This mod allows to play on your computer the Beyond Valor Advanced Squad Leader Module using the engine of the game Conflict of Heroes Awakening the Bear.
The goal is of course not to replace Advanced Squad leader in our hearts (nothing will ever equal this wargaming monument).
This is a tribute and a fan Mod that allows the time of a game to immerse in the fabulous atmosphere of this boardgame.
It's sort of the way I found out my ASL boxes that took the dust off their shelves.
Consider that this mod is a kind of VASL with the ability to play against an artificial intelligence while using the rules of the Conflict of Heroes series.
The result of this alchemy allows you to have a good time by replaying situations that you have already experienced in ASL in a much simpler way, but the challenge of the ASL scenarios is still very good.
Given the limitations of the original program and the need to grope to find the way to integrate the new elements to the game: it is therefore a DIY.
Nevertheless, the result seems to me convincing (if one abstracts some elements of the user interface) and allows to play honorably against the artificial intelligence of the game.
You can download it HERE
Important note:
- This Mod can only be played with the Storm of Steel version of the installed game.
Indeed, the game is sold in the form of 3 modules: Awakening the Bear (original module), Storm of Steel (standalone suite) and Ghost Divisions (set of scenarios and maps for previous opus).
Although sold separately, these 3 versions are compatible and complementary to each other.
Due to a bug in the Awakening the Bear game, you can not select units in the Scenario Editor.
The Mods i create can only work with the installed Storrm of Steel version (alone or in addition to Awakening the Bear).
So you must have at least Storm of Steel installed on your computer.
- This Mod can only be played with 2D counters and not with 3D units.
Redrawing the additional units in 3D would be too much work, and honestly, who wants to play this game with the ugly graphics that the 3D option offers?
A respectable wargame is played with hexes and counters. [;)]
- Lots of data from the user interface cannot be modified.
Some elements could not be modified (The launching screens will always be those of Storm of Steel...). [:(]
How to install the Conflict of Heroes ASL Mod
Since nothing has really been planned to install Mods on this game, it will be necessary to manage by tinkering a little.
2 possible methods:
- Use the Generic Mod Enabler program to replace what needs to be in the original game directory.
- Make a copy of the installation folder and make the necessary changes in it (as if it were an entirely new game).
It is this solution that I recommend because it allows a better organization (especially with the other Mods that will come soon...).
Installation procedure
1- Make a copy of the folder where the game is installed, which is normally located in C:\Matrix Games.
2- Rename it (for example: Conflict of Heroes - ASL).
Now all the manipulations described here will be done in this folder in order to preserve the original one
3- Create a shortcut to your desktop from the autorun.exe file (which is in this folder) ; that will allow you to launch the Mod later
4- Go to the Data directory,
Delete all the contents of the SOS_Units and Units folders
5- Go to the UnitDecals directory
Delete all the contents of the Chits and SOS_Chits folders
6- Download the Conflict of Heroes ASL Mod file and unzip the archive.
You get a folder named Conflict of Heroes ASL MOD
7- Take all the folders contained in GAME and copy them in the directory Conflict of Heroes - ASL from your fresh copying game folder.
Accept replacing files as requested.
8- Take all the folders contained in MYDOCUMENTS and copy them in the directory MyDocuments\Western Civilization Software\Conflict of Heroes - Awakening the Bear.
Accept replacing files as requested.
It is in this directory that extra maps and custom scenarios are stored.
As it is shared by all instances of the game (including those to come), be careful how you name the files you could creat and put it so that it does not turn into chaotic mess.
Order and method are required if you want to create maps and scenarios.
Recommended settings to take full advantage of this Mod:
Some other important remarks:
- You should never try to start a game with one of the original scenarios of the game (since the corresponding units no longer exist: this would cause a crash)
You must use the Additional Firefights menu to start a game
- For the same reasons, do not try to play with 3D units (crash guaranteed)
- For the moment, the Mod is on beta testing phase and contains only one test scenario : ASL 0127 Land Leviathans.
I would expand it with new scenarios.
Later, other ASL modules will be released.
A tutorial for the creation of boards and scenarios will also be put online so that players who wish can add the scenarios of their choice to this project. [:)]
