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to Marshall


I presume the game will be turn based. If so the how is all those little things players have to do during OTHER PLAYERS TURNS done in pbem?

Like picking chits, committing guard, deciding if the retreat to cities, etc...

How is this interaction handled?

Ozie:

In the PBEM version, the game will create message files that you send to another player i.e. to create an alliance simply click on the nation you wish to create an alliance with then a message will inform you that the message file was created. You then email this file to the other player (Engine will auto-popup the email) who when recevied will read it and answer the question "Do you wish to ally with France?". This will create a reply file that is sent back to France. France reads the massage file and the game adjust the diplomatic stance accordingly! This would all be done in France's diplomacy phase.

Combat is VERY similar but as you know, a little more tedious with the number of files to be sent back and forth. Chit selection, Create flanking force (If applicable), casualty selction, pursuit, casualty selection, etc. BUT we are adding an option for QUICK PBEM combat which will allow the PC to choose casualties and chits (If the leader does not have a default chit selection).

These are the things that we're working as we speak!

Hope this helps...

Thank you

Mashall,

All this mid turn interaction is big (huge) news! If I didn't missunderstand you completely, we will basically have an eMail version of TCP/IP play? I'm guessing that this also resolved the naval interception and there is no more opition picking for AI needed to resolve the interception?

On the downside, wouldn't this limit the opponents selection to the similar timezones?

Thanks.

Ptnognoff:

Not so fast! We are still auto rolling interceptions for stacks that are given orders to try an intercept! Sorry, BUT this was the only feasible way since we might have had to create a two-way message for every sea area (within interception reach) that a stack moved into and this just wasn't realistic. We handle this by allowing you to give a fleet/stack an order to intercept all, intercept weaker force or intercept a force with transports. Not exactly like the board game BUT as close as possible without allowing a naval phase to last 3 months!

Thank you

ORIGINAL: Marshall Ellis

Ptnognoff:

Not so fast! We are still auto rolling interceptions for stacks that are given orders to try an intercept! Sorry, BUT this was the only feasible way since we might have had to create a two-way message for every sea area (within interception reach) that a stack moved into and this just wasn't realistic. We handle this by allowing you to give a fleet/stack an order to intercept all, intercept weaker force or intercept a force with transports. Not exactly like the board game BUT as close as possible without allowing a naval phase to last 3 months!

Thank you

And that's the way it should be.

Since we are still lacking a good thorough AAR from the beta tests (hint, hint [:D]) can you at least try and inform us, how good is AI at picking his interception battles? I guess there is an option "Attack Fleets With Corps At All Costs"?

How is Britain holding/repeling invasions in your tests?

Thanks

Ptnognoff:

Hint taken! Not good enough at this point! Her invasion prevention is much better than her defense after a landing! Needs improvement for sure!

Thank you

ORIGINAL: pfnognoff

Since we are still lacking a good thorough AAR from the beta tests (hint, hint [:D]) can you at least try and inform us, how good is AI at picking his interception battles? I guess there is an option "Attack Fleets With Corps At All Costs"?

How is Britain holding/repeling invasions in your tests?

Thanks

Speaking of Beta tests, have there been any apart from Solitare?

Yes:

We have several testers working as we speak! We've been in beta almost all year! PBEM is currently being worked!

Thank you

Marsahall,

Sorry to bother you again, but can you tell us how AI determines, after a succesfull interception battle, wheather he will pursue the looser and blokade the port they retreated into, or wheather he will remain on station?

Also very important, how does AI know if he should try for interception in an adjacent area (moving away if succesfull, which could be bad in some cases) or if he should wait in the area he is to try for interception there?

I know about your design decision about naval interceptions for a long time, and I'm just concerned about AIs ability to handle this (especially important for the guy playing GB).

Thanks, again.

Ptnognoff:

Not a bother! The AI will NOT intercept (in most cases) a decoy force in an adjacent are IF this opens up a sea crossing! I say in most cases since if the PC is set to EZ PC then you say see a few more elementary errors such as this BUT suffice to say, that the AI will try and not be lured in such a manner. Remember there are no absolutes!

I don't think this system of interception is perfect and may need some tweaking EVEN after Release 1! If this alters GB's chances drastically then we'll adjust accordingly!

Thank you

Ok, I'm switching back into "eager anticipation of the release" mode.

Thank you.

I am glad to hear about the automatic chit and interception options Marshall, I think is the perfect solution (evaluating time and playability).

We wait for a greatest game to be finish!!