is this stable?

[freeboy]

If this is stable this really looks like Beta to me.. how far to Beta?

[Apollo11]

Hi all,

ORIGINAL: freeboy

If this is stable this really looks like Beta to me.. how far to Beta?

We are still in WitE ALPHA...


Leo "Apollo11"

[freeboy]

right.. try answeringthe ? u did not answer either part
once more.
Is the alpha stable?

[Joel Billings]

Yes, it's stable. To get to beta we need at a minium to:

Add PBEM (working on it)
Add sounds and music (that will be later after PBEM)
Have at least 10 scenarios including the 4 campaigns (getting close)
Get some art we're still lacking for a few screens and for bad weather

I'm sure I've missed something, but those are the big items to getting to "beta".

What we have now is a very playable alpha. Once we get to beta, we still have lots to do. The good news is that while we've been alpha we've had a very playable and stable game which has been getting a lot of testing. The is a big game and we've made many changes over the months and it takes time to test things. We are just now seeing our first head to head game of the 42 campaign get to late September 42. The AAR from this game (in the tester forum) and Lee's 41 AAR are my favorite reading these days, and is giving me hope that Gary's made some big strides in both the AI and some of the combat formulas. Once we get the items above done (or nearly done), I'll have a better idea of when we can finish the game. Gary and I are still pushing hard for this summer.

[freeboy]

wow, that is great... You must be very pleased

[PyleDriver]

I really think these guys (Gary and Joel) are really pushing the limit. Every time we add something, us the testers, find a glitch. As I have said before theres a great bunch of us that are doing our best...We really want a game that is fun. Fun is good...

[Captain B]

I for one don't mind waiting a couple of months to get the job done right. I have been waiting for a game of this scale since I played the old avalon hill game back in the 70's. tactical battles are ok...but this is the whole shebang!

Joel, you and Gary take your time. Kudos to both of you and all of the alpha testers, the OB/TOE guru, the artist, and the color selections....for all the discussions on the color pallette, Lee's screenshots are clear and legible.

If you can't make second quarter, than August 31st seems a good release date...birthday present! jk...I could wait to Christmas if needed.

btw, the AARs are a great way to generate interest and show us the mechanics and some of the issues. Are you going to let Lee run the winter/blizzard season out and let us see how bad tha attrition is?

Great product that is only getting better...looking forward to having my own copy some day!