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Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => The FRED Workshop => Topic started by: Asprin on March 18, 2009, 08:18:49 am

Title: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Asprin on March 18, 2009, 08:18:49 am
Hello.

Since last release of the project, many things have been changed, updated and rebuilt or built from the scratch. Now let us introduce the new Babylon 4: Minbari Project (the republication with fully new story and content). We'll not declare final date of release but current progress is allow us to publish some screenshots and trailer.

1. Link for the trailer: http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/mproj.avi (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/mproj.avi)
640x480, 48Mb, Xvid MPEG4 video codec 1.2.1


2. Actual game screenshots (click image for the full screen mode):

(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/1m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/1.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/2m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/2.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/3m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/3.JPG)
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/4m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/4.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/5m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/5.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/6m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/6.JPG)
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/7m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/7.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/8m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/8.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/9m.JPG) (http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/scn/9.JPG)

Future projects' status. As many of you know, the story line of early presented Babylon 5: The Geometry of Shadows was too close to some real life events. This fact has been corrected and i believe that guys from our B5:TGoS section will present their new trailers, screenshots and some details of the new story line as soon as possible. Beyond of this, we've launched a new project - the XCOM Interceptor conversion, unfortunatelly, this project is on beginning stage of WIP and we can't present you any materials yet.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: den5 on March 18, 2009, 10:04:03 am
Very nice video and screens :yes: I like these new drakh ships. But I would recommend to use animated glow maps for them.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Vidmaster on March 18, 2009, 10:44:20 am
I am glad you dropped the propaganda. Looking forward to play this Asprin.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: carbine7 on March 19, 2009, 04:32:20 pm
Sounds quite.....interesting. Looks good :yes:
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: dragonsniper on March 19, 2009, 07:18:48 pm
I like the layout. Looks good. :yes:
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Vidmaster on March 20, 2009, 10:29:34 am
oh and before I forget, PLEASE make sure you have a better mission design this time.

I just remind you of your second training mission in which you had to fly 20 minutes (and increase time compression was disabled!!!) through empty Hyperspace  :hopping:  only to encounter 6 enemies afterwards, which you not only had to fight but also had to stay extremely close a specific point, otherwise you would get lost in Hyperspace.
And since you had one ally who didn't do that but lured a few fighters out too, you ended up sitting there with no targets and no idea where he was, while looking for him would doom you too.

Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: starlord on March 27, 2009, 04:13:40 pm
Very interesting.

I always wondered if the babylon 4 project might eventually feature a full earth-minbari war campaign? it's such a pity that the original EAW for the babylon project came out only as a demo...
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Asprin on April 01, 2009, 07:46:47 am
Okay, in order to keep all interested people informed, we've decided to post some specific information about the project.

Render from the PCS2.



Minbari Federation Space Units (Light units - current 6259c.)

NS-17A 'TRAGA' space superiority fighter.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/traga.jpg)
Manufacturer: Nushali Systems
Lenght: 14.00 m. Height: 3.0 m. Beam: 8.8 m.; Mass: 25 tons (29 tons loaded)
Propulsion: Stalasha 17C gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 80 m/s2
Jump engines: none
Atmospheric: no
Crew: 1 pilot/gunner

Armament:
- 2 Nushali LPP-14 plasma cannons
- 6 missile hardpoints

Description: The Nushali Systems NS-17A 'TRAGA' is a single-seat, single-engine spacecraft. The NS-17A is the Minbari Federation primary space superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor and tactical reconnaissance platform since 6234c. The NS-17A was developed after the collapse of the VNS-109 project, and is the first Minbari Federation light fighter type.




NS-17B 'TRAGA' multirole fighter.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/traga2.jpg)
Manufacturer: Nushali Systems
Lenght: 18.00 m. Height: 3.7 m. Beam: 10.8 m.; Mass: 31 tons (37 tons loaded)
Propulsion: Stalasha 17C gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 70 m/s2
Jump engines: none; Atmospheric: no; Crew: 1 pilot/gunner

Armament:
- 1 Nushali LPP14/20 plasma cannons
- 8 missile hardpoints

Description: The NS-17B 'TRAGA' is a single-seat, single-engine spacecraft originally developed by Nushali Systems. Designed as a lightweight fighter, it evolved into a successful multirole spacecraft. The NS-17B is a dogfighter with numerous innovations which allow it to provide OCS operations as well as DCS operations. The spacecraft is on Minbari Federation Space Forces service since 6234c.




NS-23 'TISHAT' multirole fighter.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/tishat.jpg)
Manufacturer: Nushali Systems
Lenght: 21.00 m. Height: 9.1 m. Beam: 12.5 m.; Mass: 36 tons (42 tons loaded)
Propulsion: Stalasha 23/10 gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 70 m/s2
Jump engines: none; Atmospheric: no; Crew: 1 pilot/gunner

Armament:
- 3 Nushali LNB-12 neutron beams
- 6 missile hardpoints

Description: The NS-23 'TISHAT' is a single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable, 15th-generation spacecraft developed by Nushali Systems in 6244c. for the Minbari Federation Special Forces. It is primarily an space superiority fighter, but has multiple capabilities that include OCS and DCS operations, electronic warfare, and SIGINT roles. It is first Minbari Federation fighter equipped with neutron weapons.




VS-25 'Linara' tactical bomber.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/linara.jpg)
VS-25 'Linara' tactical bomber.

Manufacturer: Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards
Lenght: 41.00 m. Height: 6.0 m. Beam: 20.5 m.; Mass: 70 tons (151 tons loaded)
Propulsion: Stalasha 200B gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 60 m/s2
Jump engines: none; Atmospheric: yes; Crew: 1 pilot/gunner, 1 pilot/operator

Armament:
- 2 Nushali LNB-12/VM neutron beams
- 2 Nushali LNB-12 neutron turrets
- 2 Valeria VH-88 neutron turrets
- 6 missile hardpoints

Description: The VS-25 'LINARA' is a twin-engine, two-seat, 15th-generation spacecraft developed by Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards in 6239c. It is a multirole heavy bomber with 'low observable' stealth technology capable of penetrating dense anti-spacecraft defenses to deploy both conventional and thermonuclear weapons. The VS-25 is first spacecraft which has Vorlons technologies.




Project 'Nial'. Multirole class heavy fighter.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/nial.jpg)
Description: Since the civil war have took place outside Minbar, all clans of the Caste of Warriors tried to create a unique class of fighter which would have been able to combine all necessary abilities to a fully multirole spacecraft. Nevertheless, technical requirements for the ship were too high and first operating prototype, launched in 6240c., was incredibly expensive and difficult in maintenance. In the final analysis, the United Calns Froces command decided to destroy the prototype and to close the project. It would have happened but Minbari Federation Department of Special Operations has insisted on full assignation of the project under their control. Because MFDSO is not subordinated to UCF, they were able to convince the Great Council to continue the project's development on a conditions of MFDSO, however with the very limited funding.




Minbari Federation Space Units (Heavy/Stationary units- current 6259c.)

Tinashi'Haza class light cruiser-carrier.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/haza.jpg)
Manufacturer: Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards
Lenght: 1335 m. Height: 850 m. Beam: 410 m.; Mass: 9,360,000 tons
Propulsion: Stalasha 800HSF gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 15 m/s2
Jump engines: yes; Atmospheric: no
Crew: 30 officers, 250 enlisted

Armament:
- 1 Valeria VH-121C Neutron turret
- 8 Valeria VH-121A Neutron turrets
- 10 Valeria VH-88/D Neutron turrets

Fighters:
- up to 30 NS class fighters

Description: The Tinashi'Haza was developed by Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards in 6225c. as primary strike vessel. Original project has 31 neutron weapons (19 heavy and 12 light turrets) and could carry only 11 fighters. However, with the development of NS class fighters, the Caste of Warriors demanded changes in the construction. New version of the Tinashi'Haza was introduced in 6245c: the ship was equipped with only 19 neutron weapons (9 - heavy and 10 light turrets), but could carry 30 NS-17A or 20 NS-17B or 15 NS-23 fighters. Such modification allows it evolved into a successful multirole ship.




Tinashi'Eltureel class heavy cruiser-carrier.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/haza2.jpg)
Manufacturer: Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards
Lenght: 2300 m. Height: 860 m. Beam: 800 m.; Mass: 18,600,000 tons
Propulsion: Stalasha 800HSF/D11 gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 15 m/s2
Jump engines: yes; Atmospheric: no
Crew: 60 officers, 650 enlisted

Armament:
- 2 Valeria VH-121C Neutron turret
- 12 Valeria VH-121A Neutron turrets
- 16 Valeria VH-88/D Neutron turrets

Fighters:
- up to 80 NS class fighters or up to 30 VS class bombers

Description: The Tinashi'Eltureel is most large military unit in the Minbari Federation fleet, developed by Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards in 6235c. as heavy cruiser-carrier. Like the Tinashi'Haza, Eltureel class was modified in 6245c. but in this case number the ship's turrets was not changed, as the result - the significant reduction in the time of intense fire. Since 6254c. the Elureel is also used as tactical carrier with 30 VS class bombers aboard and because of the need to escort of Tinashi'Haza cruisers, the Minbari Federation fleet organization was updated with new term - the tactical battle group.




Tinashi'Shannari class multirole transport.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/haza3.jpg)
Manufacturer: Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards
Lenght: 650 m. Height: 430 m. Beam: 180 m.; Mass: 6,400,000 tons
Propulsion: Stalasha 800HSF gravimetric engine; Max Acceleration: 15 m/s2
Jump engines: yes; Atmospheric: no
Crew: 120. Passengers: up to 1000. Cargo: up to 25000 tons

Armament:
- 8 Valeria VH-88/D Neutron turrets

Fighters:
- 4 NS-17A class fighters (optional)

Description: The Tinashi'Shannari is multirole transport developed on the Tinashi'Haza platform by Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards in 6230c. Successful ship's configuration enabled to use it for civilian goals as well as for military. Equipped with 8 light neutron turrets and 4 NS-17A class fighters, the Shannari is enough hard target for the single attack.




Alky'Shtar class space station.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/station1.jpg)
Manufacturer: Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards
Lenght: 1500 m. Height: 1450 m. Beam: 2440 m.
Mass: 9,500,000 tons
Crew: 40 officers, 800 enlisted

Armament:
- 4 Valeria VH-121A Neutron turrets
- 4 Valeria VH-88/D Neutron turrets

Fighters:
- up to 80 NS class fighters

Description: The Alky'Shtar was developed as multirole space station by Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards in 6220c. for civilian and military goals but generally used for training pilots and as defensive outpost. Station is equipped with 4 light and 4 heavy neutron turrets and may contain up to 80 NS class fighters. With the correct defense organization the installation is very hard target even during massive offensive actions.




Anla'Than class SSWADS platform.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/platform.jpg)
Manufacturer: Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards
Lenght: 200 m.
Height: 250 m.
Beam: 140 m.
Mass: 500,000 tons

Armament:
- 3 Valeria VH-121A Neutron turrets
- 3 Valeria VH-88/40 Neutron turrets

Description: Anla'Than platform was developed as Stationary Space Warning and Defence System by Valeria-On-High Orbital Shipyards in 6210c. In fact this is a big standalone radar with heavy armor and with serious weaponry. Since 6210c. the system was upgraded three times, in our days it has two modifications, differing only by the stealth system availability.




Project 'Velarian' (originally named) heavy cruiser-carrier.
(http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/HLP/sharlin.jpg)
Description: Since the civil war have took place outside Minbar, all clans of the Caste of Warriors tried to create a unique class of military vessel which would have been able to combine high fire power, high fighters payload, high propulsion abilities, high stealth abilities and heavy armor. Beyond of this, the ship must be adapted to carry ground combat units and troops. No doubt, the war contributes to technical progress, however the pride and the wish to be a first were so high that no one of the clans has not been even able to create an operating draft. The situation slightly changed in 6235c. when the Federation and the United Calns Froces have been formed. Nevertheless, technical requirements for the ship were too high and first operating prototype, launched in 6240c., was incredibly expensive and difficult in maintenance. Beyond of this, the testings revealed that huge size of the vessel did absolutely useless its stealth system, and with a full load the ship's propulsion abilities significantly lagged behind the Tinashi'Eltureel class. In the final analysis, the United Calns Froces command decided to destroy the prototype and to close the project. It would have happened but Minbari Federation Department of Special Operations has insisted on full assignation of the project under their control. Of course, the UCF command did not want to tolerate such situation but because MFDSO is not subordinated to UCF, they were able to convince the Great Council to continue the project's development on a conditions of MFDSO, however with the caveat that funding would be reduced by half. Because of unstable relationships with the Neo-Minbari front, and also because of lack of results, in 6248c., the UCF command finally achieve the desired and the project has lost federal funding. But looks like the universe itself decided the project's future, soon after the Great Council accepted UCF arguments, Anrith Sharlin the leader of Star Blades clan decided to support the development. Sharlin was not a member of the Council but his reputation and glory were too great in order to prohibit his solution.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: The E on April 01, 2009, 07:57:47 am
Those are some nice designs, congratulations  :yes:. The Minbari definitely needed some new ships.
However, I suggest that you do some more work on the Alkysh'Tar, as it looks too...Karnakish IMHO. Definitely feels wrong in amongst the other Minbari designs. Also, I hope that you will get some native speaker to do some proofreading on your texts before you do a release. (At least for me, nothing breaks immersion more efficiently than my internal spell checker going "ding" when i read some ingame text) While we're on the subject of texts, they read to much like Earth- (and more specifically, US-) style military slang. Minbari Soldiers != Human Soldiers, they speak differently.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Commander Zane on April 01, 2009, 08:04:14 am
If only the rest of the Babylon 5 ships looked that good. ;7
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Dragon on April 02, 2009, 02:01:57 pm
Awesome ,but I not see Lekkar'Tan there ,was it dumped?
I really like this project ,ships look better than in prologue ,there are more of them ,I wonder what more you have in sleeve. As for gameplay I liked prologue better than I've Found Her ,you were missing some minor things (blackouts and redouts was the greatest loss for me) but overall I liked flying Traga better than Aurora and I'm looking forward to next release.
One more question ,can you release some modding guide for TMP?
I'm asking because I want to make a few mods using prologue build ,and I found table values for acceleration are just weird. Can you tell me in what units are your acceleration values?
And FREDding hints would be welcome ,I have little experience even with standard FREDing.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Asprin on April 03, 2009, 03:56:01 am
Quote
can you release some modding guide for TMP?
No problems. But i don't recomend you to make a mods for TMP, because we decided to combine the TMP and B5:TGoS

Quote
blackouts and redouts
We're working on it but not too fast, because most important is models shadows - real shadows, like we saw in IFH.

Quote
Lekkar'Tan there
Well, this model is still under reconstruction.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Dragon on April 03, 2009, 03:59:21 pm
Good to know you haven't dumped Lekkar'Tan ,I like it.
As for modding this mod isn't B5 themed ,it's a remake of good old TVWP Chapter 1 ,just because I wanted it to use Newtonian flight model (that's why I need acceleration units). The mod is at beggining stage ,I managed to mostly get fighters to work ,Damocles causes CTD (can you provide some newer build ,this time with debug build?) ,but other capships seem to work fine. I have tested only fighters to this time. I will later try to remake the missions and rebalance weapons.
(expect much lowered difficuty at the begging ,Newtonian flying and primitive sensors aren't easy mix).
I hope I will be able to port some other mods when the full release will come out.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: peterv on April 03, 2009, 07:39:48 pm
Looks very promising  :yes:
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Zacam on April 07, 2009, 09:57:39 pm
We're working on it but not too fast, because most important is models shadows - real shadows, like we saw in IFH.

As in, via shader system or mapped shadows via baked AO? And are you attempting filtration shadows or AO style?
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Vidmaster on May 22, 2009, 06:11:29 am
hey, is the original somewhere around here still? Or more specifically, the forum?
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Skywalker on May 23, 2009, 11:06:12 am
Very interesting :)

Espetialy Oxygen and fuel restrictions  :yes:
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Asprin on October 13, 2010, 02:11:00 pm
We are almost there and planning release on 16 of october.

Check out the trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SypBnxtZurY

or grab it here with better quality - http://oldforum.oss.nov.ru/ojj/mproj.avi
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: starlord on October 13, 2010, 02:17:23 pm
very interesting! Good to hear from you asprin!
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: General Battuta on October 13, 2010, 02:18:15 pm
Man, that looks really good.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Dragon on October 13, 2010, 02:20:55 pm
Awesome, I can't wait to finally play this.
I tried IFH, but I found it much less enjoyable than TMP demo, despite the latter having some problems with running on my computer.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: The E on October 13, 2010, 03:22:59 pm
Last I recall, you guys were using a custom build, yes? Will you be releasing a code diff to us? And how far away from current FSO trunk is it?
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Sushi on October 13, 2010, 03:56:29 pm
Oh wow, very nice!
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Asprin on October 14, 2010, 01:07:16 am
Quote
Will you be releasing a code diff to us?
Of course

Quote
And how far away from current FSO trunk is it?
Very very far!
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Slasher on October 14, 2010, 01:19:14 am
Looking good!  What time in the B5 storyline does this take place, or is this an alternate timeline altogether?
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: The E on October 14, 2010, 01:20:25 am
Quote
Will you be releasing a code diff to us?
Of course

Quote
And how far away from current FSO trunk is it?
Very very far!

Is there a writeup of the changes somewhere?
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Asprin on October 14, 2010, 01:29:12 am
Quote
What time in the B5 storyline does this take place
Somewhere 1280 A.D., but the storyline is fully fan-fiction.

Quote
Is there a writeup of the changes somewhere?
No, at least in the conventional sense. I'll provide all the necessary info after release.
Title: Re: Babylon 4: Minbari Project - Operation Unity
Post by: Dragon on October 14, 2010, 01:00:58 pm
I've just watched the trailer, it looks great.
I can't wait for release.