Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: Jason Petho

Is there a scenario designer "speed-play-through" for friendly side testing for paths? I haven't opened the Editor in about 20 years!

As part of the development package, Berto has created some autotesting tools so I can watch the replays over and over and over again.

I'm not sure what tools will be included in the initial release, but eventually these things will be available for scenario designers

I'm not sure what tools will be included in the initial release, but eventually these things will be available for scenario designers

That's great news Jason and its like music to my ears for a designer like me. To often in the past designers were limited in what they could see/observe on the battlefield. True too the old legacy A/I (LAI) was predictable in its execution. Now with Vietnam we'll have a new LAI more robust and with scripting all the better! Exciting times for sure my friend![;)]

For now, Jason and I (the CSEE/SAI designer) are sharing the scripting duties. Although Jason favors many branching paths and much replayability, in the interest of saving my time, I tend to favor KISSing things. [:'(]

For example, for this scenario, where the VC ambush an ARVN convoy ...

... I have scripted the VC SAI (Scripted AI) in this simpler fashion:

We use the same toolset, but have different techniques and POVs.

This whole system being new, we don't want to prejudice its use. Is Jason's general approach better? Is mine? (And whoever else joins our scripting party in the weeks and months ahead.) After CSVN's release, players will be sure to let us know!

Is Jason's general approach better? Is mine?

Both!

I can see value in either, for many different situations. More tools in the set.

Is there a UI for any of the AI tools at this stage, or is it code-only?

Is there a UI for any of the AI tools at this stage, or is it code-only?

It's all code at the moment and the foreseeable future.

It's looking great! One of my favorite historical periods is the Vietnam war. I've been loosely following this game...for years now, I guess. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for posting these screenshots and bits of info.

I've been loosely following this game...for years now, I guess.

For years would be accurate. This has been at various stages of development since 2007.

Campaign Series Vietnam: Scenario Playtesting.

New Script "complete" and playtesting against HAL as he defends against Operation STARLITE, 1965.

Here is the first helo landing.

Campaign Series Vietnam: Scenario Playtesting.

New Script "complete" and playtesting against HAL as he defends against Operation STARLITE, 1965.

Here are the Marines crossing the beaches.

Campaign Series Vietnam: Scenario Playtesting.

A Tale of Two Hills...

One can't have a Vietnam game without some Aussies!

Campaign Series Vietnam: UI Improvement

Did the large toolbar with a plethora of buttons in CS Middle East drive you crazy? We improved that for CS Vietnam to make less clutter.

This will be available in CS Middle East 3.0 as well.

Campaign Series Vietnam: Scenario Testing

Finished the scripting for the Viet Cong in this scenario, The Contradiction - Battle of Manh Thanh Road 1966, and giving it a run for its money.

The key to this scenario for the US player will be how they organize their Armoured Cavalry convoy and positioning of their follow on reinforcements.

That toolbar is a HUGE improvement.

Nice job.

Thank you, Devoncop!!

Agree with the others, the graphics are very well done.

ORIGINAL: george420

Agree with the others, the graphics are very well done.

I'm glad you like it!!

To Jason Petho and the entire team of developers and testers,

A big thumbs up for this apparently simple idea of grouping icons by family or function and considering implementing it in CSME!
Thanks also for the care obviously taken to the AI and to the graphics, more visible to us who look forward to the "Thing".

And then, as French people, all my congratulations for the interest you all showed in the first phase of the Indochina Wars as well as
for the very high historical quality of the articles provided on the CS Legion blog.

As a former history teacher for young people (aged 10 to 16), be assured of my gratitude because I found there plenty of well-supported
information and learned facts that I didn't know! This is to tell you if I'm impatient to discover what seems to be ... a masterpiece.

With my Best Wishes,
Lilian

Thank you so much for your encouragement, Lilian!

We are still on track for releasing in November and we really appreciate your patience! There will be much to learn and play with the French in Indochina. Obviously, we haven't covered everything - but quite a few things and we offer the editors so you can also create your own.

We are building the game as an educational tool as well, not just a game, so lots of effort has gone into researching as well as the game itself.

So many exciting things to look forward to!

And yes, the main upgrades will be included in CSME 3.00 in the future.