Correct - the hard limit on number of map provinces was successfully removed. We have not changed the map that comes with the game, since that would render too much stuff incompatible (and take too much time), but for map modders the floor is open.
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Could you provide a quick link? Thank you very much.
I too guess that a new, bigger map (or at least one with more provinces) would add immensely to the enjoyment of the game. It's perhaps the only thing really lacking in AoD.
Edit: Balesir, any chance that BL-Logic will eventually release an enhanced map for AoD? You're the guys who could probably handle it best...
There is nothing particularly intellectual about Chess either, except it doesn't usually have sprites and game experience is not 'enhanced' by the sounds of explosions, or knights fighting and so on.
There is something intellectual about computer programing and game theory, however. I suggest you read Mikhail Botvinnik essays on selective searches in computer programing, he was enlisted by the Soviet Union to develop theoretical models for developing computer "intelligence" in the 1950's and Chess has been a fundamental tool used to develop computer theory worldwide. For example, IBM spent millions developing Big Blue, solely for the purposes of creating a computer capable of beating Grand Master chess players. Of course this is partly a publicity stunt, but it does illustrate the point.
Some have hypothesized that Chess maintains its popularity as a game because it sits right at the point of complexity where not all outcomes can reasonably be predicted, but is still simple enough in its mechanics to be understood and controlled by just about anyone.
When we start seeing games that feature ai automation as a fundamental function of game play (I am not talking about game mechanics, I am being specific here, because obviously all computer games have substantial automation) , we know the game has moved far beyond the point where the average person can understand and control the game.
It is due to the map size. This is the fundamental error of its game design. And it impacts every single aspect of the game design, weather you know it or not. For example the increase in map provinces, quadruples the number of areas where specific bugs, or unwanted AI outcomes can occur. The task of play testing for all these erroneous outcomes have likewise increased the shear weight of play testing required, and the amount fixes needed, and this in itself partly led to the production outcome where many features were not working properly and bad optimization.
If you care to look I expressed my doubts about the map size right from day one, and indeed predicted this would create problems in the production. I just didn't think the project would be finished on the time line outlined.
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The map could probably be exported to AoD. I don't think Durruti would mind but you should probably ask him. A description of the map can be found here: Geography and Map in the East is Red.
Thanks a lot.
Hmmm, I'll try to go deeper into this - I'd really like to see an expanded version of the classic HoI2 map. My only concern, however, is how long it would take to mod all of the events, *.csv and AI files (the latter too?)...
Well the main events you are talking about are the capitulation events for Belgium, and then the Vichy events for France. I did those already so transfer of those scripts should not be to hard, unless there have been major changes, but based on this AAR, I don't think so.
Then you might want to twig the AI a bit so that it pays attention to these provinces as well. On that score I don't know because I don't know what AI parameters are functional in AoD, but I imagine it would not be too big of a deal.
Then you might want to twig the AI a bit so that it pays attention to these provinces as well. On that score I don't know because I don't know what AI parameters are functional in AoD, but I imagine it would not be too big of a deal.
Well, that's just the part that scares me the most. I have no programming skill so I couldn't afford to mod the AI in order to make it take into account the new provinces. On the other side, I'd be interested in actually modding the map (the best/quickest way to do that being simply to split most provinces in two roughly equal parts, depending on the area and on the needs, of course).
I am not going to comment on AI parameters that I have no seen, as yet. But it doesn't really scare me that much since these things are usually done in very general terms.
I wouldn't be too ambitious at first, really. One thing that I would personally like to do is scale the Pacific properly, this way all ships range could be based on a simple standard.
I wouldn't be too ambitious at first, really. One thing that I would personally like to do is scale the Pacific properly, this way all ships range could be based on a simple standard.
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That is great news. However, I realize we're going OT here - maybe we'd better continue by PMs? The map issue isn't a thing I'm going to let go easily: don't know exactly when and how, but it has to be done...
This is with 5 years preparation for the coming war. How much worse do you think your position would have been if you had started in '39?
Ahh well the first person to talk to would be Jaimie who made the editor and see if it needs modification to fit the AoD format.
Part VI- The Great Patriotic War July 1, thru December 30 1942
Short update today. I have something else I need to work on.
During the second half of 1942 the Germans continued to move the lines to the east and to the south. Moscow was briefly threatened when they took Bryansk with a determined assault. I was able to counterattack their rear and they were forced to retreat in order to avoid being pocketed. Toward the end of 1942 I was able to stiffen my resistance somewhat.
In other news, Japan annexed China and the United States landed in North Africa.
On the far northern front I was pushed completely out of Finland putting my forces just north of Leningrad. I have not been able to really put any resources into this front so far. I plan on sending some help to this front in 1943. It would help if I could get the Germans out of Finland. That way I could transfer some more divisions to the main front.
In December of 1942 The Great Patriotic War event finally fired bringing my GDE up to .8. On the technology front I was finally able to research Defense in Depth. With the continued build up of my army I will hopefully be able to at least hold my ground in 1943.
The following screenshots are of the fronts as of the end of 1942. Also included is a shot of my current production screen.
Check back tomorrow for the next update.
Short update today. I have something else I need to work on.
During the second half of 1942 the Germans continued to move the lines to the east and to the south. Moscow was briefly threatened when they took Bryansk with a determined assault. I was able to counterattack their rear and they were forced to retreat in order to avoid being pocketed. Toward the end of 1942 I was able to stiffen my resistance somewhat.
In other news, Japan annexed China and the United States landed in North Africa.
On the far northern front I was pushed completely out of Finland putting my forces just north of Leningrad. I have not been able to really put any resources into this front so far. I plan on sending some help to this front in 1943. It would help if I could get the Germans out of Finland. That way I could transfer some more divisions to the main front.
In December of 1942 The Great Patriotic War event finally fired bringing my GDE up to .8. On the technology front I was finally able to research Defense in Depth. With the continued build up of my army I will hopefully be able to at least hold my ground in 1943.
The following screenshots are of the fronts as of the end of 1942. Also included is a shot of my current production screen.
Check back tomorrow for the next update.
Although the Germans don't seem to be totally clueless, it seems to me that they aren't a real challenge yet. Am I wrong...?