[TSL] HK Droids SWTOR-Style

[DarthParametric 3,777]

This mod replaces the models for HK-47, HK-50, and HK-51 so that they more closely resemble HK-51 from the Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) MMO.

N.B. These are new models created by me. Only the hand/finger meshes from the Bioware/Obsidian K1/TSL HK-47 remain untouched from the original, although they were re-uvmapped. The classic-style head mesh was derived from the original, but was heavily reworked to add polys and improve topology, as well as being re-uvmapped. The remainder of the two different body types, and the HK-51 head, were modelled by me from scratch. Textures are all new from scratch. This mod contains no actual content from SWTOR. For an overview of the mod's original genesis and development, refer to this thread - http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?t=215329

To install, simply extract the archive, then run the EXE inside the folder. It will attempt to find your TSL installation automatically, but if it fails it will prompt you for the directory containing swkotor2.exe. This mod is compatible with TSLRCM and M4-78, but you must install both those FIRST before any other mods. TSLRCM is required to make the HK Factory quest available and meet HK-51, although the mod will still change the appearances of HK-47 and the HK-50s in vanilla TSL. The mod is not compatible with any mod that alters the appearance.2da entries for HK-47/50/51.

Default installation options:

• HK-47 uses the "classic style", vanilla head and torso, with SWTOR legs, heavily weathered texture
• HK-50 units use the "hybrid style", vanilla head, with SWTOR torso and legs, vanilla-style durasteel texture
• HK-51 units use the "SWTOR style", full body SWTOR appearance, SWTOR-style texture

Two alternative options are available in the OPTIONAL folder:

• HK-47 uses the "hybrid style", vanilla head, with SWTOR torso and legs, less weathered texture
• HK-50 units use the "SWTOR style", full body SWTOR appearance, vanilla-style durasteel texture

If you would prefer either of those, after the installer has finished, simply copy the contents of the appropriate folder into your Override folder, choosing YES when prompted to overwrite.

Additional Notes/Known Issues:

 

The pre-rendered movies that play during the Telos questline retain the vanilla HK-50 appearance. It would be far too much effort to try and make replacement videos. (But if someone else wants to do it, knock yourself out).

The eyes are self-illuminated, and flash in accordance with dialogue, as per the vanilla version. However, this does not happen during the HK Factory section. It appears the necessary lipsync files are missing. It's up to the TSLRCM guys to fix that.

There are a couple of static models of broken HK units at the end of the HK Factory level that are not changed by this mod. They are part of the level itself, so are not replaceable without replacing the entire level, which I have no plans to do.

The loading screens for the two levels of the HK Factory are currently unchanged. I may make replacements for them at some point in the future.

Due to how the Odyssey Engine works, using environment/cube maps to fake specular and reflections, there are limitations regarding making certain areas of the models "shiny". I may make some custom cube maps in the future to help address this. I will possibly update the textures to improve their alpha channel maps (a mask which controls the degree of env map blending), as they are a bit rough presently, resulting in inappropriate levels of shininess in some areas (particularly for HK-51).

The textures are 2048x2048 and are provided in Bioware's custom Aurora version of DDS rather than TGA for compression reasons. These are not editable. I have provided some uncompressed versions as a separate modder's resource for those wishing to undertake reskins. These are not required by regular users.

Yes, I plan to release a version for K1 at some point, assuming there are no technical hitches. Don't pester me about it.

Grab it here - http://www.nexusmods.com/kotor2/mods/52/



Changelog:

Version 1.2

• Adjusted installer to account for differences between vanilla and TSLRCM appearance.2da entries
• Minor edit of the Classic 47 texture to remove black section on torso underbody

Version 1.1

• Recompiled models to use vanilla HK as Supermodel to resolve issue of missing footsteps and other sounds
• Minor mesh alteration for all variants to fix degenerate UVs on hands
• Edit of texture alpha channels to tweak envmap masks
• Updated modder's resources and added UV map templates

Version 1.0

• Initial release

[Mutilator57 140]

Great job! These are a much needed and refreshing take on a game that can (on occasion) show its age.

[Jorak Uln 458]

Sensational job on the models!

Will there be a K1 version?

[Mephiles550 227]

He said a K1 version is a possibility. Just don't pester him too much about it.

This is an amazing model and texture rework for the HK models. Your mod earned a permanent place in my game.

[DarthParametric 3,777]

Will there be a K1 version?

[Fair Strides 509]

Oh, that just expresses the animosity perfectly!

[DarthParametric 3,777]

If people want to see a K1 version then someone needs to upload some K1 saves on Tatooine so I can test. I can't even make it down the first couple of hallways of the Endar Spire without crashing on my main machine, and I don't particularly want to have to slog through Taris, Dantooine and half of Tatooine on my old XP laptop just to get to the point where I can test if the model even loads.

[Darth Vader 0]

Impressive. Most Impressive.

[Kainzorus Prime 205]

If people want to see a K1 version then someone needs to upload some K1 saves on Tatooine so I can test. I can't even make it down the first couple of hallways of the Endar Spire without crashing on my main machine, and I don't particularly want to have to slog through Taris, Dantooine and half of Tatooine on my old XP laptop just to get to the point where I can test if the model even loads.

 

'Aight. Being a cheating bastard with a warpband on my arm that I am, I have a pretty good test save for you - in the droid shop, with both HK in my party, and one still available for purchase at the same time.

000018 - Game17.zip