PBEM problems

Redleg · Post by **Redleg** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 8:41 am

I have completed more than 25 pbem battles of all sizes. Not one time have my opponents or I ever seen a replay beyond the first 2-3 exchanges of fire.

Some of us are doing the brief description bit like we used to with SP1. Some of us just don't bother.

I think the most important point to note is that the replay file is the same size every turn after the battle gets started and never changes..... If the 95+% compression rate holds up, increasing the size of the VCR file should help - at least in small battles.

Alby · Post by **Alby** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 8:43 am

Originally posted by Paul Vebber:
IF you have played a pbem game and had VCR playback problems please post specifics of your problem and system config (especially vid card, free HD space and RAM)

This will help us figure out exactly what the problem is here.

My experience tho limited is I get one units replay, I mean I see an exchange between 2 tanks maybe then thats it.

Alby · Post by **Alby** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 8:46 am

Originally posted by Fuerte:
Of course not, you Paul and the rest of Matrix are the good guys, without a question. But it is just so frustrating to wait, without being able to do anything. And I just remembered how fun it is to play SPWAW even if Pack Rat is running over me... I destroyed one of his King Tigers, but I don't know what happened because of the replay bug. I guess that my infantry did it, with Piat or close assault.

I feel your Pain, I too am feeling the wrath of king tigers ON open ground from PackRat,
NEW RULE...allies get trees on all maps

lol

[This message has been edited by Alby (edited November 30, 2000).]

Reg · Post by **Reg** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 12:39 pm

Originally posted by Joe Osborne:
I must admit I'm a bit surprised by this response as Combat Command is running great guns with 500+ players and over 200 games filed, and I haven't heard a peep out of anyone from the competitive side reagrding PBEM bug issues.

One can only guess that if the VCR issue is resolved God knows how many players could be at Combat Command (yikes!!!)

Regards,

Joe Osborne
Director
Matrix Games Network

I think the reason for this is that everyone is aware of the problem, the problem is aired regularly in this forum (no need to bother the CC administrators) and lastly (and most importantly), they are willing to accept these shortcomings to share in the magic that is SPWaW!!

However, I find the bug takes the shine off
what could have been a much more enjoyable experience.

Shows the dedication and loyalty of the legions out there who wait patiently with baited breath for a fix to emerge.

Reg.

Reg · Post by **Reg** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 12:52 pm

Originally posted by Joe Osborne:
Thanks Karan....

Whoa! Wait a minute...just had a thought....how does changing the .rec file size to 20 meg solve the PBEM problem...you have to email that file with the rest of your game files!

That doesn't seem to be an option! Yeah, the vcr would work, but you'll never be able to email 20 meg files!

Regards,

Joe Osborne

Something that has always perplexed me is why the VCR files have to be so big.

The information that a certain unit moved to a certain hex should be able to be recorded in a few bytes, not megabytes. I am not interested where my opponent scrolled and viewed the map, only where things happened (and the screen should jump to that location automatically).

I know this is a serious coding issue and any changes will be constrained by the existing program structure but I cannot see how massive .rec files are going to fix it. Is the VCR exactly that, a animated screen capture??

Perhaps one of the programmers could comment.

Reg.

Kharan · Post by **Kharan** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 7:14 pm

Anyone interested on how the VCR works and what fills it up specifically, please read the earlier thread.

Casualty · Post by **Casualty** » Fri Dec 01, 2000 11:40 pm

VCR stops prematurely.

850K7,K7V,V3K3,256Mb,1.1G(system drive),22G(game)

Tom Proudfoot · Post by **Tom Proudfoot** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 12:02 am

I will fix the VCR thing over the weekend. I have been very busy with the "real" projects, but I will squeeze this in on Sunday. Sorry about the delay.

Tom

Pack Rat · Post by **Pack Rat** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 12:11 am

Bless you sir.

------------------

"More PT Drill Sargent"
Pack Rat

Scipio Africanus · Post by **Scipio Africanus** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 3:33 am

That'd be great- I have not played the game in months due to a lack of VCR-

If it helps- I run PII 350, 128RAM, Voodoo 3 3000, plenty o' drive space...

Cheers,

------------------
Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus

Alby · Post by **Alby** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 3:39 am

Originally posted by Reg:
[B
However, I find the bug takes the shine off
what could have been a much more enjoyable experience.

Shows the dedication and loyalty of the legions out there who wait patiently with baited breath for a fix to emerge.

Reg. [/B]

As far as email games go...think this willbe my first and last until the bug is fixed.
Ill stick to the online games, so I know whats happened. This is like going to sleep, waking up to find youve lost half your army and not knowing how or why? ...lol

Peregrine Falcon · Post by **Peregrine Falcon** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 4:11 am

Oh Yes! I hope this annoying VRC-bug is destroyed for good!

I have not played much PBEM-battles because this bug basically ruins some aspects of this otherwise great game. Some have learned to play without VCR, but I'm not one of them.

So, from my point of view......

-Sir! VCR/PBEM-bugs! stern! 2400 yards!
-Load 18" guns!
-Loaded! (loud metallic sound)

-Ready.........!
-Fire!!!!!!!!

Oh Please - Let this be true!

[This message has been edited by Peregrine Falcon (edited December 01, 2000).]

Tom Proudfoot · Post by **Tom Proudfoot** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 5:31 am

Well, I will do what I can. I know you guys are waiting anxiously.

Tom

Captn_Jack · Post by **Captn_Jack** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 5:48 am

I will fix the VCR thing over the weekend. I have been very busy with the "real" projects, but I will squeeze this in on Sunday. Sorry about the delay.
Tom

Tom Proudfoot...Bless you my son! The boys under Captn Jack's command wish to send you a bottle of Holy (fire)Water for your divine efforts...you may send any requests for denominational prefrences, (Dewars, JD, Crown, etc) to our Battalion Chaplan at:

jmsaffron@hotmail.com

Please include any pertinent information such as your address.

CJ

ncpanther · Post by **ncpanther** » Sat Dec 02, 2000 8:31 pm

Bless You Tom, Bless You!! Whats your full name? so I can name my next Son after You??

------------------
NC
Airborne Sappers Lead the way!!
SAPPERS ATTACK!!!!

Fuerte · Post by **Fuerte** » Sun Dec 03, 2000 10:40 pm

Originally posted by Tom Proudfoot:
I will fix the VCR thing over the weekend. I have been very busy with the "real" projects, but I will squeeze this in on Sunday. Sorry about the delay.

Very bold of you... I guess that you suspect where the problem is. Good luck!

Tom Proudfoot · Post by **Tom Proudfoot** » Mon Dec 04, 2000 6:54 am

Whee... got the damn thing fixed.

Going to take tomorrow morning to fix that AI moving on turn 6 thing, and then hopefully you guys will be in PBEM happy-land.

Tom

Warhorse · Post by **Warhorse** » Mon Dec 04, 2000 7:34 am

Tom, thanks a mill!!

------------------
Mike Amos
Meine Ehre Heisst Treue

Joe Osborne · Post by **Joe Osborne** » Mon Dec 04, 2000 7:54 am

Tom,

As Director of Matrix Games Network I applaud you! The PBEM'ers applaud you! We will indeed be in "happyland"

I just hope the Combat Command servers can hold up to the increased PBEM play

Thank you very much!

Regards,

Joe Osborne
Director
Matrix Games Network

Originally posted by Tom Proudfoot:
Whee... got the damn thing fixed.

Going to take tomorrow morning to fix that AI moving on turn 6 thing, and then hopefully you guys will be in PBEM happy-land.

Tom

Mike Rothery · Post by **Mike Rothery** » Mon Dec 04, 2000 8:41 am

Originally posted by Joe Osborne:
Tom,

As Director of Matrix Games Network I applaud you! The PBEM'ers applaud you! We will indeed be in "happyland"

I just hope the Combat Command servers can hold up to the increased PBEM play

Thank you very much!

Regards,

Joe Osborne
Director
Matrix Games Network

Good thing the long summer holidays are drawing near down here.....I can feel some intense gaming coming on.