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Friends, we invite you to join the project Heroes of Might and Magic V - Epic War Age 2.7.1 (NCF, NAF, RMMS, Mega AI, EE, PRT, RolePlay)
Modification Description:
The modification is designed to expand the boundaries of gameplay by adding many new neutral units, campaigns, scenarios, and maps. The build fixes flaws in the original game and improves visual and musical components. The modification also includes campaigns from the original game - Chronicles of Time, as well as add-ons: Hammers of Fate and Tribes of the East, all together in one game — now you no longer have to launch 3 different exe files. Official patch 3.1 files have been added to the distribution to increase compatibility with different versions of the game. Epic War Age should not be called a simple mod pack; it is rather a global modification, as all components were edited, many bugs and conflicts fixed, scripts rewritten, textures changed, balance corrected, and much more. Downloading the same mods used in EWA will not give you the same result; even with the necessary knowledge, you would have to rework the mods for dozens of hours.
Game version for the modification: Heroes of Might and Magic V - Tribes of the East 3.1
You can download the modification here: http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-12
Mod review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mUAkJ0t0oY
Modification Author - mrHalfer
Author Contacts: half.shine@gmail.com
Skype: halferx
Website: http://vkontakte.ru/mr_halfer
ICQ: 8492924
Steam: mrHalfer
INSTALLATION DETAILS
1) Install Heroes of Might and Magic V
2) Then, download the EWA global mod version 2.0 from here: http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-12.
3) Install the EWA global mod into the game folder (into the Tribes of the East folder)
Attention! First install version 2.0, and then install 2.7.1 on top in the same folder.
http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-14
Restart your computer.
4) After installation, several shortcuts will appear on the desktop. Launch the game using the created "Heroes V EWA" shortcut. Then, launch the launcher and apply the settings that suit you, if desired.
Possible installation problems:
During installation, an antivirus may block the launcher file. Some antiviruses mistakenly consider it a potentially dangerous program. We assure you this is not the case. The source code is available in the FLauncher folder.
Note 1: Since access to Yandex, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Mail.ru and other Russian sites was blocked in Ukraine by presidential decree, residents of Ukraine are recommended to install the free application "Вільній країні — Вільний.нет" https://vilny.net/ for unblocking.
After installing this application, you can easily download the modification from here: http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-12
Note 2: Since rutracker.org was closed in Russia and Yandex is slow, what to do? Where can it be downloaded?
Heroes of Might and Magic V - Epic War Age 2.0. Answer: Install this program https://vilny.net/ or install the ZenMate extension https://zenmate.com/ and you will be happy.
Friends, if for any reason the game does not launch or crashes and bugs occur, we recommend installing the previous, stable version 2.6.2: Download version 2.6.2:
https://yadi.sk/d/8PeWNzew3TCGbn
Main Changes:
- visual and graphical changes
- interface changes
- text and information updates
- balance adjustments
- musical accompaniment
- official and unofficial campaigns, scenarios, and maps
- new Heroes and neutral creatures
- new objects
- map creation, map editor, RSC
- programs, utilities, plugins, libraries, manuals
- technical changes and patches
ONLINE GAMEPLAY:
EWA is suitable for both single-player adventures and internet play; therefore, we are providing video instructions that will allow you to play Heroes 5 (with or without mods) online using Hamachi or Gameranger!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytTL25N03Os
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgkmqJGrbss
Attention: To play the EWA modification online, you and your opponents must have identical game files and launcher settings. Modification and map versions must be completely identical; this rule also applies to third-party mods.
Visual and Graphical Changes
Textures for Manticores, Royal Griffins, Battle Griffins, Gremlin Masters, Titans, Storm Giants, and Death Dancers have been replaced. The camera position during spellcasting and attacks by Warlocks, Necromancers, and Mages has been changed.
Unique teleportation effects during movement have been added to some shooting units and magical creatures when attacking. Female hero models have been added. Racial background patterns for heroes have been added. Nival and Ubisoft videos have been removed. The main menu background screen has been replaced.
The video list now includes all clips from the original game and Hammers of Fate.
Each time the game starts, the main menu background will be randomly selected from 8 available options.
Many new and pre-rendered models, even more new textures. The game looks fresh, which further enhances the impression that you are playing something new.
Visual fixes for the appearance of some hero models.
Icons for Obsidian Gargoyles, Archdemons, Light Unicorns, and Mistresses of the Night have been changed. Portraits were reduced to make room for backgrounds. Icons for some retextured creatures (e.g., griffins and gremlins) have been fixed.
Backgrounds for icons of some modification creatures have been fixed.
Minor visual fixes for creatures.
Attack animations for Sword Dancers and Stalkers have been improved.
All neutral undead (Death Knights, Mummies, and mod creatures) have a faction mark (skirt) that differs from ordinary neutrals.
Interface Changes
An improved in-game skill wheel version 3.03 has been added
A table for raising undead with the associated cost has been added.
A Blood Rage table has been added.
A "signature" launcher, Elysium Mods, was created for the modification. The launcher contains important settings and information about the mod. You can also see a list of all changes in the launcher. Steam version owners can launch the game with the overlay enabled. Due to frequent complaints about bugs and severe balance violations not present in the build, a function to clear third-party modifications has been added. The game now uses a separate directory for save profiles. If you need your saves, copy them manually.
The ability to disable NCF creatures from appearing on the map has been implemented.
Optional activation of a yellow circle under moving creatures for easier perception.
Optional increase in text message window sizes.
Text and Information
A table with information about heroes has been added when creating a game.
Expanded information about Factions during game creation.
Expanded information about heroes during game creation.
Artistic descriptions of artifacts.
Income information has been supplemented.
City specialization information has been supplemented.
Logo redrawn
Videos have been added for game startup and the HoMM V campaign walkthrough.
Game credits have been supplemented and changed.
Maps and scenarios are now sorted by groups.
Full Russian localization of game text, making it more comfortable to play the Steam version.
Previously untranslated new creatures and skills have been translated.
Expanded spell descriptions, with precise formulas for calculating spell power added.
Combat damage information has been improved, including detailed descriptions of damage dealt, number of killed creatures, and counter-attack information. Protection against incorrect creature name display after using the RTMG Generator has been created.
Balance
Support for MegaAI scripts has been added — artificial intelligence is improved.
A function to launch the game with the "RM" script enabled is present, which allows creating composite armies on maps from ordinary ones. The script was rewritten and will ask for player confirmation before generation. The script generates composite armies not for all creatures, but with a certain percentage depending on the difficulty level.
Higher-level units are placed on central city towers during castle sieges.
Haven now has 2 alternative fort upgrades (available in the hill fort). Improved creatures convert to one type; renegades (castle alternative type) convert to the second. Both fort types convert back to ordinary improved ones or into renegades.
All fort-grade creatures are balanced: overly strong skills removed, attack-defense stats slightly increased. Neutral NCF creatures (Necro-Rakshasas, Spearmen, Medusas, etc.) have been balanced.
Necromancers can once again raise improved undead. Additionally, the same raising table was slightly revised for better logic.
Necromancy has been changed for new fort creatures (available only in the hill fort). This type of racial creature converts into a 4th type of undead. At first glance, this may seem like a faction buff, but it is not. The 4th type of undead cannot be converted to the 2nd or 3rd; when raising them, they must be released if there are no free slots. In conclusion — this is only useful if this type of undead is used.
Many neutral creatures from which undead were previously not raised now also convert into undead.
Fort-grade Orcs now receive bonuses for Blood Rage levels.
Improved Djinns have several spells added in addition to their standard abilities. They will only have enough mana for 1 spell, and can use their own ability one time less.
Sylvan Crystal Dragons now have the Crystal Scale ability.
Musical Accompaniment
Music has been replaced in Necropolis, Warlock, Sylvan, Demon, and Silver Cities League cities.
Main menu and credits music has been replaced.
Music for losing a battle as Sylvan has been replaced.
Music for winning as Haven and Silver Cities League has been replaced.
One battle musical theme for Necropolis has been replaced.
Musical themes for moving into the dungeon and dead lands have been replaced.
Music in taverns of Haven, Sylvan, and Silver Cities League has been replaced.
Musical theme for moving through the taiga has been activated.
Music for hiring units of Haven, Sylvan, and Silver Cities League has been replaced.
The musical theme of the Orc city (Stronghold) has been replaced.
Official and Unofficial Campaigns, Scenarios, and Maps
Campaigns, scenarios, and maps from original Heroes of M&M V and «Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate» have been added. By default, the build includes the campaign«Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East», as well as its scenarios. Anniversary scenarios from Nival Interactive and Ubisoft have been added.
Campaign chains have been added:
LOTA "Legends of the ancient" ("Legends of Ancestors 1,2,3")
"Isle of Secrets - Heart of the World".
Standalone campaigns have been added:
"Scales of Fate",
"Flame of Vengeance",
"Year 566 - Day of Fiery Tears",
"For the Queen!",
"The Beginning of the End",
"Empire of the Unicorn",
"Legacy of Darkness"
Many of the best and most interesting scenarios have been added:
"Dark Messiah" - "Dark Messiah Mod",
the scenario "The Exile" has been updated.
Scenarios "Forgotten Hero" and "Hero's Path" have been added.
Many of the best, most detailed, and most balanced maps have been added.
Note: The modification implements the ability to add new maps and scenarios, both single-player and multiplayer. To add a new map (scenario) to the build, you must:
1) select it from the wide variety of maps, then download it:
/forum/section/159/
2) place the map in the Maps folder
3) launch the launcher. Attention: the "auto-patcher for new maps" checkbox must be checked in the launch parameters
4) launch Heroes V and enjoy the game.
Note №1: If you did everything correctly, you should see the added new maps in the list (they will be at the very bottom)
Note №2: If a map does not start, or starts but freezes, the cause may be: Dynamic Groups or TE scripts. To solve the problem, uncheck "Dynamic Groups" in the launcher settings; if that doesn't help, uncheck "TE scripts"
New Heroes and Neutral Creatures
Many new neutral units have been added (over 100 types)
A new alternative creature type has been added for all factions.
3 new heroes for each faction have been added for Duel mode
New Objects
External dwellings for neutral creatures have been added.
External dwellings for level 4-7 creatures of all factions have been added.
An external dwelling for phoenixes has been added.
Even more new arenas for Duels and battlefields in the regular game have been added.
Map Creation. Map Editor. RSC
The standard map editor is enabled in expanded mode. Effects (fire, smoke, glow, auras, etc.), hidden objects (secret heroes, airplane, tank, etc.), and missing elements (small houses, cliffs, etc.) have been added to the standard map editor.
ScriptEditor has been added, allowing you to edit map scripts and run the game simultaneously. External dwellings for level 4-7 creatures are now available in the map editor (separate from fort posts). Huge thanks to the creator of RPE for Dwelling and NCF compatibility. A special game launch mode is provided where random maps can be generated. The supplied RTMG is now pre-configured. A manual for its use has been created.
Programs, Utilities, Plugins, Libraries, Manuals
DXT Tools added, a utility that allows converting dds to tga.
PhotoShop DXT Tools plugin added, allowing editing of dds files.
HoMM3Libs script library added, allowing the use of events as in HoMM III
Maya plugin added, allowing editing of game models.
Russian-language manuals for the game, map editor, and lua scripts have been added.
Universe history has been added.
ReadMe for EpicWarAge has been added.
Technical Changes and Patches
Music files in the game are no longer replaced but copied to a new folder, and paths to the compositions themselves are changed.
RMMS program is now supplied with EWA, allowing you to generate composite armies on existing maps from ordinary ones. The game can consume more than 2 GB of RAM, which allows playing on "Incredible" size maps without constant crashes. The Ubi.com menu item is hidden as it cannot be used anyway (the service no longer works)
Low graphics settings can no longer be set; only supported options are now available for selection.
Creature pack creation in the game map generator has been improved. Local network multiplayer has been optimized
Dwellings for neutral creatures exist in the game resources (read the map editor help on how to place them on your map). The RTMG Generator can place them automatically.
Patch Version 2.0.1
Fixed an error where strong Ice Demons were added by scripts in scenarios instead of ordinary low-level demons (including in the 5th mission of the original campaign).
Fixed an error where text scrolling did not work in message windows with 2 buttons (OK, Cancel) if enlarged text messages were enabled.
Unlocked the ubi.com game option; naturally, it only works with a licensed key.
Missing files from official patch 3.1 have been added.
A function to copy original dll files has been added to the launcher.
Patch Version 2.1
Fixed Dark Wyvern texture
Fixed textures for Ora (mage) for all player colors (previously the texture only appeared for the Red player).
Flag color fixed for heroes Irbet and Erin (warlocks).
All script name conflicts of new creatures with original creatures have been fixed
Implemented a function to enable contrasting hero paths (Visible path)
RM and Mega AI scripts are separated, allowing them to be disabled individually.
Added the ability to enable Tournament Edition scripts
Fixed an error where AI and composite army scripts did not launch on all maps supplied in EWA during multiplayer. The launcher will scan for new maps upon game startup, activate scripts on them, and disable automatic RSC map generation when joining a network game; the map must now be copied manually
(disabling this function is not recommended).
The Map Processing Programs include manual map processing, which also activates script extensions in multiplayer and disables automatic RSC-map generation during network play.
Added warning when launching on 32-bit OS.
Function to disable improved models in modification settings.
Patch Version 2.1.1
Fixed "Error: Subscript used on non-accessible variable" and subsequent application termination when attempting to process some third-party maps
Patch Version 2.1.2
Fixed a critical launcher launch error if there are no maps in the Maps folder.
Added warnings about incorrect modification installation (if installed outside the game folder or if the patch was installed immediately without the main distribution).
Rebalance of fort-grade creatures to compensate for hero specialization and other racial features.
Patch Version 2.2
Fixed player control disabling in some scenarios and maps when using TE scripts.
Fixed game crash when attacking Tormentors.
Fixed a flaw where RMMS generator changes were overwritten during map preparation by the EWA launcher.
Cases where RTMG made an error and killed the map, making loading impossible, have been fixed (or minimized). Some technical and aesthetic improvements to the launcher.
Patch Version 2.2.1
Typos and incorrect descriptions fixed.
Patch Version 2.2.2
Adamantine Golem bug fixed when using mana transfer.
Strength calculation for Adamantine Golems and Burnt Corpses improved.
Compatibility with NHF improved. This is not full compatibility, just conflict resolution.
Error in EWA map handler operation fixed.
Some technical and aesthetic improvements to the launcher.
Patch Version 2.5:
• Added ability to enable simultaneous turns in multiplayer even after meeting an opponent.
• Added ability to enable EE — global AI overhaul, detailed configuration, and most importantly, very fast AI turns on large maps.
• Unfortunately, when activating EE, the ability to enable some other extensions is lost.
• Added ability to use DirectX patch not only for the editor but also for the game itself.
Patch Version 2.5.1:
• Fixed an error where simultaneous turns extension also had to be activated to play with EE.
• Sounds for Inquisitors, Adepts, and alternative grades fixed.
• Some typos fixed.
• When NHF is installed, the ability to activate EE is blocked.
• Launcher tooltips regarding EE and NHF improved.
Patch Version 2.5.2:
• "Spontaneous" crashes when player or AI attacks monsters fixed.
• Added protection against accidental replacement of the game exe file.
• Duplicate NCF creature names changed.
• Ability for level 1 fort-grade Dark Elf creatures (scouts) fixed.
• In-game tooltips for Eternal Essence configuration improved, settings interface slightly changed.
Patch Version 2.6:
• Army view window on the global map increased; unit information in a group is now easier to view.
• "Danger" and "Solution" now have color grading not only when Eternal Essence is activated.
• Descriptions of some Eternal Essence settings improved.
• In-game wheel in hero profile is now available even with Eternal Essence enabled.
• Map Generator functions from patch 3.1 unlocked when launching with Eternal Essence!!!
• Message window size can now be changed in the EWA launcher when Eternal Essence is activated.
• Function to remove camera restriction on the global map added.
• "Dynamic Battlefield Size" function added! Battlefield sizes change dynamically depending on the number of army stacks.
• "City Gates" spell added, allowing teleportation to a selected city! Can only be learned at level 20 with second-level or higher Summoning Magic in random cities on the map.
• Almanac for standard creatures added. Almanac for NCF is still under development.
• Error in script assigning name to NCF creature "Secret Bows" (471) fixed.
• Error in "Queen" campaign script, mission "Siege" (3), where the final enemy was not given an army, fixed.
• If the game is installed in a folder for which the user does not have full rights, the launcher will suggest restarting itself with administrator rights and remembering this choice. Note: due to this error, many were unable to start playing!
• The ability to launch with forced IP has appeared in the launch settings. Necessary for Internet play via Hamachi. Very important addition for those playing online!
• High shadow quality installation is now performed automatically.
• Windowed mode setting function improved.
• Some launcher tooltips improved.
• Error fixed where "Direct X Patch for game" was automatically activated when Eternal Essence was enabled.
• Error fixed where the automatic map patcher did not patch some new maps.
• Game developer error fixed where objects were not displayed in the map editor after RSC operation. Note: very important improvement!
• RTMG influence on the game reduced — protection added for all creatures. This same protection gives creatures defense against third-party mods.
Patch Version 2.6.1:
• Script errors fixed in campaign missions: "Ruler of Erish", "Duncan", "Laszlo" and in the scenario "Diplomat".
• Appearance of Frida with "Wind Runner" specialization and Laszlo from Hammers of Fate add-on fixed.
• Chance to encounter neutrals on RSC maps, including NCF, significantly increased when using "Dynamic Groups".
• Error fixed where AI heroes did not move for many players when Eternal Essence was enabled.
• Error leading to crash upon attack if Dynamic Battlefield Size was activated fixed.
Patch Version 2.6.2:
• Additional Eternal Essence checkboxes added when creating a network game. This allows enabling/disabling EE functions. It doesn't look very aesthetic, but the bug cannot be fixed otherwise.
• "Next Hero" button replaced with "Sleep/Wake" button in map movement interface.
• Mana bar is now active by default with a changed position on the hero icon.
• Some launcher tooltips improved.
Patch Version 2.7:
• Missing abilities added to some creatures in the almanac.
• Element table added to global map and battlefield.
• New icons for mass spells (Light and Dark) and enhanced Chaos spells (for Warlocks).
• RolePlay core added, allowing 3 different classes per race in the future.
• New Artifacts Framework core added. New artifacts coming soon.
• Artifacts from campaigns and scenarios are now as originally intended. No more replacements of original unused artifacts.
• New artifacts added, including ordinary, composite, and set ones, but the framework needs further work for them to appear on the map.
• Error in the operation of the full Dragon set fixed. It now works with alternative fort grades of creatures.
• Local network game creation interface fixed and supplemented with Eternal Essence.
• Ship purchase and summon triggers in Eternal Essence fixed.
• The map editor can now be launched simultaneously with the game.
Patch Version 2.7.1:
• In-game video settings menu fixed. Screen mode button restored.
• Prices and parameters of standard artifacts fixed.
• Metadata added and library set changed for the EWA launcher, reducing the probability of false antivirus triggers.
• All 3 original game intros have been added to the main menu.
Note 1: Work is currently underway to eliminate the few remaining errors; therefore, we ask you to join the discussion of the modification. We welcome new ideas and suggestions for further improvement and refinement. Ready to consider your wishes.
Note 2: Constant discussion of modifications also takes place here: https://vk.com/ewa_mod
Note 3. Configuring Windows 10 for old games
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpVjBtNn08Q
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Va4aJNWmI
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-TVAUvJ0BY
4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdzVIAheLa8
5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRo9uz51FqA
I note that the modification introduces global changes not only to multiplayer and network play, but also to original campaigns and scenarios; therefore, the game looks and plays fresh!
STREAMS AND REVIEWS
More detailed information about the modification can also be seen on special streams provided by the hero channel Heroes for fan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mUAkJ0t0oY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK_qHQ96aE0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fyhxD2Wp0k
Original campaign walkthrough by Mr Netmarch
1) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - Part 1. Queen (Haven)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtAZdRjtgbQ&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU
2) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough Siege/Trap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UUT7YTL7YU&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU&index=4
3) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 5.3 Haven Finale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHz6djwtodQ&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU&index=8
4) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 8.1 Conquest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOKb96vR7dE&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU&index=11
5) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 9.1 Ship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtI78iz9g6Y&index=16&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU
6) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 11.2 Bait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS9O_EOL4Oc&index=19&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU
Fan Campaign Walkthroughs
1) Heroes 5: Epic War Age #1 - Day of Fiery Tears Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKErvJ3OJwo
2) Heroes 5: Epic War Age Day of Fiery Tears #2 - Necromancer Baron Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDH32KL5mQg
3) HoMM 5 EWA - Flame of Vengeance ►► 1. Escape Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DEHq1ymj7g&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEyBrSoNBULU_zOvgBFbhy5d&index=1
4) HoMM 5 EWA - Flame of Vengeance ►► 3. Forest of Roads Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1dQeKpO8_8
5) HoMM 5 EWA - Flame of Vengeance ►► 3.1. Forest of Roads (Forgotten mission finale) Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrhZl4UXWo4&index=5&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEyBrSoNBULU_zOvgBFbhy5d
Creature Reviews:
1. Review of Dungeon creatures from the Epic War Age global Add-on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opp0fQkULiM
2) Review of Fortress faction creatures in Epic War Age
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XocjOKdSIew
3) Review of Stronghold faction creatures in Epic War Age
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOFC67LDhGQ
4) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 brief review of Haven creature upgrades from EWA mod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWwj5lc5xbY
Mod Gameplay Review:
1) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Epic War Age playing as Mages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et1QFI8ukKE
2) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Epic War Age Stronghold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CT4_Zq9gw8
3) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Epic War Age Necromancer part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XqILaSDXRY
4) Battle camera review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDZW00UKHP0
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Question 1: I want to play with a friend, generate a map using RSC (random map generator), set graphics to max! The map patch completes — I enter and the map is empty — no new neutrals, no new buildings, but surprisingly, other mods work; so what's the problem?
Answer: RSC cannot independently place new neutrals because it doesn't use RANDOM_CREATURE; therefore, new neutral creatures can appear using "Dynamic Groups"
(the checkbox for this option in the launcher settings must be checked)
Question 2: What musical compositions are used in the modification?
Answer: The modification uses fragments of compositions from games such as: LineAge II, King's Bounty (The Legend), Heroes of Might and Magic III, Heroes of Might and Magic IV, The Witcher III, Within Temptation, Elfen Lien, Cobits, ERA
Question 3: In the original heroes campaign in chapter 3, first mission for the necromancer (Bait), the orange player (mage) does not move. He stands still — and no matter what I do, as a result, the mission is impossible to complete. EWA 2.6.2 installed on Steam HOMM 3.1
What's the problem? I noticed similar problems in other fan campaigns?
Answer: Such a problem sometimes occurs in large campaigns. You need to uncheck "Ultra Mod" and "MegaAI" in the modification settings upon launch.
Question 4: Do you plan to add new music to the modification, + music from the 4th part? Answer:yes, this is in the plans. Check out the discussion and suggest your own options.
Question 5: Are there any plans to add new artifacts to the modification? And when will that be? Answer: Yes, it is planned. In particular, a new project called NAF
New Artifacts Framework is currently being discussed on Heroes World:
/topic/12252/
The NAF modification (not yet fully implemented, but in the discussion stage) adds completely new artifacts to the game with unique properties. The modification is still under development, but the core and several artifacts are already ready. Naturally, this modification will be part of Epic War Age 3.0
As for the timeline of when it will be implemented, please contact the project authors. Project authors:
mrHalfer - framework creation, project administrator
Dyrman - deputy project administrator
psatkha - lead project designer
Question 6: Why can't I select all Heroes on some maps? Answer: Please be advised that campaign heroes cannot be selected on all maps. For example, on the "Harsh Times" map, you cannot select Frida, Bertrand, or Nicholas. This is done intentionally—it was designed this way by the authors of these maps. However, there are maps where the authors have instead added many new Heroes with new parameters, for example:
1) scenario "Uninvited Guests" /topic/12098/
2) scenario "Pack Leader" /topic/10210/
3) campaign "Dark Mission" /topic/5015/
4) scenario: "Two Sisters" /topic/10794/
5) scenario "Unity of Elements" /topic/10586/
Question 7: During installation, I see this error: 0хс(000007b) Answer: If you see the error "Application startup error 0хс(000007b)" when installing EWA, we recommend downloading a different version of the game (Steam or Buka), for example: the licensed Russian edition from Buka:
http://www.buka.ru/cgi-bin/show.pl?id=466
Question 8: I have Windows 10 installed, I installed everything correctly, but I still can't play. What should I do? Answer:
The following fine-tuning for Windows 10 for Heroes will help you:
a) How to run Heroes 2 on Windows 10 (Heroes5_EWA can be launched using the same system)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY6bRvcjz90
b) + a very detailed and comprehensive lesson on: running old games on Windows 10, main methods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sloRlLeBjP0
+ (alternative option)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljddwMwcKtE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9fcgemZ374
Question 9: Is EWA 2.6.2 modification compatible with the NHF0.86 new heroes mod? Answer: At this time, it is compatible if you first process the map with the NHF patcher; however, correct operation will only be in Multiplayer maps. NHF does not work in Campaigns; as for scenarios, it works in some (it all depends on the map). Also, the EWA launcher automatically disables EE and MegaAI if NHF is connected.
Compatibility Instructions for EWA 2.6.2 and NHF 0.86 modifications
1) Install EWA according to the installation instructions (header on page 1 of the discussion)
2) Download the NHF_0.86_Russian 26.07.17 archive and unpack it
3) Move the files NHF_0.86_data.pak and NHF_0.86_texts_RUS.pak to the data folder
4) Run the program - NHF MS 0.9.exe patcher
(it is important to install the patcher in the EWA mod folder!)
5) Launch the launcher. The sign that you have done everything correctly will be the message:
6) In the bottom corner, by default, the game version will be: NHF 0.86. However, all EWA functions are present in the game, except for EE and Mega AI balance mods
7) If you want to play a new map that is not in the build, simply copy the map into the Maps folder. The auto-patcher built into the launcher will patch this new map itself
Question 10: Where can I see the characteristics of all the new creatures? Answer: Here:
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_psatkha.html
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_archwarlock.html
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_stetnoel.html
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_lokken.html
Question 11: How can I improve the graphics in the game? Answer: To see good graphics, set (max. graphics-100%) in the game settings + the option improved environment models must be enabled in the launcher settings. Additionally, graphics are affected by the game's own graphical settings related to monitor resolution and others
Question 12: I can't understand what the difference is between MegaAI and Eternal AI (Eternal Essence)?
Does it make sense to enable both? Do they work well together? Answer: Compatibility was achieved in the modification. Differences:
MegaAI This mod enhances the artificial intelligence in Heroes 5. The main difference is that the AI now more frequently chooses skills useful for its race and skills it can use well (most often just passive ones, for example: Retribution can now be found on Elves and Knights, while Necromancers love taking Fire Warriors... Also, the AI now likes to visit the library, hires only its own heroes (if there is a choice in the tavern), and so on... At the same time, the mod does not touch the game's difficulty settings; it only improves enemy heroes.
Eternal AI (Eternal Essence)
Allows fast movement on medium, large, and huge maps + high intelligence: the AI calculates the development strategy several moves ahead, which increases intelligence significantly!
+ the mod adds fine-tuning:
Lookahead Depth - Move calculation depth
Neutral Champions - Neutral armies
AI rush discount - Reduction of AI pressure
Artefact Guards - Artifact Guard (creatures guarding artifacts receive their bonuses)
Taxes - Taxes
Eight Skills - Eight skills
Question 13: Is the ability to teleport to any city of choice implemented in the build? Answer: Yes! The "City Gates" spell has been added, allowing you to transport to a selected city. It can only be learned at level 20, having Summoning Magic level two or higher in random city/cities on the map.
Question 14: Is there a flexible difficulty setting system in the modification? For example, so that the computer plays as intelligently as possible but does not cheat and has no resource advantage. Answer: Yes, the EE mod has been added to the build, which not only allows you to flexibly configure the difficulty level but also raises the artificial intelligence (AI) level to astronomical heights. In addition, this mod significantly speeds up turn time and increases the number of skills from 6 to 8
Question 15 What are your plans for the future?
Answer: The modification author - mrHalfer plans to release version 3.0 Main planned changes:
- addition of New Heroes Framework (NHF)- many new heroes for all Factions with unique specializations that were not previously in the game.
- replacement of creatures on GSK maps by the EWA launcher so that NCF creatures are in the game even without "Dynamic Groups".
- inclusion of an expanded almanac with all units, including NCF creatures, into the modification.
- development of more fine-tuning in the launcher, which will allow disabling almost any modification.
- to be continued...
Question 16: A friend and I tried to play EWA on LAN, but he couldn't join me. Versions are identical, no mods other than EWA are installed.
Answer: You must consider the specifics of playing through different operating systems. As for the local network, this is not a matter of the modification, but of settings.
Instructions on how to create a Windows XP local network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouYmE8cw2jE
Local network setup in Windows 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J39EV2jkrJs
Local network between Windows XP and Windows 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgDAYpcyVtg&t=15s
Creating and configuring a network in Windows 8 (similarly for Windows 8.1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJDog8a5ULg
Local network setup in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RANlDsv43S0
Local network setup in Windows 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4L7D2YQQac
Local network between Windows 7, 8.1 and 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ4JD82nOL0
The Epic War Age team expresses gratitude and appreciation to the authors whose mods were included in the build,
- the NCF project team, map makers, translators, and all those who participated in testing the build!
Nicknames (logins) of all authors are located in the launcher (tab: Authors) and in the game's Main menu (Authors)
Modification Creators:
Modification assembly, refinement of all mods, bug fixing, etc. mrHalfer
Authors of mods included in the build:
• Campaigns of the original game and Hammers of Fate
- Stephane Fidanza
• Framework for 820 new creatures "New Creatures Framework"
- SimonaK
• New external creature dwellings "DwellingsPack"
- TSoD
• Merging of NCF and DP frameworks
- magnomagus
• Template and map generator with NCF and DP support
- SimonaK
• Generation of composite armies on the RM map
- RedHeavenHero
- Dyrman
• New models and textures for the game world
- xuxo
• Unlocking hidden editor objects
- Honter
• Adjustment of standard creature abilities
- Idot
- ArchWarlock
• New types of drawn hero paths
- DJ Pavlusha
- ArchWarlock
• Formulas in spell descriptions
- egir86
• Artistic description of artifacts
- Pavlov
- alexrom66
- Valex
• Teleportation for Mistresses of the Night
- ArchWarlock
• Replacement of battlefield effects
- Kilrein
• New arenas and battlefields
- Zenithale
- Erythrocytosis
• Replacement of shooters on towers during siege
- DJ Pavlusha
• Artificial intelligence enhancement
- Alexoff
- Ogo
• Correction of standard creature appearance
- fiur
- ArchWarlock
- Ilve
• Fix for standard creature icons
- ArchWarlock
• Correction of standard creature animations
- ArchWarlock
• Hero information interface in the lobby
- salyur
• Improvement of information tooltips in the lobby
- spamm
- Paxan
• Battlefield font improvement
- spamm
• Main menu backgrounds
- Ilve
•Hero icon backgrounds
- Azard
• Appearance of female heroes
- Ilve
• Rage buttons and undead raising tables
- Protoss
- Paxan
• In-game ability wheel
- Azard
• Enlarged message windows
- Pitsu
• Classic mouse cursor
- mrHalfer
• New heroes for duel mode
- Erythrocytosis
Creatures for NCF Project:
- Psatkha
- ArchWarlock
- StetNoel
- Nargott
- CrazyPill
- zAhAr
- Nelgirith
- Radar
- Shadow of Death
- Samigina
- Dark Crystal
- Morrock
- Cepheus
- Kronos
- Gnoll Mage
- Disturbed-Gnu
- Fauch
- Eugen Cosmarul
- Fiur
- VokialBG
- Drh3ll
- SimonaK
- Heroist
- MasteR
- Eleondor
- Rexsar
- 13ga
- Valerichek
... and others
Campaigns:
- RedHeavenHero
- Zeus
- Gratсh
- Fox
- harley
- cobakа
- UnBravery
- Hitman
- Praetor
- Heruvim
- Urgash
- Honter
- Ogo
- Julien Pirou
- Quant
- Ser9K
- MasteR
Maps:
- Ogo
- RedHeavenHero
- Jack_of_shadows
- Valex
- HSerg
- ArchWarlock
- Dyrman
- Gandalf
- MotkinSun
- Zilo & Signe
- Franzy
- Fiur
- Alexoff
- Bugrider
- rdeford
- iv64
- Tieru
- Phoenix666
- Conan
- Vlaad
- Urgash
- mrHalfer
... and others
Russian Translation:
- Praetor
- mrHalfer
- rosss
- Psatkha
- Mokara
- ST{RadAt}
Music:
- LineAge II
- King's Bounty The Legend
- Heroes of Might and Magic III
- Heroes of Might and Magic IV
- The Witcher III
- Within Temptation
- Elfen Lien
- Cobits
- ERA
Modification Description:
The modification is designed to expand the boundaries of gameplay by adding many new neutral units, campaigns, scenarios, and maps. The build fixes flaws in the original game and improves visual and musical components. The modification also includes campaigns from the original game - Chronicles of Time, as well as add-ons: Hammers of Fate and Tribes of the East, all together in one game — now you no longer have to launch 3 different exe files. Official patch 3.1 files have been added to the distribution to increase compatibility with different versions of the game. Epic War Age should not be called a simple mod pack; it is rather a global modification, as all components were edited, many bugs and conflicts fixed, scripts rewritten, textures changed, balance corrected, and much more. Downloading the same mods used in EWA will not give you the same result; even with the necessary knowledge, you would have to rework the mods for dozens of hours.
Game version for the modification: Heroes of Might and Magic V - Tribes of the East 3.1
You can download the modification here: http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-12
Mod review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mUAkJ0t0oY
Modification Author - mrHalfer
Author Contacts: half.shine@gmail.com
Skype: halferx
Website: http://vkontakte.ru/mr_halfer
ICQ: 8492924
Steam: mrHalfer
INSTALLATION DETAILS
1) Install Heroes of Might and Magic V
2) Then, download the EWA global mod version 2.0 from here: http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-12.
3) Install the EWA global mod into the game folder (into the Tribes of the East folder)
Attention! First install version 2.0, and then install 2.7.1 on top in the same folder.
http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-14
Restart your computer.
4) After installation, several shortcuts will appear on the desktop. Launch the game using the created "Heroes V EWA" shortcut. Then, launch the launcher and apply the settings that suit you, if desired.
Possible installation problems:
During installation, an antivirus may block the launcher file. Some antiviruses mistakenly consider it a potentially dangerous program. We assure you this is not the case. The source code is available in the FLauncher folder.
Note 1: Since access to Yandex, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Mail.ru and other Russian sites was blocked in Ukraine by presidential decree, residents of Ukraine are recommended to install the free application "Вільній країні — Вільний.нет" https://vilny.net/ for unblocking.
After installing this application, you can easily download the modification from here: http://el-mods.ru/load/4-1-0-12
Note 2: Since rutracker.org was closed in Russia and Yandex is slow, what to do? Where can it be downloaded?
Heroes of Might and Magic V - Epic War Age 2.0. Answer: Install this program https://vilny.net/ or install the ZenMate extension https://zenmate.com/ and you will be happy.
Friends, if for any reason the game does not launch or crashes and bugs occur, we recommend installing the previous, stable version 2.6.2: Download version 2.6.2:
https://yadi.sk/d/8PeWNzew3TCGbn
Main Changes:
- visual and graphical changes
- interface changes
- text and information updates
- balance adjustments
- musical accompaniment
- official and unofficial campaigns, scenarios, and maps
- new Heroes and neutral creatures
- new objects
- map creation, map editor, RSC
- programs, utilities, plugins, libraries, manuals
- technical changes and patches
ONLINE GAMEPLAY:
EWA is suitable for both single-player adventures and internet play; therefore, we are providing video instructions that will allow you to play Heroes 5 (with or without mods) online using Hamachi or Gameranger!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytTL25N03Os
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgkmqJGrbss
Attention: To play the EWA modification online, you and your opponents must have identical game files and launcher settings. Modification and map versions must be completely identical; this rule also applies to third-party mods.
Visual and Graphical Changes
Textures for Manticores, Royal Griffins, Battle Griffins, Gremlin Masters, Titans, Storm Giants, and Death Dancers have been replaced. The camera position during spellcasting and attacks by Warlocks, Necromancers, and Mages has been changed.
Unique teleportation effects during movement have been added to some shooting units and magical creatures when attacking. Female hero models have been added. Racial background patterns for heroes have been added. Nival and Ubisoft videos have been removed. The main menu background screen has been replaced.
The video list now includes all clips from the original game and Hammers of Fate.
Each time the game starts, the main menu background will be randomly selected from 8 available options.
Many new and pre-rendered models, even more new textures. The game looks fresh, which further enhances the impression that you are playing something new.
Visual fixes for the appearance of some hero models.
Icons for Obsidian Gargoyles, Archdemons, Light Unicorns, and Mistresses of the Night have been changed. Portraits were reduced to make room for backgrounds. Icons for some retextured creatures (e.g., griffins and gremlins) have been fixed.
Backgrounds for icons of some modification creatures have been fixed.
Minor visual fixes for creatures.
Attack animations for Sword Dancers and Stalkers have been improved.
All neutral undead (Death Knights, Mummies, and mod creatures) have a faction mark (skirt) that differs from ordinary neutrals.
Interface Changes
An improved in-game skill wheel version 3.03 has been added
A table for raising undead with the associated cost has been added.
A Blood Rage table has been added.
A "signature" launcher, Elysium Mods, was created for the modification. The launcher contains important settings and information about the mod. You can also see a list of all changes in the launcher. Steam version owners can launch the game with the overlay enabled. Due to frequent complaints about bugs and severe balance violations not present in the build, a function to clear third-party modifications has been added. The game now uses a separate directory for save profiles. If you need your saves, copy them manually.
The ability to disable NCF creatures from appearing on the map has been implemented.
Optional activation of a yellow circle under moving creatures for easier perception.
Optional increase in text message window sizes.
Text and Information
A table with information about heroes has been added when creating a game.
Expanded information about Factions during game creation.
Expanded information about heroes during game creation.
Artistic descriptions of artifacts.
Income information has been supplemented.
City specialization information has been supplemented.
Logo redrawn
Videos have been added for game startup and the HoMM V campaign walkthrough.
Game credits have been supplemented and changed.
Maps and scenarios are now sorted by groups.
Full Russian localization of game text, making it more comfortable to play the Steam version.
Previously untranslated new creatures and skills have been translated.
Expanded spell descriptions, with precise formulas for calculating spell power added.
Combat damage information has been improved, including detailed descriptions of damage dealt, number of killed creatures, and counter-attack information. Protection against incorrect creature name display after using the RTMG Generator has been created.
Balance
Support for MegaAI scripts has been added — artificial intelligence is improved.
A function to launch the game with the "RM" script enabled is present, which allows creating composite armies on maps from ordinary ones. The script was rewritten and will ask for player confirmation before generation. The script generates composite armies not for all creatures, but with a certain percentage depending on the difficulty level.
Higher-level units are placed on central city towers during castle sieges.
Haven now has 2 alternative fort upgrades (available in the hill fort). Improved creatures convert to one type; renegades (castle alternative type) convert to the second. Both fort types convert back to ordinary improved ones or into renegades.
All fort-grade creatures are balanced: overly strong skills removed, attack-defense stats slightly increased. Neutral NCF creatures (Necro-Rakshasas, Spearmen, Medusas, etc.) have been balanced.
Necromancers can once again raise improved undead. Additionally, the same raising table was slightly revised for better logic.
Necromancy has been changed for new fort creatures (available only in the hill fort). This type of racial creature converts into a 4th type of undead. At first glance, this may seem like a faction buff, but it is not. The 4th type of undead cannot be converted to the 2nd or 3rd; when raising them, they must be released if there are no free slots. In conclusion — this is only useful if this type of undead is used.
Many neutral creatures from which undead were previously not raised now also convert into undead.
Fort-grade Orcs now receive bonuses for Blood Rage levels.
Improved Djinns have several spells added in addition to their standard abilities. They will only have enough mana for 1 spell, and can use their own ability one time less.
Sylvan Crystal Dragons now have the Crystal Scale ability.
Musical Accompaniment
Music has been replaced in Necropolis, Warlock, Sylvan, Demon, and Silver Cities League cities.
Main menu and credits music has been replaced.
Music for losing a battle as Sylvan has been replaced.
Music for winning as Haven and Silver Cities League has been replaced.
One battle musical theme for Necropolis has been replaced.
Musical themes for moving into the dungeon and dead lands have been replaced.
Music in taverns of Haven, Sylvan, and Silver Cities League has been replaced.
Musical theme for moving through the taiga has been activated.
Music for hiring units of Haven, Sylvan, and Silver Cities League has been replaced.
The musical theme of the Orc city (Stronghold) has been replaced.
Official and Unofficial Campaigns, Scenarios, and Maps
Campaigns, scenarios, and maps from original Heroes of M&M V and «Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate» have been added. By default, the build includes the campaign«Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East», as well as its scenarios. Anniversary scenarios from Nival Interactive and Ubisoft have been added.
Campaign chains have been added:
LOTA "Legends of the ancient" ("Legends of Ancestors 1,2,3")
"Isle of Secrets - Heart of the World".
Standalone campaigns have been added:
"Scales of Fate",
"Flame of Vengeance",
"Year 566 - Day of Fiery Tears",
"For the Queen!",
"The Beginning of the End",
"Empire of the Unicorn",
"Legacy of Darkness"
Many of the best and most interesting scenarios have been added:
"Dark Messiah" - "Dark Messiah Mod",
the scenario "The Exile" has been updated.
Scenarios "Forgotten Hero" and "Hero's Path" have been added.
Many of the best, most detailed, and most balanced maps have been added.
Note: The modification implements the ability to add new maps and scenarios, both single-player and multiplayer. To add a new map (scenario) to the build, you must:
1) select it from the wide variety of maps, then download it:
/forum/section/159/
2) place the map in the Maps folder
3) launch the launcher. Attention: the "auto-patcher for new maps" checkbox must be checked in the launch parameters
4) launch Heroes V and enjoy the game.
Note №1: If you did everything correctly, you should see the added new maps in the list (they will be at the very bottom)
Note №2: If a map does not start, or starts but freezes, the cause may be: Dynamic Groups or TE scripts. To solve the problem, uncheck "Dynamic Groups" in the launcher settings; if that doesn't help, uncheck "TE scripts"
New Heroes and Neutral Creatures
Many new neutral units have been added (over 100 types)
A new alternative creature type has been added for all factions.
3 new heroes for each faction have been added for Duel mode
New Objects
External dwellings for neutral creatures have been added.
External dwellings for level 4-7 creatures of all factions have been added.
An external dwelling for phoenixes has been added.
Even more new arenas for Duels and battlefields in the regular game have been added.
Map Creation. Map Editor. RSC
The standard map editor is enabled in expanded mode. Effects (fire, smoke, glow, auras, etc.), hidden objects (secret heroes, airplane, tank, etc.), and missing elements (small houses, cliffs, etc.) have been added to the standard map editor.
ScriptEditor has been added, allowing you to edit map scripts and run the game simultaneously. External dwellings for level 4-7 creatures are now available in the map editor (separate from fort posts). Huge thanks to the creator of RPE for Dwelling and NCF compatibility. A special game launch mode is provided where random maps can be generated. The supplied RTMG is now pre-configured. A manual for its use has been created.
Programs, Utilities, Plugins, Libraries, Manuals
DXT Tools added, a utility that allows converting dds to tga.
PhotoShop DXT Tools plugin added, allowing editing of dds files.
HoMM3Libs script library added, allowing the use of events as in HoMM III
Maya plugin added, allowing editing of game models.
Russian-language manuals for the game, map editor, and lua scripts have been added.
Universe history has been added.
ReadMe for EpicWarAge has been added.
Technical Changes and Patches
Music files in the game are no longer replaced but copied to a new folder, and paths to the compositions themselves are changed.
RMMS program is now supplied with EWA, allowing you to generate composite armies on existing maps from ordinary ones. The game can consume more than 2 GB of RAM, which allows playing on "Incredible" size maps without constant crashes. The Ubi.com menu item is hidden as it cannot be used anyway (the service no longer works)
Low graphics settings can no longer be set; only supported options are now available for selection.
Creature pack creation in the game map generator has been improved. Local network multiplayer has been optimized
Dwellings for neutral creatures exist in the game resources (read the map editor help on how to place them on your map). The RTMG Generator can place them automatically.
Patch Version 2.0.1
Fixed an error where strong Ice Demons were added by scripts in scenarios instead of ordinary low-level demons (including in the 5th mission of the original campaign).
Fixed an error where text scrolling did not work in message windows with 2 buttons (OK, Cancel) if enlarged text messages were enabled.
Unlocked the ubi.com game option; naturally, it only works with a licensed key.
Missing files from official patch 3.1 have been added.
A function to copy original dll files has been added to the launcher.
Patch Version 2.1
Fixed Dark Wyvern texture
Fixed textures for Ora (mage) for all player colors (previously the texture only appeared for the Red player).
Flag color fixed for heroes Irbet and Erin (warlocks).
All script name conflicts of new creatures with original creatures have been fixed
Implemented a function to enable contrasting hero paths (Visible path)
RM and Mega AI scripts are separated, allowing them to be disabled individually.
Added the ability to enable Tournament Edition scripts
Fixed an error where AI and composite army scripts did not launch on all maps supplied in EWA during multiplayer. The launcher will scan for new maps upon game startup, activate scripts on them, and disable automatic RSC map generation when joining a network game; the map must now be copied manually
(disabling this function is not recommended).
The Map Processing Programs include manual map processing, which also activates script extensions in multiplayer and disables automatic RSC-map generation during network play.
Added warning when launching on 32-bit OS.
Function to disable improved models in modification settings.
Patch Version 2.1.1
Fixed "Error: Subscript used on non-accessible variable" and subsequent application termination when attempting to process some third-party maps
Patch Version 2.1.2
Fixed a critical launcher launch error if there are no maps in the Maps folder.
Added warnings about incorrect modification installation (if installed outside the game folder or if the patch was installed immediately without the main distribution).
Rebalance of fort-grade creatures to compensate for hero specialization and other racial features.
Patch Version 2.2
Fixed player control disabling in some scenarios and maps when using TE scripts.
Fixed game crash when attacking Tormentors.
Fixed a flaw where RMMS generator changes were overwritten during map preparation by the EWA launcher.
Cases where RTMG made an error and killed the map, making loading impossible, have been fixed (or minimized). Some technical and aesthetic improvements to the launcher.
Patch Version 2.2.1
Typos and incorrect descriptions fixed.
Patch Version 2.2.2
Adamantine Golem bug fixed when using mana transfer.
Strength calculation for Adamantine Golems and Burnt Corpses improved.
Compatibility with NHF improved. This is not full compatibility, just conflict resolution.
Error in EWA map handler operation fixed.
Some technical and aesthetic improvements to the launcher.
Patch Version 2.5:
• Added ability to enable simultaneous turns in multiplayer even after meeting an opponent.
• Added ability to enable EE — global AI overhaul, detailed configuration, and most importantly, very fast AI turns on large maps.
• Unfortunately, when activating EE, the ability to enable some other extensions is lost.
• Added ability to use DirectX patch not only for the editor but also for the game itself.
Patch Version 2.5.1:
• Fixed an error where simultaneous turns extension also had to be activated to play with EE.
• Sounds for Inquisitors, Adepts, and alternative grades fixed.
• Some typos fixed.
• When NHF is installed, the ability to activate EE is blocked.
• Launcher tooltips regarding EE and NHF improved.
Patch Version 2.5.2:
• "Spontaneous" crashes when player or AI attacks monsters fixed.
• Added protection against accidental replacement of the game exe file.
• Duplicate NCF creature names changed.
• Ability for level 1 fort-grade Dark Elf creatures (scouts) fixed.
• In-game tooltips for Eternal Essence configuration improved, settings interface slightly changed.
Patch Version 2.6:
• Army view window on the global map increased; unit information in a group is now easier to view.
• "Danger" and "Solution" now have color grading not only when Eternal Essence is activated.
• Descriptions of some Eternal Essence settings improved.
• In-game wheel in hero profile is now available even with Eternal Essence enabled.
• Map Generator functions from patch 3.1 unlocked when launching with Eternal Essence!!!
• Message window size can now be changed in the EWA launcher when Eternal Essence is activated.
• Function to remove camera restriction on the global map added.
• "Dynamic Battlefield Size" function added! Battlefield sizes change dynamically depending on the number of army stacks.
• "City Gates" spell added, allowing teleportation to a selected city! Can only be learned at level 20 with second-level or higher Summoning Magic in random cities on the map.
• Almanac for standard creatures added. Almanac for NCF is still under development.
• Error in script assigning name to NCF creature "Secret Bows" (471) fixed.
• Error in "Queen" campaign script, mission "Siege" (3), where the final enemy was not given an army, fixed.
• If the game is installed in a folder for which the user does not have full rights, the launcher will suggest restarting itself with administrator rights and remembering this choice. Note: due to this error, many were unable to start playing!
• The ability to launch with forced IP has appeared in the launch settings. Necessary for Internet play via Hamachi. Very important addition for those playing online!
• High shadow quality installation is now performed automatically.
• Windowed mode setting function improved.
• Some launcher tooltips improved.
• Error fixed where "Direct X Patch for game" was automatically activated when Eternal Essence was enabled.
• Error fixed where the automatic map patcher did not patch some new maps.
• Game developer error fixed where objects were not displayed in the map editor after RSC operation. Note: very important improvement!
• RTMG influence on the game reduced — protection added for all creatures. This same protection gives creatures defense against third-party mods.
Patch Version 2.6.1:
• Script errors fixed in campaign missions: "Ruler of Erish", "Duncan", "Laszlo" and in the scenario "Diplomat".
• Appearance of Frida with "Wind Runner" specialization and Laszlo from Hammers of Fate add-on fixed.
• Chance to encounter neutrals on RSC maps, including NCF, significantly increased when using "Dynamic Groups".
• Error fixed where AI heroes did not move for many players when Eternal Essence was enabled.
• Error leading to crash upon attack if Dynamic Battlefield Size was activated fixed.
Patch Version 2.6.2:
• Additional Eternal Essence checkboxes added when creating a network game. This allows enabling/disabling EE functions. It doesn't look very aesthetic, but the bug cannot be fixed otherwise.
• "Next Hero" button replaced with "Sleep/Wake" button in map movement interface.
• Mana bar is now active by default with a changed position on the hero icon.
• Some launcher tooltips improved.
Patch Version 2.7:
• Missing abilities added to some creatures in the almanac.
• Element table added to global map and battlefield.
• New icons for mass spells (Light and Dark) and enhanced Chaos spells (for Warlocks).
• RolePlay core added, allowing 3 different classes per race in the future.
• New Artifacts Framework core added. New artifacts coming soon.
• Artifacts from campaigns and scenarios are now as originally intended. No more replacements of original unused artifacts.
• New artifacts added, including ordinary, composite, and set ones, but the framework needs further work for them to appear on the map.
• Error in the operation of the full Dragon set fixed. It now works with alternative fort grades of creatures.
• Local network game creation interface fixed and supplemented with Eternal Essence.
• Ship purchase and summon triggers in Eternal Essence fixed.
• The map editor can now be launched simultaneously with the game.
Patch Version 2.7.1:
• In-game video settings menu fixed. Screen mode button restored.
• Prices and parameters of standard artifacts fixed.
• Metadata added and library set changed for the EWA launcher, reducing the probability of false antivirus triggers.
• All 3 original game intros have been added to the main menu.
Note 1: Work is currently underway to eliminate the few remaining errors; therefore, we ask you to join the discussion of the modification. We welcome new ideas and suggestions for further improvement and refinement. Ready to consider your wishes.
Note 2: Constant discussion of modifications also takes place here: https://vk.com/ewa_mod
Note 3. Configuring Windows 10 for old games
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpVjBtNn08Q
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Va4aJNWmI
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-TVAUvJ0BY
4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdzVIAheLa8
5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRo9uz51FqA
I note that the modification introduces global changes not only to multiplayer and network play, but also to original campaigns and scenarios; therefore, the game looks and plays fresh!
STREAMS AND REVIEWS
More detailed information about the modification can also be seen on special streams provided by the hero channel Heroes for fan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mUAkJ0t0oY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK_qHQ96aE0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fyhxD2Wp0k
Original campaign walkthrough by Mr Netmarch
1) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - Part 1. Queen (Haven)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtAZdRjtgbQ&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU
2) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough Siege/Trap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UUT7YTL7YU&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU&index=4
3) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 5.3 Haven Finale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHz6djwtodQ&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU&index=8
4) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 8.1 Conquest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOKb96vR7dE&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU&index=11
5) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 9.1 Ship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtI78iz9g6Y&index=16&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU
6) Heroes Might and Magic 5 Walkthrough - 11.2 Bait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS9O_EOL4Oc&index=19&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEwfiYnc49ofkd7IlXhlE1aU
Fan Campaign Walkthroughs
1) Heroes 5: Epic War Age #1 - Day of Fiery Tears Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKErvJ3OJwo
2) Heroes 5: Epic War Age Day of Fiery Tears #2 - Necromancer Baron Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDH32KL5mQg
3) HoMM 5 EWA - Flame of Vengeance ►► 1. Escape Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DEHq1ymj7g&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEyBrSoNBULU_zOvgBFbhy5d&index=1
4) HoMM 5 EWA - Flame of Vengeance ►► 3. Forest of Roads Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1dQeKpO8_8
5) HoMM 5 EWA - Flame of Vengeance ►► 3.1. Forest of Roads (Forgotten mission finale) Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrhZl4UXWo4&index=5&list=PLlU-WjHaAyEyBrSoNBULU_zOvgBFbhy5d
Creature Reviews:
1. Review of Dungeon creatures from the Epic War Age global Add-on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opp0fQkULiM
2) Review of Fortress faction creatures in Epic War Age
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XocjOKdSIew
3) Review of Stronghold faction creatures in Epic War Age
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOFC67LDhGQ
4) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 brief review of Haven creature upgrades from EWA mod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWwj5lc5xbY
Mod Gameplay Review:
1) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Epic War Age playing as Mages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et1QFI8ukKE
2) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Epic War Age Stronghold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CT4_Zq9gw8
3) Heroes of Might and Magic 5 Epic War Age Necromancer part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XqILaSDXRY
4) Battle camera review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDZW00UKHP0
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Question 1: I want to play with a friend, generate a map using RSC (random map generator), set graphics to max! The map patch completes — I enter and the map is empty — no new neutrals, no new buildings, but surprisingly, other mods work; so what's the problem?
Answer: RSC cannot independently place new neutrals because it doesn't use RANDOM_CREATURE; therefore, new neutral creatures can appear using "Dynamic Groups"
(the checkbox for this option in the launcher settings must be checked)
Question 2: What musical compositions are used in the modification?
Answer: The modification uses fragments of compositions from games such as: LineAge II, King's Bounty (The Legend), Heroes of Might and Magic III, Heroes of Might and Magic IV, The Witcher III, Within Temptation, Elfen Lien, Cobits, ERA
Question 3: In the original heroes campaign in chapter 3, first mission for the necromancer (Bait), the orange player (mage) does not move. He stands still — and no matter what I do, as a result, the mission is impossible to complete. EWA 2.6.2 installed on Steam HOMM 3.1
What's the problem? I noticed similar problems in other fan campaigns?
Answer: Such a problem sometimes occurs in large campaigns. You need to uncheck "Ultra Mod" and "MegaAI" in the modification settings upon launch.
Question 4: Do you plan to add new music to the modification, + music from the 4th part? Answer:yes, this is in the plans. Check out the discussion and suggest your own options.
Question 5: Are there any plans to add new artifacts to the modification? And when will that be? Answer: Yes, it is planned. In particular, a new project called NAF
New Artifacts Framework is currently being discussed on Heroes World:
/topic/12252/
The NAF modification (not yet fully implemented, but in the discussion stage) adds completely new artifacts to the game with unique properties. The modification is still under development, but the core and several artifacts are already ready. Naturally, this modification will be part of Epic War Age 3.0
As for the timeline of when it will be implemented, please contact the project authors. Project authors:
mrHalfer - framework creation, project administrator
Dyrman - deputy project administrator
psatkha - lead project designer
Question 6: Why can't I select all Heroes on some maps? Answer: Please be advised that campaign heroes cannot be selected on all maps. For example, on the "Harsh Times" map, you cannot select Frida, Bertrand, or Nicholas. This is done intentionally—it was designed this way by the authors of these maps. However, there are maps where the authors have instead added many new Heroes with new parameters, for example:
1) scenario "Uninvited Guests" /topic/12098/
2) scenario "Pack Leader" /topic/10210/
3) campaign "Dark Mission" /topic/5015/
4) scenario: "Two Sisters" /topic/10794/
5) scenario "Unity of Elements" /topic/10586/
Question 7: During installation, I see this error: 0хс(000007b) Answer: If you see the error "Application startup error 0хс(000007b)" when installing EWA, we recommend downloading a different version of the game (Steam or Buka), for example: the licensed Russian edition from Buka:
http://www.buka.ru/cgi-bin/show.pl?id=466
Question 8: I have Windows 10 installed, I installed everything correctly, but I still can't play. What should I do? Answer:
The following fine-tuning for Windows 10 for Heroes will help you:
a) How to run Heroes 2 on Windows 10 (Heroes5_EWA can be launched using the same system)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY6bRvcjz90
b) + a very detailed and comprehensive lesson on: running old games on Windows 10, main methods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sloRlLeBjP0
+ (alternative option)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljddwMwcKtE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9fcgemZ374
Question 9: Is EWA 2.6.2 modification compatible with the NHF0.86 new heroes mod? Answer: At this time, it is compatible if you first process the map with the NHF patcher; however, correct operation will only be in Multiplayer maps. NHF does not work in Campaigns; as for scenarios, it works in some (it all depends on the map). Also, the EWA launcher automatically disables EE and MegaAI if NHF is connected.
Compatibility Instructions for EWA 2.6.2 and NHF 0.86 modifications
1) Install EWA according to the installation instructions (header on page 1 of the discussion)
2) Download the NHF_0.86_Russian 26.07.17 archive and unpack it
3) Move the files NHF_0.86_data.pak and NHF_0.86_texts_RUS.pak to the data folder
4) Run the program - NHF MS 0.9.exe patcher
(it is important to install the patcher in the EWA mod folder!)
5) Launch the launcher. The sign that you have done everything correctly will be the message:
6) In the bottom corner, by default, the game version will be: NHF 0.86. However, all EWA functions are present in the game, except for EE and Mega AI balance mods
7) If you want to play a new map that is not in the build, simply copy the map into the Maps folder. The auto-patcher built into the launcher will patch this new map itself
Question 10: Where can I see the characteristics of all the new creatures? Answer: Here:
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_psatkha.html
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_archwarlock.html
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_stetnoel.html
http://psatkha.narod.ru/ncf_lokken.html
Question 11: How can I improve the graphics in the game? Answer: To see good graphics, set (max. graphics-100%) in the game settings + the option improved environment models must be enabled in the launcher settings. Additionally, graphics are affected by the game's own graphical settings related to monitor resolution and others
Question 12: I can't understand what the difference is between MegaAI and Eternal AI (Eternal Essence)?
Does it make sense to enable both? Do they work well together? Answer: Compatibility was achieved in the modification. Differences:
MegaAI This mod enhances the artificial intelligence in Heroes 5. The main difference is that the AI now more frequently chooses skills useful for its race and skills it can use well (most often just passive ones, for example: Retribution can now be found on Elves and Knights, while Necromancers love taking Fire Warriors... Also, the AI now likes to visit the library, hires only its own heroes (if there is a choice in the tavern), and so on... At the same time, the mod does not touch the game's difficulty settings; it only improves enemy heroes.
Eternal AI (Eternal Essence)
Allows fast movement on medium, large, and huge maps + high intelligence: the AI calculates the development strategy several moves ahead, which increases intelligence significantly!
+ the mod adds fine-tuning:
Lookahead Depth - Move calculation depth
Neutral Champions - Neutral armies
AI rush discount - Reduction of AI pressure
Artefact Guards - Artifact Guard (creatures guarding artifacts receive their bonuses)
Taxes - Taxes
Eight Skills - Eight skills
Question 13: Is the ability to teleport to any city of choice implemented in the build? Answer: Yes! The "City Gates" spell has been added, allowing you to transport to a selected city. It can only be learned at level 20, having Summoning Magic level two or higher in random city/cities on the map.
Question 14: Is there a flexible difficulty setting system in the modification? For example, so that the computer plays as intelligently as possible but does not cheat and has no resource advantage. Answer: Yes, the EE mod has been added to the build, which not only allows you to flexibly configure the difficulty level but also raises the artificial intelligence (AI) level to astronomical heights. In addition, this mod significantly speeds up turn time and increases the number of skills from 6 to 8
Question 15 What are your plans for the future?
Answer: The modification author - mrHalfer plans to release version 3.0 Main planned changes:
- addition of New Heroes Framework (NHF)- many new heroes for all Factions with unique specializations that were not previously in the game.
- replacement of creatures on GSK maps by the EWA launcher so that NCF creatures are in the game even without "Dynamic Groups".
- inclusion of an expanded almanac with all units, including NCF creatures, into the modification.
- development of more fine-tuning in the launcher, which will allow disabling almost any modification.
- to be continued...
Question 16: A friend and I tried to play EWA on LAN, but he couldn't join me. Versions are identical, no mods other than EWA are installed.
Answer: You must consider the specifics of playing through different operating systems. As for the local network, this is not a matter of the modification, but of settings.
Instructions on how to create a Windows XP local network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouYmE8cw2jE
Local network setup in Windows 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J39EV2jkrJs
Local network between Windows XP and Windows 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgDAYpcyVtg&t=15s
Creating and configuring a network in Windows 8 (similarly for Windows 8.1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJDog8a5ULg
Local network setup in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RANlDsv43S0
Local network setup in Windows 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4L7D2YQQac
Local network between Windows 7, 8.1 and 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ4JD82nOL0
The Epic War Age team expresses gratitude and appreciation to the authors whose mods were included in the build,
- the NCF project team, map makers, translators, and all those who participated in testing the build!
Nicknames (logins) of all authors are located in the launcher (tab: Authors) and in the game's Main menu (Authors)
Modification Creators:
Modification assembly, refinement of all mods, bug fixing, etc. mrHalfer
Authors of mods included in the build:
• Campaigns of the original game and Hammers of Fate
- Stephane Fidanza
• Framework for 820 new creatures "New Creatures Framework"
- SimonaK
• New external creature dwellings "DwellingsPack"
- TSoD
• Merging of NCF and DP frameworks
- magnomagus
• Template and map generator with NCF and DP support
- SimonaK
• Generation of composite armies on the RM map
- RedHeavenHero
- Dyrman
• New models and textures for the game world
- xuxo
• Unlocking hidden editor objects
- Honter
• Adjustment of standard creature abilities
- Idot
- ArchWarlock
• New types of drawn hero paths
- DJ Pavlusha
- ArchWarlock
• Formulas in spell descriptions
- egir86
• Artistic description of artifacts
- Pavlov
- alexrom66
- Valex
• Teleportation for Mistresses of the Night
- ArchWarlock
• Replacement of battlefield effects
- Kilrein
• New arenas and battlefields
- Zenithale
- Erythrocytosis
• Replacement of shooters on towers during siege
- DJ Pavlusha
• Artificial intelligence enhancement
- Alexoff
- Ogo
• Correction of standard creature appearance
- fiur
- ArchWarlock
- Ilve
• Fix for standard creature icons
- ArchWarlock
• Correction of standard creature animations
- ArchWarlock
• Hero information interface in the lobby
- salyur
• Improvement of information tooltips in the lobby
- spamm
- Paxan
• Battlefield font improvement
- spamm
• Main menu backgrounds
- Ilve
•Hero icon backgrounds
- Azard
• Appearance of female heroes
- Ilve
• Rage buttons and undead raising tables
- Protoss
- Paxan
• In-game ability wheel
- Azard
• Enlarged message windows
- Pitsu
• Classic mouse cursor
- mrHalfer
• New heroes for duel mode
- Erythrocytosis
Creatures for NCF Project:
- Psatkha
- ArchWarlock
- StetNoel
- Nargott
- CrazyPill
- zAhAr
- Nelgirith
- Radar
- Shadow of Death
- Samigina
- Dark Crystal
- Morrock
- Cepheus
- Kronos
- Gnoll Mage
- Disturbed-Gnu
- Fauch
- Eugen Cosmarul
- Fiur
- VokialBG
- Drh3ll
- SimonaK
- Heroist
- MasteR
- Eleondor
- Rexsar
- 13ga
- Valerichek
... and others
Campaigns:
- RedHeavenHero
- Zeus
- Gratсh
- Fox
- harley
- cobakа
- UnBravery
- Hitman
- Praetor
- Heruvim
- Urgash
- Honter
- Ogo
- Julien Pirou
- Quant
- Ser9K
- MasteR
Maps:
- Ogo
- RedHeavenHero
- Jack_of_shadows
- Valex
- HSerg
- ArchWarlock
- Dyrman
- Gandalf
- MotkinSun
- Zilo & Signe
- Franzy
- Fiur
- Alexoff
- Bugrider
- rdeford
- iv64
- Tieru
- Phoenix666
- Conan
- Vlaad
- Urgash
- mrHalfer
... and others
Russian Translation:
- Praetor
- mrHalfer
- rosss
- Psatkha
- Mokara
- ST{RadAt}
Music:
- LineAge II
- King's Bounty The Legend
- Heroes of Might and Magic III
- Heroes of Might and Magic IV
- The Witcher III
- Within Temptation
- Elfen Lien
- Cobits
- ERA
