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About this mod
Simply replaces the portraits for the original heroes and includes options for those added by various mods.
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Out of Date
When I have time, I'd really like to update this mod, but it's very time consuming to manage portraits for VCMI, and I also have access to better AI models trained on Heroes 3 art with better prompts. If possible, I'd like to make several alternative portraits for different with different expressions, themes, and ages, so that skilled map makers can use the existing characters in new creative settings where they appear younger/older, or in different factions and with different expressions. AI is terrible at expressions that are not neutral, and so now to complete one set of portraits per hero, it's taking a very long time. I spent around 6 hours creating just 3 versions of one hero.
This mod serves to simply replace the portraits of the original heroes with fresh and alternative options. Most were created using batches of AI images as overlays in GIMP, then I photo-edited the layers to suit my preferences, taking whichever elements of the image seemed to fit the best. I'm aware these portraits are not consistent with Heroes 3's original style which has more of an illustrated old fantasy book feel; though I do prefer that style, I wasn't able to replicate it. When I have time, I'd really like to update this mod, but it's very time consuming to manage portraits for VCMI, and I also have access to better AI models trained on Heroes 3 art with better prompts. If possible, I'd like to make several alternative portraits for different with different expressions, themes, and ages, so that skilled map makers can use the existing characters in new creative settings where they appear younger/older, or in different factions and with different expressions. AI is terrible at expressions that are not neutral, and so now to complete one set of portraits per hero, it's taking a very long time. I spent around 6 hours creating just 3 versions of one hero.
Why only VCMI?
Currently, I haven't produced PCX versions of these portraits for compatibility with other mods and to preserve the image quality. However, creating them through batch image manipulation could be relatively straightforward if there is enough interest—though, being a game from 1999, the community's activity is limited. For my personal use with VCMI, I found the PNG format advantageous since it's natively supported by Windows Explorer and retains a higher level of image quality. I think VCMI overall has the most potential for the future of this old game with its modularity and independent engine. Eventually, with VCMI it could be possible to have a fully open-source Heroes gaming experience.
Attention Reddit Contrarians
I've heard "AI BAD" before. If AI did a bad job, I will try to fix it as I have. I spent upwards of 30 minutes on each one in GIMP, not to mention how long it took to find a collection of free images + AI-generated portraits which I could combine as layers and photo edit. If you have a raging nostalgia boner for how the original characters looked, good for you. I like most of the originals too, except the crappy 3D model to image Campaign and Conflux heroes. You can rub your nipples and comment about how much better the original characters were or whine about how I've "massacred" your favorite characters. This is optional, and I made this entire pack mainly for myself just as an alternative to the original portraits. For me working on this was a small passion project and it took a great deal of time. I like it, and if you don't have any feedback I can use to improve them, then I don't care what you think; simple as that.