Staff Picks - 15 Dec 16

[TheTokenGeek]

 

Another week, another set of staff (and guest) picks to present you.

 

Before we begin the weeks' picks, I just want to clarify that the way we do this is very simple, each staff member chooses a mod of their choice, and then I compile them all and post them up. So when I saw that both Robin and I had picked a mod from the same author I thought it might be seen as favouritism or that we were colluding. Let me assure you; we're not. I guess you can chalk it down to 'great minds' and all that. 

 

Just remember that other mods on the site may do roughly the same thing, so keep your eyes peeled and understand that these are just our personal picks. That said, hopefully, you'll find something you may not have seen before and who knows, maybe we'll even learn a little about each other along the way.

 

We love to hear your selections, so if you have a mod you would like to submit to the community (not your own), then please check out this new and handy form.

 

Dark0ne

http://i.giphy.com/KWonzcPlqFCRq.gif

Mod: HUDFramework

Game: Fallout 4

Author: registrator2000

 

I'm not too up to date on my modding at the moment, but the little group of modders who welcome me into their Skype group chats talk about the mods being made by registrator2000 like it's the second coming. And I can see why.

 

HUDFramework sets the groundwork for a range of awesome mods you never knew you needed, and now wonder what the hell Bethesda were thinking by not doing it themselves. From the description, HUDFramework makes it possible for mods to add new UI elements to the HUD. Sounds simple enough, but what are the practical implications?

 

Companion Status HUD is a great example of what this means for modding Fallout 4. Much to my personal chagrin (see last week's staff picks), followers are very popular with Fallout 4 players. Companion Status HUD will provide you with real-time feedback on your companion's health and stats via a HUD widget made possible by the HUDFramework.

 

You never knew you needed it until you try it. Well done, registrator2000.

 

 

SirSalami

Mod: Line-of-Sight Indicators

Game: XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Author: Tracktwo

 

Though XCOM 2 is a great game in its own right, I find that XCOM: Enemy Unknown still holds up quite well, especially when you consider the meagre system requirements. The sequel did bring some nice quality of life enhancements to the interface however that are sorely missed with its predecessor, specifically regarding unit's line-of-sight.

 

When initiating movement of a unit in XCOM 2, it is immediately apparent whether or not that unit will have line-of-sight to an enemy at a known location. This was not the case in XCOM: EU, making unit movement an unnecessarily ambiguous experience at times. Thankfully, "Line-of-Sight Indicators" brings XCOM 2's LOS indicators to XCOM: EU, helping to ensure that you always keep your eyes on the prize.

 

 

TerrorFox1234

Mod: EGM - Expanded Galaxy Mod

Game: Mass Effect 3

Author: KkJiro

 

Where to even begin with this mod? This a complete package for revamping Mass Effect 3. It adds new weapons, new armors, new companions, new missions, new Normandy upgrades and the list just keeps going. You’ll need to read the mod description to get all the details about everything this mod does.

 

I enjoy replaying most BioWare games. Part of what makes the games so replayable are the choices that span across the entire series. Something you did in ME1 may change an event in ME3. Yeah, we won’t get into the “choice” at the end of ME3. In any case, the point is that I have played and replayed the Mass Effect series enough times now that I’ve experienced most of the choices from all sides. So, what to do? Simply pack it up and never touch Mass Effect again?

 

Of course not! Mod it! This mod allowed me to approach ME3 again, with a completely fresh feeling. There was plenty to discover just within the new mod functions alone! If you’re looking to step back into ME3, I don’t recommend doing so without grabbing EGM first.

 

 

BlindJudge

Mod: Bullet Time - Slow Time

Game: Fallout 4

Author: registrator2000

 

One of my favourite game series of all time is Max Payne. I remember buying it on a friends recommendation and experiencing bullet-time for the first time. Max Payne was the gaming equivalent of a John Woo movie, and it made for an exciting and incredibly stylish game.

 

Jump forward from 2001 to 2008 and Fallout 3 is released with V.A.T.S., a system that allows you to stop time and target specific areas of your enemies bodies. It reintroduced that feeling of power as you stopped enemies in their tracks and picked them apart, piece by piece.

 

The trouble with V.A.T.S. is that it feels a little overpowered to me. It takes away the need to avoid incoming fire and removes some of the 'drama' within a gunfight.

 

Bring in Bullet Time - Slow Time by registrator2000. The first thing to do when you install this mod is to go to your Pipboy and configure it how you would like from the 'Inventory > Aid' section. I like it to be a little less OP, so I change the time-dilation to be 50% and my AP cost to be 30 or 40 AP/s. That way I'm not running around murdering Raiders while they remain totally stationary.

 

However you choose to use the mod, I'm sure you will find it a lot of fun. As registrator2000 has put within their mod description. Other bullet time mods are out there and feel free to check them all out and find the one that best suits you.

 

Right, I'm off to become the Fallout 4 version of Neo... See you in the Wasteland.

 

 

(Guest submission)ZZZ02

Mod: Moonlight Tales Essentials Overhauled - Werewolf Halloween

Game: Skyrim

Author: ubuntufreakdragon

 

Lycanthropy in vanilla Skyrim is meh at best! There are many mods that attempt to rectify the situation, but none handle it better than the 'Moonlight Tales Overhaul Series".

 

"Moonlight Tales Essentials Overhauled" is a combination of the main features of the three overhauls by 'Spwned' done in a very compatible and lightweight manner. Plus, it also has it's own unique immersion features such as losing control of your werewolf and dropping your gear. The best part is everything is configurable via one mcm, so if you want to go full feral immersion or only have a new fur color then this is the mod for you!

 

Combine this with real feeding and a perk overhaul of your choice, and you have the complete experience.

 

 

Every week, we feature a few mods that have caught our staff’s attention, as well as some that were submitted by you, the Nexus Mods community. If there is a mod you’d like to see on this list, then please check out this quick and handy form.

 

If you haven’t already, feel free to follow us on our social media channels where we'll keep you up to date with the latest site news, articles and much more.

 

  

 

Thanks, and have fun modding!

[Chielz0r]

In response to post #45661425.

BlindJudge wrote:

Another week, another set of staff (and guest) picks to present you.

Before we begin the weeks' picks, I just want to clarify that the way we do this is very simple, each staff member chooses a mod of their choice, and then I compile them all and post them up. So when I saw that both Robin and I had picked a mod from the same author I thought it might be seen as favouritism or that we were colluding. Let me assure you; we're not. I guess you can chalk it down to 'great minds' and all that. 

Just remember that other mods on the site may do roughly the same thing, so keep your eyes peeled and understand that these are just our personal picks. That said, hopefully, you'll find something you may not have seen before and who knows, maybe we'll even learn a little about each other along the way.

We love to hear your selections, so if you have a mod you would like to submit to the community (not your own), then please check out this new and handy form.

Dark0ne
http://i.giphy.com/KWonzcPlqFCRq.gif
Mod: HUDFramework
Game: Fallout 4
Author: registrator2000

I'm not too up to date on my modding at the moment, but the little group of modders who welcome me into their Skype group chats talk about the mods being made by registrator2000 like it's the second coming. And I can see why.

HUDFramework sets the groundwork for a range of awesome mods you never knew you needed, and now wonder what the hell Bethesda were thinking by not doing it themselves. From the description, HUDFramework makes it possible for mods to add new UI elements to the HUD. Sounds simple enough, but what are the practical implications?

Companion Status HUD is a great example of what this means for modding Fallout 4. Much to my personal chagrin (see last week's staff picks), followers are very popular with Fallout 4 players. Companion Status HUD will provide you with real-time feedback on your companion's health and stats via a HUD widget made possible by the HUDFramework.

You never knew you needed it until you try it. Well done, registrator2000.


SirSalami

Mod: Line-of-Sight Indicators
Game: XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Author: Tracktwo

Though XCOM 2 is a great game in its own right, I find that XCOM: Enemy Unknown still holds up quite well, especially when you consider the meagre system requirements. The sequel did bring some nice quality of life enhancements to the interface however that are sorely missed with its predecessor, specifically regarding unit's line-of-sight.

When initiating movement of a unit in XCOM 2, it is immediately apparent whether or not that unit will have line-of-sight to an enemy at a known location. This was not the case in XCOM: EU, making unit movement an unnecessarily ambiguous experience at times. Thankfully, "Line-of-Sight Indicators" brings XCOM 2's LOS indicators to XCOM: EU, helping to ensure that you always keep your eyes on the prize.


TerrorFox1234

Mod: EGM - Expanded Galaxy Mod
Game: Mass Effect 3
Author: KkJiro

Where to even begin with this mod? This a complete package for revamping Mass Effect 3. It adds new weapons, new armors, new companions, new missions, new Normandy upgrades and the list just keeps going. You’ll need to read the mod description to get all the details about everything this mod does.

I enjoy replaying most BioWare games. Part of what makes the games so replayable are the choices that span across the entire series. Something you did in ME1 may change an event in ME3. Yeah, we won’t get into the “choice” at the end of ME3. In any case, the point is that I have played and replayed the Mass Effect series enough times now that I’ve experienced most of the choices from all sides. So, what to do? Simply pack it up and never touch Mass Effect again?

Of course not! Mod it! This mod allowed me to approach ME3 again, with a completely fresh feeling. There was plenty to discover just within the new mod functions alone! If you’re looking to step back into ME3, I don’t recommend doing so without grabbing EGM first.


BlindJudge

Mod: Bullet Time - Slow Time
Game: Fallout 4
Author: registrator2000

One of my favourite game series of all time is Max Payne. I remember buying it on a friends recommendation and experiencing bullet-time for the first time. Max Payne was the gaming equivalent of a John Woo movie, and it made for an exciting and incredibly stylish game.

Jump forward from 2001 to 2008 and Fallout 3 is released with V.A.T.S., a system that allows you to stop time and target specific areas of your enemies bodies. It reintroduced that feeling of power as you stopped enemies in their tracks and picked them apart, piece by piece.

The trouble with V.A.T.S. is that it feels a little overpowered to me. It takes away the need to avoid incoming fire and removes some of the 'drama' within a gunfight.

Bring in Bullet Time - Slow Time by registrator2000. The first thing to do when you install this mod is to go to your Pipboy and configure it how you would like from the 'Inventory > Aid' section. I like it to be a little less OP, so I change the time-dilation to be 50% and my AP cost to be 30 or 40 AP/s. That way I'm not running around murdering Raiders while they remain totally stationary.

However you choose to use the mod, I'm sure you will find it a lot of fun. As registrator2000 has put within their mod description. Other bullet time mods are out there and feel free to check them all out and find the one that best suits you.

Right, I'm off to become the Fallout 4 version of Neo... See you in the Wasteland.


(Guest submission)ZZZ02

Mod: Moonlight Tales Essentials Overhauled - Werewolf Halloween
Game: Skyrim
Author: ubuntufreakdragon

Lycanthropy in vanilla Skyrim is meh at best! There are many mods that attempt to rectify the situation, but none handle it better than the 'Moonlight Tales Overhaul Series".

"Moonlight Tales Essentials Overhauled" is a combination of the main features of the three overhauls by 'Spwned' done in a very compatible and lightweight manner. Plus, it also has it's own unique immersion features such as losing control of your werewolf and dropping your gear. The best part is everything is configurable via one mcm, so if you want to go full feral immersion or only have a new fur color then this is the mod for you!

Combine this with real feeding and a perk overhaul of your choice, and you have the complete experience.


Every week, we feature a few mods that have caught our staff’s attention, as well as some that were submitted by you, the Nexus Mods community. If there is a mod you’d like to see on this list, then please check out this quick and handy form.

If you haven’t already, feel free to follow us on our social media channels where we'll keep you up to date with the latest site news, articles and much more.

  

Thanks, and have fun modding!

Cool series!
Only just discoved it.
When did these start? Looks like I've got some catching up to do.

[jimmulvaney]

Wait.. Nexus has Mass Effect mods too!? What are you doing to me!? Don't you realize I have a life, a business, and a loving relationship to maintain!?

[CluelessCourier]

In response to post #45668775.

jimmulvaney wrote: Wait.. Nexus has Mass Effect mods too!? What are you doing to me!? Don't you realize I have a life, a business, and a loving relationship to maintain!?

The mods shall claim your soul...

[jackaspades]

In response to post #45668775. #45669535 is also a reply to the same post.

jimmulvaney wrote: Wait.. Nexus has Mass Effect mods too!? What are you doing to me!? Don't you realize I have a life, a business, and a loving relationship to maintain!?

IPyroLordI wrote: The mods shall claim your soul...

don't get to giddy, if your not good at following directions for everything, and your impatient then modding ME3 is a form of torture. very few of the good mods can be auto installed. it requires the use of 2 programs one to alter files and a second to alter a very specific file that tells the game what models are used for things like armor sets.

in short its far from pleasant to mod and defiantly not user friendly. Plus the mod selection is fairly limited.

I'm surprised someone had the patience and gumption to make a full galaxy expansion. hell trying to make a brand new skin set for liara broke my game 4 times over. Edited December 15, 2016 by jackaspades

[Memphisblue999]

Nice picks , I however feel like a kid waiting on Santa Claus as I hit f5 every 20 minutes to see if SKSE 64 has been posted yet. lol

[skyesfury]

In response to post #45678820.

Memphisblue999 wrote: Nice picks , I however feel like a kid waiting on Santa Claus as I hit f5 every 20 minutes to see if SKSE 64 has been posted yet. lol

I check the SKSE page every few days, too. It really is the only thing preventing me from loading up Skyrim SE right now.

[seba1337]

I'm already loving registrator2000. And will try that ME3 mod, seems very good. Thanks for the post!

[Xerdrex]

In response to post #45678820. #45694310 is also a reply to the same post.

Memphisblue999 wrote: Nice picks , I however feel like a kid waiting on Santa Claus as I hit f5 every 20 minutes to see if SKSE 64 has been posted yet. lol

skyesfury wrote: I check the SKSE page every few days, too. It really is the only thing preventing me from loading up Skyrim SE right now.

That would be a lovely christmas gift

[ZZZ02]

LOL compared to your descriptions mine did seem a bit lackluster (I stink at writing). But I hope to see more people listing good mods in the future especially more or less hidden ones.