This thread is a directory of sorts providing links to various planet and star mods. Given the nature of the Sins community, many mods may pool graphics from the same sources, and often conversion mods include their own planetary graphics without standalone versions. Nevertheless, this is an attempt to provide links and downloads to mods that are predominantly textures and graphics used for new planetary content.
Let me be clear: I am by no means trying to "appropriate" others' works. Rather, I'm trying to make it easier to find these planet mods (something difficult given how many threads are under the "Mod" section)...
Please, please, please post links to mods that are not already listed...a comprehensive list for the community would be great...
Clicking on the name of the mod will take you to the official thread or website. Direct downloads to the most recent/applicable/pure version have also been provided. Please note that the date indicates when the download link was established, and not when the mod was most recently updated.
Some of these threads are dead, and some are managed by modders who, while active, are very busy with other projects. Therefore, questions pertinent to a particular mod probably should be posted here as well as the mod's actual thread.
TO THE MODDERS:
If your mod is listed here and you would like to have it referenced in a different way, please let me know. If improper credit has been given please let me know so I can fix it right away. All downloads located below are hosted by me on MediaFire; they are not hosted by the original creators, but are the same versions I have acquired through the provided links. This has been done for the convenience of those reading this thread and to serve as backups for any of these mods. If you do not want a copy of your mod hosted by me, let me know and I will change the link.
Sins Plus
Sins Plus is an old classic, one that has been incorporated into many mod projects. Created by Uzii, the thread is long dead and the original mod is no longer supported. Fortunately, various forms of Sins Plus have been updated and repackaged by a variety of people over the years. One such version by rjhughes67 packages it with ManShOOter's Volumetric Explosions, Bailknight's Graphics Mod, and the Sins Optimization Project. A version exists for both entrenchment and diplomacy.
Rick's Galaxy (has links to both versions)
A more "pure" form of Sins Plus for Diplomacy also exists (Check out dolynick's Galaxy Mod or Cosmos Ad Infinitum)
Infinite Space
This currently is a work in progress. AxelDude has released a series of new content, including both new textures/meshes as well as revamped versions of Sins Plus and the vanilla assets. These textures are extremely well done, and avoid the polar pinching that many planet mods often suffer from. Eventually all of the textures will be coupled with icons as well.
The thread is still active so watch for updates and new content! AxelDude also has his own website with pictures, links, and details.
dolynick's Galaxy Mod
This is an updated version of Uzii's Sins Plus. Created by dolynick, Galaxy Mod is a complete and playable standalone mod that is also incorporated in Stargate Races.
dolynick's Galaxy Mod v1.06 (12/06/2011)
Additionally, dolynick has created a Planetsize Mod that increases the size of planets and gravity wells for realistic purposes. Ship speeds are changed accordingly. For details on how to stack this with Galaxy Mod see dolynick's thread.
dolynick's Planetsize Mod v1.03 (12/07/2011)
Cosmos Ad Infinitum
Created by ZombiesRus5, Cosmos Ad Infinitum is currently 4 separate standalone mods, each with its own unique planets and textures. Features include different planet sizes, fantastic textures, and an updated version of Sins Plus.
Cosmos Ad Infinitum has been incorporated into Sins of the Fallen and is hosted on MODDB.
Novus Universum
Made by NovaCameron, this mod adds a lot of new content. Noted for its realism and high detail, Novus Universum features moons, 8 planet sizes, a variety of stars, and much more! Much of NovaCameron's work has been incorporated into the conversion mod Star Wars: Sins of a Galactic Empire.
Novus Universum v1.2 (12/06/2011)
A set of Galaxy Forge planet icons for Novus Universum has been created by Ludo Kreesh.
SoGE Galaxy Forge Planet Icons v1.0 (1/03/2012)
Celestial Bodies
Created by TohKlidan, Celestial Bodies offers a host of new planets and stars. Features of this mod include different planet sizes (Moon, Dwarf, Normal, and Huge), black holes, new scenarios, and companion stars.
The related thread provides more details regarding the mod, but unfortunately has not been kept up to date. However, an updated version (Entrenchment 1.053) has been created by rjhughes67. Adaptation to Diplomacy will have to be done on your own.
Celestial Bodies v0.9.2 (12/06/2011)
Multiple Stars Graphics Mod
A nice little change by boshimi336, this mod removes the colored spiral each star system is represented by when zoomed out. This mod makes for a much cleaner map and better experience when playing on multi-star maps, especially those with lots of stars. This work has been incorporated into Distant Stars, though a slightly different version is used for that mod.
Multiple Stars Graphics Mod v0.3 (12/06/2011)