Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: Jacko

ORIGINAL: Rick

ORIGINAL: Jacko

Is fog included in the game? There are two things I LOVE (no really!): fog and Panthers. Preferably Panthers in the fog. [:D]

Actually, fog is included as one of the weather conditions that can be used on a map, similar to rain or snow. I have been meaning to make a map using fog, just to see how it looks since it was introduced, but it seems like something else keeps coming up.

Perhaps You can give it a try. It should be covered in one of the Map Maker guide appendices.

Thanks!
Rick

I'm studying and experimenting the map and scenario editor at the moment, Rich. I'm planning on several GD scenarios or even a GD campaign, but it takes quite some time to get used to it. But you will see fog in my battles for sure.

I'm looking forward to them! If you have any questioins, let us know.

Thanks
rick

MR, I think that you pretty much covered all the major points in MM. I have been pretty much playing with the MM exclusively, and it does take some getting used to. I think it is more of how my brain wants to do it and what is the more efficient way (which would be different for everyone) to make a map. I have found that I open both the terrain map and the 8 colour map in paint.net. I then create a new layer in the terrain map. I draw what i want on this layer, then I copy it over to a new layer in the 8 colour map. I just find it easier for me this way. I have a much tougher time working with the 8 colour. I can now crank out a coloured terrain map in a rather short time. Am concentrating on water now, to see what can be done and how to best do it.

The terrain map and the 8 color are one and the same. Do you mean the height map which is in shades of gray?

Good Hunting.

MR

When I select my map and start the process by hitting the two global buttons I get three .bmp files: terrainmap.bmp, heightmap.bmp, and proc_terrain.bmp. The Proc_terrain is the 8 colour and the Terrainmap is just a sized snapshot of the google earth map area that I chose.

Here is what is created when I make a map. I think what you're referring to as the proc_terrain map is the small tactical map that is used during game play.

Good Hunting.

MR

ORIGINAL: Ratzki

MR, I think that you pretty much covered all the major points in MM. I have been pretty much playing with the MM exclusively, and it does take some getting used to. I think it is more of how my brain wants to do it and what is the more efficient way (which would be different for everyone) to make a map. I have found that I open both the terrain map and the 8 colour map in paint.net. I then create a new layer in the terrain map. I draw what i want on this layer, then I copy it over to a new layer in the 8 colour map. I just find it easier for me this way. I have a much tougher time working with the 8 colour. I can now crank out a coloured terrain map in a rather short time. Am concentrating on water now, to see what can be done and how to best do it.

I usually let MM create my terrainmap for me entirely and usually only add roads. But in those cases where the Google map doesn't really have good diferentiation between terrain elements, I'll use an approach similar to yours.

Thanks
rick

ORIGINAL: Mad Russian

Here is what is created when I make a map. I think what you're referring to as the proc_terrain map is the small tactical map that is used during game play.

Good Hunting.

MR

The proc_terrain map is an interim map that Map Maker creates and stores in Dems directory. IMap maker uses it to store the image it creates when you generate the map, and after you say yes to import it, MM creates the TerrainMap from it. isn't used by Map Maker once the Terrain Map is created, it doesn't get placed in the map folder.

thanks
Rick

Just an idea. I haven't got much talent for making maps, but I'm not bad at making OOB's. Couldn't we make a group of people for making maps and another group for finishing them with OOB etc.? I would love to have maps of Wilkowischken (GD attacked there in 1944) or Lauban ('the last German succesful offensive'), so I can make scenarios for them. Anyone interested perhaps?

Not a bad idea. To get a group of map makers involved. I know others that like doing the research but not necessarily putting it altogether in a scenario.

Good Hunting.

MR

It is more than I dare to hope for. But it would really work if there are people who want to concentrate on making maps. That way we could launch scenarios, even campaigns a lot quicker and good quality ones too hopefully.

I like the idea as well. I always liked the map making with CM and am interested in seeing what PC's map maker can do.

ORIGINAL: Ratzki

I like the idea as well. I always liked the map making with CM and am interested in seeing what PC's map maker can do.

That is what I am hoping for. With CM some very gifted map makers only wanted to make maps, nothing else. And it is amazing what they could achieve. The map editor of PCO is even better, so imagine what can be made with it, if in the right hands. Personally I would love to make a GD campaign, but I know I'm rather hopeless at map making. It was the same with CM, I've started many a map, but was never satisfied enough with it to finish it.

For PCO, all you need to do is post the coordinates for the map and the size. That's all the map maker would need to know to do a map for any scenario designer.

That also makes doing team scenarios much easier in PCO. Because you have an actual location to work from you get exact locations for the map maker to create your map. There should be none of this, " I wanted that next hill to the left where you created this map", kind of issues.

Good Hunting.

MR

I'll first have to chek the map maker.  I have not used it just seen the video tutorial. I like both making maps and scenarios as well. I usually could use playtesting .

There was a request put to The Proving Grounds and The Scenario Depot II to get PCO included but so far there's been no response.

If need be we can start a playtesting at another site.

Good Hunting.

MR

ORIGINAL: Pillar

Be able to place all entrenchments in setup

See #40.

Good Hunting.

MR

The current list:

1. HQ gets a HQ ONLY command button  that branches off just like the  others so it can be given orders  without effecting its subordinates as  it does now.  

2.  Lower supression levels a little bit for infantry. It feels as if they  goto ground a bit too easily in the face of danger.  

3.  Add a no rout, hold at all costs feature like a last stand, what if   those units at Bastonge had the rout factors of the units in this game?   Besides realistically Hitler said no retreating.   Aggressive SOP Elite units are very resistant to routing Others are not so resistant and would benefit from a Hold At All Costs order.

4. Create a step feature for grass animations like trees. 3 steps would be fine instead of just on/off  

5. Of course I want a female partisan and a female sharpshooter.   

6. If possible perhaps a 30:0 per turn feature. I like 40:0 but more variety is always better.  

7. Recheck that FPS meter we get by pressing F1 somehow now I just   don't think it's working correctly. I got some 10-fps last night and had   LOWERED the settings from Ultra to High, my card is better than that   and I have a quad core cpu i7 3.2ghz Strange thing is the video is still   pretty smooth and it should be choppy at 10fps the only difference I   see is the objective flags flapping is different.  

The F1 FPS measurement is accurate.

8. When   setting up random battles give us an ability to choose "random" map at   the "template" choice point. I was surprised this wasn't already   implemented and I had to pick a map to play on. 

Already done and in the Ostfront release.

9. When   choosing what type of army group also put a "random" pick in that box  as  well instead of having to pick infantry, tank battallion, etc. etc.  I'd  like the computer to randomly pick what i get to play with  sometimes as  well. Even a custom choice and then put a ? on each type  of unit in the  mixed of combatants like infantry, trucks, armor,  artillery etc. etc.  to get a more random group of units to play with. I  like NOT KNOWING  what I'm going to get to command in a battle the  most.

Already done and in the Ostfront release.

10. To add damage effects to the 3d models?  Like  scratches from  non-penetrating hits, holes from shots that do  penetrate, track damage,  etc?  I would love to see that.

11. A unit pause command.

12. Text feedback when a unit starts firing at something, specifically:  what  it's firing at and with what. Sort of the same information that's   displayed in the lower left corner of the UI when you select a unit.

13. Unlimited Ammo feature.

14.  Unlimited waypoints

15.  Moveable waypoints

16.  Clicking on an enemy unit will hilight the human players units that are in its LOS.

17. The ability to transport  AT/Infantry guns.

18. The ability to have some influence on airstrikes.

19. A command system that is bit more straight forward when one wants give individual orders.

20. Destructible buildings.

21. A map editor that is much more intuitive. Realistically this probably will not happen but it would be nice.

Make 3 maps then we'll talk.

22. In my view the tac ai needs some improvement. Units sometimes make really bad choices.

23. Better display of maps to be chosen for Random battles and campaigns.

24. Larger Maps.

25. Larger unit limit when creating scenarios.

26. Unit order ques.

27.  A different color for the message when reinforcements arrive.

28. AA guns.

29. Reverse field of view so you could click on an enemy and see lines  indicating which of your units could see him.  That would be much better  than cycling through your units.

30. More verbose messaging.

33. Add 'codenames' or other designations to units so that during battle if I  see "*west flank group* Panzer III destroyed" I would know exactly  where to look.

34. Leave questionmarks longer, or the ability to put a marker on the map  so that if I see something I can put "Suspected KV-1" or the like.  It  wouldn't be good enough for area fire with a tank but it would keep my  small brain from forgetting what I saw.

35. Optional air recon.  If we could designate an area and have a Storch  fly over and give us some idea, it would be great.  An exposed tank  could be identified, and question marks for everything else.  You could  make it a chance based flyover so you could simulate the recon plane  having been shot down.  And futher you could make the information only  visible to units within radio contact.

36. Additional Russian campaigns.  And...maybe North Africa as a expansion pack? 

37. More sound

38. Mud terrain doesn't create dust when rounds impact.

39. FOW for entrenchments and trenches. Place during setup phase.

40.Infantry graphics display for in game showing squads with correct number of men.

41. LOS indicator for what a unit can actually see. A shaded area or something.

42. More diverse experience levels for units beyond the current 3.

43. Infantry taking fire should get off of tanks but would stay in APCs.

44. Cavalry units. Both for infantry and artillery.

45. Motorcycle troops.

46. Kubel Wagons, Jeeps, Gaz...etc. The smaller vehicles.

47. End game on a specific turn.

48. End of game carry over of data.

49. Import/export to xml save game file.

50. Exit Objectives.

51. Company formations.

52. Battalion formations.

53. Rejoin formation orders.

54. Sound contacts.  

55. Quicker expansion/game release cycle for future additions to the series.

55. Mine clearance.

56. More editing controls for Random Campaigns.

57. Random campaign balance adjusted. Specifically gamer controlled points for both sides forces and Victory Levels.

58. Options for long campaigns such as renaming units and commanders, and keeping crews separated from vehicles.

59. Show suppression status of your units on / with the floating icons that show up in the main window view.

60. Ability to toggle off Russian Science of War in Random Campaign.

61. Ability to purchase or adjust random campaign units (even in somewhat ahistorical ways)

62. Ressuply out of ammo units.

63. Continue option for lost random campaign battles -- e.g. not to "Skip" it.

64.  End of battle tally of KIA, WIA etc...

65. Running campaign total of KIA, WIA for both sides.

66. Running campaign total of battles lost vs. battles won.

67. Different icons for different types of infantry and vehicles.

68. Add a "Next Target" hotkey.

69. Make complex orders possible. Example: Move + Advance + Defend

70. Firing arcs.

71. Better gun crew positioning.

72. Paratroops landing.

73. Unlock the unit view (tab) using the arrows or moving the cursor on the side of the screen

74. Operational level for PC. Which would show units, supply level, etc...

75. Long Campaign (12 - 90 battles) for GD or 5th SS Wiking for expansion/patch.

76. An icon at the left of the HUD that shows vehicles buttoned up.

77. Some way to tell you how long the platoon will be delayed.

78. A face>Engage command. Face the target while engaging. Not just turning the turret towards the enemy.

79. Lock on vehicle view from the outside of the vehicle.

80. Mortars being able to fire at targets out of LOS.

81. North Africa.

82. Cover from vegetation needs to be reduced.

83. 30 second turns.

84. Units in the open should not pin as easily as units in cover. They should break for cover more quickly.

85. Add tree tiles to the game to reduce resources on the CPU for larger maps.

In defending battle the ability of my units to dig in. Si I can choose the position of my fortifications, foxholes and my opponent will not know where my defensrs are.

Modelling speed of turret. To enable some advantage for the lighter tanks whixh turn their turrets faster.

ORIGINAL: sztartur

In defending battle the ability of my units to dig in. Si I can choose the position of my fortifications, foxholes and my opponent will not know where my defensrs are.

See #39.

Modelling speed of turret. To enable some advantage for the lighter tanks whixh turn their turrets faster.

Turret speeds are already modeled. Turret speed is more a factor of whether there is an electric motor turning the turret or it's hand cranked than vehicle size.

Good Hunting.

MR

The list is very long but, if I am not wrong, #11 and #71 are the same and so #17 and #38.
My personal priority list could be: #11-15-17-27-28-29-40-42-46-80-81. I need no map larger than 2x2km because I prefer small or medium engagements.