Since a lot of people kept asking for it, I created a new version of the mod for Dragon Age Origins, with several improvements. Note this is probably my last mod update, since there are no plans to add new blog entries.
It should work with all versions and DLC (Steam / Origin, including old versions).
Changelog
Version 2.0.0- Improved compatibility with Game Dashboard and other overlays.
- Sharper crosshair rendering; now scales with resolution (best at 1080p).
- Reworked input processing for even faster responsiveness.
- Simplified installation.
Summary
Overhauls the game controls and camera, allowing more fluid and intuitive gameplay. It is now feasible to play without frequent pauses or cumbersome camera adjustments.It should work with all versions and DLC (Steam / Origin, including old versions).
Control Scheme
- Moving the mouse now points the camera accordingly by default. This is more consistent with common FPS/RPG games. A crosshair indicates the current targeting position.
- Clicking the Left Mouse Button selects the item at the crosshair. For finer control, hold down the button and move the mouse to a new target. When the button is released this new position is selected.
- Clicking the Right Mouse Button activates the item at the crosshair. For finer control, hold down the button and move the mouse to a new target. When the button is released this new position is activated.
- To override the new camera behavior momentarily, hold down the Left Shift key to enter Pointer Mode, allowing to move the pointer without changing the camera orientation. This is how it works by default in the original game, and is consistent with common RTS games. When the Shift key is released the game returns to the Default Mode. Combining quickslot keys with the new convenience features, it is possible to issue commands efficiently, making the Pause and Pointer Mode functions mostly optional.
- Because of the new camera design, it is recommended to change the default Move left/right key bindings. Set Move left to A instead of Q, and Move right to D instead of E. The settings for Move camera left/right can remain blank, or they can be set to the now unused Q and E keys.
- Note that if you use an Activated ability without an active target you need to select a new target to trigger it, using the Left Mouse Button as described above.
- To highlight specific interactive objects, click or hold down the Left Mouse Button. To highlight all objects use the corresponding key binding (Tab by default).
Tips for New Users
- Instead of always clicking, click-hold-drag-release. This allows small last-moment adjustments and displays contextual information about the target (e.g. area radius of spell/ability). It also helps when opening chests and talking to characters.
- When using abilities that target a single enemy you can either attack first to select the target and then activate the ability, or activate the ability first and then select the target with Left-Click.
- In the beginning use Left-Shift a lot until you get comfortable. With practice you can achieve most tasks with the quickslot keys and mouse clicking.
Limitations
- Since the mod uses the Shift key, if you assigned it to any key bindings they should be changed accordingly (to any other key).
- The mod relies on the default Middle Mouse Button functionality. If you changed the default setting for Pan camera, reset it to Middle Mouse Button again.
- Hiding the main interface disables the mod until it is displayed again.
Installing
- Injectors/overlays (like Steam overlay or Origin overlay) may cause problems and are not supported. Disable them first.
- Copy the file d3d9.dll to the game bin_ship folder, where the file daorigins.exe is located.
- A crosshair should appear in the game interface.
You mention at the end of this post that you made a similar mod for Dragon Age II, but it's no longer available to download. You don't have to work on it again, but do you think you could at least make the DA2 version of this available to download again? It's a cool idea and I think DA2 in particular would benefit from something like this, even more than Origins would.
ReplyDeleteHi Khan. That was a minor lapse. The mod uses proprietary components and I'm not sure about their licensing, nor do I have much interest in updating it. My preference would actually be to keep the mods private and only send them to friends. The only reason I updated this one is because of the new game requests were becoming too frequent.
DeleteI suppose that's understandable to a certain extent. I'd ask if you could send me the files to that mod, but I get the feeling the answer to that question would also be "no" (I would be very grateful if not, though).
DeleteI suppose my search must continue.
I don't know where to send it. For private requests use the form on the right to send a message, though it can take a while to get a response since I'm not active on the blog. The comments section is for the general public.
DeleteOooh, this version is even better! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI know not a lot of people were using your last version but I just wanted to say I just got back into DAO and thank you so much man this makes it feel much more modern!
ReplyDelete