Matrix Games Forums

The unit counters and hexes I feel could be larger, at least twice the size, perhaps 3 times. When I have been designing scenarios it is very difficult to show a unit or landscape with such a small space with which to work in. This perhaps could allow for 2-3 levels of zoom. The units and countryside could look so much more appealing. I know this is not a game that sells on its graphics but I think a bit of eye candy would make it even better than it is already. Icons 'could' be made to look like this:

With the result that only 12x6 hexes would fit on your typical 19" screen? I'd rather see the opposite - that the unit info area, which takes up so much space, is made smaller so we can see more of the map.

+1 [8D]

Your counters look great but the swastika probably won't fly. It is outlawed in Germany and probably other places as well. The German Iron Cross would work better I think (for the national flag as well).

ORIGINAL: BULLDOGINTHEUK

The unit counters and hexes I feel could be larger, at least twice the size, perhaps 3 times. When I have been designing scenarios it is very difficult to show a unit or landscape with such a small space with which to work in. This perhaps could allow for 2-3 levels of zoom. The units and countryside could look so much more appealing. I know this is not a game that sells on its graphics but I think a bit of eye candy would make it even better than it is already. Icons 'could' be made to look like this:

This is probably the best I can do for with the small icons [:(].

"The units and countryside could look so much more appealing. I know this is not a game that sells on its graphics but I think a bit of eye candy would make it even better than it is already. Icons 'could' be made to look like this"

Sure thing, looks great.
I do wonder if Vic will improve the graphics for his next installment of AT, I really do hope so.

/edit @ Bulldog, hmm, looks like CivI to me

I like those icons. Will you be releasing a set for use.

A while back I starting writing a Java app that would help manage unit icons. I had it almost working, but then it looked like we wouldnt be getting many icons sets so I stopped.

Rick

I only did a few German units, which took quite a while just to see what can be done in such a small box. Unfortunately not much. I can do a graphics set if people want me too but it will take some time. Nick's terrain graphic mod on the AT community site is very good if you want to change the terrain but I think by changing both the terrain and units graphics in 1 scenario would be too large a file to upload onto the community site as I had problems uploading just 5.41MB. I suppose players could download 2 files but would players be prepared to do this?[/align] [/align]Rick, I am interested in this Java application, what would it do? Anything to help ease the strain on my fingers [;)].[/align] [/align]Wibizen, I know the Swastika would not be allowed, I was just using the counters as examples. I agree that the Iron Cross would work better.[/align]

ORIGINAL: BULLDOGINTHEUK

Rick, I am interested in this Java application, what would it do? Anything to help ease the strain on my fingers

Bulldog - probably wouldnt help your fingers, I was just working on tool to manage the different unit sets, back them up and swap them in and out of the crorrect directorys. When I bought AT, I was going through an online Java class, AT kinda disrupted my concentration and I stopped, then I saw some unit sets and decided I'd mess with something closer to what I was interested in.

I stopped before I finished it - with only one other symbol set around I decided it was not very useful.

Rick

A minor UI issue: assigning a HQ to a unit could be simplified (less clicks) a little if clicking the "Assign" icon would display a list of all HQ icons, sorted by distance. Usually, I only have five or six of those, so there won't be a lot of possible confusion. Alternatively, the game could automatically select the HQ closest to the unit; in most cases, that is what I want anyway.

This would save only a couple of clicks each time, but since that organizational stuff can take a lot of time in this game, the net result could be considerable.

Another point that nags me is that the confirm button (the green OK icon) is always on the left of the menu bar, far from the other controls I need to use when assigning HQs, attacking or other activities. Couldn't you move that button to the center or right?

Hi Vic (end everybody else)
 
You mentioned before that you are working on a new game with the AT engine. Can you give us a hint about wich period/world/time which it will model or something else to drool over? When will the new game apear in development in the forum, do you have some timeframe? Does anyone no anything?

Also i published a wishlist a while ago i was just wondering if you hade any comments:

- Instead of AI, AI+, AI++ you could have a slider giving the AI a production/figthing advantage/disadvantage between 01%-500% etc. (a la Empire Deluxe).

- Ability to see how many % of the map that has been explored.

- Ability for engineers to build channels (Suez channel, Panama channel etc.).

- Ability to set up for a several turn long march or auto exploration (a la Civ).

- An separate screen with more optional rules/optional use of units etc.

- It would be nice with an optional rule with a more advanced resource system (example a citys building points could have a "territory" and the points reduced when not all territory is under players controll, ability to have oil, rubber, metalspots) OBS! optional rule only.

- Ability to "capture" enemy supplies from enemy HQ.
 
- Also is there still work done on the AI or is that considered finnished?
 
----------------------
 
Overall, the best game ive played since Europa universalis I. Will most likely buy your new engine game also (unless its set in Star Trek universe).
 
 
Sincerely
 
Tomas

Hi Tomas,
 
Cant say much yet. I dont want to contradict myself later on!
 
What i can say is that i am working on the AT engine. I will be focussing on the AI, the GUI and making the rules more consistent and more realistic.
 
Also i have a burning desire to write a better manual!
 
Kind regards,
Vic

How about setting up a wiki for the AT manual and recruit some AT players to help improve it.

ORIGINAL: Vic

Also i have a burning desire to write a better manual!

Kind regards,
Vic

@Tomas: Re channels (canals): Suez and Panama were projects that took years to complete. Not sure that would fit this game's time scale. I suppose there may be some scenarios where it could work.

I believe the canal idea is ment for random games with wierd map conditions and it would be very helpful. I'd agree that it should be removed for real scenarios. Hmmm.... this might not be that hard to edit in...

Cant say much yet. I dont want to contradict myself later on!

What i can say is that i am working on the AT engine. I will be focussing on the AI, the GUI and making the rules more consistent and more realistic.

Also i have a burning desire to write a better manual!

Kind regards,
Vic

[&o] woohoo! This game is so much cooler because of constant updates and the involvment of the developer, unlike most 'big' games!

better manual would be nice and I like the idea of capturing supplies.  Maybe even a spy or intelligence tech to give players better recon and chance to maybe steal tech from another player or lessen an enemy's recon ability against you.  Also maybe allow improved tech levels for better engineers or paratroops.  Thanks for the efforts so far, salute sir!  ... Baron von Beergut

I have noticed that 2 of our Diplomacy games are dead due to individuals who have dropped out without the courtesy of telling us their passwords or if they are on a long holiday no word. This in effect leaves the 7 other players in limbo, unable to continue the game, games that we have been playing for weeks.[/align] [/align]Would it be possible to have an option for the Host of a game to have access to all passwords or be able to play the absent players turn. I don't think turning the passwords off option would be the answer, which is currently the only option available.[/align] [/align][&o][/align]

Another option, short of giving the game host access, would be for all players to provide their game password to an agreed upon neutral non-player. Maybe Matrix could even offer such a service to the player community.

Yeah thats not a bad idea.

ORIGINAL: Vic

SNIPPED

Also i have a burning desire to write a better manual!

Kind regards,
Vic

It needs it[:D]

Seriously though, I think you know the manual could use some work. But on to the subject: It would be helpful if there were a method of printing out a copy of the "briefing". Some of the scenarios have a lot of "explanations", "rule variations", etc., and it would sure be convenient to have those in a hard copy.

ORIGINAL: Rik81


It needs it[:D]

Seriously though, I think you know the manual could use some work. But on to the subject: It would be helpful if there were a method of printing out a copy of the "briefing". Some of the scenarios have a lot of "explanations", "rule variations", etc., and it would sure be convenient to have those in a hard copy.

That's an excellent suggestion.

Rick