Map and the new beta patch

[Yaab]

What is the default map for WiTP:AE game now? Is it the vanilla stock map (released in 2009) or the November 2022 map (the Suez-Jamaica map)?

EDIT: OK, I was able to make a fresh WITP:AE intall with the new patch, fired scen001, and the Suez-Jamaica map is no more.

[Platoonist]

The current map is the same as the one introduced in the 11.27 beta but with all relatively unpopular off-map locations deleted. However, I believe it kept all the minor in-map changes from that beta and probably added some new ones, such as some islands and atolls, a few new bases as well as some others renamed, river, road and rail adjustments, terrain changes, etc. As a consequence, there are some small graphic adjustments from the 11.26 version here and there throughout but they're easy to miss at a first look.

But yes. It's goodbye to Cairo, Suez, Port Said, Gibraltar, Jamaica, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

[Zovs]

I would think that the new final patch would make all the map mods invalid now. Since there was both map and data changes any existing map mods no matter how pretty they are will not be compatible with the latest and final patch.

[Platoonist]

I would think that the new final patch would make all the map mods invalid now. Since there was both map and data changes any existing map mods no matter how pretty they are will not be compatible with the latest and final patch.

It does make them a bit invalid, but a lot of the changes are pretty minor. The old map mods might have the new islands and atolls missing, but the game code will still place a dot or flag icon there. However, the new river, terrain and infrastructure adjustments will be absent although a lot of them are in relatively out of the way places like Alaska and Canada. But a lot are in China.

For somebody proficient with a graphic program it probably wouldn't be too difficult to update their favorite map mod.

[Zovs]

I would think that the new final patch would make all the map mods invalid now. Since there was both map and data changes any existing map mods no matter how pretty they are will not be compatible with the latest and final patch.

It does make them a bit invalid, but a lot of the changes are pretty minor. The old map mods might have the new islands and atolls missing, but the game code will still place a dot or flag icon there. However, the new river, terrain and infrastructure adjustments will be absent although a lot of them are in relatively out of the way places like Alaska and Canada. But a lot are in China.

For somebody proficient with a graphic program it probably wouldn't be too difficult to update their favorite map mod.

Thanks for that. I'll have to make a new install folder and see and compare. I have looked at the artwork for the maps from some of the mods and not quite sure how much work would be required to redo them or fix them, but seems a little more complex to me then say modifying a few terrain tiles, since its a whole type of map deal.

[Platoonist]

I have looked at the artwork for the maps from some of the mods and not quite sure how much work would be required to redo them or fix them, but seems a little more complex to me then say modifying a few terrain tiles, since its a whole type of map deal.

Changing road, river and rails would be the hardest part since they cross hex sides so you can't just "blob" or clone new art into the hex. A vector program might be needed for that to keep them consistent. However, the rail art in some of the map mods like ChemKid's are lot more intricate than the plain black lines used in the default map. That'd be a lot more work to replicate faithfully.

[Yaab]

So from the new beta patch I discern the following:

-the new off-map/CONUSA bases, introduced in November 2022 patch, are officially out.

-the updated scenario 001 officially acknowledges several new bases introduced by AndyMac. Remember that after some time, AndyMac had deleted those bases from his version of scen001 and moved the new bases to his scen007, as he felt he didn't have the authority to embedd those bases in scen001 in the first place. I reckon the new bases are now an integral part of stock scen001 owing to AndyMac's AI scripts that use the new bases.

-there are now AI script variants for scen001, numbered 1-16,which means some ahistorical AI scripts are also implemented, and the scripts possibly take advantage of new bases in places like Australia and India.

EDIT: Silly me, the variants are from year 2010. My enthusiasm must have blinded me.

[btd64]

I recommend a fresh installation of the game for this beta....GP

[szmike]

I would think that the new final patch would make all the map mods invalid now. Since there was both map and data changes any existing map mods no matter how pretty they are will not be compatible with the latest and final patch.

map mods are independent of any exe changes, so only scenario files will be incompatible.... but old scenario files will still work... including all available AI files updated and uploaded to forum.

Rough solution is to copy/paste old art/scen folders into new install with 28b changes... and voila.

[Moltrey]

Has someone made an attempt to let the map modders who are still around (Skacee, etc.) know there is a final beta to check against their work?

[Platoonist]

Has someone made an attempt to let the map modders who are still around (Skacee, etc.) know there is a final beta to check against their work?

I recall there was a similar appeal made when 11.27 came out with its map changes. No responses apparently. If contact could be made a lot would depend on the mod creator's current sense of motivation. Modding is a voluntary activity and they may have moved on to other interests with the passage of years. I kinda feel we're fortunate we still have Andrew Brown making changes to his original map after all this time.

[Moltrey]

I recall there was a similar appeal made when 11.27 came out with its map changes. No responses apparently. If contact could be made a lot would depend on the mod creator's current sense of motivation. Modding is a voluntary activity and they may have moved on to other interests with the passage of years. I kinda feel we're fortunate we still have Andrew Brown making changes to his original map after all this time.

I sent Skacee an email relating the news with a couple details, so we shall see.

[RangerJoe]

You can always copy the new .exe and place it with the older files. As a safety precaution, change the older .exe to a .bak file in case you want/need to go back to it.

[Moltrey]

Well, some good news guys. I just got a reply from Skacee (Tom) and he is happy I let him know and intends on stopping by and getting things rolling on his map again.

[Platoonist]

Well, some good news guys. I just got a reply from Skacee (Tom) and he is happy I let him know and intends on stopping by and getting things rolling on his map again.

That's good to hear.

[MBF]

Well, some good news guys. I just got a reply from Skacee (Tom) and he is happy I let him know and intends on stopping by and getting things rolling on his map again.

Thanks for the effort Moltrey !

[Sardaukar]

Good news!

The basic map is just..."fugly" and mods made it way more pleasant for eyes.