Above is the ModPlay for MGSO - Morrowind Graphics and Sound Overhaul, a Mod lead by KINGPIX over on planetelderscrolls.
About two weeks ago I picked up Morrowind Game of the Year Edition from the local games store, I've seen mods for it, so I figured 'why not?'. After installing it and getting it working, I fired it up, and first noticed my resolution aspect ratio was limited to a 4:3, and i record in a 16:9.
So I set off on a Google search, I wound up at the Elder Scrolls Nexus, and found a couple viable options.
One was the FPS Optimizer by Alexander Stasenko, and the other (which provides the resolution fix and more) was The Morrowind Graphics Extender by Timeslip - which is quite possibly the mod, or tweak with the most nobs and buttons I've ever seen. With simple options like choosing your resolution to in depth tweaks like changing the Shader Model Version and Editing the Shader Chain, I was confused, and face-palming. So, I grabbed a cup of joe [an energy drink] and researched it, and played with it for about and hour or two.
I soon found myself on google once more, searching "Guide To Morrowind Modding", where i found several, well written, descriptive guides which provide a list of mods and texture replacements to make Morrowind "Fit" for 2011.
When it comes to me downloading mods, I like to keep things organized. For each texture pack or model replacement i downloaded, i made a note in a notepad file I would create in the same directory where i stored the mods. This got old fast, with around 40 more mods to download and sort through, I gave up.
I gave one last effort, hopeing that the third time's the charm with google, and thats when I found the Morrowind Graphics and Sound Overhaul mod. The mod is a combination of some of the best Morrowind texture replacements and models, all put into one nice and shiny installer.
So, after reading through the installation guide, i figured it was worth the time, and wasn't nearly as complicated as applying individual mods myself. I found the installation process wasn't quite quick, but it was painless. The guide was well written, everything made sense, and they still gave you choices if you wanted to install this or that, but it wasn't too confusing and it worked out well.
After installing the base version, i gave it a go. My computer, being a low end gaming machine, didn't do so well. I was ending up around 20 frames per second when i got out of the boat and looked around, right in the beginning. So, i took the mod to my friend's house - who i just helped build a shiny new mid range gaming computer for. I decided to see how his rig would do, and cranked the texture resolution all the way up, and I extended the View distance out quite a bit, it was playable, but wouldn't be too friendly with FRAPS.
With the little amount of pain, there was alot of gain. MGSO was exactly what i was looking for. While sticking to Morrowind's guns, it makes a bold move on Oblivion. No more flat faces, No more boring environments, and most importantly [in my opinion], the water is transparent, instead of opaque. This may all sound very trivial, but it makes a difference.
After tinkering with some of the settings, I managed to get it running at a good, constant 40 fps without FRAPS, which is ideal.
At the end of the day, I have to say, Morrowind, although not one of the most mod friendly games, has a few needles in the haystack, and the Morrowind Graphics and Sound Overhaul is definitely one of them. As long as your PC can run it.
Next on my list, Morrowind Rebirth.
Deadrawkstar - Modinformer.org
MGSO - Morrowind Graphics and Sound Overhaul Download at Plantetelderscrolls.com
MGS reminds me of Metal Gear Solid. lol
Be aware of that my mod Rebirth won't work well with MGSO.s grass. U might wanna disable grass before you run them togheter :)
Awww here I was thinking I had found a great combo :( But that's the price we have to pay for being able to play awesome mods: complications when running multiple mods together, or just running one mod only.
There's some really awesome and impressive stuff being done for old Morrowind still. I'm really glad you're highlighting some of that and the excellent stuff that has been created over the years with special coverage like this. Morrowind will never die.
Thanks Guys!
Don't forget to check out our website :D
Trancemaster - Expect to see your mod on our youtube channel soon :D
A great mod-bundle that deserved the lime-light. It'll take Morro to 2011.
I recognized this mod the most, because i've been in the shoes of trying to assemble a pack of quality mods, and it takes alot. The group who has done this deserves alot of respect, I'm sure hundreds of hours have been poured into the creation of this.