USMC Campaign v0.9, released 25 Mar 2012

[bebro]

Eagle, Globe and Anchor: USMC Campaign for Panzer Corps v0.9
1942-45

Description:

This version v0.9 of a historical campaign covering the USMC’s role in the Pacific War 1942-45. It’s been created under PzC 1.05, and is single-player only. It's designed and tested esp. for play in the 3rd difficulty level (here renamed Lt.Colonel), but of course you can choose whatever you prefer.

V0.9 includes now the full main campaign of 14 scenarios, lots of new units incl. custom graphics, and many sounds and anims provided by VPaulus, who did an awesome job in this regard.

Downloads:

Feb 15, 2014

GME files: http://www.mediafire.com/download/ey2q9 ... _v0_95.zip (ca. 140MB)
Scenario files: http://www.mediafire.com/download/06swj ... _v0_95.zip (only ca. 200KB)

Previous hotfixes are included in v0.95, so only the two files above are needed.




Alternative Downloads:

- switched colors for unit str plates: http://www.gamefront.com/files/21188173/USMC_altgfx.zip
- red colors for Japanese unit str plates (thanks Wino): http://wino.babilon24.org/pics/strplates.png

These are optional in case you don't like the str plates coming with this mod. Copy one the alternative file you like to the "..Graphics\Overlays" folder of this mod to use it.

- new Awards gfx created by alex1960
http://www.sendspace.com/file/qm0fq7
(simply overwrite files from achive to USMC Redux folder. to install)

Installation:

This release is not compatible to the first release version (v0.5). If you have this version installed it is strongly recommended to install the new version separately, not just "over" the older version. V 0.5 is not supported anymore and can be removed.

This campaign needs GME. If you never used it, please see here how to download and set it up:
viewtopic.php?t=27158

There is now a split installation needed for this mod

Basically the GME files belong into GME's MODS folder, which is usually in the main folder of your Panzer Corps installation, unless you specified another location. The scenario files belong into your ../My Games folder under Panzer Corps/mods/

Instead of a long explanation, the following pic should illustrate the correct locations:


To play, activate the USMC mod via GME. If you use a localized version of PzC it is best to switch to the English language to play. Start the campaign via PzC’s main menu > new game > more campaigns > select the USMC campaign.

Infos about changes, unit traits, campain path, special features, credits and more are available in the customized in-game library, and I highly recommend to consult it to understand key concepts, fundamental changes etc., etc..

Previews









Credits and Thanks:

I want to thank esp. nikivdd, El_Condoro, and VPaulus for all the help regarding PzC modding or the editor.

The custom graphics for the 'shallow sea' terrain were made with the help of rezaf. I also use one of the Opel units from rezaf's and flak's unit skin mod as Japanese truck. Graphics for medals and the data files for awards are made by El_Condoro. As noted, VPaulus has also done a terrific job in adapting his Real Sound Mod for use with the USMC campaign.

Furthermore I also want to give credit to a 3d creator named robotnik for providing a the basic 3d model of the US M3 AT gun, and to Radoye from JP’s who helped me getting Japanese terms right.

[rezaf]

Based on no facts beside the fact that this screenshot shows jagged islands and you talked about new nations, I'm gonna throw "Pacific" out there.
_____
rezaf

[bebro]

That's very good, it will play in the Pacific.

Do you want to be declared the winner, or should we continue a bit, since there's a little twist to it? It will of course not be a full-scale replacement for Pacific General. Limitations of the current game engine aside I'll not model the complete pacific war, but rather focus on certain aspects/parts.

That's mainly because in my first campaign project I don't want to be overambitous. I'll rather finish a smaller campaign first - I could always extend it later if there's still time and interest.

[nikivdd]

I was thinking of the Philippines.

[bebro]

I was thinking of the Philippines.

Not the Philippines. BTW, the islands on the map preview are tiny in reality, and in the first scn you'll assault them as part of a bigger operation which actually concentrates on a bigger island nearby (which is off-map in that first scn).

[rezaf]

That's very good, it will play in the Pacific.

Do you want to be declared the winner, or should we continue a bit, since there's a little twist to it? It will of course not be a full-scale replacement for Pacific General. Limitations of the current game engine aside I'll not model the complete pacific war, but rather focus on certain aspects/parts.

That's mainly because in my first campaign project I don't want to be overambitous. I'll rather finish a smaller campaign first - I could always extend it later if there's still time and interest.

A nice limited setup would be something like the occupation of the Dutch East Indies, but you wrote the player is NOT the axis, so I'd assume it's about the turn of the tide when the Japs were past their high water mark.

Feel free to keep the quiz going for a while bebro - I'll just consider myself the "winner of hearts". You know, kinda like HBalck.
_____
rezaf

[bebro]

Lol

So feel free to request a unit if you want, since you got Pacific right so soon I think it's only fair anyway. The only limitations I'll put out are that it has to be some kind of vehicle (ship, plane, tank, truck, whatever but nothing with horses) :

As for continuing the quiz: "turning point" is good in a certain way. Not in the Midway-way, but in the "the Allies aren't beaten everywhere across the Pacifc anymore, though Japan is still far from being defeated"-way

[drjeff21]

Interesting..

[flakfernrohr]

The land mass on the right side looks a bit like Malaysia and Singapore. But if that is so, what are the rest of the land masses? I will guess New Guinea, Java and the islands surrounding it. It was a Hellacious Jungle and Jungle mountain fight.

[TheGrayMouser]

No...it's my secret project.

I thought it would be nice to play a little game for the intro. So if you want, try to guess it, I'll post new clues daily which should reveal more and more, so if nobody finds out it will get easier...

1. Clue

- campaign project, will not be done sooo quickly, but I expect to have the first handful of scns ready before the end of the year, I have already done some work for it

- there are new nations and... ermm.... "nations", and you don't play the axis side this time

- little view of the strat. map of the first scenario (WIP):



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


I can only offer virtual cookies for those who find it out Or, if you like that, I make a unit the winner may choose in the unit factory as reward, just an idea of course.

..


Hmm, my guess is the "new nation " is the US Marines
That map appears to be the US attack on Tulagi Harbour in early August of 42. So the major island would be Guadalcanal which would be to the south and be like 20 times larger than what is diplaying in your example.

[GaryChildress]

Very cool! A Pacific campaign a la Pacific General would be awesome!!

BTW: Are you the same Bebro who made all those cool Civilization III units a while back? Just curious.

[bebro]

Yes, it's me

TheGrayMouser: You are absolutely correct.

So quiztime is over. I am doing a Pacific USMC campaign, starting with the assault on Tulagi and other small islands at the beginning of the Guadalcanal campaign summer 1942.

For the next 3-5 scns you'll fight on Guadalcanal. I'll at least finish those before January, and release them as mini-campaign. As said, if there's still time, interest etc this could be extended into a larger campaign including later battles. I also hope that some of the stuff I am creating for this will be of help for other mods playing in the Pacific, and so maybe we'll get more scns or campaigns about that theater.

I'll post some real previews and present some main ideas later, I also hope for some discussion, since some things seem to be a tad problematic, but we'll see....

[bebro]

Ok, a little unit teaser and some more info about what I'm planning to do.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I want to make the campaign "historic" but there will be compromises for gameplay reasons, and probably also be inaccuracies simply caused by a lack of knowledge or available info.

As said, your main "country" to play will be the USMC. That means you'll have access to the units used by the marines, whether it's inf, or any vehicles like tanks to air units.

However, while some units are the same you know from the vanilla US it also means you can get some additional equipment, like LVT amtanks, but otoh there are some (rather: most) stock US units unavailable for your core.

So you'll play the USMC as primary "nation", anything else like US Army, USAAF or even US Navy will at best be present as aux units if it makes sense and isn't too ahistorical (esp. early on during the Guadalcanal campaign, the 1st US Marine div fought without US army and only minor USAAF help - that changed later)

Similar setup is used for the opponent, but here of course Japan is the main nation, it will use IJA and IJAAF units, while I think I'll have the IJN with ships and planes and any SNLF land units as separate "nation".

For the start I'll not include any naval units as core, or any naval-only types of scns. There was plenty of naval action around Guadalcanal, and if it corresponds with a "land" scenario I plan for the campaign time-wise and map-wise it will be included via aux units, otherwise rather not, at least not in the first version(s).

Problems I see so far is mostly "terrain" - there should be jungle, but I have to figure out the best way to include it.

Also I find map design a bit problematic. There are enough maps to get the land masses, coastlines or rivers right, but so far it has been difficult to get info about infrastructure like roads, cities etc. about some of the areas playable in the campaign. I assume some of those hadn't even roads (not sure though).

So far for a little more info

[flakfernrohr]

I have some " jungle " tiles AND tropical tiles, roads, etc. that you might like. They will make it a lot easier than having to do them from scratch. Pvt. email me if you are interested.

While you are looking for info on the battle, check this link out: http://www.marineswwii.com/john_basilone.php It was the standoff that saved the island for the USMC.

[Cortilein]

Ok, a little unit teaser and some more info about what I'm planning to do.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Holy c**p - those units look TERRIFIC!

[nikivdd]

Ok, a little unit teaser and some more info about what I'm planning to do.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I want to make the campaign "historic" but there will be compromises for gameplay reasons, and probably also be inaccuracies simply caused by a lack of knowledge or available info.

As said, your main "country" to play will be the USMC. That means you'll have access to the units used by the marines, whether it's inf, or any vehicles like tanks to air units.

However, while some units are the same you know from the vanilla US it also means you can get some additional equipment, like LVT amtanks, but otoh there are some (rather: most) stock US units unavailable for your core.

So you'll play the USMC as primary "nation", anything else like US Army, USAAF or even US Navy will at best be present as aux units if it makes sense and isn't too ahistorical (esp. early on during the Guadalcanal campaign, the 1st US Marine div fought without US army and only minor USAAF help - that changed later)

Similar setup is used for the opponent, but here of course Japan is the main nation, it will use IJA and IJAAF units, while I think I'll have the IJN with ships and planes and any SNLF land units as separate "nation".

For the start I'll not include any naval units as core, or any naval-only types of scns. There was plenty of naval action around Guadalcanal, and if it corresponds with a "land" scenario I plan for the campaign time-wise and map-wise it will be included via aux units, otherwise rather not, at least not in the first version(s).

Problems I see so far is mostly "terrain" - there should be jungle, but I have to figure out the best way to include it.

Also I find map design a bit problematic. There are enough maps to get the land masses, coastlines or rivers right, but so far it has been difficult to get info about infrastructure like roads, cities etc. about some of the areas playable in the campaign. I assume some of those hadn't even roads (not sure though).

So far for a little more info

So you know on what to spend your holiday break...
Looks like an awesome project. It immediately reminds everybody of Pacific General.
The US missions were not for beginners. I hope you will have smth similar in mind.

[TheGrayMouser]

Hmm, your right , it is pretty hard to find accurate maps for things like roads etc on the internet. I have a WW2 Times Atlas book chock full of maps, unfortunatly no way to scan it.

Found this nice recon ariel photgraph of Tulagi right before the assault. hard to see but there are roads on that sandspeck of an island, and it shows positions of suspected flack and fuel dumps.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... h97764.jpg

(scroll all the way to the bottom )

[Rosseau]

You guys are great. Looking forward to the new campaign.

[bebro]

Hmm, your right , it is pretty hard to find accurate maps for things like roads etc on the internet. I have a WW2 Times Atlas book chock full of maps, unfortunatly no way to scan it.

Found this nice recon ariel photgraph of Tulagi right before the assault. hard to see but there are roads on that sandspeck of an island, and it shows positions of suspected flack and fuel dumps.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... h97764.jpg

(scroll all the way to the bottom )

Thx for the photo

And for the comments anyone else

[bebro]

Some more info:

The first scns planned currently are:

1. Assault on Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo (separate islands actually, but connected through an artificial dam) as shown in the stra map preview. You don't get to see the main landings on Guadalcanal since they didn't meet that much resistance initially, while there was much more fighting on Tulagi etc.

The map right now is ca. 60x30, but much of it is ocean. As it is the first scn in the campaign, it will not be that hard, and right now I start with 6 core and a couple of aux units.

2. Battle of the Tenaru, ill-fated attack of the Ichiki detachment against the 1st Marine Div defenses on Guadalcanal itself, still rather small scale.

Note for history buffs: the units fighting on Tulagi etc. were relocated to Guadalcanal, but only later. However, I think that's not much of a prob, so far nobody seems to have complained that some core unit in PzC participating in Poland should not be there when you play the next scn in Norway.

3. Either I have the Battle of Edson's Ridge then or jump directly to the Battle for Henderson field (the latter seems more interesting since it has the biggest Japanese offensive with a larger variety of unit types then all battles before)

About the scale: this gave me lots of headaches first, but then PzC itself has a variable scale for mapsize and unit size/stats, so I see no prob here either. It may be a tad strange to have your arty firing over 2-3 hexes on a very small island as well as on a much larger one, but IMO redoing all stats would be more of a pain than a benefit, esp. when the map sizes get different as well.

Maybe I'll up the speed and range of some ships a bit and add AA switches for DDs and CLs though.

There are several other ideas I am toying with right now, like getting rid of heavy strat bombers and use this class for naval/torpedo bombers, but I have to see if this works as I think.