tavmod-4.6

ProTA readme.txt

@@ -1,49 +1,124 @@
-ProTA by TAG_Venom - Readme
+ProTA - https://prota.tauniverse.com
+A rebalancing of Total Annihilation by the pros that stays true to the original game.
 
-The goal of ProTA is to bring units that were neglected in OTA into balance with the dominant meta of 2000-2010. Key important units from that time remain untouched (Flash, Thunder, Samson, Slasher, Weasel, Pelican, etc) allowing the same strategies from that era to remain viable. Most other units have had subtle and thoughtful changes that bring them into use. You can still go fast advanced and reclaim that factory to get your Fusion going if you want to, but now those formerly neglected advanced units have had their costs and stats altered to make them competitive with standard units. So you might want to keep that advanced factory after all, and you might want to replace those Metal Extractors with Moho Mines first.
 
-Core and Arm have been balanced using the existing Flash/Samson/Slasher meta as a baseline. The Instigator is now viable and competitive against the Flash. The Raider and the Stumpy have a place in the melee. Kbots are an early option as well as vehicles. Each unit has a role where it can be the optimal choice based on the map conditions and player you’re up against. Choose the style that best suits you or one that will annihilate your opponent. Despite all the unit stat changes, gameplay tweaks and bug fixes, I still wanted it to feel like playing OTA and not too drastically different, as far as the early game strategies available and the pacing in general. I feel like I have achieved that quite well. 
+Mission
 
-On top of all this, lots of quality of life improvements have been made. The GUI has been improved and extended with 12 build icons per page. Orders are on the same page and you are not required to switch to a separate page to reclaim wreckages or repair units. Build hotkeys are available and overlays are shown on the build menu, showing you which hotkey to press to build each unit. Many visual improvements have been made as well, from the mini map dot colors, to team colors, to the models and textures.
+Our mission is to bring a renewed vitality to Total Annihilation by making every unit relevant without compromising the essence of the original game. We acknowledge the inherent conflict in our goals, aiming for a middle ground that retains the familiar pace and strategies while infusing new life into underutilised units.
 
-This mod has been fine-tuned and play tested by an all-star cast of OTA commanders:
+1. Maximising Unit Relevance
 
+Our primary objective is to ensure that every unit in ProTA serves a meaningful purpose within the gameplay. Through careful adjustments and enhancements, we strive to make all units useful, offering players a diverse array of strategic options without diminishing the core Total Annihilation experience.
+
+2. Preserving the Total Annihilation Experience
+
+We are committed to maintaining the original pace and strategies that players know and love. ProTA seeks to retain the familiar feel of Total Annihilation, allowing players to employ classic strategies and tactics while incorporating the newfound usefulness of units.
+
+3. Affordability and Pace
+
+ProTA adopts a strategic approach to unit balancing, prioritising either the reduction of costs for weaker units or strengthening within the current cost framework, depending on the unit and situation. The decision between these two options is made on a case-by-case basis, ensuring the best fit for each unit. Importantly, ProTA strives to avoid increasing costs, maintaining affordability and pace. This ensures units are affordable and replaceable, readily deployable to contribute to the action as soon as possible. ProTA underscores the significance of fighting over and reclaiming wreck fields, adhering to the original game's emphasis on dynamic play rather than adopting a passive strategy of waiting for expensive units to be constructed.
+
+4. Minimal Changes to Established Units
+
+Acknowledging the significance of player familiarity, ProTA strives to make minimal adjustments to frequently used units. This approach ensures that gameplay retains its distinctive identity, staying true to the essence of the original units while providing a sense of continuity for seasoned players.
+
+5. Asymmetric Balance between Arm and Core
+
+ProTA recognises that Arm and Core factions are not mirrored but are balanced asymmetrically. This deliberate asymmetry contributes to the richness of gameplay dynamics, allowing for diverse strategies and interactions between the factions. Importantly, ProTA aims for a balanced asymmetry that ensures both Arm and Core factions remain viable choices on all maps. The goal is to provide players with the freedom to choose their preferred faction without being constrained by the map, fostering a diverse and strategic playing environment.
+
+6. Community Feedback and Evolution
+
+ProTA is built upon the extensive experience and insights of long-time, high level players of the original game. To maintain ProTA's integrity, we prioritise input grounded in real-world gameplay experiences, especially valuing perspectives from seasoned players. However, all feedback is valuable, regardless of experience, provided it aligns with the mod's goals and is substantiated with evidence or replays.
+
+7. Real-World Gameplay over Numbers Critique
+
+ProTA highly values feedback grounded in genuine gameplay experiences. While numbers and data are important, our primary focus is on the real impact of changes in live matches. We approach critiques based solely on game files with caution, recognising the concrete goals we aim to achieve in practical gameplay. It's important to note that some of the data can be misleading in different ways, and our emphasis on real-world experiences helps to navigate through potential discrepancies.
+
+8. Enhancing Gameplay Interaction
+
+ProTA is dedicated to refining the player experience by enhancing the user interface and usability within the constraints of the TA engine. With the addition of intuitive hotkeys and an extended build menu, our aim is to make navigation more seamless and player-friendly. We recognise the limitations imposed by the engine but strive to optimise the available interface elements for improved gameplay accessibility.
+
+By navigating the challenges that arise and exploring exciting possibilities, our commitment to honoring Total Annihilation's legacy persists. Our goal is clear: to craft the ultimate Total Annihilation mod that both seasoned veterans and newcomers can proudly call their own. We deeply appreciate our community's insights, which contribute to the delicate balance of our conflicting goals. As we strive to enhance your gaming experience, we hope we've done our players proud, by elevating Total Annihilation gameplay to new heights. Here's to another 4000 years of total war.
+
+
+Credits
+
+In the collaborative journey of bringing ProTA to life, a dedicated group of individuals has contributed their time, expertise, and passion. Their collective efforts have played a vital role in shaping the mod and enhancing the Total Annihilation experience. Here, we express our sincere gratitude to those whose contributions have been instrumental in the development and success of ProTA.
+
+This mod has been fine-tuned and play-tested by an all-star cast of OTA commanders:
 TAG_Venom
 TAG_ROCK
 PRO_rANDY
 Tiptushi
 TAG_Metn
-Gnug215
 timmyfred
-TAG_Webster
+TAG_Sensation
 FFAxPostal
-Gnug115
 TAG_Dominator
+Gnug215
 OZ_coolnick
 BTU_Natas
 TAG_Mastah
-Gnug615
+Gnug115
 
-In addition to the help of the play testers, the mod would not have been possible without the efforts of the following people:
+In addition to the help of the play-testers, the mod would not have been possible without the efforts of the following people:
 
-gamma - Helped me a lot with scripting, brought his experience into balancing discussions and allowed me to use some TA Mayhem scripts, fixes and models 
-Switeck - I used many fixes from Switeck's TA Bugfix. Some of the fixes I disagree with from a gameplay perspective, but many were used and the mod is much better as a result of Switeck's work
-ArmouredFish - Helped me a lot with scripting, helped me implement some game changing fixes such as non blocking sea wreckages and offered a lot of general TA knowledge throughout the process 
-Vohvelieläin - Helped me a lot with his modding knowledge and helped edit some models and scripts
-Thaldren - Improved performance in Windows 10 and helped setup the ProTA recorder
-FunkyFr3sh - Helped fix bugs with ddraw and spent time making CnC-ddraw work flawlessly with TA
-Axle1975 - Helped me fix some issues with the recorder and gave ProTA a platform for competitive play (www.taforever.com)
-poosticks - I used his TA guide extensively throughout the modding process to check unit stats and other details 
-Idec Sdawkminn - I used his TAU forum posts "Complete Unit FBI Guide" and "Comprehensive Weapons Guide" a lot which were massively useful when learning how to mod TA 
-zwzsg - His TAU forum posts provided the knowledge that allowed for non blocking sea wreckages
-SnakeInTheMirror - For work on the TA complete colour enhancement pack. I used orange, teal and the improved yellow from this mod
-PlasmoidThunder - Informed me of some sound category bugs within OTA that I wasn't aware of and some other things I had missed
-TAAN - I used some of the Evolva models made by TAAN to improve the mod visually. Some I kept as-is, some I made edits to, to fit with my own vision 
-ACE_Beeky - I often checked his TAU post "A Guide To Every Unit In TA" for things I may have missed 
-Wotan - Changed a stubborn, anti-mod OTA player's mind about mods in general and showed me what was possible 
-Dragun101 - Promoted the mod to a wider audience and exposed the FAF community to ProTA and TA in general, by involving ProTA in his SCTA mod showmatch livestreams
-Postal - Helped promote the mod via his Total Annihilation Replays Youtube channel, offered his Core Commander knowledge in balance discussions and helped keep me motivated to finish the project 
-timmyfred - Helped keep me motivated after Postal went on paternity leave. Helped with a lot of things along the way from testing fixes, putting in play time and always joined in with balance discussions 
-TAG_ROCK - Just for being TAG_ROCK 
+gamma
+Instrumental in scripting, gamma brought a wealth of experience to balancing discussions. We are grateful for the permission to incorporate TA Mayhem scripts, fixes, and models.
 
-To anyone that I may have missed, thank you.
+Switeck
+Leveraging numerous fixes from Switeck's TA Bugfix, we enhanced the mod's functionality. While not in complete alignment from a gameplay perspective, Switeck's work has undeniably elevated the mod.
+
+ArmouredFish
+Offering substantial support in scripting, ArmouredFish played a crucial role in implementing game-changing fixes, such as non-blocking sea wreckages. His extensive TA knowledge proved invaluable throughout the development process.
+
+Vohvelieläin
+Contributing significant modding expertise, Vohvelieläin aided in editing models and scripts, enriching the overall quality of the mod.
+
+Axle1975
+Addressing recorder issues and providing a platform for competitive play on taforever.com, the contributions of Axle1975 have left a lasting impact on ProTA. Additionally, his significant work on the TA engine, including bug fixes and the implementation of game-changing features, has further enhanced the mod's overall experience.
+
+FunkyFr3sh
+Integral to ProTA's functionality on modern operating systems, FunkyFr3sh played a crucial role by adapting his software, CnC-DDraw, to seamlessly integrate with TA. This ensured full compatibility and functionality, addressing potential issues on newer platforms. Furthermore, FunkyFr3sh's expertise extended to valuable contributions in fixing issues within the TA engine, enhancing the overall performance and stability of the mod.
+
+poosticks
+A comprehensive TA guide served as an essential reference throughout the modding process, aiding in the verification of unit statistics and other details.
+
+Idec Sdawkminn
+Leveraging insights from TAU forum posts, particularly "Complete Unit FBI Guide" and "Comprehensive Weapons Guide," Idec Sdawkminn's resources played a crucial role in learning the intricacies of modding TA.
+
+zwzsg
+Thanks to zwzsg's TAU forum posts, knowledge was acquired that facilitated the implementation of non-blocking sea wreckages.
+
+SnakeInTheMirror
+Acknowledging the significant work on the TA complete colour enhancement pack, we incorporated the team colours orange and teal, and enhanced the existing yellow, enriching the visual experience within the mod.
+
+PlasmoidThunder
+Identifying sound category bugs and providing additional insights, PlasmoidThunder's expertise ensured a more refined end product.
+
+TAAN
+Integrated some of the Evolva models by TAAN for a visual boost, some as-is and tweaking others to enhance the mod's aesthetics.
+
+ACE_Beeky
+Regular reference to ACE_Beeky's TAU post, "A Guide To Every Unit In TA," ensured comprehensive coverage and understanding, catching details that might have been otherwise overlooked.
+
+Wotan
+Effectively challenging the perspectives of anti-mod players, Wotan demonstrated what was achievable through modding.
+
+Dragun101
+Elevated the mod's visibility by promoting it to a wider audience and incorporating ProTA into SCTA mod showmatch live streams.
+
+Postal
+Played a pivotal role in mod promotion through the Total Annihilation Replays YouTube channel. Also, Postal's Core Commander knowledge and contributions to balance discussions have been invaluable.
+
+timmyfred
+Assisted in maintaining motivation during Postal's absence, contributing to various tasks such as testing fixes, actively participating in playtesting, and consistently engaging in discussions on balance improvements.
+
+TAG_ROCK
+Has played a pivotal role in showcasing the mod's gameplay, dedicating significant playtime, offering valuable assistance, and generously contributing funds for new 3D models. His dedicated involvement has been indispensable to the project's success.
+
+Tristan
+Preserving the mod's visual coherence, Tristan's 3D models for new units seamlessly assimilate into the theme, capturing the essence of Cavedog's original design. Throughout the collaborative process, his keen attention to detail and receptiveness to our ideas and thoughts fostered a dynamic exchange, resulting in finely crafted additions to the mod.
+
+
+We extend our gratitude to anyone inadvertently omitted from this list. Your contributions have been invaluable to the success of ProTA. A heartfelt thank you to all players, casters, map makers, feedback contributors, content creators, and everyone who has lent their support in any form. Your collective efforts have played a significant role in shaping the success of ProTA, and we appreciate your dedication to the Total Annihilation community.