Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Succession Wars - HOMM2-style total conversion mod for HOMM3

[Jvegi]

It's on moddb.

 

[Endemic]

Shame they haven't ported Lost Continent yet, it's one of my favourite HoMM2 maps.

 

[Orzie]

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Succession Wars is a total conversion of Heroes III dedicated to the fairy-tale atmosphere and graphic style of its prequel, Heroes II. The modification adds a lot of new content, such as creatures, castles, and artifacts to name a few, and provides fresh gaming impressions as well as a great amount of nostalgic feelings at the same time.



Download 0.8.0 stable beta:
https://www.moddb.com/mods/h3sw/downloads/h3sw-v080-beta

Download mirrors (if ModDB download is not accessible):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ocyg2jqc4hzi89v/H3SW v0.8.0 Installer.exe?dl=0
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lPvkUEkS-PkUsxB5nc2PC9XHMQK9ErSi

Installation:
1. Install CLEAN Heroes 3 SoD or Heroes Complete. No WoG, no HotA, no ERA, no HD, etc.
2. Install H3SW v0.8.0.
3. Install HD Mod for Heroes 3 in the game directory.
4. Open Tweaks tab of Heroes 3 HD Mod Launcher and write manually this line:
<Fix.Cosmetic>=0
5. Enjoy!

v0.8.0 BUG REPORTS SUBFORUM IS HERE

Useful Links:
https://vk.com/thesuccessionwarsmod
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8wjJt9DQO-TLoRZ98X9eWQ
http://heroes2.forumactif.com
https://www.moddb.com/mods/h3sw

 

[catfood]

I've been playing this for the past week and I'm impressed. Obviously there are still plenty of bugs (the AI receiving free Knight units stacks is pissing me off) but overall it's a fairly smooth experience; it doesn't crash that often.

Dunno if this question has been addressed before but do you also plan adding in the campaigns?

 

[catfood]

Does the logistics skill work? It doesn't seem to be doing anything right now.

 

[Orzie]

Dunno if this question has been addressed before but do you also plan adding in the campaigns?

Of course we will. v0.8.0 release is called "beta" for a reason.
First, we plan to implement classic Heroes 2 SW campaigns, and then, after most of the game aspects are more or less complete, new campaign storylines are supposed to appear.

Does the logistics skill work? It doesn't seem to be doing anything right now.

It does, but the movement points actually come from Heroes 2 which cause a lot of discomfort in the community. Basically, these movement points are natural, but only for Heroes 1-2 maps. In the upcoming update v0.8.1, we implemented H3 movement points everywhere.
One note though: Zam the Necromancer, who is the Logistics specialist, did not seem to have his specialty functioning in v0.8.0. Already fixed for the update.

 

[catfood]

Awesome, keep up the good work. Can't wait to see the full version of this.

 

[Orzie]

H3SW v0.8.1 beta
Released: February 1st, 2019.



Download:
Download the mod from Mod Database
Download the mod from Dropbox
Download the mod from Google Drive

Installation:
1. Download H3SW v0.8.1 installer.
2. Unpack the modification to the game directory.
3. Launch h3sw.exe for the game and h3swmaped.exe for the map editor.

HD Mod: Installation and Settings

Heroes 3: The Succession Wars Mod is partially compatible with HD Mod. Users who prefer HD Mod can install it over H3SW v0.8.1 and enjoy many of its features. Note that:

1. HD Mod must be installed over the game+H3SW chain. If you mess up the installation order, you will have to do some more additional actions to fix the situation. See below.

2. To adjust HD Mod settings you need to find the era.ini file:
<Heroes 3>/Mods/The Succession Wars 0.8.1/_HD3_Data/Settings/era.ini
To change the in-game resolution from 800х600 to a desired one and to change the HD Mod graphics mode, you will need to manually change the lines <Graphics.Resolution> and <Graphics.Mode>. IMPORTANT: changing these settings in the HD Mod Launcher will not do anything!

3. Recommended HD Mod Settings:
<Graphics.Resolution> = from 800х600 (native) to 1440х900 (depends on your monitor width). You also can experiment with the resolution, but keep in mind that too many bright elements on the screen will not be comfortable for playing.
<Graphics.Mode> = 2 (32 bit GDI) or 0 (16 bit). You also can try other modes, but we do not recommend using 32 bit True because it leads to problems with in-game fonts display and causes instability in the game.
<Graphics.SystemCursors> = 0. Do not turn on system cursors! They lead to instability of the game on some computers.

4. HD Mod Tweaks
Players who are used to <UI.AdvMgr.SkipMapMsgs> can try to turn this tweak back on, but be warned that some in-game messages in H3SW v0.8.1 are not optimized for it. Due to all in-game messages being different from vanilla Heroes 3, we recommend at least to check them out
Other tweaks are not recommended for changing.

5. HD+
Currently, the HD+ functionality is not accessible for the ERA platform due to the decision of HD Mod creator. Be warned that there will be no online lobby, fast army management or other newest mechanics of HD Mod. We sincerely hope that the situation will change in future.

6. Launching H3SW+HD
To launch H3SW+HD Mod you will need to use the HD Launcher or to create an HD executable with it for the h3sw.exe file. WARNING: launching the game with standard h3sw.exe can lead to crashes on some computers, so use the HD Mod executable instead.

Experienced users: Installation of H3SW in the same folder with HotA and/or HD Mod
If you are not afraid of possible problems, you can try to install H3SW v0.8.1 in an already existing HoMM3 directory. However, be warned that the abovementioned modifications all contain conflicting versions of the patcher_x86.dll file. If you install H3SW over everything, you will have to update HD Mod accordingly in order to have all 3 modifications working properly. Uninstallation of HotA or HD from the game directory leads to the deletion of patcher_x86.dll and leads to the necessity of re-installing H3SW.

IMPORTANT: if you encounter a critical bug (crash) and wish to let us know of it, please specify your installation order. Currently, we are not 100% aware if HotA and H3SW can be installed in the same game folder without problems.
IMPORTANT: Automatic uninstallation of H3SW v0.8.1 is currently impossible. This is why we still recommend using a separate game directory to avoid possible problems.

Key changes in v.0.8.1

[!] Fixed crashes caused by Diplomacy and Eagle Eye skills
[!] Fixed crash caused by hovering the cursor over Crystal Garden
[!] Diplomacy skill mechanics now fully implemented. Fixed skill effects for Estates, Learning, Sorcery, Necromancy
[!] Fixed WINGRAPH.CPP and Assert violation errors occuring at start of h3sw.exe
[!] Fixed crash caused by AI malfunction on enemy turn
[!] Fixed bug with Knight creature stacks appearing from nowhere in AI controlled garrisons
[!] Implemented proper Dragon building/upgrade mechanics
[!] Changed garrisons/rewards for Creature Banks
[!] Fixed Spell Scrolls to be functional
[!] All castles now have access to 5 spell levels
[!] Improved creature generation mechanics for random maps
[+] Added/improved new graphics for some map objects and Finbros the Barbarian
[+] Added more new sounds to replace Heroes 3 sounds
[!] Player won't be able to start game as Heretic now
[!] Restricted Heretic class will appear much less on random maps now
[!] Cursed artifacts (except Arm of the Martyr) now are not wearable
[!] Changed graphics for Movement/Mana scales
[!] Changed movement speed coefficients for heroes according to Heroes 3 mechanics
[!][HD] Added the custom template and custom alliance features for random maps
[!][HD] HD Settings now must be changed directly in era.ini file in the mod directory
[!] Other changes and improvements

For complete changelog feel free to visit our official forums:
http://heroes2.forumactif.com/t726-heroes-iii-the-succession-wars-v0-8-1-beta

FOR KNOWN PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS VISIT OUR v0.8.1 BUG REPORTS FORUM

 

[hello friend]

I came

 

[Icewater]

This is pretty awesome. I don't think I'll play it until it's in a more polished state, but it's definitely on my radar for when that happens.

 

[catfood]

[!] Fixed bug with Knight creature stacks appearing from nowhere in AI controlled garrisons

 

[catfood]

[!] All castles now have access to 5 spell levels

Orzie Is this a good thing though?

Also I can't get it to work in HD even when messing around in the .ini file.

 

[Orzie]

That's how it was in Heroes 2. I don't see problems there, because the gameplay on this part will be ultimately defined by the new magic system and new secondary skill mechanics in future. For now, just enjoy the H2 feature.

Describe your problem with HD, I don't understand if you can't launch the game at all, or you just can't figure out how to adjust HD Mod settings.

 

[catfood]

That's how it was in Heroes 2. I don't see problems there, because the gameplay on this part will be ultimately defined by the new magic system and new secondary skill mechanics in future. For now, just enjoy the H2 feature.

Describe your problem with HD, I don't understand if you can't launch the game at all, or you just can't figure out how to adjust HD Mod settings.

The game works but in the default resolution (640X480?). I have edited the era.ini file per your instructions above however no changes take place. I've tried typing in multiple resolutions such as 1280x720 or 1600x900 but none seem to work. I have also tried reinstalling everything.

 

[Orzie]

Just read the instruction properly.

2. To adjust HD Mod settings you need to find the era.ini file:
<Heroes 3>/Mods/The Succession Wars 0.8.1/_HD3_Data/Settings/era.ini
To change the in-game resolution from 800х600 to a desired one and to change the HD Mod graphics mode, you will need to manually change the lines <Graphics.Resolution> and <Graphics.Mode>. IMPORTANT: changing these settings in the HD Mod Launcher will not do anything!

This inconvenience will stay until the creator of HD Mod finally answers our messages and includes a separate INI file in the HD Mod distributive for us specifically.

 

[jaydee2k]

Your mod is amazing. But I need cheats. Are there any working ones? Old cheats do not work...

 

[Orzie]

Cheats are the instrument of game developers, so I have no idea why you would want them.

Still, WoG cheats are working in v0.8.1. Don't use wogminastirith though, it will break your game.

 

[Orzie]

We present the second trailer of the project beta, originally shown at Streamfest 2019 event in Moscow, April 27th. Although the contents of the video are mostly based on actual v0.8.x mod builds, those who pay attention may find some new surprises.

 

[Orzie]

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Succession Wars is an international project receiving help from HoMM community members all over the world.
The most important "freelance" contribution was made by the members of Heroes Of Might & Magic III: Horn Of The Abyss team in the shape of graphical materials and minor programming adjustments.

Some of these materials are shown in this post: enjoy the character portraits by Docent Picolan! Several of them could be seen in some of earlier H3SW builds or the recent project trailer. Progress in this direction is ongoing, so more new heroes will be available in future. For now, you can let us know which character you like the most

 

[hello friend]

Nice work!

Orzie how close are you guys to feature complete, in your opinion? I've been itching to replay HoMM2 campaign, but was thinking of holding off and playing it in your mod instead.

 

[Orzie]

I would advise playing original HoMM2 if campaigns is what you seek. First of all, the gaming experience we provide is anyway different. Second, we are going to enhance gameplay a tiny bit every next update (for example, we are currently developing the magic system as shown in trailer above).

I also have my Ph.D. to be defended in November, so no updates before that point.

 

[hello friend]

The gameplay changes are the draw. A fusion of HOMM2 and HOMM3 is a match made in heaven. There are no plans for campaign support?

 

[Orzie]

We still have no guarantee that we will be able to implement Heroes 2 campaign mechanics (alternative mission pathways, campaign bonuses). Moreover, standard gameplay rules are still being developed, and I will not bother with balancing the campaigns until they are more or less crystallized.
There WILL be campaigns, including new ones, but the project is a currently on a different stage.

 

[Maculo]

I need to add this to my ever increasing backlog. I would love to see the campaign incorporated, but this mod looks fun regardless.

I also have my Ph.D. to be defended in November, so no updates before that point.

Good luck on your defense!

 

[Aemar]

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Succession Wars is an international project receiving help from HoMM community members all over the world.
The most important "freelance" contribution was made by the members of Heroes Of Might & Magic III: Horn Of The Abyss team in the shape of graphical materials and minor programming adjustments.

Some of these materials are shown in this post: enjoy the character portraits by Docent Picolan! Several of them could be seen in some of earlier H3SW builds or the recent project trailer. Progress in this direction is ongoing, so more new heroes will be available in future. For now, you can let us know which character you like the most

Hopefully you didn't leave out Maximus, the orcish knight.