Sneak Preview...

[Yakstock]

The attached is a preview of the tremendous number of scenarios coming in COTA. It is based on the Beta version and subject to tweaking, but enjoy the show. It is best viewed using Microsoft Internet Explorer since it was done in Microsoft PowerPoint.

http://www.wargamer.com/Hosted/DropZone ... /frame.htm

[pahom]

Thanks for all of that information, Yakstock. The scenarios and maps look great. The Malta scenarios will be getting my immediate attention upon purchase.

Pahom

[iaidoka2]

It looks great - any news on the release date? Will you release it in a downloadable version first with a boxed version to follow?

Having never played wargames before, after buying HTTR a few months ago, I already want to buy COTA so can you hurry up!

[Brady]

I am realy looking forward to getting this game, and I am very impresed with all the hard work being being put into it.

[Arjuna]

ORIGINAL: iaidoka2

It looks great - any news on the release date? Will you release it in a downloadable version first with a boxed version to follow?

Having never played wargames before, after buying HTTR a few months ago, I already want to buy COTA so can you hurry up!

You will be able to buy the game either in a boxed format or digital download.

Re Progress. Well the hard yards are being put in here. We got out another build ( #95 ) to our beta testers on Saturday. Already the bug reports and feedback are flooding in. It's at times like this you feel a little swamped. but it's great to have so much feedback from a very dedicated bunch of guys. I'm stomping on bugs with one hand while trying to finish off the Resupply code with another. So I thank you for your patience. We are making good progress. The new order of battle display is up and running in the Game and I am just about to test the new Export/Import Force List feature for the ScenMaker.[:)]

[pahom]

Teasing us with all these new features. [:D] I look forward to seeing some of this when it's ready to show. The new supply system alone is going to make this wargame of the year (no pressure intended.)

Looks great and I appreciate all the hard (and productive) work,

Pahom


If you get it out by Valentine's, I'll buy one for my wife too. [;)]

[Arjuna]

[:D][:D] Yeh sure![;)]

[pahom]

You should make me eat those words. Imagine all the wonderful free press when a detached and foolish husband has to have your game surgically removed from his posterior. The local press may even get a photo opportunity of the unfortunate DVD case and cover (and husband, of course.)

Pahom

[Arjuna]

[:D] But I wouldn't want that on my conscience! [;)]

[Arjuna]

OK guys, here's a sneakl peak at the new OB DIsplay. Please note that the GUI is a bit rough around the edges and is not completely finished.

[HercMighty]

AWESOME!

[Arjuna]

The OB Display provides a visual representation of the organisation of the forces currently on the map. It appears in the Side Bar as a tree list. It depicts the “organic” force structure – ie the structure that the forces normally operate under. This may vary from the actual or “current” command relationships. The OB display shows each unit with links up to its “organic” superior and down to its “organic” subordinates.

Selecting a unit in the OB Display highlights it in the list and on the map. A unit selected in the list can be assigned orders just as though it were selected from the map.

If a unit has subordinates, then it will have a +/- box to the left of its entry. Clicking this will expand/contract the list to show/hide its subordinates.

Double-clicking a unit on the list will select the unit on the map and display its unit data in the Side Bar. Double-clicking a unit on the map will select it on the map and, if not already open, open the OB Display and show the unit selected in the list.

[Rooster]

very nice!

[MadScot]

ORIGINAL: Arjuna

(The OB Display) depicts the “organic” force structure – ie the structure that the forces normally operate under. This may vary from the actual or “current” command relationships.

Is that not going to be awfully confusing once people start cross attaching units? Will the map also behave the same way (showing the TO&E superior/inferior units) or will it show the current command links?

I realise that a dynamic OB Display would be a much bigger headache to keep track of; but if it doesn't actually reflect the on-map command structure, how much use will it be?

[Arjuna]

MadScott,

The map will show current, the OB will show organic. To display the current structure in the OB display requires major surgery to our forceGroup data class. Perhaps for our next game.

As to the utility value of the organic OB display, well most players I warrant will remember the organic structure becuase it is fixed and not necessarily keep up to date with their current one. So it's a case of "where's A Coy 2/2 Aus Inf Bn?", scrolling the OB display to the 2/2 Bn, selecting A Coy in the list and hey presto A Coy is selected on the map for you. I'm sure you will find other uses, but my poor old tired brain is a little slow this Sunday morning. [:)]

[MadScot]

ORIGINAL: Arjuna
To display the current structure in the OB display requires major surgery to our forceGroup data class.

I expected that (well something like that, not knowing the precise terminology)

It's certainly an improvement, but if you can find a way to do it dynamically as well that would, I think, be a further step forward. I'm pretty sure some people are going to be confused by the map vs. OB disparity.

Will the OB be scenario specific, or will it be generic? (So if a unit was assigned to a brigade in one scenario only, will it show up there for that scenario?)

[Arjuna]

MadScot,

The OB will be scenario specific - ie it will show the organic structure of those forces on-map as defined by the scenario designer in the ScenMaker.

I agree it would be nice to have both the current and organic but Rome wasn't built in a day. It is something we'll work towards for BFTB.

[Golf33]

ORIGINAL: MadScot

ORIGINAL: Arjuna

(The OB Display) depicts the “organic” force structure – ie the structure that the forces normally operate under. This may vary from the actual or “current” command relationships.

Is that not going to be awfully confusing once people start cross attaching units? Will the map also behave the same way (showing the TO&E superior/inferior units) or will it show the current command links?

I realise that a dynamic OB Display would be a much bigger headache to keep track of; but if it doesn't actually reflect the on-map command structure, how much use will it be?

The command lines on the map will still display the current command structure, as they do in AA: HTTR. It's actually quite handy since you can click through your units in the OB Display in their organic structure and simultaneously see the lines on the map showing their current structure.

Regards
33

[Arjuna]

This new feature provides the ability to select any unit from the force list within the ScenMaker and export it and/or all its subordinates into a Force List file. This file can then be imported into another scenario and all its contents added to the appropriate side’s forces.

• To export a force simple right click on it in the list within the SM and select Export from the context menu.
• Choose Yes from the dialog to export all subordinates.
• Enter a name for the new Force List file.
• Then open a new or different scenario. Right click on the Supreme Force and select Import from the context menu.
• Select the Force List file from the Open dialog.
• Select OK from the confirmation dialog.

This will enable you to generate lists of your favourite forceGroups - eg 2nd Pz Div, Gds Arm Div etc - and to add them into scenarios as you like rather than having to use the one big template scenario. [:)]

[Rooster]

Can't say how much I like this... will really make scenario creation easier and opens up opportunities for sharing force lists among scenario makers. Cool [8D]