Another matrix failure

[JudgeDredd]

Tomar

I don't think people are suggesting you have a degree in computing. I think the heading of your post along with the fact that many people seem not to be having the same issues as you has brought the thread down a bit.

There are many, many more things that can go wrong with a game running on a system than just the game having a bug. Sure, they can overcome some things by chaning something in the game, but inevitably, due to the nature of the PC and how many thousands of different combinations of hardware are out there, multiplied by how many thousands of different drivers being used by those people...it's a bit harsh to say the game is a failure.

You appear to have a valid gripe...the game is CTD for you. That's fine and it IS infuriating...but suggesting the game is a failure is very counter productive. Also, considering you are having problems with 2 other titles, and many more people are not, then it does appear to be down to a "system issue". Now that doesn't help you. But it's not trying to divert blame. You have bought a product and it doesn't work...so you need help fixing it and identifying the issue...but don't through mud at the developers. From what I can tell, they've done an excellent job "on release"...far, far better than some other developers.

Now you're problem may be something to do with some "external library" that the game is using, be that linked to DirectX (the standard graphics engine for windows), or sound drivers...or it could be your graphics drivers...or your operating syste.

The trouble is, you've headed quite an aggressive thread when you apparently need help...and that isn't really the way to get help.

First off, if you're going to require help, you should always inform people of your system spec...most important are the points I mentioned above.

Second - and more importantly from the desv point of view - is the devs get lots of knowledge from the DXDiag file...so go to Start -> Run and type in DXDiag. This will bring up a dialog that will analyse your system, drivers and all. Then save that to your desktop and post it in the Tech Support forum for this game.

Good luck.

[JudgeDredd]

I meant to post a link to this thread also. Erik posted it some time ago and it outlines some of the issues (although I don't think it portrays fully what developers have to go through to get a bug free game...something that every developer wants, but simply cannot have) that face developers and publishers and most definitely something people like us (purchasers) should take on board before shouting about something being a failure.

[tmoj2000]

The problem is you DON'T understand. Hardware and software for PC's are more than joined at the hip. If you want to get the best out of both you have to UNDERSTAND what's going on in both. If you've got time to play the game, you've got time to educate yourself about what you're playing it on so you know what you're talking about. It benefits you if there is a problem and it benefits you in getting the most out of your system so you'll enjoy to the max what you've purchased. Willful ignorance and an above it all attitude will not serve you well in this instance. The title of your thread is totally uncalled for. Matrix puts out fine products and supports them as well as anybody else does in the business, and no, I do not work for them. I just appreciate what they do and trust them to patch their stuff. They rarely disappoint.

I think you -and others here- are conpletely missing the point.

First off I have bought and paid for some 20 matrix games over the year. That is what is called a repeat customer.
Second most, if not all, of the issues I listed are experienced by other users as well... Read the posts. Some of them were posted by me earlier simply because I probably played more at that point having gone through half a dozen missions
Third I dont know what business you are in, but in my business a customer that complains is actually the best kind because he gives us a chance to improve our products and services. Nothing worse than an unhappy customer that says nothing and walks away never to be seen again
Fourth and most important check your calendar. We are in 2009, this is not the eighties anymore. PCs and programs for them are mass consumer products, just like TVs or CDs or cars or whatever. The average customer will not go digging into their TV if it does not work, They will bring it back so it is repaired as per the warranty. Why do you expect customers for PC games to be otherwise ? You do not need to know the specifics of your car engine to use it and not crash.....Why do you insist of seeing things differently for PCs
By assuming that customers have an obligation to understand the inner workings of their machine what you are doing is that you are simply limiting the number of potential customers. You are saying : to buy this product you not only need to have in interest in wargaming but you also must be ready to fiddle with your computer. I got news for you: most people are not.
Most of us have "standard" PCs. The beauty of standard is that you should not have to worry about specifics. You should be able to install a program on your machine and use it. In other words we expect "plug and play". Many people when buying PCs buy extra capacity (i.e. more storage, more memory , more processor speed) just to be on the safe side and not deal with system issues.
Personnally I'd love matrix to have more customers. more cash flow and hence be able to invest into developing even more games
Your attitude unfortunately ensures that this will not be the case. You are in essence saying that "if you do not want to invest the time to understand technical aspects of your comp, dont buy this product"....

And lastly, if you like the game post about its qualities, explain why its good and what you like about it , do exciting AARs, instead of trying to discredit those who have issues with it

[JudgeDredd]

ORIGINAL: tomar
...
Fourth and most important check your calendar. We are in 2009, this is not the eighties anymore. PCs and programs for them are mass consumer products, just like TVs or CDs or cars or whatever. The average customer will not go digging into their TV if it does not work, They will bring it back so it is repaired as per the warranty. Why do you expect customers for PC games to be otherwise ? You do not need to know the specifics of your car engine to use it and not crash.....Why do you insist of seeing things differently for PCs
...

Because the PC market and running software (the problems encountered are not limited to games, I can assure you) is not the same as using a television. And with your car analogy, you DO need to know how it works in order to not crash - that's what driving lessons and tests are for, right?

And there is no such thing as a "standard PC". That is exactly the problem and why you have to have some understanding so that you can address the issues...if indeed it is an issue you can address. As an example of this, I bought a game called Far Cry 2 many moons ago. When I got it and tried to run this game, it was crashing. One of the first things I did was go to the nVidia website and check what the lastest drivers were for my graphics card. Knowing that the version I had was earlier than the latest on their site, I downloaded them, updated the computer, rebooted and hey-presto...job done. No need to run off and slag company x off...I was able to fix the issue. So rather than sit there and curse the company for releasing buggy software, I was able to determine that not only was their game not buggy, but it was something I could fix.

Like it or not (and I get the impression you don't) you are going to have to "fiddle" sometimes to get something to work on your PC (games or other software). It's been like that since 1993 when I got my first computer and it will continue to be so until computers become consoles (god forbid the day). If you do not like that fact, or if you don't agree that you need to "find out" some things about your PC, then maybe buy a console. [:'(]

No-one is saying your problem doesn't mean anything...but "Another Matrix Failure" seems very heavy handed and is bound to get some regulars backs up when it's against a compnay that most here respect very much. Alot of people have been around here a long time and have seen first hand what Matrix have done with regards to games released, support, patches, pricing...and I'd stick my neck out and say a large chunk of people who have been around awhile very much regard Matrix as one of the finest publishers of the wargaming genre and supporters of the software they release...so the title is inflammatory to them.

[Obsolete]

Personnally I'd love matrix to have more customers. more cash flow and hence be able to invest into developing even more games

Tomar, I don't think you understand Matrix very well, (aside from computer settings.) While they may develop a game here and there, they are mostly a publishing company. Since you seem to claim to be so knowledgable about the product you ordered, I am surprised you did notice the developer's name plastered all over (Binary-Evolution-Studios).

[rmielech]

Most of us have "standard" PCs. The beauty of standard is that you should not have to worry about specifics. You should be able to install a program on your machine and use it. In other words we expect "plug and play".

That's a console mentality, and "we" DON"T expect plug and play because "we" know better. Computers aren't set in stone like that. Hardware and software are constantly being updated, and you need to stay on top of it or you'll get buried. That can happen to you willingly or unwillingly, but keeping your head in the sand and expecting something you're not going to get is disingenuous to say the least. Learn your machine so you can get the best out of it. It's not that difficult, and it should be obvious that it needs to be done. Your case is a prime example.

[Arctic Blast]

I'm amazed he's been able to buy and play this many games over the years and never run in to a problem before without even knowing his system specs.

Tomar, EVERYONE should know their basic system specs, because those determine what you are capable of running...not just for games, but software in general. That's why every piece of software has its hardware requirements clearly labeled on the box or web page, so that you can look and see if your system meets those requirements.

Also, keeping drivers up to date isn't difficult...when new ones come out, you download and install them the same way you install any other software.

[Obsolete]

In other words we expect "plug and play".

Plug & Play has been correctly re-dubbed as Plug & Pray ever since its inception...

For obvious reasons.

[Mike Parker]

ORIGINAL: Obsolete

In other words we expect "plug and play".

Plug & Play has been correctly re-dubbed as Plug & Pray ever since its inception...

For obvious reasons.

To be fair though Plug and Play takes alot less divine intervention than it did when the first ISA cards touted the capability.

[Adam Parker]

Guys this thread should have finished way up at Erik's first reply and the OP's comeback.

@ Obsolete - I know you've a vested interest in this title as a tester but I think the language you are using in many threads may be inflamatory or highly sarcastic to say the least. It's a shame that the designer Ralf wasn't here the first couple of days when the game was released as it seems that you were burdened all alone (other than Erik) to respond to some disappointed customer feedback - mine included.

Re Crashes - I had one (more of a freeze) and it's likely code related re a specific scenario or relating to a certain mouse click. Other than visiting the Wargamer I haven't had a crash on this system ever [:'(]

Re Matrix Games that Sucked - Yeah I had one too. It was that very first Napoleonic title so long ago... Austerlitz? That was it. Could never get it to run and was the first and only game disc I've ever given back to a store. The game was so good, it no longer has a mention here at Matrix [:D]

So let's cut the OP some slack. As he said, if his thread title is a bit over the top, post some AAR's and what we like about the game.

I agree with him, if a box says we have the right ram and CPU, then a game should run.

For me, had Ralf posted his fantastic tips and ideas prior to releasing the game and outlined what Ogre was, my only gripe with it would be my crash and those ghost graphics now being looked at. LOL, one of his recent tips showed up something needing to be fixed in the hot keys. That's what pre-game marketing is all about.

Edit: Got Ralf's name wrong [X(]

[Erik Rutins]

Guys, I do agree that we should please let Tomar be. He has e-mailed me with his other issues and I will respond to him and help him there. The thread title simply reflects how he felt at that point and if you'd had three games in a row not work well, you'd probably have said the same thing. Let's let this thread go and focus on playing and giving feedback on the game itself.

[moltobenny]

Y'all should change the title of this thread. I don't own the game, but from what I've read so far, it's hardly a failure. That's not a great thing to be the first thing you see when you come into the forum.

[Erik Rutins]

Ok, here goes.

[PoorOldSpike]

As regards the wargaming community in general, Matrix are getting a reputation as being a company that goes for quantity over quality, offering a huge range of titles even though some are not so good, a chaff and wheat situation.

(PS- Op Barb is fairly okay)

[wworld7]

ORIGINAL: Poor Old Spike

As regards the wargaming community in general, Matrix are getting a reputation as being a company that goes for quantity over quality, offering a huge range of titles even though some are not so good, a chaff and wheat situation.

(PS- Op Barb is fairly okay)

I disagree with your opinion here.

IMO, Matrix appears to put more effort into quality and than many other companies.

[JudgeDredd]

ORIGINAL: Poor Old Spike

As regards the wargaming community in general, Matrix are getting a reputation as being a company that goes for quantity over quality, offering a huge range of titles even though some are not so good, a chaff and wheat situation.

(PS- Op Barb is fairly okay)

100% completely disagree [X(]

[sliver_bullet]

The word should not be quantity , variety is the correct word

Thanks to matrix , every level of gamers get to enjoy new games

and I salute matrix for that

[willgamer]

ORIGINAL: Poor Old Spike

As regards the wargaming community in general, Matrix are getting a reputation as being a company that goes for quantity over quality, offering a huge range of titles even though some are not so good, a chaff and wheat situation.

(PS- Op Barb is fairly okay)

Couldn't disagree more with your interpretation of Matrix willingness to give small developers a chance.

As for your presumption to speak for the wargaming community, well... it speaks for itself![:-][:'(]

[Arctic Blast]

ORIGINAL: Poor Old Spike

As regards the wargaming community in general, Matrix are getting a reputation as being a company that goes for quantity over quality, offering a huge range of titles even though some are not so good, a chaff and wheat situation.

(PS- Op Barb is fairly okay)

So somehow publishing games other small groups are developing (many of which would probably still be stuck searching for a publisher otherwise) somehow takes away from the quality of the releases? How does that even make sense? It would be nice to see some arguments to back up a point like that.

[jackx]

Well, if there is no release in the first place, you can't possibly have any quality issues.

And while that statement by itself  isn't very helpful, I think it could point in the right direction - too many WW2 games.
Not only have some of them (supposedly, I don't play them) set the bar very high within their sub-genre, but with an increase in choice usually also comes an increase in scrutiny, which, the situation of the OP aside, could at least partially account for, as Judge Dredd put it on another thread, "minor issues being blown out of proportion".


Of course, that's just speculation from an outsider, and one who's biased pro-Matrix at that, since without them, I'd probably not be playing a new installment in the HnM series now, possibly not at all.