iFleet + FutureTrader with main plot?

Hi,

After a long absence, I'm considering getting back to I-War2. I was wondering about downloading and trying out mods, especially iFleet & FutureTrader. I actually tried those briefly the last time I finished the plot, but I'm wondering if it's possible to play through the whole plot with one or both of these mods enabled? If it's possible, do they affect the game balance (make it significantly easier to do the plot missions)?

I actually inquired about this same issue some months ago, but didn't get a definite answer. After that, I've heard some contradictory pieces of information, claiming that you can use them with the plot (FutureTrader at least) and also claiming that you can't. Which is it?

Mods are not recommended for use with the plot. Mostly because the mission code never expected you to have multiple ships. Or be able to purchase items. The greatest danger is destroying stations. And not just by you. Lots of ships attack stations. Which was fine when they were invulnerable. Not so good when they don't shoot back.

So use them if you don't mind getting stuck. (you can always download a save game). Or you could just use a save game to skip to the end and begin free form play.


-Gtrout

There is another mod called station assault, which beefs up the stations with gunstars and patrols. You definately don't have to worry about marauder attacks, since they will get annihilated. Especially when they attack the St. Elmo's navy Research Institute. That place is a freakin fortress. <!-- s:o --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_surprised.gif" alt="" title="Surprised" /><!-- s:o -->

Stations can take a beating long enough that you can just LDS away, and then things should be fine. However I think station assault adds in some Navy attacks against Outlaw stations, whom don't seem to fight back half the time. That might be a problem.