Matrix Games Forums

Some of you may have remembered that I had a Giant Map I was working on, of the world. It has been a while since I announced that, and making it slowed, but some time near the new year, I spent quite a lot of time on it. I finished it, basically. Others may have remembered that I wanted to make a big announcement this year. Well this is it, the Global Domination 1938 Scenario is heading towards a third version.

The first version employed the same map as the current one, the second version. The second version however was made once Advanced tacitcs went Gold, and his been developed ever since. This development may be slowed a little while Bombur and I are working on version three of GD 1938... That is if it gains popularity, the new map that is, and what follows from it.

So what is this new map... Well, I scrapped the Realist Terrain, mostly, and decided to try and implement the FourSeasons terrain. I think the results are good, but of course not perfect. The map is huge! About 4 times bigger than the current one used by GD1938 v2.

Here is a picture of Europe, zoomed out as much as possible, without the raster grid.

Now of course, there is nothing new in a map...

So to get a real grip on how big this map is, I took an example. Those of you who have played GD1938 v2 have mostly seen how cramped the map of Poland is... Not on this map:

Of course, with a big map comes more units, but not that many, compared to the extra size. The current amount of units has been determined by the actual (as good as we can get that information) size of the countries OOB. That is there is a 1 to 1 representation. In GD1938 v2, there is a 2:3 representation, that is 2/3s of the real forces.

One of the problems of GD 1938 (v2) currently is the lack of space for mobile warfare, in Europe, this should be better in this version (v3). Here is a look at approximately the same area as before, just with units on it.

This of course still looks crowded. Which is why I would recommend playing certain areas, or combat areas anyway, in zoomed in mode. This is where the graphics from the Realist mod failed... things looked blurred. So to make it a better experience, I used the FourSeasons summer tileset, for now anyway. It looks much better zoomed in. The units also look more spread out, and thus it easier to plan offensives.

Here is a look at Poland, zoomed in:

Feel free to provide feedback. Is this project worth doing? Are you happy with the current version and such, all welcomed. That is constructive comments are. Non constructive comments, please keep those to yourselves

Tech stuff:

One thing that worries me somewhat is that between turns there can be an up to 3 minutte waiting periode, before the turn is ready to start. Vic has told me that he may look into speeding a few processes up, but no guarantees. The problem is NOT related to memory, the map does in fact not use that much. The trouble seems to be with the processor speed. So results may vary from computer to computer. Especially turns of big nations, like Britain and USSR matter alot.

Why post now:

Simple answer, to keep us motivated

1.000 SFT´s!!!!!

Looks awesome.

Looks nice.....when will you be ready for test games?
Show the Pacific PLEASE--especially Japan/China area.

Well, we (Bombur and I) aim to please, so here are a few pictures of Japan/China.. (also sent you some more in the mail, with more detail). Zoomed out first.

Then we have some more local pictures of Japan. First one zoomed in one mode, and without units.

And the same area with units.

Also, please note that the correct starting positions (as I could find out through Wikipedia and other sites) have been made or as correct as possible. Note that Tsingtao for instance is now Japanese.

And finally the area near Shanghai, that previously was wrongly represented in fronts. Now with an area much more expanded.

ORIGINAL: LJBurstyn
Looks nice.....when will you be ready for test games?

Unfortunately some time. While the map is 99,9% done, and populated all places except South America, it will take some time to add the relevant code... which may or may not be changed from GD1938 v2. In some cases though it may indeed be the same.

Congratulations guys,

This looks very nice, and like everyone else I am excited for the progress.

You know we appreciate your work!

Chuck

Well, I guess that the only thing I can do is wait patiently. I think this map would be a great improvement for the game. And I know and appreciate how much work goes into this kind of work. Thank you.

ORIGINAL: ernieschwitz

One thing that worries me somewhat is that between turns there can be an up to 3 minutte waiting periode, before the turn is ready to start. Vic has told me that he may look into speeding a few processes up, but no guarantees. The problem is NOT related to memory, the map does in fact not use that much. The trouble seems to be with the processor speed. So results may vary from computer to computer.

Is this really a problem?

ORIGINAL: CSO_Talorgan

ORIGINAL: ernieschwitz

One thing that worries me somewhat is that between turns there can be an up to 3 minutte waiting periode, before the turn is ready to start. Vic has told me that he may look into speeding a few processes up, but no guarantees. The problem is NOT related to memory, the map does in fact not use that much. The trouble seems to be with the processor speed. So results may vary from computer to computer.

Is this really a problem?

Depends I guess on the player. If that player can wait for the game to respond before he/she has a chance to save after the turn is played, I assume it won't be a problem. If not it is a problem.

Guys, that looks great! I can't wait to play on it and test it. I say it's worth it. Keep up the great work!

Ed