A Few Questions, thinking of getting back into the game Options

[IntoTheRain]

Hello.

I recently reinstalled the game and played through the campaigns for nostalgia's sake. (its probably been at least 8 years) I'm kinda thinking about checking out online play if there is still an active group. I just had a few questions.

1) Is the game generally considered balanced? The latest version seems alright, (especially compared to 1.0) but I want to be sure there isn't something I am unaware of.

2) Are any of the mods designed for competitive play, or are they mostly single player oriented? I have tried a few, and most of them just turn the game into a giant mess of 500 units, several of which are usually terribly balanced. (pinpoint accuracy high powered artillery anyone?)

3) Are there any mods that make the AI half way decent? You can't execute rushes on them, you can't tech evenly with them, and yet...its completely hopeless at actually attacking. (or defending itself late game..)

4) Additionally, is there any mod that works on improving unit AI? Because some of it makes me want to scratch my eyes out. Jump troopers landing when units that can shoot ground are still right next to them, or units not automatically attacking enemy buildings unless specifically ordered is especially frustrating when your trying to manage several things at once.

4) And finally, are there any mods that help out with the outdated interface. Trying to scroll through 30 units to find the one your looking for is a pain. Is there a way to make the pics smaller so you can increase the number of units visible? Is there a way to force the game to sort the unit types out? I.E. all infantry/all vehicles/all aircraft/other abilities regardless of when they become available as tech options?

It does look like there are a lot of people here who still enjoy the game. So at least the game has an active (if small) community. I'm kinda hoping that either multiplayer or a well designed mod can keep my interest.

[IntoTheRain]

I wasn't impressed with Retro personally. Lemme say that before I continue I have nothing but the highest respect for people who put all this effort into mods. I have done some mapmaking myself for a few other games, and I know how hard it can be to get people to accept, or even try, your ideas. That being said, I disagree completely with the way it was executed. Anytime a mod adds a new unit, my immediate question is 'what is this unit add to the game that the faction lacks." In the case of retro, most of the units were, or at least appear, to be put in simply for the sake of Nostalgia for Tiberian Dawn. I personally feel this just clutters up the game, and creates multiple units who fufill the same role. (I.E. heavy and tick tanks, or artillery and advanced artillery)

I have a variety of other problems with the mod as well, but I really don't feel like taking a piss all over someone else's hard work, especially when I have no plans of making my own mod for public critique. I will, however, try out Tiberian Dusk.

Edit: I have played a few games with TS: Dusk and have thus far been very impressed with the mod. It makes a number of important gameplay changes that are definitely steps in what I consider the right direction. The fact that I actually got overrun by an AI infantry rush left a smile on my face after my first game. (although it gets kinda predictable by the 3rd time) I don't feel that I am yet in a position to judge unit balance, but thus far I have only kudos for the mod designer.

This post has been edited by IntoTheRain: Sep 10 2009, 04:18 PM