Scenario Editor and its features

[wargamerrr7449]

If I am not mistaken, developers mentioned that this game will have a scenario editor. However, I have a couple of questions regarding this editor.

1) Which functions and features will be available in this editor?
2) Will we be able to put units all over the map (like in SP editor) without being limited by vertical lines (like in skirmish)?
3)How will the scenarios look like? Like in Steel Panthers or different from this game?

[Rosseau]

The editor in the free version was pretty darn good, so we can expect even better.

[nikolas93TS]

ORIGINAL: Rosseau

The editor in the free version was pretty darn good, so we can expect even better.

That is a database editor, freeware versions don't have scenarios.

[Rosseau]

Don't know what you were using, but I created and played plenty of scenarios with it.

[nikolas93TS]

ORIGINAL: Rosseau

Don't know what you were using, but I created and played plenty of scenarios with it.

I think we have the misunderstanding here, which comes from the fact that battle generator, or skirmish generator, was selected with "generate scenario" button in the freeware version.

Commercial version differentiates between "generate mission" (above), "single mission" (I think what wargamerrr7449 intends, pre-set scenario) and "campaign" mode.

[Rosseau]

Yes, I see. Still installed on my other computer but been a while. Pick section of map, forces, place units, etc., so not a true scenario editor. I did like the way we could edit the xml files, and hope that won't go away with the commercial version.

[nikolas93TS]

ORIGINAL: Rosseau

Yes, I see. Still installed on my other computer but been a while. Pick section of map, forces, place units, etc., so not a true scenario editor. I did like the way we could edit the xml files, and hope that won't go away with the commercial version.

Scenarios and scenario editor are in the works, but I cannot disclose more details than that. Maybe Veitikka can.

As for xml files, there is no more need to edit them, as we have an excellent database editor for quite some time. That makes modding much easier, and less prone to errors.

[Veitikka]

Unlike in many other wargames, in AB the Battle Generator has always been the centerpiece. I think most games focus on "canned" scenarios, but as the starting point I wanted to focus on the generated skirmishes, because I've always preferred them, whenever a game has had that feature. Afterwards I made it possible to save a generated battle as an .xml file, and that way it can serve as a canned scenario. It's possible to set the default player unit starting positions, but not AI starting positions, because the AI is fully dynamic. The setup zones are rectangular, as they've always been. I think in this sense the scenarios work pretty much like in Close Combat, as far as I know. A scenario can have a .bmp image file where the scenario designer can paint "no-go zones" to limit unit placement and movement.

Currently the only way to edit the scenario after saving it is to use external text and image editors. We need a better method for adjusting the default unit positions, that's for sure. Other than that, I don't know if there will be much more advanced tools for scenario editing. The Battle Generator allows the user to quickly generate and save a bunch of scenarios, which can then be used to build a campaign.

[wargamerrr7449]

.xml files? Sounds interesting. Could you please show me an example? Would it still be possible to choose the type of enemy units manually (like how it is made in the current 'free' version)?

The setup zones, which are good for skirmish, create a big limitation for other types of missions. For example, what if a player wants to create a small town besieged by enemy from from ALL the directions? Or, maybe an ambush on the enemy convoy?

It would be really nice to see some scriptable scenario features (like scripted reinforcements). Using it, the game may become more interesting in terms of gameplay.


Actually, this game has a REALLY BIG potential. On the basis of this game, it is possible to create a lot of interesting mods based on Modern Era, Cold War, WW2, WW1 and many other conflicts, including Sci-Fi.

I agree that this game needs better scenario editing functions. Not all the players are 'gamers' for whom the only important thing is the gameplay itself. Many people in the wargame segment are 'historical reconstructors', who need the unit placement or OOB to be closer to the historical one. It means that they should have the ability to create more historically accurate scenarios (especially if they are working on WW2 or WW1 mods).

[Rosseau]

Well, for a few years I was hoping this day would come for you, and am sure you will make the program as flexible as you possibly can within time constraints, etc. Have a good holiday!

[Veitikka]

ORIGINAL: wargamerrr7449

.xml files? Sounds interesting. Could you please show me an example? Would it still be possible to choose the type of enemy units manually (like how it is made in the current 'free' version)?

XML is a simple text format. The files list all the scenario parameters, and are easy to edit with any text editor. Sure, it's possible to manually select the units for both sides, or use the auto-purchase feature.

ORIGINAL: wargamerrr7449

The setup zones, which are good for skirmish, create a big limitation for other types of missions. For example, what if a player wants to create a small town besieged by enemy from from ALL the directions? Or, maybe an ambush on the enemy convoy?

It would be really nice to see some scriptable scenario features (like scripted reinforcements). Using it, the game may become more interesting in terms of gameplay.

All that has been considered in the past. However, the game doesn't have any scripted unit behavior. I think earlier I compared AB to Close Combat. You can select any map location, any mission parameters and even hundreds of units per side (infantry, armor, artillery, air...) and the system instantly builds you a scenario that never plays the same twice.

It's a trade-off, of course, but this is how I like my wargames.

When it comes to reinforcements, if you use a long (or deep) map then the reinforcements can be held back in the rear area, where they're realistically prone to airstrikes. Or perhaps you may be successful at getting your infiltrators to the enemy rear area, and see what he's hiding there. In many wargames the reinforcements pop out of nowhere.

[TYHo]

I buy and play CMANO for these 3 main reasons, and if Armored Brigade is touted as 'CMANO on land', hopefully it will also have these 3 features, then pls take my money! [:D]

1. Huge selection of current world unit database
2. Map overlay or ease of replicating topo maps.
3. Ease of accurately creating any modern day scenarios from 1945 - Present day.

I think TOAW 4 come closest... but besides being more of a operational/strategic game, the effort needed to create an accurate scenario, map and OOB is OMG... [&:]

[Oliver Taylor]

I also heard that there will be a script editor

[Veitikka]

ORIGINAL: Oliver Taylor

I also heard that there will be a script editor

No scripts in AB. In the Battle Generator it takes about 10 mouse clicks to create a fresh scenario.

[TYHo]

Is it possible to create a scenario where Red is fighting Red? I would like to create a scenario where both sides are using Soviet Bloc equipment to fight each other, is that possible? Thanks.

[Veitikka]

ORIGINAL: TYHo

Is it possible to create a scenario where Red is fighting Red? I would like to create a scenario where both sides are using Soviet Bloc equipment to fight each other, is that possible? Thanks.

Yes.

[Hexagon]

If you want see something about modding see this video, minute 2:20 is the first video showing the database editor, looks like you can add new nations and edit the formations avaliable... i dont see impossible create a nation with the hardware you want or need.

Looks like an easy editor and very powerfull (i dont see if is possible or no add new hardware but with the one avaliable you have many options) much better than other editors i see... and suffer [:D]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kA064DV0Ew

[22sec]

ORIGINAL: Hexagon

If you want see something about modding see this video, minute 2:20 is the first video showing the database editor, looks like you can add new nations and edit the formations avaliable... i dont see impossible create a nation with the hardware you want or need.

Looks like an easy editor and very powerfull (i dont see if is possible or no add new hardware but with the one avaliable you have many options) much better than other editors i see... and suffer [:D]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kA064DV0Ew

The editor is an awesome and powerful tool. The thing to remember is you also need to add the unit sprites, which is easy enough, but you’ll want a good artist to help. The unit sprites that come with the game are a thing of beauty and very detailed.

[Hexagon]

With avaliable hardware you can do a decent amount of new nations... maybe some insignias if you want add inmersion [:)]

Is not the most beatifull editor i see but is very strong and easy to use and you can even create add-hoc nations for a scen you want have.

The problem i see is if somebody mod and add new nations you could have problems to import them if you use the same slot for another nation.