Is this ability programmed?

[JudgeDredd]

Just wanted to check one thing regarding the new features of COTA...

I was playing a scenario earlier with RDOA and noticed that I couldn't specify various formations for each waypoint....is this going to be available this time round?

Why you ask? Well, I was sending some troops up a road and, at the end, I wanted them to probe. So I set the waypoints and I set the final waypoint to Probe. Now, wth a probe, I wanted an attacking formation....but going up the road I wanted a column (road) formation....but when I changed the formation to column to go up the road, it changed the formation at the Probe waypoint to column....and when I changed the Probe waypoint to line (or echelon left or whatever), it changed the rest of the waypoints to the same.

I'm not sure if it's taken care of in the game (it didn't seem to be) but if it isn't taken care of by the AI (and if it is, then it should be displayed as such...so if the AI decides a column formation is appropriate for a particular waypoint, then it should show it as such), then the user really needs the ability to specify different formations along a route. It doesn't make sense to probe/attack in column formation just because it had to be sent up a road in column formation....likewise, it doesn't make sense to send a unit up a road in line formation just because, at the last waypoint, you want to perform a probe or attack.

Can anyone verify? Is this what you meant in the enhancements list as "...mixed movement..."? or was mixed movement specifically speaking about how a foot infantry unit traverses an area as opposed to a mechanized unit as opposed to a light tank unit as opposed to a heavy tank unit?

Cheers

[MarkShot]

Mixed mode is about separate movement tables based on movement class.

For a force moving in road column by bounding overwatch, the AI (OPFOR and friendly) will make formation changes when threatened on route. This includes spreading out the formation (off road if the terrain allows) and deploying to provide bases of fire as it tries to push ahead. This will also greatly slow down its progress; both for the time required for formation changes and the slower rate of movement with the new formation.

The request to assign parameters for each WP is already on the wishlist. Additionally, the request for SOPs (standard operating procedures) is already on the wishlist. As I understand it, SOPs would take care of what your asking, but at a higher level and be more in-line with actual military practice.

I hope that helps.

[MarkShot]

When talking about the OPFOR AI running into a strong blocking position along a key road, one of two things will usually happen given sufficient time.

The AI may choose to bypass. It is very good at this. My high school biology teacher would say that the AI simulates ameboid motion very well.

Otherwise, the AI will assault your position and push you aside.

Either way, if your goal was to slow the enemy down, you got the affect you desired.

[MarkShot]

One last thing, you never really need to select road column formation as far as I know. The AI will do this automatically when it does implicit move task generated along a road.

---

Why are you playing RDOA? Shouldn't you, at least, be playing HTTR these days? I would hazard to say that RDOA is not officially supported, since it is both obsolete and wasn't actually a Matrix published game.

Take care.

[JudgeDredd]

Mixed mode is about separate movement tables based on movement class.

I thought this was the case

For a force moving in road column by bounding overwatch, the AI (OPFOR and friendly) will make formation changes when threatened on route. This includes spreading out the formation (off road if the terrain allows) and deploying to provide bases of fire as it tries to push ahead. This will also greatly slow down its progress; both for the time required for formation changes and the slower rate of movement with the new formation.

I understand that, becuase this game is programmed so good, the change in formation would take time...however, it is necessary in RL...for example. a unit may want to charge up a road....but realise, at some point in that road, there is a good chance they could be sprung, in which case, at some point beforehane, that unit would want to change into a more aggressive formation....it's SOPs really.

The request to assign parameters for each WP is already on the wishlist

That's good to know.

Additionally, the request for SOPs (standard operating procedures) is already on the wishlist. As I understand it, SOPs would take care of what your asking, but at a higher level and be more in-line with actual military practice.

That's also good to know.


As always, Mark....thx for your indepth answers and knowledge of the game engine!

[JudgeDredd]

Why are you playing RDOA? Shouldn't you, at least, be playing HTTR these days? I would hazard to say that RDOA is not officially supported, since it is both obsolete and wasn't actually a Matrix published game.

Take care.

I didn't get HTTR.....I was waiting on the supply enhancement. I WILL however, get COTA. It's not my most anticipated war area (Greece....give me a break...whilst I understand that it played a significant part in the war, helloooooooo......normandy and all the batlles that followed.......people can see how the war happened as they wish.....the upshot is, no one attack on Germany could have worked....it was the allied advance on ALL fronts which gave the allies the edge....however, there were far more "interseting" battles in the north europena theatre.

But, and I stress,I am no historian. I am strictly speaking from a British point of view.


Before I post this, I must say this........if Matrix games (and in particular Panther Games) deam the greek campaign important, then that is more than enough incentive for me.

I will be buying this game and I hope it's all I looked for.

You know....thinking about it....I'm not actually sure I didn't buy HTTR.....i'm gonna have to chack my emails!!

[MarkShot]

I thought you were previously a beta tester. You didn't just download it at that time?

I see that that Beta 2285 is still on the server and the release version is 2286. However, the only change was probably the rebuilding for consumer deployment.

I am in the process of getting a new LCD to replace my CRT. I wonder at what resolution I will be able to play comfortably. For years, I have been at 1024x768. Hmm ... I wonder what 1600x1200 will look like ... imagine being able to take in the big picture without even having scroll!

[JudgeDredd]

Yes I was part of BETA testing, and....most annoyingly....gutted that I had to leave....that real life thing. I NEVER thought about donwloading it...as a "non" member it wasn't right....previous beta tester or not. I gave up my position as BETA tester and, as such, should not be allowed to download and test latest versions!

I would've loved to get back on the testing schedule...but I guessed