Even before its release a couple of months ago, Sins of a Solar Empire was touted as being extremely mod-friendly. Now, after four patches and a lot of hard work, the mod community is starting to show off the fruits of their labors.

Browsing the modding forums will turn up lots of gems. Some alter the gameplay, like Sins Plus, which adds 11 new planet types like Urban, Oceanic, Barren, and Paradise. Others, like my personal favorite BailKnight’s Graphical Mod, change the way the game looks with new and improved graphical effects.


Above:  The Venator was an early form of Star Destroyer used by the Republic during the Clone Wars. Soon you’ll be able to see how they hold up against X-Wings and TIE fighters

Mods in progress to keep an eye on:
Legendary Star Wars modder EvilleJedi, whose work many may remember from the Warlords mod for Homeworld 2 (check out his site here), is busy working on a Star Wars total conversion. Expect full Rebel Alliance and Imperial fleets at the minimum, but knowing EvilleJedi’s thoroughness in the past I’d be surprised if the mod didn’t eventually get Old Republic, Separatists, and Yuuzhan Vong factions as well.


Above:  An early screenshot of the Trekmods team’s work shows a Romulan Warbird, a Klingon Bird of Prey, and a Sovereign class starship in game and ready to battle the Dominion/Carassian/Breen alliance

Major Stress and the Trekmods team are working on a Star Trek total conversion entitled Sacrifice of Angels 2: Apocalypse Rising, a followup to their amazing Homeworld 1 mod set during the Dominion War in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. When completed, the mod will feature the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Jem’Hadar, and an almost entirely fan-made Breen fleet. Before you ask: no, there are no Borg. 

May 8, 2008