Heroes of Stalingrad Developer Diary

[markhwalker]

Not sure how to title this. I just want want there to be a place to get info.

The current update on the game... we have all but two of the German campaign missions in the game. We have also completed several of the stand-alone scenarios. Most of the animations and voice-overs are also in, and the AI is really, really improving. About 90% of everything that is in the V3 Lock 'n Load rules is in the game. We still need to get off-board artillery in, and some other stuff that I'm probably forgetting.

Humorous note on the voice-overs... when units rally they say something inspirational to let gamers know they are ready to go. For example a German squad might exclaim, "For Germany!" Well... one of the requested lines was, "Let's get them boys!" Unfortunately the actor's German accent didn't quite get it right. Much to our dismay, when we played the supposedly macho rally cry, it sounded like several men shouting, "Let's get some boys!" LOL.

[SwampYankee68]

Save that one for your ancient greek game!  [:)]

[markhwalker]

An update... Marc is now working on the first four Soviet campaign maps, and Tom is coding in offboard artillery and airstrike rules. David is working on, well... let's just say unique counters for the Soviets. These weapons are revealed if the Germans choose to take a branch in thier campaign.
 
Artillery will start by using the V3 rules, in other words the strike impacts in the same impulse it is called, but we may back off that after testing. We do that in the board game to prevent units from running away from an attack. In the computer game we have other options.
 
The airstrike will use the same rules that we are testing for the Falklands module on the board game, titled Ring of Hills.
 
The first four Soviet campaign scenarios are pretty interesting with the Soviets required to do everything from escort civilians, to master a temporary change from turn-base to real-time as they attempt to rush off a board.

[siRkid]

Crap, now I have to send out an updated Xmass list with this game on it to all my relatives.[;)]

[markhwalker]

Hi Kid,
 
It won't make Christmas, sorry.

[siRkid]

Well, thats ok now I have something to look forward to after Christmas.[:D]

[andym]

Will the Ring of hills be coming out for PC?

[markhwalker]

Ring of Hills

That is not currently in the plans, but anything is possible. We are, afterall, creating a game engine here, so that engine could conceivably be used to model any LnL game. Personally, the first one that comes to mind would be Day of Heroes.

[markhwalker]

ORIGINAL: Kid

Well, thats ok now I have something to look forward to after Christmas.[:D]

Thanks for your patience. BTW, are you interested in play testing? We are putting together an outside team...so far everything has been done in house. If so, email me at mark at markhwalker dot com.

[Barthheart]

ORIGINAL: markhwalker


Thanks for your patience. BTW, are you interested in play testing? We are putting together an outside team...so far everything has been done in house. If so, email me at mark at markhwalker dot com.

Email sent.

[funks]

Me too.

[Punisher]

ORIGINAL: Barthheart

ORIGINAL: markhwalker


Thanks for your patience. BTW, are you interested in play testing? We are putting together an outside team...so far everything has been done in house. If so, email me at mark at markhwalker dot com.

Email sent.

Yes count me in as a play tester!

Punisher

[NefariousKoel]

I also sent an email last night. [:)]

[andym]

I also did,however it wasnt to the right person.Oooops!Re sent.

[SwampYankee68]

Day of Heroes would be a good computer game certainly.  I'd like to see the Vietnam games out on the PC as well someday.
 
Then seeing them ported over to Xbox Live Arcade......  What, too soon? 

[swetiger]

ORIGINAL: markhwalker

ORIGINAL: Kid

Well, thats ok now I have something to look forward to after Christmas.[:D]

Thanks for your patience. BTW, are you interested in play testing? We are putting together an outside team...so far everything has been done in house. If so, email me at mark at markhwalker dot com.

Still open? [:)]

[markhwalker]

Still open?

 
Perhaps. Email trideau at locknloadgame dot com.

[markhwalker]

We are busting our butt on this. Implementing the persistent layer to the German campaign now. Basically you'll be able choose up to three units to carry from mission to mission. You'll be able to upgrade those troops (or a single tank), increasing firepower, morale, range, buying skill cards, or --in the case of the tank-- armor upgrades, increasing rate oof fire, slight movement increases, etc. Also incorperated patrol technology this week...enabling enemy squads to hunt for your forces.
 
Last month we put in air support and off-board artillery. This game will rock your tactical world.

[SwampYankee68]

Thanks for the update.

[RichyRambo]

Awesome!.  I'll assume the development is also being spent on a PC version of World at War: Eisenbach Gap right? RIGHT?