IMPORTANT: State of the Game and Future Plans as of October 2022
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2022 3:57 pm
Back in June 2016, I took on EiANW code development from Marshall Ellis and posted some initial comments (see https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... n#p3934628). Here we are 6 years later and we have the new v1.23.08 comprehensive installer available from last year and now the new v1.24.03 update patch. A LOT has been accomplished and the game is MUCH improved in many respects. Ideally (in a perfect world), the game 'should have' been released back in 2007 in near-perfect playable condition. We all know that was not exactly the case and even with all of the bug fixes and improvements made through 2011 with Marshall's last v1.08 patch there was still much left undone.
The old Mantis bug list from about 2014 had 162 open items. Another 11 items were added after that before Mantis shut down. Numerous other bugs, enhancements, or improvements were resolved during code development for v1.21 through 1.24; just review the Release Notes over the past 6 years to see how much else was done. Overall, 142 items (82%) from the Mantis bug list were resolved or closed out. Of the 32 remaining open items, most involve optional rules, PBEM/NetPlay, GUI, or other enhancements that are just too challenging to implement. I think it is safe to say now (finally) that EiANW is quite playable for either solitaire or multi-player PBEM and we've pretty much run out of issues to "fix".
A short summary of code development accomplishments is in order. Game bugs and rules deviations are resolved (as far as we know). The computer opponent AI is now competent and challenging in most all areas. Separate setups for classic EIA and alternate EIH for both the 1805 and 1812 campaign scenarios are now implemented. Several GUI enhancements help to improve the game experience. And the game manual is up-to-date with player notes and strategy articles included. Certainly, if you haven't kept up with the code developments since being dissatisfied with the early versions of game a decade ago, NOW is a perfect time to take another look and re-assess this outstanding Napoleonic Wars grand strategy wargame.
Alright, while I say that the game is quite playable now, we all know that may not be 100% accurate. I suspect there may yet be a few bugs to resolve and other game enhancements or improvements that could be made. So while I hope this v1.24.03 patch may be a final(?) major update (i.e., with a Matrix Games installer package), I will continue with some code development and post updated versions here as I can. If we get to the point of needing another major update, then we'll do that.
So, looking ahead, here are some focus areas that players can help me with. 1) If you spot any game bugs or PBEM issues, please report it and provide a reproducible save of the error if possible. 2) General AI performance during the mid-game and late-game may need adjustments (obvious weaknesses, noticeable trends, etc.). 3) As time permits, I may relook some of those lingering open items that were "too challenging to implement" and also consider other suggestions players may have. Never say never.
UPDATE 11/28/2022. Please report bugs and issues in tech support above. Thanks.
“Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.”
~ Napoleon Bonaparte
The old Mantis bug list from about 2014 had 162 open items. Another 11 items were added after that before Mantis shut down. Numerous other bugs, enhancements, or improvements were resolved during code development for v1.21 through 1.24; just review the Release Notes over the past 6 years to see how much else was done. Overall, 142 items (82%) from the Mantis bug list were resolved or closed out. Of the 32 remaining open items, most involve optional rules, PBEM/NetPlay, GUI, or other enhancements that are just too challenging to implement. I think it is safe to say now (finally) that EiANW is quite playable for either solitaire or multi-player PBEM and we've pretty much run out of issues to "fix".
A short summary of code development accomplishments is in order. Game bugs and rules deviations are resolved (as far as we know). The computer opponent AI is now competent and challenging in most all areas. Separate setups for classic EIA and alternate EIH for both the 1805 and 1812 campaign scenarios are now implemented. Several GUI enhancements help to improve the game experience. And the game manual is up-to-date with player notes and strategy articles included. Certainly, if you haven't kept up with the code developments since being dissatisfied with the early versions of game a decade ago, NOW is a perfect time to take another look and re-assess this outstanding Napoleonic Wars grand strategy wargame.
Alright, while I say that the game is quite playable now, we all know that may not be 100% accurate. I suspect there may yet be a few bugs to resolve and other game enhancements or improvements that could be made. So while I hope this v1.24.03 patch may be a final(?) major update (i.e., with a Matrix Games installer package), I will continue with some code development and post updated versions here as I can. If we get to the point of needing another major update, then we'll do that.
So, looking ahead, here are some focus areas that players can help me with. 1) If you spot any game bugs or PBEM issues, please report it and provide a reproducible save of the error if possible. 2) General AI performance during the mid-game and late-game may need adjustments (obvious weaknesses, noticeable trends, etc.). 3) As time permits, I may relook some of those lingering open items that were "too challenging to implement" and also consider other suggestions players may have. Never say never.
UPDATE 11/28/2022. Please report bugs and issues in tech support above. Thanks.
“Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.”
~ Napoleon Bonaparte