A total conversion of Alien Assault to Aliens The Movie [Archive]

Alien

08-28-2009, 14:28

First of all, super thanks to Niklas for assisting me with this mod! Without your help I would never had come this far before the game has been released!!! :thumbsup:

First official image of my mod:
http://www.mypicx.com/08282009/Aliens_mod_for_Alien_Assault/

For some months now I've been working on an Aliens - The Movie mod actually intended for TDSH V1.1 but now it will be for AA V1.0 instead. :fighting:
Please note that I have NOT been given a version of Alien Assault to test my mod (oh yes, believe me I've asked 100 times :tongue:). But daily I send my mod content to Niklas who tests it and give feedback to me what is working and what is not. The screenshot (see above) is the first public announcement of my work that I've done instead of being out in the sun. :rolleyes:

So my mod will totally convert the game into the world of Aliens. You control 10 US Colonial Marines which you all will recognize - if you have watched the movie. Even Gorman was allowed to tag along as the commander.

Yet to be done is the tile set which I have not been able to tweak since Niklas has not given me full details of how the new tiles will look. He has only told me the shapes of the 100 default tiles.

Sounds are basically done including music, weapons, enemies and also VO from the movie. :7

Niklas actually tweaked and added code to allow even more customizing features for all us game modders. Yay! :w00t:

I will tell you more as I am getting closer to release the mod. But I guess it will take a few days/weeks after the actual game has been released before you can visit LV-426... :77 :drool: :fighting:

XJ220

08-28-2009, 14:37

:O it looks great!,I demand more screenshots! :P :7

You even have voiceover! :77 :77

Niklas

08-28-2009, 14:53

Glad I could help you out. Anything for an Aliens mod!

By the way, this section on the forum is not dedicated to this mod only but anyone that makes Aliens content for Alien Assault. Yeeez... Aliens the movie, Alien the forum member and Alien Assault the game, couldn't you pick another nick! :tongue:

So go ahead and nuke the site from orbit!

Niklas

08-28-2009, 14:55

You even have voiceover! :77 :77We added support for VO but since we didn't have any good ones ourselves we decided to not include bad ones. So if you find VO in other games or record it yourself you can increase the experience even more.

Read more about the VO system here: http://www.teardown.se/forum/showthread.php?t=619

alex3337

08-28-2009, 15:26

Nice work!

I'm totally shocked by the radar mod ... no longer shows the map, just the alien blips (just like themovie) ...

That's an extra level of difficulty, since you can't easily count squares anymore for those bastards away from you.

Congrats!

Alien

08-28-2009, 15:56

alex: Thanks!! :) The radar looks good but when it beep like in the movie it just gives me the #"%/"=))£@&!!! :scared:

Karakorum

08-28-2009, 16:27

Nice Work! :drool:

Cudos to you for all the work you have put into this!

Dezartfox

08-28-2009, 23:49

Having just watched Aliens the other night I am looking forward to this :)

darkitect

08-29-2009, 02:53

Awesome, I'm a total Aliens fan and this is one mod I will definitely use.
The pics of the characters alongside stats look nice, I think thats Vasquez, or am I mistaking her for a man.

Aradiel

08-29-2009, 06:51

You know what she would answer ;)

awesomeshotdude

08-29-2009, 10:53

This looks fantastic !!! I'll definately be giving this a go. Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:

Alien

08-30-2009, 08:32

Sounds great that you would enjoy this mod!! Makes me a happy little modder! ;)

I will work on the layout for the entire Hadley's Hope today making something really cool. Lucky me I have V1.0 so I can make the layout in that, otherwise it would be a bit tricky and would have to wait until AA was released. Apparently not that far into the future but I don't want to wait with the progress of my work. :tongue:

Check your inbox and email Niklas, new stuff will appear soon. ;)

Igginator

08-30-2009, 10:38

Wicked!

I havent seen the aliens movies... :( but i have seen AvP 1 and 2 and OMG aliens are sweet!

There is a flash game called Aliens the Board game which has some sweet sprites and floor pieces. You may want to see if the makers would let you use some of their sprites. Its a sweet remake anyway of the original boardgame.

I so want to play this so please dont stop making...ever O.o

Aradiel

08-31-2009, 06:15

We - want - more - screenshots!

We - want - more - screenshots!

:D

caribican

08-31-2009, 11:46

This looks great! Something like Aliens boardgame, that was a crazy game, there is flash conversion on the internet.
How did you solved smartguns?

The rooms could use some equipment, is there a way to make tilles to make computers, chairs, tables, beds?

Niklas

08-31-2009, 13:23

We've had some discussions about how Alien should solve furniture. I think it will be good enough.

the_Fifth_Horseman

08-31-2009, 13:23

How did you solved smartguns?
He probably replaced the Assault Cannon with them. There's no way for anyone to mod weapon mechanics, only the graphics.

The rooms could use some equipment, is there a way to make tilles to make computers, chairs, tables, beds?
You might remember crates/computers from 1.0. There's a few more items in 1.1.

Alien

10-01-2009, 19:09

Sorry for not being too active, I've had too much stuff going on. But I fix this mod into a finished state as soon as possible. A bit easier now to test myself instead of sending my stuff to TD.

davidmumma66

10-03-2009, 21:15

Out of curiosity can we get an estimate for release?

Alien

10-04-2009, 07:22

Hi davidmumma66

I'm not really sure. Haven't had that much time lately and the time I have I've used up playing AA! :drool:

Also I had some insane plans for the map layouts for my campaign, I think I'll tone it down a bit making it easier to create. I will try to get some work done next week, completing all map layouts. Then it is just a matter of finishing up all tiles.

powerwis

10-04-2009, 11:24

so long.... :tongue:

just want to say thank you for your work !

Darthvegeta800

10-06-2009, 10:47

Now we just need Predators on top. :tongue:

Alien

10-07-2009, 12:05

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have worked a lot on the smaller EASH mod which is basically done now. I will release that tomorrow and then focus on this Aliens mod.

Gatchaman

10-16-2009, 08:00

Looks great !
I want it :drool:

Alien

10-20-2009, 07:42

I have decided to wait for V1.01 since that will include some changes for mods regarding ambient ingame sounds. This is something I want to add to the campaign to be able to have both indoor and outdoor missions in the same campaign.

But at hope this campaign can be released in October - the day after V1.01.

Until then you will have to stay sleeping in your cryo pod onboard Sulaco. ;)

Banjo_oz

10-21-2009, 08:42

Wow! I just found Alien Assault last night and was blown away... but there's one thing I love much more than Space Hulk type games and that's ALIENS!!!

I've played the Aliens Boardgame to death (custom rules, marines, the lot!) but often played Space Hulk "converted" to be more xenomorph friendly as well... now you're bringing that joy to Alien Assault!

Awesome work... I can't wait! :D

EDIT:

Since Alien Assault doesn't let you change how weapons actually work (i.e. can't be edited to be more/less powerful, change dice rolls, etc.) and thus can only be cosmetically altered, would I be on track if I guessed/suggested the following substitutions for an Aliens TC?

Assault Carbine/Storm Bolter = Pulse Rifle
Vulcan Cannon/Assault Cannon = Smartgun
Flamethrower/Heavy Flamer = Flame Unit
Servo-Gauntlet/Power Fist = Pistol
Powerblade/Power Sword = Shotgun
Fusion Cutter/Chain Fist = Portable Welder
Battle Claws/Lightning Claws = Twin Pistols (!)

Which leaves only the Blast Hammer/Thunder Hammer... which IMO would word GREAT if it were replaced by the Power Loader, but I'm not sure how you'd make the graphics work for that! :(

I just wish you could give Powerblades/Power Swords (and thus Shotguns) to "regular" Marines as well as Sergeants (only with full armoury unlock, of course). *hint hint devs!*

ercus1961

10-25-2009, 14:26

(...)
I've played the Aliens Boardgame to death (...)

And now if you want you can play it again online in this Flash version:

http://www.g4g.it/gallery/albums/upload/flashgames2/Aliens_Board_Game_v1_1_sma.swf

:)

Banjo_oz

10-25-2009, 18:08

And now if you want you can play it again online in this Flash version :)

Thanks, but already done so, played it offline, told the creator they were pure awesome (even they don't seem to be working on it still), but sob at how the entire game and the expansion aren't included... :D

ercus1961

10-25-2009, 18:43

Thanks, but already done so, played it offline, told the creator they were pure awesome (even they don't seem to be working on it still), but sob at how the entire game and the expansion aren't included... :D

Oh well, better than nothing anyway, I suppose... ;)

Steinbach

10-27-2009, 19:34

greetings, in virtue to previous posts i found interesting to give two links to aliens vs marines games, the mytical incubation + expansion and a version of the aliens boardgame for play on flash, i only hope you find it interesting, here goes the links, with my best regards,

SteinBach.

Incubation data archives...
http://scayra.free.fr/incubation/index.html

aliens Flash game online, without download...
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/408816

enjoy them as i really are having really fun with Alien Assault,

cheers.

Alien

10-27-2009, 22:48

Since Alien Assault doesn't let you change how weapons actually work (i.e. can't be edited to be more/less powerful, change dice rolls, etc.) and thus can only be cosmetically altered, would I be on track if I guessed/suggested the following substitutions for an Aliens TC?

Assault Carbine/Storm Bolter = Pulse Rifle
Vulcan Cannon/Assault Cannon = Smartgun
Flamethrower/Heavy Flamer = Flame Unit
Servo-Gauntlet/Power Fist = Pistol
Powerblade/Power Sword = Shotgun
Fusion Cutter/Chain Fist = Portable Welder
Battle Claws/Lightning Claws = Twin Pistols (!)
My current conversion for weapons are as follows:
Assault Carbine = Pulse Rifle
Vulcan Cannon = Smartgun
Flamethrower = Flamethrower
Battle Claws = Shotgun
Battle Hammer + Tactical Shield = Machete + shield
Servo-Gauntlet = Nothing
Powerblade = Nothing
Fusion Cutter = Portable Welder

Shotgun - "I keep this handy...*shack-shuck* for close encounters"
Machete - Felt nice to have one close combat weapon...however it will not be used in any missions of my campaign...just added if you are going to play other missions or campaigns. Total conversion means total conversion.

Having a pistol that doesn't have a range more than one square is odd. A shotgun is normally used close up...as proven by Hicks.

However I am open for suggestions.

PS: Finished the second mission today...pitty I don't have more time to work on this...:S

dustbiter

10-28-2009, 03:07

There's no sound in Incubation cutscenes or at least it isn't working for me which hurts the immersion. Can't be fun reaching a soundless ending scene.

Banjo_oz

10-28-2009, 03:13

My current conversion for weapons are as follows:
Assault Carbine = Pulse Rifle
Vulcan Cannon = Smartgun
Flamethrower = Flamethrower
Battle Claws = Shotgun
Battle Hammer + Tactical Shield = Machete + shield
Servo-Gauntlet = Nothing
Powerblade = Nothing
Fusion Cutter = Portable Welder

The "standards" (PR, Smartgun, FU) are a "given" (too bad there's no grenade launcher).

As for the others, I like the idea of the Shotgun replacing the Claws... since then any marine can use it if you want, and the "close range" aspect makes the 1sq range still make sense.

As far as the Pistol, the reason I saw it as a servo-gauntlet replacement is because of how the pistol is treated in the film; against Aliens, it seems utterly rubbish at any sort of range; both Hudson and Gorman take shots at Aliens with it and kill nothing, while the only marine to kill an Alien with one is Vasquesz, who needs to shoot it multiple times in the head at point-blank range. It is also very much a "backup weapon" that is carried by all the marines, also making it a good fit for the servo-gauntlet. While yes, a pistol should realistically "shoot" more than one square, against Aliens that's about its effective range IMO!

Also, what else could replace the servo-gauntlet? "Harsh language", perhaps? :D

I don't know if a machete vs acid-bleeding Aliens would be suicidal or not, though I agree with the close combat idea. I still like the idea of the hammer and shield being replaced by a power loader or exo-frame or something in that realm, as this would provide close combat strength and some degree of protection, just like a hammer and shield. But the graphics conversion would perhaps be too much of a pain.

Incubation data archives...
http://scayra.free.fr/incubation/index.html

Haven't heard of that one... thanks!

Alien

10-28-2009, 08:12

I still like the idea of the hammer and shield being replaced by a power loader or exo-frame or something in that realm, as this would provide close combat strength and some degree of protection, just like a hammer and shield. But the graphics conversion would perhaps be too much of a pain.Sure it would be cool but since the game doesn't support different walk sounds for different soldiers/weapons this is not possible to pull of in a good way. You don't want the loader to walk with the same sound as normal soldiers. Visually it is 20x20 pixels so that would be possible to pull off. I'll see what I can do. :)

Niklas

10-28-2009, 08:14

I've actually thought about tweaking this allowing for more surface sounds. I guess that would help you out.

Currently we only allow two surface sounds ("metal" and "concrete") and ontop of that "gore" and "burned" as audio feedback for walking on bloody bodies or burned bodies. I will look into how to tweak this without increasing the amount of sound files even more.

the_Fifth_Horseman

10-28-2009, 12:00

There's no sound in Incubation cutscenes or at least it isn't working for me which hurts the immersion. Can't be fun reaching a soundless ending scene.
The cutscene soundtracks were stored as CD-Audio tracks on the original game disc (same as in-game music).

Niklas

10-28-2009, 13:00

I've actually just finished a fix on the sound materials allowing for up to 4 different sound materials instead of only 2. If the game cannot find any sounds the default sounds will be used.

Hope you enjoy. ;)

Manji

10-28-2009, 15:03

What they were actually thinking was different sounds depending on the soldier, so that 4 soldiers could have boot sounds, but the other could have a huge exo-skeleton and have a louder-metallic sound. Each of those soldier sounds would need to sound different depending on the terrain as well, so it keeps multiplying:)

Niklas

10-28-2009, 15:13

I know. ;) That would not have been possible to get in into V1.01.

With this fix you can can have a mission in which you use a loader. I'll explain to Alien how it could be done and he will show you all. :tongue:

Also, having four soldiers running around and one "driving" (?) a loader would look a bit odd when it comes to actions and action points. They move with same speed and so on. Not perfect, on the other hand it is just a mod... :rolleyes:

Banjo_oz

10-29-2009, 09:33

The cutscene soundtracks were stored as CD-Audio tracks on the original game disc (same as in-game music).
Boo to incomplete "rips"! :P Where there's a will, there's a way. Oh, and I now remember seeing this on shelves here very briefly!

Also, having four soldiers running around and one "driving" (?) a loader would look a bit odd when it comes to actions and action points. They move with same speed and so on. Not perfect, on the other hand it is just a mod... :rolleyes:

Of course, if "lighter" troop types ever get implemented... :D

Seriously, though, it wouldn't bother me personally having the exo-suit/powerloader marines move at the same speed as "regular" ones... not so realistic, but not immersion-breaking to me; I actually hadn't thought about it until you raised the point.

In any case, in terms of the mod, since the sprites would have to be around the same size, having exo-suit marines might well imply a lighter, more "combat" type exo-suit (rather than the Cat P-5000, which is quite a bit bigger than a person) anyway... it's really just to replace the hammer & shield combo in an Aliens-themed way, right?

On the other hand, I agree that having that "vreeeee-CLUNK!" of a loader-wearing marine's footsteps would be very cool!

Alien

10-29-2009, 21:22

I've been struggeling to figure out how to get the loader into my campaign and I really can't. I wanted it to be in the last mission against the queen but I guess the soldier will be dead meat in close combat. I don't see how the rules of AA and the weapons we currently have can support one of the weapons to be a loader. Also you would have to have a complete mission with just the loader or a bunch of loaders. :lol:

I think I'll stick with just infantry, that feels so good so why make more?

I've sucked the net dry for briefing screenshots, started writing some stories and also made another mission. 4-5 missions left to do, then I think the mod is more or less done. However I have no idea when it will be finished since I haven't had much time last weeks to work on this.

Banjo_oz

10-29-2009, 23:15

If there's anything I can do to help out, mate, even just something little, do let me know... I know what it's like to be stretched thin for time, and this is THE mod for AA as far as I'm concerned. :)

As for loaders, they can always wait until a later "update" (if at all) rather than stress over them!

Alien

11-01-2009, 21:46

Igginator

11-02-2009, 05:27

Yah!

238

11-02-2009, 05:46

Can't wait for it.:thumbsup:

Banjo_oz

11-02-2009, 09:03

Some of Niklas fixes in V1.01 really made me happy. I will try to finish up the last few missions so I can release this mod. I think you guys have waited long enough...something which has been common behaviour among TD fans. *duck for cover* :lol:

Once the TC is released, mate, I'm sure lots of folks will make more scenarios for it... your hard work at recreating the Aliens, USCM and "atmosphere" is what we all want! Scenarios can always be developed later, and tweaks done once it's out "in the wild". :D

Niklas

11-02-2009, 09:44

I've tested this a little, yes I am sort of a VIP I guess. :knowledge:

I must say it is pretty funny when you start a mission and the first thing you hear is Hudson saying "How do I get out of this chicken shit outfit?" Really made me laugh. And again when a soldiers was killed he screams "This can't be happening man". Nice work! :thumbsup:

Igginator

11-02-2009, 10:06

argh! VIP my *&%$#%^&^*$%$#%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dont you hate not being the developer of an awesome game and not getting to test out mods before the release :P

Banjo_oz

11-02-2009, 12:35

I think it's kinda for the best for all of us that Niklas DOES get to play it first... nobody knows AA like he does, and he can see if something isn't working before it ruins the experience for the rest of us. :P

But yeah, the wait is killing me too! :D

Niklas

11-02-2009, 13:29

I like the mission in which you place the four sentry guns in the tunnels. Trying to get the job done before the aliens come running. Scary! :)

Hope I haven't said too much. :johndoe:

Banjo_oz

11-02-2009, 14:04

After that, there better be sentry guns in this! :thumbsup:

238

11-03-2009, 01:52

Hope the sentry guns work, too!

Although I'm not too hopeful on that part, I suspect they're just the usual pick up/ put down items.

Alien

11-03-2009, 12:27

Working on make a tiny APC sprite...or actually two since it is so big it doesn't fit within 140x140...or it would just look silly. :drool:

Also finished the first mission which will be outdoor with some nice Weyland containers and the sewer mission later into the campaign. :w00t:

Super thanks to TD for the increase of foot steps / sound materials! Perfect for this campaign:
1 - metal
2 - concrete
3 - airducts
4 - water :scared:

I could have used another one for outdoor but concrete will do just fine.

Niklas

11-03-2009, 12:30

You can't get everything. :tongue:

Hmm...APC...what about the dropship? :drool:

Alien

11-05-2009, 12:55

7 of 8 missions are now finished (but not very tested). :7

Footstep sounds are done (metal, concrete, airduct and water). :drool:

About 190 tiles in the tileset (000-099 are duplicates of the default AA tileset to be able to play generic AA missions in Aliens style). :thumbsup:

Last mission will be made today or tomorrow and then the whole campaign will be tested, and tested, and tested. Hopefully it can be released next week. :alien:

Koranis

11-05-2009, 13:05

Any screenies? I'd really like to see the marines sprites with different weapons. Those screens in the first post are not very detailed.

Alien

11-10-2009, 15:40

I am sorry about the delay, but I think I could be able to release this mod this weekend.. Maybe saturday but most likely sunday.. Only few months delayed.. *hides in the shadows*

MarkSide

11-10-2009, 16:09

Wicked, dude! Looking forward to it!

Alien

11-11-2009, 16:14

Sgt Apone just killed the alien queen! :w00t: Gaurded by Ripley and Hudson. :fighting: Great work little marines! :77

Last mission has just been built.. now I have to test it to make sure I can complete it. After that some friends will try the entire campaign and if no issues can be found the entire mod will be released including:

* new menu graphics
* new menu sounds
* new campaign (9 missions)
* new campaign graphics (tiles, roofprops, doors)
* new ingame graphics (enemies, items, squads)
* new language file
* new names file

Soon time to get up soldiers, what are you waiting on? Breakfast in bed? :alien:

Banjo_oz

11-12-2009, 14:40

Only if you fetch my slippers for me, sarge.

(seriously, sounds great... I can't wait to try it!)

Igginator

11-13-2009, 12:15

heck yeah! Im dying for the release.....

Alien

11-14-2009, 21:38

Just finished up the final mission stories which were a big help thanks to this:

http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Aliens_James_Cameron_May_28_1985_first_draft.html

;)

MarkSide

11-15-2009, 01:35

That's how to write a script! I hope the script for Avatar read this well! :)

Alien

11-15-2009, 21:10

Sorry about the delay, I promissed you the mod this weekend but it is lagging behind a bit. But all roofprops have been placed on all maps today...and that is the final thing that will go into the missions...now I will just have one final test run on all levels and I am done.

It is now hours and not days / weeks / months until I upload to megaupload. :alien: