Just to make some progress, I'll probably drop the difficulty a touch. There's realism and then there's "You could have actually acquired a reasonable degree of personal skill in (game activity) instead of gaming". I'll be saving beforehand though, this feels like something that should eventually be accomplished if only for reasons of spite.

[Reginald Ret]

How odd. I was literally look at that on the nexus yesterday. Probably been pulled for some reason or other.

Just to make some progress, I'll probably drop the difficulty a touch. There's realism and then there's "You could have actually acquired a reasonable degree of personal skill in (game activity) instead of gaming". I'll be saving beforehand though, this feels like something that should eventually be accomplished if only for reasons of spite.

You are evil.

[Junkenstein]

hxxp://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/45894/?

This is probably going to make it into my list.

Generic method for losing and recovering your gear. Bandit are more interested in taking your money than your life. Bandit also have a good eye for valuable and those items are more likely to be stolen. All Item can be recovered one way or another, or you can decide to discard them. The only thing that is lost for good is gold and gold paid to recover items. This offers a new, much needed, gold sink in the game.
When defeated, the PC is typically left for dead in the vicinity, or thrown out of the current location. There are also a variety of random "Radiant" events that can occur. Adventurer will sometimes stumble on the unconscious PC and offer assistance. The downside is: Bandit will sometimes stumble on the unconscious PC as well, and offer to relieve you of your hard earned loot! A list of all the encounter is provided under the Readme Tab.
Player in werewolf or vampire lord form will revert to their human form if their HP reaches zero. This introduces an element of danger in beast form, since your attacker is now a witness to your shapeshifting abilities.

Has the benefit of making combat marginally less deadly with fairly serious long term consequences.

[Cain]

Ah yes, I've heard good things about that one, and similar mods.  Another one has you die, bandits steal your stuff, and you wake up in the wilderness with almost nothing.  You can then track the bandits down and kill them.  Yet another causes you to lose a dragon soul as an alternative to dying.

...both of which I see are noted in the recommended similar mod section of that mod description.  Ah well.

DFB Random Encounters continues to be fun.  Got ambushed by 2 Morag Tong assassins inside Breezehome (which I purchased only to see the Breezehome Fully Upgradeable mod in action.  Verdict: pretty awesome, if you like Breezehome.  However, my preferred modded homes are the Riften Canal Thief home and Vetrheim.  Both have everything you need, are much smaller and beautifully designed).

[Reginald Ret]

Like all things, I half=assed it, I have got:

Skyrim.
Update.
ClimatesOfTamriel.
Unofficial Skyrim Patch.
SkyUI.
HighResTexturePack01.
HighResTexturePack02.
HighResTexturePack03.
Unofficial High Resolution Patch.
RealisticNeedsandDiseases.
RND_USKP-Patch.
RND_AnimalLoot.
DragonCombatOverhaul.
Run For Your Lives.
RealShelter.
WetandCold.
Rainbows.
ShootingStars.
CoT-WeatherPatch.
ClimatesOfTamriel-Nights-Level-3.
ClimatesOfTamriel-Dungeons-Hardcore.
ClimatesOfTamriel-Interiors-Warm.
Supreme Storms - Cot Version.
CoT-WeatherPatch_SupStorms.
Supreme Fog - CoT.
RealisticWaterTwo.
RBB Long Boats.
RBB Row Boats.
FishingInSkyrim.
Drinking Fountains of Skyrim.
Hunterborn.
Hunterborn_RND-Patch.
RND_DrinkingFountains-Patch.
Realistic crime report radius.
ACE Archery.
ACE Armor.
ACE BYOG.
ACE Enchanting.
ACE Magic.
ACE Melee.
ACE Realistic Fighting.
ACE Smithing.
ACE Speech.
ACE Synergy.

But some don't seem to work right, also, sometimes it crashes when i kill something.

[Cain]

I don't see any obvious conflicts...that I know of, anyway.  Did you sort the load order with BOSS or LOOT and clean all the plugins with TES5Edit?

[Cain]

Also double check that none of these mods require assets from the DLCs, as many of them do.

[Cain]

Also, Junk: try OBIS: Organized Banditry in Skyrim.  Some of the gangs are kinda...uh, quirky, but they're all way more legit as fighters than normal bandits, even when RotE/Duel/ACE/HLE improved.

[Reginald Ret]

I don't see any obvious conflicts...that I know of, anyway.  Did you sort the load order with BOSS or LOOT and clean all the plugins with TES5Edit?

Uhm, no?
I don't even know what BOSS or LOOT is, I'll look it up next time i play.
I only just found out what MCM is and activated some of the mods i thought weren't working, that should have solved the ones that weren't working right :P
TES5Edit, another thing to look up.
I did check for DLC requirements, and disabled the parts that do.

Hunterborn is great fun in combination with Realistic Needs and Diseases, looting animals becomes quite a bit more immersive.
I've added SkyTEST-RealisticAnimals&Predators. It gives the wild animals ecological roles.

On the road to Whiterun I spotted 3 wolves hunting and killing a hare. I heard that wolves usually don't attack humans when they stay at the proper distance, they merely growl at you giving you about 8 seconds to leave. This time was different though, the wolves were protecting a fresh kill.
Three wolves is a bit much for a recently escaped convict with almost no gear so I run away. I didn't notice that the rock I tried to hide behind was a bear until I almost stepped on it's cub. Understandably, the bear was a bit upset. The bear didn't react fast enough to hurt  me, but it did attack the wolves that were following me.
Terrified of the angry mother Bear, I quickly left for the tundra to the north-west. There I quickly spotted a herd of Elk. Thinking that herbivores are better prey than wolves or bears the decision to kill one was easy and I was getting quite hungry. Something needed to die so I could live.
It turns out that Elk don't like it when you set one of their herd on fire. With all my mana spent I have this Elk headbutting me and doing quite a lot of damage. Using my sword and half of my healing potion supply I manage to kill the Elk.
Finally alone and with a fresh kill begging to be butchered I start cutting off all the useful bits. The 30 Venison steaks make me the happiest and from one of the large bones I carve a talisman giving me the blessing of Hircine. I have no tinderbox so can't start a fire to cook this meat so I eat it raw. Not the best decision I ever made, now my sight is blurry and I stumble and fall over all the time.
I can see a giant's camp nearby so I try to steal from his treasure chest, hoping against all hope that it contains a cure disease potion. I did manage to rob the chest without a problem but there was no potion in sight. Oh well, time to stumble back to Whiterun and get cured. "Oh would you look at that!" there is a Sabretooth Tiger corpse just a bit closer to the giant. Sneakily I pick it up but now I'm carrying too much and that Giant is looking straight at me. I back away and luckily he leaves me alone. I quickly drop the Tiger and start butchering it. Wow! This thing gives 100 pieces of meat! Wait, now I really can't run anymore. Oh well, time to ditch most of it and head back to Whiterun, it's not worth the effort of dragging all this with me. Stumbling and falling I get 100 yards closer but then I fall over into a little stream and get killed by some Mudcrabs before I can get up.