Rome at War

Rome at War (RaW) is a Total Conversion (TC) mod for Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings – The Conquerors (AoK: TC).

It replaces the Mesoamerican civilizations (Aztecs and Mayans) with Mediterranean or Hellenistic ones (Romans and Greeks).

It celebrates the influence the late Roman Empire had throughout Europe and the compelling transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages that occurred in the first few centuries AD.

Rome at War was released to the public in 2001, became a sensation among Age of Empires fans everywhere, and was featured in several game magazines (PC Powerplay from Australia, Gamestar from Germany).

The runaway success of Rome at War inspired the team to create a larger mod to the same game. Later, in 2003, the team ran into technical difficulties changing fundamental features of AoK and decided to turn the mod into a standalone, independent game, which we now know as 0 A.D.

Wildfire Games proudly honors its roots and will continue to make Rome at War available for gamers everywhere.

Features

  • 35 new buildings, including 3 brand new renders.
  • 5 new units (including the Legionary and the Auxila – a light horseman).
  • Tons of new eye candy, including henges, statues, aquaducts, and bath-houses.
  • Complete sound and graphics interface conversions.

Download and Install

There are two versions for you to choose from.

Rome at War scenario version 2.0 (6.85mb)

This version has all the files you need to make some great scenarios. It comes complete with extra pieces of eyecandy and terrain. If you like to be creative in the map editor, then this is the version for you.

Rome at War multiplayer (light) version 1.3 (5.07mb)

This is the minimal version of the mod, to convert the Meso-American civs to Hellenistic civs. This version is ideal for multiplayer. It also resolves some anomalies present in the scenario version.

Requirements

  • Age of Empires II: Age of Kings.
  • Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion.
  • Mod Pack Studio Lite 2.0 or greater.

Mod Pack Studio must be installed in order to run the RaW Mod Pack. You can download either:

Note: Both versions of MPS will install either version of RaW.

Installing Scenario Version 2.0

Download and unzip the RaW Mod Pack to the destination of your choice.

The following files must then be placed in the specific sub-folders of your “Age of Empires II” directory installation.

  1. *.mp3: SoundStream.
  2. *.txt: History.
  3. *.dll: (Age of Empires II main directory).
  4. *.ai: AI.
  5. *.per: AI.
  6. *.cpx: Scenario.

Note it might be wise to rename the original language_x1.dll file before you drag it into the folder instead of replacing it. This will enable you to return back to the original ‘language’ of terms used in the game anytime you wish by simply swapping the names of the files.

Note that .dll files might be ‘hidden’ when you view them in the zip file and even when you extract them. To view and move the hidden files you must go to My Computer, Tools, Folder Options. Then go to the view tab and in the advanced settings you must select the option that allows you to “Show hidden files and folders”.

Installing Multiplayer Version 1.3

Download and unzip the RaW Mod Pack to the destination of your choice.

The following files must then be placed in the specific sub-folders of your “Age of Empires II” directory installation.

  1. *.mp3: SoundStream.
  2. *.txt: History.
  3. *.dll: (Age of Empires II main directory).

Note it might be wise to rename the original language_x1.dll file before you drag it into the folder instead of replacing it. This will enable you to return back to the original ‘language’ of terms used in the game anytime you wish by simply swapping the names of the files.

Note that .dll files might be ‘hidden’ when you view them in the zip file and even when you extract them. To view and move the hidden files you must go to My Computer => Tools => Folder Options. Then go to the view tab and in the advanced settings you must select the option that allows you to “Show hidden files and folders”.

Running the Mod

Double-click WFSRaWScnv2.akx in your RaW folder to run MPS.

A small window will appear, displaying the text “Wait while MPS installs this modpack”.

Another small window will appear, with two icons and the text “This modpack can be used with multiple versions of AOK. Please select the version to run now”. Select “The Conquerors”. The mod will now begin.

When you exit the game, all the visual mod features (not the sound, history, or names) will be removed by MPS, and the original game data will be restored. Use this method if you do not wish to permanently modify your installation of AoK.

Permanently Installing the Mod

If you wish to integrate the mod into your copy of the game, so that it is not removed on exit:

  • Run the .akx and enter the game menu, as specified in RUNNING THE MOD.
  • Press Alt-Tab to minimise the game.
  • Press Ctrl-Alt-Del to open the “Close Program” window.
  • Select “AOKMPS.exe” from the list, and click “End Task”.
  • The next time you exit the game, the mod pack will not be uninstalled.
  • You may now play RaW using the game’s executable file.
  • Since you no longer require the .akx, you can delete your RaW folder.

Restoring AoK:TC

To remove a permanent installation of the RaW mod, either reinstall Age of Kings: The Conquerors, or follow these steps:

  • Launch Windows Explorer.
  • Open your Conquerors CD.
  • Open MSGAME.CAB.
  • Select these files (hold down Ctrl to select multiple files):
    • graphics.drs
    • interfac.drs
    • sounds.drs
    • sounds_x1.drs
    • terrain.drs
  • Copy/Paste them to the Data folder of your AoK installation (e.g.: C:Microsoft GamesAge of Empires IIData).

Credits

  • Wijitmaker – Project Leader and Graphics Artist.
  • J_C_A – Maker of MPS. Without him, none of this would be possible.
  • Ensemble Studios – Creators of the wonderful “Age of” games.
  • Sierra Design and Data Becker – Provided great graphics.
  • AOKH – Hosting the mod, excellent mod forum.
  • SCNPunk – Hosted our modding team.
  • Angel Zen – Hooked up our ftp and forums.
  • Topknot – Created the Legion, helped with the language dll, and wrote all the Random names you see in the DM/RM games.
  • Sud Commander – For all the sounds. Graciously moved all the Byzantine sounds to the Mayans and Aztecs.
  • Dire_Wolf – For the Parthenon.
  • Aznknightmare – For the Trebuchet.
  • Habbit Bundy – For the Auxila.
  • Topknot, BullsWool – For their expertise and advice.
  • AOKH modding community – For ideas, and teaching us the skills of modding.
  • Enrique Orduno – For cracking the TWALL.
  • Ingrownlip – For the flash movies and flag.
  • Cian Mcguire – History Text.
  • Derfel Cadarn, Cian Mcguire, Topknot, RomeIsTheBest, Revned, SUD_Commander, AlejandroGonzo, BBT, and The_Piemaster – For reviewing the mod.