1.01 Patch release notes preview!

[Marshall Ellis]

Hey guys:

Here is a preview of my 1.01 patch release notes. This is not final but could give you some data to refer to when you see a bug. Maybe this will save you guys some time!

[AresMars]

Thank you Marshall!
 
 

[zaquex]

Thanks
 
one comment:
 

* Program allowing MP1 to surrender to MP2 and MP2 to surrender to MP1 in the same month!
* Changed so that the higher PS MP will get the surrender

 
wouldnt the reasonable outcome of this be a white peace?
 

[Marshall Ellis]

If you mean "truce" or informal peace then I could agree. I'm open to changing this (Just not in 1.01 )
 
 

[delatbabel]

I note that there aren't actually that many AI enhancements / fixes mentioned in the release notes, which is surprising considering that the AI is probably the #1 thing that's getting commented on in the forum.

I find it relatively easy, as Prussia playing solo, to batter the French army to bits. This shouldn't be possible without extensive allied help. For example, Napoleon with a single corps (often the artillery or the guards, often with only 5 or 6 factors) is quite often sent forth on a suicide mission -- when I see that I'm onto it like a seagull onto a sick prawn (as we say here in .au) with the biggest stack I can muster, pick escalated assault, and the usual result is the little corporals capture. No sane human player would do this.

So the main AI repairs I'd like to see are:

* AI not declaring war quite so often -- usually 6 AI players will all end up at war with each other.
* AI not using single corps with important leaders. Generally speaking, AI sticking its corps together in larger stacks.
* AI France should use a large stack to bludgeon its way to Berlin or Vienna in any war against Prussia or Austria, to force that surrender, rather than a single corps as so often happens.
* AI sets up somewhat more forwards -- AI France usually doesn't set up with troops in the minor countries in Germany that it controls.
* AI goes on the attack with larger stacks more often. Currently the AI seems to sit back and wait for you to attack it. This is especially the case with AI Turkey or Russia, which seem to just sit around and play dead, even if you have invaded their home countries.
* AI does not declare war on minor countries then not invade them in the upcoming land phase. As Prussia I usually sit back waiting for France to DoW a few minors that I have put influence on, the war often (usually) lapses, and I get a free minor.

[dauphan129]

I think they have already said the AI was going to be overhauled but not in 1.01. 1.01 was aimed mostly at game mechanics.

[pzgndr]

Yeah, I would expect AI improvements will be a long term ongoing project. For now just bug fixes and important enhancements are needed. Like news headlines - thank you!

* AI: Need to pay more attention to MPs strategic value when DOWing (Prussia DOWs GBR way too much).

I am curious about this one. Was anything done? Just wondering what to expect.

[Grognot]

...or the AI's unwillingness to ever break a naval blockade, which makes it near-obligatory to have the naval powers all controlled by human beings.

[Grapeshot Bob]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I really appreciate how responsive the developers have been!

Way to go guys.



GSB

[dodod]

any chance of knowing what will be compatible with current games?

will we be able to make backup files and import them into a new game? (obviously options will likely not be able to be affected)

[Monadman]

ORIGINAL: dodod

any chance of knowing what will be compatible with current games?

will we be able to make backup files and import them into a new game? (obviously options will likely not be able to be affected)

The patch will be compatible with your current games but if you would like to use some of the new features then you will need to start a new game.

Richard

[gazfun]

Hi Marshall
Any date known on when the patch is available?

[Marshall Ellis]

We're cross-testing right now (To make sure I didn't break anything) and should wrap that up this weekend. I would hope we could deliver this to Matrix for packaging on Monday.
 
Just so you guys know:
 
We will be working on the AI but this patch was to get critical bugs (game crash, etc.) addressed. I expect to spend more and more time on AI and general enhancements (Scenario editor) as the bugs get fewer and fewer.
 
 

[baboune]

Are there any major plans to improve the UI?

[General von Alien]

* Multiple PBEM battles are being allowed to be executed at the same time

Good news! A forward step for the PBEM game.

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: delatbabel
I note that there aren't actually that many AI enhancements / fixes mentioned in the release notes, which is surprising considering that the AI is probably the #1 thing that's getting commented on in the forum.

Just to chime in, we've said since the release that the AI would be the #1 post-release priority _after_ bugs and critical issues are fixed. Marshall is going about this the right way and the AI will absolutely get a good ongoing look after the issues have been addressed.

[DCWhitworth]

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

ORIGINAL: delatbabel
I note that there aren't actually that many AI enhancements / fixes mentioned in the release notes, which is surprising considering that the AI is probably the #1 thing that's getting commented on in the forum.

Just to chime in, we've said since the release that the AI would be the #1 post-release priority _after_ bugs and critical issues are fixed. Marshall is going about this the right way and the AI will absolutely get a good ongoing look after the issues have been addressed.

I completely agree with this approach, which is the only sensible one. Fix errors first, make improvements later. A friend of mine has given up playing the game because it regularly crashes on him.

I'm sure he'll be right back as soon as the patch is out though.

[Monadman]

ORIGINAL: General von Alien

* Multiple PBEM battles are being allowed to be executed at the same time

Good news! A forward step for the PBEM game.

Sorry, that’s Marshall reverse order thinking he is now famous for. Unfortunately, he means it was a problem that a workaround (ahem) allowed for multiple battle file exchanges. He shut the window on it, but not until I tortured him with the possibility.

Richard

[Marshall Ellis]

I resent those remarks, Richard! I have no order in my thinking!
 
 
 
 

[iamspamus]

ORIGINAL: Marshall Ellis
Just so you guys know:

We will be working on the AI but this patch was to get critical bugs (game crash, etc.) addressed. I expect to spend more and more time on AI and general enhancements (Scenario editor) as the bugs get fewer and fewer.

Great to hear Marshall! Once again not a programmer, but may I suggest that you guys look at the method that WIFFE is using to develop their AI?

Here's a link
tm.asp?m=979605

It's obviously a lot more complicated, but I think that it should work to fix many of the issues. I'll be willing to help you as needed with "generic rules" as well as country specific ones.

Keep up the good work. It's appreciated.

Jason