IMPORTANT: State of the Game and Future Plans as of October 2022

[pzgndr]

Back in June 2016, I took on EiANW code development from Marshall Ellis and posted some initial comments (see https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... n#p3934628). Here we are 6 years later and we have the new v1.23.08 comprehensive installer available from last year and now the new v1.24.03 update patch. A LOT has been accomplished and the game is MUCH improved in many respects. Ideally (in a perfect world), the game 'should have' been released back in 2007 in near-perfect playable condition. We all know that was not exactly the case and even with all of the bug fixes and improvements made through 2011 with Marshall's last v1.08 patch there was still much left undone.

The old Mantis bug list from about 2014 had 162 open items. Another 11 items were added after that before Mantis shut down. Numerous other bugs, enhancements, or improvements were resolved during code development for v1.21 through 1.24; just review the Release Notes over the past 6 years to see how much else was done. Overall, 142 items (82%) from the Mantis bug list were resolved or closed out. Of the 32 remaining open items, most involve optional rules, PBEM/NetPlay, GUI, or other enhancements that are just too challenging to implement. I think it is safe to say now (finally) that EiANW is quite playable for either solitaire or multi-player PBEM and we've pretty much run out of issues to "fix".

A short summary of code development accomplishments is in order. Game bugs and rules deviations are resolved (as far as we know). The computer opponent AI is now competent and challenging in most all areas. Separate setups for classic EIA and alternate EIH for both the 1805 and 1812 campaign scenarios are now implemented. Several GUI enhancements help to improve the game experience. And the game manual is up-to-date with player notes and strategy articles included. Certainly, if you haven't kept up with the code developments since being dissatisfied with the early versions of game a decade ago, NOW is a perfect time to take another look and re-assess this outstanding Napoleonic Wars grand strategy wargame.

Alright, while I say that the game is quite playable now, we all know that may not be 100% accurate. I suspect there may yet be a few bugs to resolve and other game enhancements or improvements that could be made. So while I hope this v1.24.03 patch may be a final(?) major update (i.e., with a Matrix Games installer package), I will continue with some code development and post updated versions here as I can. If we get to the point of needing another major update, then we'll do that.

So, looking ahead, here are some focus areas that players can help me with. 1) If you spot any game bugs or PBEM issues, please report it and provide a reproducible save of the error if possible. 2) General AI performance during the mid-game and late-game may need adjustments (obvious weaknesses, noticeable trends, etc.). 3) As time permits, I may relook some of those lingering open items that were "too challenging to implement" and also consider other suggestions players may have. Never say never.

UPDATE 11/28/2022. Please report bugs and issues in tech support above. Thanks.

“Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.”
~ Napoleon Bonaparte

[amandkm]

I've been tuning in from time to time, and trying to stay current.

Two remaining questions/concerns:

1) How do I get the game to run using the classic map and counters?

2) Is there a current version of the 1792 mod?

Thanks for your dedication and work on this classic!

[pzgndr]

1) How do I get the game to run using the classic map and counters?
2) Is there a current version of the 1792 mod?

The new JSGME MOD folder added has a readme file about installing and enabling the mods. Check that.

And no update to any other scenarios besides 1805 and 1812. 1792 was a user created mod. Maybe we could do that again. But just getting 1805 and 1812 working ok for both classic EIA and alternate EIH was challenging enough!

Something I'd like to see are some more user created setups. We can all benefit and I can add them as AI setups. That's easy. That's where most of the alternate setups came from.

[roos]

Thanks for all the work on this game!

I'll play a quick solo game on this release and send you my thoughts.

[pzgndr]

Thanks for all the work on this game!
I'll play a quick solo game on this release and send you my thoughts.

Thanks. FYI, I've deleted your bug reports here and moved them to a new thread in Tech Support at https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 1#p5057201. I'll respond to issues there.

[pzgndr]

A December 2022 update. Based on a bug report regarding not being able to build minor ships (my fault, I apologize), plus other reported discrepancies with minor country morale values and At-Start forces for 1805, I am now well into code development with v1.25.00 Beta now available.

My goal is to get this game right. Ideally, if we can get this as squeaky clean as possible then perhaps we can make v1.25.x a "final" official update. Perhaps spring 2023 early next year.

PLEASE. Play the v1.25.00 Beta and keep up with beta updates as we go along. Report ANY bugs or discrepancies or suggestions for improving the AI. Game saves with reproducible errors are most helpful for debugging issues. Let's get it right. Let's git 'er done.