Update 23/11/2011

Ok, so it's been quite a while since I last posted an update - so I think it's time for that again!

So I have set out fairly broad goals for this project and I think it would be worthwhile making a list of what I am working on, what I have done and what I am intending to do, in the short medium and long-term!

So here goes:

Done:

• Created an EMH character using JL Studios' model as a template
• Created a new Kessok Character named B'Ob T. Kessok (Thanks to Aces_High for that one!)
• Introduced the first hailing system (the EMH on a shuttle)
• Introduced the first complex hailing system - EMH has a menu, beams over and follows through a cut scene!

In Progress:

• Writing a tutorial on custom character creation and bridge menus - 10% complete
• Working on a fix that will end the need for separate character files for every bridge (very very provisional - the concept has been shown to work, but beyond that there are major problems which need to be overcome - 1% complete
• Planning the plot of the campaign - 5% complete
• Implementing the campaign - 0.1% complete

Planned:

• Introduce a way to replace the stock characters with custom characters - again concept is proven by the original campaign, but requires work to fully implement
• Mutators/UMM integration because of the need to bypass Stock Files
• Introducing 3rd Party bridges
• Introducing 3rd Party ships
• Scripting the campaign (in terms of literature and coding)
• An "official" trailer video - i have been showing proofs of concept on YouTube and sharing the videos on BCFiles

So that's where I am at the minute! I'll attach a couple of the videos from YouTube to demonstrate some of the things that CO will be capable of!

Not entirely trusting BCFiles...

Since BC Files hasn't been very reliable of late, I've uploaded the mod straight to my GameFront account and the link is here:

http://www.gamefront.com/files/20970524/Seated+Brex+v0.2.zip

Once it's up at BCFiles I'll be sure to post a link for that too!

(Edit) http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Seated_Brex02;120155

In the meantime, Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Opening Video

I've been wondering how to set up the premise of the new campaign - and ultimately decided that the best way was through an info-dump at the beginning!

This is the preliminary opening video I have!

I would very much appreciate opinions! Either here or at YouTube!

Thanks!

Grammar Nazi

Just looking at the title and trying to decide if the word should be Captain's or Captains'...

Seated Brex

Some of you may remember that I released a small mod with very little fanfare entitled "Seated Brex" which did exactly what it said on the tin...

Well during the scripting of Captain's Orders, I came across code that enabled me to rewrite this mod into something that didn't conflict with stock files!

It's been submitted to BC and should be up in a few days! For now please enjoy these screenshots and a small demonstrative video!

Saturday Update

Well todays update is to report on three things:

Yesterday I said about how the star systems would all have things going on in the background, I am happy to report that the Yridian System (comprising of 3 planets) now has that provisionally finished!

However there are still issues that have to be worked out, in particular:

A small problem with the shuttle's AI which needs correcting!

So what have I got done now?

Well I have:

• Tweaked the Sovereign Hardpoint to include an Aft Phaser Bank (All playable and background ships will have their own CO Hardpoints, to prevent conflicts and uber-ships in personal installs interfering with the game!)
• Set up the hailing code for the Space Station and written the template for the shuttles (only 1 shuttle completed so far!)
• Populated the Yridia System
• Created a basic AI for the shuttles (so far they just circle the station - the orbit clearly needs adjusting!)
• Discovered that there is a problem with the "Walk from Turbo Lift to Tactical" animation on the Galaxy Bridge!
• Sorted out a couple of other minor things and tested the ability to add buttons to the various characters' control panels!

Next on my list of things to do is finish the hailing protocols for the shuttles, then the other things in the Yridia System (I won't say what - no spoilers yet!).

After that it's AI Scripting, followed by beginning to put together the "opening banter" for the Prelude mission!

JJBridge Commander

I love starting new things, because it's always the most exciting! Right now I have relatively empty scripts and they are just beginning to populate the world I'm creating!

So far I have put together most of the entrance sequence (though you may have noticed the set-back I suffered!) and am currently scripting the first star system - Yridia!

I decided that I wanted to make separate systems, for two reasons:

1) Because we'd already done the old systems in the first campaign and it's time for something new!

2) This way I can have everything laid out as I think it should be!

One of the things I always thought, was that there were always so many empty systems in the campaign...so I am making a pledge that every system I create, every planet will either serve a purpose, or else will have something going on in the background for you to enjoy!

Anyway, a screenshot from Yridia 1, and I took it because I was struck by how JJTrek ripped off BC! Enjoy!

Welcome

Ok, so this is the first time I've ever written a blog, so apologies!

Basically I wanted to be able to keep people updated about the state of the Captain's Orders Mod as it progresses, and to give a little insight and background into it!

So here goes! I won't keep any kind of schedule with this I'm afraid, but I will try to update it at least once a week (though initially the rate will probably be higher!)

If anyone wants to post ideas or suggestions, please feel free and when (if?!) this mod is released I will try to make sure to credit you properly!

So thank you for your time! I'll post later a couple of "out-takes" involving the armadillo like responses the crew seems to have to reporting for duty!