Strategic Cammand PBEM beta available (v1.01.01)

[Benedict151]

Hello everyone
The beta version of the Strategic Command PBEM update is now available. This is v1.01.01 beta.
It also includes a few other updates, please see the changelist below

This PBEM beta includes the v1.01 update

Hubert and Bill are of course continuing to work on making Strategic Command even better so by the time the PBEM update is made official you can expect a few more tweaks and fixes. This will be followed by another significant update for which the goal is the bring the UI up to level detailed in the manual.

To download the PBEM v1.01.01 beta please go the Strategic Command Public Beta forum which should now be open for all forum members.
Be aware that it is a beta patch so there may be the odd unexpected issue
Also please be warned that save games from the release version will not work with this update.

We'd appreciate it if you could post any feedback or reports of issues with v1.01.01 on the beta forum rather than on this main forum

Thank you for your patience and we hope you enjoy it

Regards
Ben Wilkins

STATEGIC COMMAND v1.01.01 CHANGE LIST
implemented multiplayer PBEM++.
fixed an 'animate_tile_control_update_after_land_unit_move' CTD error when moving an air unit and being subsequently surprised by a hidden adjacent enemy unit.
fixed several 'animate_replay_list' errors related to the PBEM++ replay system.
fixed several memory issues that resulted in 'failed to blit surface' CTD errors.
fixed an error related to fully Neutral hexes with resources on them that resulted in a CTD when mouse hovering over that hex.
added a time stamp to saved games consistent with PBEM++ lobby time stamp format.
amended the date stamp for saved games to be consistent with the PBEM++ lobby time stamp format.
older saves from previous versions of the game will now be marked by their older version number in the Load Saved Game screen if the saves are still compatible with the current version of the game.

[freeboy]

ok, so to be clear this is pbem not head to head vis email? thanks

[Hubert Cater]

Hi Freeboy,

It is head to head using the Slitherine play by email (PBEM) server. Turns are automatically downloaded and uploaded via the server and email messages are sent to you from the server letting you know if it is your turn etc. It is all handled in game via the PBEM++ Online main menu button option which takes you to the PBEM++ Lobby. No need to attach and send turns via traditional email anymore [8D]

Hubert

[xwormwood]

It is much more comfortable compared to the BF pbem which is used for the SC2 series.
Well done, Hubert!

[Christolos]

ORIGINAL: Hubert Cater

Turns are automatically downloaded and uploaded via the server and email messages are sent to you from the server letting you know if it is your turn etc. It is all handled in game via the PBEM++ Online main menu button option which takes you to the PBEM++ Lobby. No need to attach and send turns via traditional email anymore [8D]

Hubert

So does this mean that players won't be allowed to reload turns (i.e., cheat) to get better combat results before the turns are uploaded?

C

[n0kn0k]

If you quit the game gets saved to the server.
I even had a crash and I believe that made me autoresign. So that can't be abused also. [8D]

[Dmondragon75]

Since I dunno how PBEM+ system works, got a few newbie questions:
1. Is it or will it be possible to see all players which are in lobby
2. I assume locked games are unavailable to join (since I see only 3 ongoing locked games). Will the game that is available to join be shown on that same list as unlocked or there s another way to find opponent?
3. How the hell can I find an opponent???
Tnx in advance

[wadortch]

Hello Benedict.

Where does one find this beta forum?

Thanks!

[Dmondragon75]

I had the same problem, U must be logged in to see Beta Forum on main forum page of SC

[SGTFENN]

Cool. Now I need to find the download!

[mst007]

Does this beta version feature replays chaps? Thank you

[SGTFENN]

There is some Replay that I can tell. I had two crashes but didn't lose anything just restarted the application. I like via email pbem you know your next or if you look at the pbem site the file changes to let you know its your turn. Also I think they will get more sales now that this feature is out. Wow. Its amazing feeling not knowing what a human will do next in a battle. Italy is pressuring the British in the Med at peace time. Funny.

[Hubert Cater]

ORIGINAL: Xwormwood

It is much more comfortable compared to the BF pbem which is used for the SC2 series.
Well done, Hubert!

Thanks! [:)]

[Hubert Cater]

ORIGINAL: CC1

ORIGINAL: Hubert Cater

Turns are automatically downloaded and uploaded via the server and email messages are sent to you from the server letting you know if it is your turn etc. It is all handled in game via the PBEM++ Online main menu button option which takes you to the PBEM++ Lobby. No need to attach and send turns via traditional email anymore [8D]

Hubert

So does this mean that players won't be allowed to reload turns (i.e., cheat) to get better combat results before the turns are uploaded?

C

As n0kn0k mentioned, anytime you quit while a turn is in progress it will be saved to the server and when you reload it will continue at the last point you left off. Saving your turn in progress, if this is something you also wanted to do for any reason, will have the same result.

[Hubert Cater]

ORIGINAL: Dmondragon75

Since I dunno how PBEM+ system works, got a few newbie questions:
1. Is it or will it be possible to see all players which are in lobby
2. I assume locked games are unavailable to join (since I see only 3 ongoing locked games). Will the game that is available to join be shown on that same list as unlocked or there s another way to find opponent?
3. How the hell can I find an opponent???
Tnx in advance

1) Right now the lobby will only show your own challenges (My Challenges), those that others have issued (Open Challenges) and only your current games in progress (My Games).

2) These games are typically initiated by two players that exclusively want to only play each other and have protected their challenge with a password. If you set a challenge to anyone in the SC community, then setting it without a password will do the trick and it will not be shown with the pad lock.

3) The easiest thing to do here is to issue your own challenge via the 'Host Challenge' button and eventually anyone else looking for a challenge will join and then you are off to the races [:)]

[Hubert Cater]

ORIGINAL: Mark Trowbridge

Does this beta version feature replays chaps? Thank you

Yes, all opponent moves are recorded and a replay will be shown to you relative to what would be visible to you under fog of war if that setting is enabled. You will also be given the choice to view the replay of the last turn or not at the beginning of your turn.

[elmo3]

Played a half dozen or so turns using PBEM++ and I can say the replay works great for showing you what happened on the previous turn.

[mst007]

That sounds fantastic, thanks Hubert, and also for the other replies.

[Leadwieght]

Just started my first two MP games. REALLY like the fact that you don't have to do the whole compress file-attach file-email-wait for reply routine.

I do miss the chance to chat, or is there some way to send a message as you post your move?

I'm happy to have a replay, but I noticed that it runs at double-quick time. Is there any way to change the settings to slow it down to the default speed used when playing against the AI ?

[freeboy]

LeadW why dont you simply email the person.. or text for messeging??