Re: SE5 progress
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I think I would prefer if bases and planets just automatically re-supplied ships with ordnance. I can see it turning into a potentially micromanagement nightmare otherwise. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The simplest solution would be to handle it like supplies are in SE4. Build a faclity to resupply with ordinance, or incorperate the ability into the resupply depots.

Definitely seperate the two abilities, though, for modding purposes if nothing else.

Re: SE5 progress
 

About beta testing...I'm sure the list will be long for the people who would love to be on that list...I was wondering what the chance would be for someone not in the 'inner circle' to be able to beta test when that time comes?

Kana...who has beta tested he's fair share of other games...

Re: SE5 progress
 

Great news, thank you Malfador!

I especially like the tech requirement with the boolean evaluation. If I understand this correctly it would make it possible to research a component with two different approaches choosing "or" and creating technologies that are excluding each others.

One thing I would love to see for weapons is the lines:

Skips shield level =
Skips armor level =

Then you could create indefinite levels of armors and shields and weapons that penetrate them.

Re: SE5 progress
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">As I only have less than 200 Posts I know I am in no "inner circle", however I am regular in all my games and always give warning if I will be absent. I wish to give notice of my enthusiastic willingness to help beta test.

Re: SE5 progress
 

Who on this forum wouldn't want to beta test http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
Anyway, beta testing isn't that easy if you take it seriously. I did it once for a game and i remember it was quite tedious at times. Off course being able to play your favourite game before it's released is really great http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

And being a programmer, it was also fun for me to think how the programmers pulled off certain things.

As to what i want to see changed in SE5, 2 biggies:
* being able to assign one ship as the succesor of another in the design view so that you can upgrade all ships of type very easily without looking them up and clicking and clicking. All this clicking to upgrade prevents me from spending more time coming up with devious schemes to become supreme ruler http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

* lists should remember their position (some already do now)

Re: SE5 progress
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">There's already something very similar to that - instead of indefinite levels, you specify various shield and armor *types*, so for instance you could have an Energy Shield which stops energy weapons 100% and a Matter Shield which stops matter weapons 100%... then you could define a damage type called Particle Beam which gets through each of those shields 50% http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Re: SE5 progress
 

SO who removed my Last post about forum members being given a link to beta test a demo Version of the full beta testing that the "inner circle" get - please put the post back it was a valid idea -

Those that arent on the beta test get the offer of a limited demo Version instead - it would get some interest and publicity for when the full Version is out ?

Re: SE5 progress
 

Beta demos are dangerous because they don't represent the completed game and people often ***** about bugs.

EDIT: especially early in the beta process when the game tends to be well neigh unplayable.

[ June 16, 2004, 00:25: Message edited by: Phoenix-D ]

Re: SE5 progress
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That's a good solution.

Re: SE5 progress
 

There is no such creature as a "Beta Demo". A Beta 'Version' is sent out to all accepted beta testers and ALL testers sign an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) The so called "Beta Demo's" are usually what is refered to as "Warez". (stolen copies or otherwise 'leaked' copies that have no business being circulated to the public.)

As was mentionned, there are many, MANY changes that occure during beta development and it's not just bug fixes. Gameplay balancing and often new features are added in the beta stage. It would be a very bad thing to have unfinished, unpolished, untested software floating around the net.

Don't feel bad, just make sure you apply for the beta when Aaron puts the word out that the beta is about to start. Yes there are some regulars that can be called "the IN crowd" but Aaron always likes to infuse his beta testing with fresh blood. THings to keep in mind when applying for a beta position, Experience and or high Interest in 'Modding' is a definate plus. Aaron also looks for a wide variety of system specs to get a good idea of what the min/reccomended system will be for playing the game. (Look at the system specs for Starfury and you'll have an idea of the range he will be looking for.)

So, the bottom line is.. don't expect a "Beta Demo" (it is not forthcomming) and be sure to apply for the beta test when the time comes. (probably closer to fall than winter 2004)

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif