Matrix Games Forums

I have been asked to demonstrate that an update for AE "would generate more money than it costs."
As a preliminary indicator, I am asking for people to indicate interest.

I specifically proposed a very slight update to the game to facilitate a somewhat expanded
version of Andrew Brown's Extended Map System. Apart from adding a few hexes and a few
off map locations on the off map movement track, it would facilitate using seasonal maps
which feature construction (and rarely, deconstruction) throughout the war. The basic
system is working in RHS, but requires manually changing the pwhexe.dat file and some
map art files every season of the war. I want to automate that process.

The new map system shows things like the deconstruction of the East Malaya RR and the
Baikal Amur RR at the end of the first Winter season, as well as many construction projects.
It also shows considerable construction of roads and rail lines throughout the war. And
trails change seasonally where mud, ice or other natural events "erase" or create them.
The construction comes in two flavors - a strictly historical set - and an alternative
history set which includes numbers of actual projects not implemented (or not fully
implemented during WW2). In Australia, for example, narrow gage RR were surveyed, but
not built, in favor of primary roads. [As issued, AE provides neither.] The upgrade
would allow original AE, strictly historical enhanced AE, and alternative history AE
versions of the pwhexe.dat files, which are where this "construction" is coded. All of that
now exists and there is no cost for Matrix to use it.

As well, the ice on the ocean and on rivers and lakes considerably changes navigation on
an annual cycle. Numbers of major river systems have been considerably developed.

The upgrade might be software only to avoid the cost of disks, boxes and physical package
art. The AE editors would permit any mod to use any version including the original files.
One simply selects the right scenario to modify.

Yes, being as I've used your maps and find them appealing. On another note maybe they could add in the 1126b beta update. It's a small update....GP

yes, very interesting

Yes!

Yes I am in.

A better question is, "How much would you pay to upgrade WitP:AE"?
Like a kickstarter.

Yes!

Definately.

Yes

Of course

Just to upgrade maps? No.

Now if there are a list of game "repairs" that correct problems within the current game then I'm interested. A comprehensive revision to the player's manual is a must. If there are additions to units, air groups, and ships that were left out then I'm totally happy. And including the 1126b beta update would be a must. And if they'd like to toss in some modifications to the map that'd be cool.

Throw in all of that and I'll be a paying customer.

One last comment to this subject: I think you should re-post this in the general forum if you are seeking input towards funding an update. [:)]

I would evaluate a purchase based on what the version actually offers that is an improvement over the current version. But I've stuck with the game so long already I'd probably want to try the new version.

I would imagine any update for AE would include game mechanic improvements, for substantial improvements of game play, as was done with AE for Air Combat back in 2009.
I would consider a primarily air/naval game simulation as this - to finally include some control/condition-settings for naval combat as the most warranted are of improvement.
We can already set ranges for ship-to-shore bombardment, and wether or not escorts can attack a shore target....which was not in the original WitP.
We need to be able to set some sort of conditions for naval engagements now.
Desired gun ranges, perhaps even formations - which would allow for torpedo/gun tactics, etc.

Land combat, as subjective as it is - actually kinda works for a 40 mile hex scale (though that might be improved), and air combat is not perfect but is satisfactory on the whole.

Naval combat needs the make-over more than anything else.

EDIT: But oh yes - AE as-is, is light years ahead of any other similar sim out there...just saying.


B

Yes.

Cheers,
CB

Absolutely. Not in dribs and drabs, though. Gather together all the update work that is ready but hasn't been issued yet and put it into one package. Especially important, indispensable actually, is to make the download and installation USER-FRIENDLY. None of that "create a file here, unzip this there, overwrite this folder, back up that other one". Most of us don't have the time and technical know-how to spare an entire evening fiddling around with this. Take CMANO as an example of hassle-free updating.

Seasonal map would be great. I would also like to see:

1. Triggered events, so Thais don't disappear on set date, and British fleet won't have to evacuate, if Japan hardly sinks any of their ships.
2. Same model as in original WITP for ships needed at ETO. If you lose BB, which should be send to Europe, you have to send there other one.
3. Rewriting bombing code, so accuracy wouldn't be based on number of bombs. I want to see FBs, and Light Bombers as main Ground Support Planes (and fraking REALLY suppressing enemy AA), not 4Es best for everything. 4Es have over 100% accuracy during Port Attacks, it's ridiculous. Even heard about Scharnhorst?

Yes I would be interested in an updated. Even if I had to pay for the update I wouldn't mind. After 7+ years of playing the game, paying for an update is a small cost to extend that 7+ years for an indefinite amount of more playing time.

Definitely yes!

Conditionally, yes. That would be dependent on the changes. Just maps, probably not.

I do like the idea of a Kickstarter.

For me it would depend on price and what it includes. A map update talked about above would be great. All updates rolled into the game including the OOB/Scenario updates would be a must, into one installer that would be updated if a patch was released for those of us who move or install WITP.