7 replies to this topic

[Vampire Killer]

I think I have a nice install of BWP tactical version going. Been smooth so far in the beginning. However, I am wondering if any parts of BWP modifies/adds to any classes or kits in any way. I would like to play BG1 through TOB and I don't know which class to make as my main character. To facilitate an answer I've been looking at all kinds of forums about it, but the answers are only good if the BWP install uses the vanilla classes and kits. What I mean is, if something is stronger or weaker than vanilla in BWP I wouldn't have the answer I need.

Also, does using a BG2 class or kit in BG1 make it too easy to start? Thanks very much for any help, really looking forward to getting going on this.

[Jarno Mikkola]

Why are these threads in Big Picture, when you obviously wish BWP help... hopefully this will be moved.
The reason for the somewhat 'hostile question' is that nobody actually you wish to answer your question usually comes here and gives you an answer.

Now, the Kits and the class selection all depends on what mods you install, and yes in BWP you can install or leave a mod not installed and still play BWP combination, the Divine Remix is actually bad for the most priests in one way or another, as you do get a renovated spell table... but when you lack the power to heal your party and use of any restoration spells, you really aren't actually playing a cleric... so you need another 2. Unless you are willing to cheat with ShadowKeeper and thus gain great powers.

The other mods you probably should take a look at might be the Spell Revision, as it alters a lot of spells ...mostly for the better though...

Also, does using a BG2 class or kit in BG1 make it too easy to start? Thanks very much for any help, really looking forward to getting going on this.

The BG1 monsters and the mods monsters usually now use the SCS AI, meaning they work in teams, they know exactly what protection spells you have used and if they can they will remove them, so you are actually playing against a ToB AI at least... the BWP also uses the BGTspawns which adjust based on you party level and how many there are, so... it will not be easy.

I would like to play BG1 through TOB and I don't know which class to make as my main character.

Well, I would suggest that you would take a Berserker as you main character(for a starter class), this is cause the game is primarily made for a Fighter as the main char cause the abilities gained as the main char usually give the best advantage as a Melee Fighter. The other required classes(some_kind_of-thief, divine caster, arcane caster) can be acquired easily there after.

Edited by Jarno Mikkola, 02 January 2010 - 04:37 PM.

[Vampire Killer]

Hello, I'm back. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong spot, I really did look for a more appropriate place, but probably not hard enough I'm guessing.

To be honest, I'm still stuck doing the chores in the very beginning of playing the Big World Project. I might just completely uninstall everything (and un-do all my work installing) and just go with a handful of mods. I would like to see if the rest of the BWP Tactical install is as stable as I think it is, but I'm milking cows in Candlekeep.

Regarding the last part of your reply, Jarno, I don't fully understand. I'm guessing you mean the game will be harder. It's been a while since I posted this, so I have forgotten some of my ideas. I'm still mulling over my options, can anyone weigh in on whether a smaller install of hand-picked mods would be better for now? This can be moved if necessary, I apologize again for my error. Thanks.

[Quester]

If you want I could send you my install.bat and BWS-Selection.ini, which are heavily customised to my own tastes. It's basically based on a challenging Tactics game with fewer magical items and harder enemies, along with a focus on roleplaying options (quests, many NPCs to choose from, etc). I've tried to stay clear of what I perceive as badly designed mods, though since I haven't personally played most of them yet, this is really only an estimation on my part. I made this install about three days ago, so it's got the latest versions of everything up until then. It's more than a handful mods though (more like 150 of them actually ), but it doesn't include the chores you mentioned, for instance.

[Vampire Killer]

Hi Quester, that would actually be terrific if you'd send me those files. Do you use your edited version for a BG1 through BG2 playthrough or is it just for BG2+TOB? If you could also explain how to use them in the install that would be really helpful. Or is it as simple as just dropping the edited files into the install directory? Thanks very much.

[Quester]

I'm using it for a full playthrough from BG1 to ToB. Please note however that I'm not an expert on this stuff and I fully expect there to be some small bugs and/or incompatibilities with the mods I have. Hopefully no major ones though. What mods I've included or chosen not to include is also very much based on personal preference. With those caveats out of the way, here are the files, attached to this post.

What you'll need to do if you've already got an installed game going is to clear that and reinstall from scratch (or if you have backup clean installs, use those). Follow the instructions in the BWP pdf. In the BWP setup, choose "no foreign language mods" + "further customisation of settings". When you get to the part where you choose what mods to download, put the BWS-Selection.ini in your BGII - SoA/BiG World Setup folder, then in the setup program import those settings and inspect what will be downloaded if you like, remove or add stuff if you like, then continue on and let the program download those mods and unpack them. Basically let it do its stuff and follow the instructions given until it says it's finished and starts the install.bat file.

Then, exit that version of the install.bat and replace it with my modified one in the BGII - SoA directory, and run it. Follow instructions, take a good look at what mods it says it will install and which ones it won't. If everything looks okay, proceed. You might also take a look around the forums to see if there are any new hotfixes for any of the mods included, and put them in their respective folders (I included this and this). Also, a few mods you may need to download yourself because the BWS won't download the most recent versions. These are atleast Item Randomiser and, in my case, the latest beta of aTweaks (found here, though you'll need to ask aVENGER to be let in there if you want to include a beta version. Otherwise, the latest official release is great, it just doesn't have those cool Fiends. )

Then, when you are ready, begin the installation and go do something else for a couple of hours.

In my install, I have taken some mods out of the install.bat so I can install them myself manually. You can check what these are in the attached Weidu.log (included just for reference). Everything after ToB Hacks I've installed manually for control and because I was too lazy to learn to edit the install.bat properly to include those in the automatic part.

They are mostly completely optional, but you'll want to install atleast Mod Kit Remover, Widescreen mod, BP-Balancer, XP mod and Generalized Biffing, in that order.

I think that is all. All I can think of for now atleast.

Attached Files

•  Q\'s customised BWP settings.rar   52.39K   257 downloads

[Vampire Killer]

Well, darn. It looks like I need to re-install from scratch anyway, since I don't want the Divine Remix (which is already installed), and I think I might have another problem. In my current Weidu.log, tobhacks comes after generalized biffing. I don't remember much about the install, but is that bad? Another question is, which mods of the pack should be installed by hand anyway, just as a precaution? Thanks again.

[Jarno Mikkola]

In my current Weidu.log, tobhacks comes after generalized biffing. I don't remember much about the install, but is that bad?

No. It's there for a reason, as the Hacks do not change the game files, just the BGMain.exe, they do not need to be Biffed so the game would run faster.

Another question is, which mods of the pack should be installed by hand anyway, just as a precaution?

As a precaution, hmm, none.
Unless you are thinking to change the install order or components from the defaults, or you be using the Q's mix.

Edited by Jarno Mikkola, 11 January 2010 - 12:50 AM.