Matrix Games Forums

I like a lot the "Best of both Worlds" mod. However, there is something I dislike.

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When bridges are destroyed, the graphics are showing that even the roads and the rails are destroyed. Is there something existing to enhance this?

Otherwise, I'll start one.

ncc1701e wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 5:46 pm I like a lot the "Best of both Worlds" mod. However, there is something I dislike.
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When bridges are destroyed, the graphics are showing that even the roads and the rails are destroyed. Is there something existing to enhance this?

Otherwise, I'll start one.

that'd be nice! can you have a destroyed bridge AND railway?
one of the little pros of the current version is that repairing a bridge brings the roads back ...so its easier to see if that worked out without having to switch the unit on top of it to 'invisible'...

governato wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 8:30 pm
that'd be nice! can you have a destroyed bridge AND railway?
one of the little pros of the current version is that repairing a bridge brings the roads back ...so its easier to see if that worked out without having to switch the unit on top of it to 'invisible'...

I see what you mean. There is quite the same with railroads when they are repaired or not, it is difficult to see. Let's me think of an option about this.

When you destroy bridges, all bridges inside the hex are destroyed.

OK I have an idea I will have to test. First thing I will do is to go back to circles because when an unit is selected you don't see what is in the hex under it.

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While working on the bridges graphics, I realized that the damaged rails are not clearly and immediately visible as well.

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So, I am enhancing them as well working on the three zoom levels. The maximum zoom is already showing this.

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Medium zoom level is done the same way.

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And since this is very difficult to read after, I have decided to add the rails, the symbol plus a yellow background color for the hexes in the two last zoom level.

I will do the same thing for the bridges plus something to make them visible with an unit on top of them. I will work the transparency of the cursors first. The problem is that yellow background and yellow cursors will look the same. I will have to find another background color I think. Any suggestions?

Here are some examples:

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I just missed a broken rail hex in my game with Larry

Purple for the broken rail hex background? Stands out vs yellow and not much in use anyway

would a symbol at high zoom level vs an hex background color zoomed out (so not both, but same colors) make for a good solution? Just thinking out loud.

Good idea, I have tried orange but it was too close of mountains. Purple it will be.

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ncc1701e wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:36 pm Good idea, I have tried orange but it was too close of mountains. Purple it will be.

I like the idea of enhancing bridge graphics for better visual identification but prefer solutions a bit more subtle. You might try something like shown below.

Regards

rhinobones wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 11:50 pm

ncc1701e wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:36 pm Good idea, I have tried orange but it was too close of mountains. Purple it will be.

I like the idea of enhancing bridge graphics for better visual identification but prefer solutions a bit more subtle. You might try something like shown below.

Regards

This is for the lowest zoom level. But we have also to consider this remark:

governato wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 8:30 pm one of the little pros of the current version is that repairing a bridge brings the roads back ...so its easier to see if that worked out without having to switch the unit on top of it to 'invisible'...

I am still working the bridges. In the meantime, the damage rails are ready.

If anyone is interested, I have attached them here.

As usual, these files needs to be copied in your ..\Documents\My Games\The Operational Art of War IV\Graphics Override folder.

Don't forget to do Ctrl + R to refresh the graphics without relaunching the game.

cool! Is this the yellow icon+purple hex version?

governato wrote: Sat Nov 25, 2023 8:29 pm cool! Is this the yellow icon+purple hex version?

Yes

It looks great! I will place your new tiles in the 'Graphic Override' folder for Eastern Front scenario.

Here is two views at different zoom in levels from ....declassified reports from my current "EF 41-45" game with Larry. It really shows the patchy state of the Axis railways in Fall 1941 and the yet to be finished Baku-Astrakhan line in the far South East.

Suggestion: just for the `tiny/small view' it'd be very useful to have an hex overlay coloring for BOTH intact and damaged railroads as it really helps to see the rail network in its entirety. Maybe a light green for intact railroads?

governato wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 7:04 pm
It looks great! I will place your new tiles in the 'Graphic Override' folder for Eastern Front scenario.

With pleasure

governato wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 7:04 pm
Suggestion: just for the `tiny/small view' it'd be very useful to have an hex overlay coloring for BOTH intact and damaged railroads as it really helps to see the rail network in its entirety. Maybe a light green for intact railroads?

Thanks, this is a great idea. Here is the updated version with green tiny rails and the tiny destroyed bridges. I am working several combinaisons for the cursors none that I like currently. Once done, I will be able to finish the damaged bridges.

Screenshot of the rails:

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The new version is attached for testing:

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All right, there was tons of possibilities and canals finally were a problem. So I ending up by doing something simpler but working fine.

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So instead of destroying all the bridges like the following example, I chose to keep the roads and rail lines just adding the destroyed bridge icon.

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Here is the end results. Examples:

1. The rail line is not broken. Only the bridge has been destroyed.

2. The rail line is broken. But the bridge is still intact.

3. The rail line is broken. And the bridges are destroyed.

The cursor colors have been also changed to ease the lecture of the state of the rails.

I will try to upload the mod here. It is 1.63 Mo. Not sure it works.

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