New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Version 1.32:
1. Fixed - SE4 would lockup during combat if a ship had zero living
units that it tried to launch (they were killed during
combat).
2. Fixed - Rare Access Violation when ships were remotely launching
units and one of the ships was killed.
3. Fixed - Rare Range Check Error during combat when a ship took
massive amounts of different types of damage.
4. Fixed - Rare Access Violation when a ship executed destroy star
orders.
5. Fixed - Mechandoids were still being effected by plagues at certain
times.
6. Fixed - Added more error checking to the script loaders.
7. Fixed - Fixed a problem in the AI scripts with a misspelling of "Savvy".
8. Fixed - Fixed a naming problem in the AI Design scripts.
9. Fixed - XiChung weren't using Combat Sensors.
10. Fixed - Access Violation when you try to do a Quick Start, then Start
a New Game, then Cancel, then start a Quick Start game again.
11. Added - Got the restrictions on components working.
12. Fixed - Added a restriction of only one component per vehicle to the
Emergency Resupply Pod and the Emergency Propulsion Pod.
13. Changed - Decreased the Shard Cannon reload rate to 1.
14. Changed - Increased all seeker speeds by 1 (thanks to AJCaton).
15. Added - Map Editor: Added Ctrl-A, Ctrl-E, Ctrl-D to the windows to
perform Add, Edit, and Delete.
16. Added - Map Editor: Added Arrow keys and Number Pad keys to move
highlight box in System and Galaxy window.
17. Added - Map Editor: Added the ability name to the ability list.
18. Added - Map Editor: Added a toolbar.
19. Added - Map Editor: Added a save flag.
20. Added - Map Editor: Added coordinate location labels.
21. Fixed - Improved speed during launching of fighters in combat.
22. Fixed - Simultaneous Games: Hide message about player file being out
of date when processing from the command line.
23. Added - Command Line: Added an additional command line argument to
launch directly into a player’s turn.

To launch the game and have the host execute the turn
without any UI, use:
Se4.exe "[path + savegame.gam]" "[game password]"

To launch the game and have it jump right into a player’s
turn use:
Se4.exe "[path + savegame.gam]" "[player password]" "[player number]"

Notes:
1. This will only work for simultaneous games.
2. Everything listed between and including the brackets is to
be replaced by you.
3. If an item for the command line is empty (such as no password),
just use " " in its place. Be sure there is a space between the quotes.
4. The elements above all have quotes around them for safety reasons.
(Paths that have spaces in them must be wrapped in quotes).

Version 1.31:
1. Added - Added the option "Players can save map during a game" to
game setup. This used to be always allowed, but with the
map editor it would be bad to allow players to save the
map of a game and view it in the map editor.
2. Added - Added a "Save Map" button to the Quadrant tab of the
Game Setup Window.

------------------
Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Is the patch going to address the way the AI ships and ftrs fight in tactical mode? They need to be put into starting formations at beginning of screen to maximize their firepower against a human. Currently it is a little to easy to beat in the tactical mode.
Needs some work to make it harder for human to beat AI tks mac

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Richard:
11. Added - Got the restrictions on components working.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Mr.Burns]Excellent...[/Mr.Burns]

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

The RESTRICTIONS are working! Okay... now how does that line work?!?

Somebody please tell me.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Trachmyr:
The RESTRICTIONS are working! Okay... now how does that line work?!?

Somebody please tell me.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I get the impression that many people will misunderstand this. Some might think this means the restrictions in ship contents in Vehicles.txt but it's really the Restrictions: line in the components.txt file. And there's nothing tricky about it. Only ONE type of restriction has been added so far, the "One Per Ship" restriction so that Emergency Energy and Emergency Resupply pods can be restricted. That's all it does fornow.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Great idea on the emergency propulsion/supply. Now if they can only figure a way to remove it from the ship after use it will be used as intended.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Patch sounds good so far, now all that needs to be fixed is the 'captured ship bug', I've seen it a few times, capture a ship on your turn, click on to it to move it and end the combat turn with that ship. You get an extra turn most times. Tempting to use. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif.
(havn't tried it for 1.3 but it worked previous patch.).
That and a RETREAT option would be nice, I hate having my colonizer die to a slow escort it's first time through a wormhole at the beginning of a game. It could be easy to justify, if your ship has movement b4 it entered combat you could retreat those remaining movement points in the direction you came (the same direction to avoid fleets using this to bypass blockades and attack planets). Ah well, with each patch I find this game doubles in 'value', for a guy who regularly buys a new game each month or so I have not bought anything (well, except Icewind Dale xpansion and not played it yet) since installing this game. Much thanks http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

------------------
"The Empress took your name away," said Chance.
Owen smiled coldly. "It wasn't hers to take. I'm a Deathstalker until I die. And we never forget a slight or an enemy." -Owen Deathstalker.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Map editor is nice (especially if it can actually be used as a scenario editor) and bug fixing is important. However, what I am really, really waiting for each time I see a report on the status of the new patch is that the numerous remaining AI issues (see several Posts over the Last weeks) are addressed. Despite some improvements, the AI still is no challenge and utterly stupid in some places.


Sigh, let's wait for the 1.33 news....

[This message has been edited by jowe01 (edited 24 March 2001).]

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Again Aaron is only one guy and he is doing the best he can.

Actually I am considering not posting these anymore as to be honest all I here are complaints when I do.

------------------
Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Two things I would like to see fixed are:

1. Fighters and Sats are launched from a planet in only one group. Sats are in one large group usually on the wrong side of the planet! It was better before with multiple Groups.

2. AI needs to launch fighters into space and use them through out a system like we do.

And why does the AI keep sending missle ships to a system to get slaughtered by my fighters, when the AI ships can't even use missles against fighters???

[This message has been edited by Emperor Zodd (edited 24 March 2001).]

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Richard:
Again Aaron is only one guy and he is doing the best he can.

Actually I am considering not posting these anymore as to be honest all I here are complaints when I do.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Richard please don't take this to serious. There are some very impatient and demanding people, but I think most of us understand perfectely how much work this is and congratulate Aaron for the excellent work he did so far. At least I am.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Richard,

I hear you. Some of these guys seem to do nothing but ***** and moan.

Thanks to you and Aaron for the continuing effort to improve the game. The vast majority of us really do sincerely appreciate it.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Yes, some people do nothing but ***** and moan, but the rest of us DO 'complain' for a reason. I may just be speaking for myself but this is an INCREDIBLE game, but it is also a game with INCREDIBLE potential. The complexity of it is amazing, and the problems are with that complexity and the fact that the AI cannot handle it like a human, but then no AI will ever handle it like a human (or think of 'cheese' tactics like a human, mining enemy starting planets early on, UGH. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif ). I complain because I care, I want to see this game reach its potential, not be remembered like Moo2 as 'great but I wish the game had done _____.). This game will probally be remembered in the future as games like the first few Ultimas, or the Gold box SSI roleplaying series, or Civ I. I look back and wish todays games could be more like those, in later years I'll look back and wish they could be like SE4. I appreciate the time and effort put into this game, the forum, and the upkeep (patching) of the game. In a society that just seems to release games and then forget about them or the people that bought them its nice to see a company that cares. And players that want the best. We want to help to improve the game, (thats where the Modders shine http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif. ) So please don't take all the comments as *****ing, most of us just want to see the game shine even brighter. Moo3 and Stars! Supernova Genesis are coming, lets make people wish they could be more like SE4.
Sorry about the length and ranting of this post but I had to shove my 2cents into the mix.
Steve.

------------------
"The Empress took your name away," said Chance.
Owen smiled coldly. "It wasn't hers to take. I'm a Deathstalker until I die. And we never forget a slight or an enemy." -Owen Deathstalker.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Richard is an awesome guy doing us a HUGE favor by giving us these updates ahead of time. This shows the commitment of a company like Shrapnelgames to the games it publishes. We are thankful for every problem solved. And, new features? Thanks Aaron! Richrd, would you please thank Aaron for us?

Thanks again for the update, Richard!

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Actually that had more to do with my long weekend, my day time job decided to page me all day http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif.

Anyway I do understand that the game has problems that need to be resolved, I just think some guys do take advantage (ie getting upset that their fix is not included) of the excellent support Aaron offers as a small shop. If he were a big company (like say certain recent Star Trek based games http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif) he would just ignore eveyone completely.

In any case Aaron is fairly responsive and if you drop him a note with a fair suggestion it will get implemented eventually.

------------------
Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Richard,
I second Deathstalkers comments. The moaning and *****ing comes about I guess because everyone has a set of their own personnel bugs or wish lists that they would like addressed in the next patch.

I suggest people in this camp (probably most of us) should just email Malfador, and leave these Posts to discussions about whether certain bugs truly exist or to gauge support for suggested changes/mods.

Just a thought! http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif

Please continue with the patch updates....

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Yeah, if you have a reasonable suggestion or a bug report, email him. Often times he will respond to you in person, no auto respond email crap.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Originally posted by Emperor Zodd:
Two things I would like to see fixed are:
1. Fighters and Sats are launched from a planet in only one group.
..
2. AI needs to launch fighters into space and use them through out a system like we do.
...
(3.)And why does the AI keep sending missle ships to a system to get slaughtered by my fighters, when the AI ships can't even use missles against fighters???<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

.. my humble suggestions:
1) shouldn't be too difficult to place the sats in a "ring" just outside the "planetary radius", in equal distances .. something like this (assuming there are only 4 sats):
..by the way, placement around a warp point should work similar ?!

2) Fighter Fleets ?? But shurely the AI would try to move them trough WarpPoints ?!

3) Matter of tweaking the AI files ... the ships should have point defense !!

just my 0,02 EUR of thoughts, though ..
A.

[This message has been edited by Arralen (edited 25 March 2001).]

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Would it be maybe reasonable for Shrapnel or on of the "advanced" players to filter MM's email so he isn't burried with "crap".

A lot of his emails are valuable feed back, but i am sure those are burried in requests to explain problems discussed in the forum or considered common knowledge to the regulars in this forum.

If we compare SEIV to most games released it came with less bugs than usual, and even the quake family hasn't seen this many fixes and updates in such a short time. The game is less than 5 months old and already is on 1.31.

Cut the guy some slack and go play a game.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Thats a good idea Triumvir, that would help I bet.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

MM and Shrapnel should be applauded no matter what your personel feelings are about the game and problems you think need fixing.
I personally know a number of game designers and while they are great people none of them would provide this level of support for their product. The response time from MM for bug fixes is incredible and it just seems to me that they will continue to support the game way past the time most companies would give up and develop a sequel to sell you.
Great job!

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Heh. Just remember this game could be Reach for the Stars, where *every* patch has included new bugs, many of them making the game unplayable.

Then, the game designer encrytped the data files so that modder types (like me) couldn't mod the files without trying to decrypt them. And had the gall to say on the message Boards that the files were encrypted because he didn't want to see stupid civillian modders screw up his beautiful game.

And then, when I bring up, politely, the numerous bugs and game problems, I get Banned from the message Boards.

And the designer wonders why his game sold so poorly. Heh.


Derek

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

I am posting this here, as well as in its own thread.

I do not know if this component already exsisits or not, but if it does not, can it be added to an up coming patch.

Simply put, a component that can be built on a planet that prevents warp points from opening within that planets system. Much like the components that prevent the destruction of stars and planets.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

I would just like to add my two cents (in Canadian pesos) in support of Richard and Aaron as well. The ongoing support for this game from MM and Shrapnel has been nothing short of phenomenal, and a tremendous example to the rest of the gaming industry on how to do things the right way. The great work you have all done and continue to do is very much appreciated.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

please please dont mistake enthusiasm for complaining. I think the fact that this forum bosts almost 15,000 more Posts than the next highest one speaks volumes for how much the fans love this game.

There has not been a single patch that did not improve the game in some fashion, and I think we are all greatfull for the continued work. even when some changes go against the way individuals like to play the game, different play styles are always supported by custom mods. Here is a big Bravo-Zulu for MM's continued support, and another one for the original open-ended / extensible nature of the game. Thanks a million!

cheers,

puke

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

sroe <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Richard:
Again Aaron is only one guy and he is doing the best he can.

Actually I am considering not posting these anymore as to be honest all I here are complaints when I do.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Richard, Please don't stop posting! I find the information really exciting and I'm sure it is useful to many Modders.

If the 'complaining ' is bothering you then please just create a subject area that requires a certain class of priviledges to post.

Please ... "SE4 update information" ... something like that.

Thanks for your efforts to keep us informed so far. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Just wanted to chime in, too, in favor of continuing to post the reports on the patches. One of the benefits is that people will know to stop reporting problems that a yet-to-be released patch has already addressed, either by reading it here themselves or being pointed here by someone who did read this thread.

------------------
Cap'n Q

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Hey Richard, don't listen to the nay sayers. I love knowing whats going on and value the information you post very much.

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

I would like to suggest people post in the forum any comments or suggestions they wish to send to MM, so people can make sure they are:
1)original (no sense in duplicating idea's).
2)could instead be solved with a mod.
3)not known problems with known work arounds.
4)Silly questions which are considered common knowledge.

If people abuse MM's email, he will do what every other person does with spam, throw it in the great bottomless bit bucket.

p.s. a company that actually reads their own message Boards,... wow!!!

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

I don't wanna know what fixes are being made before I can download the patch myself.
So I don't read it. But it's a good thing they are being posted in advance because it bears witness of Shrapnel's respect for its customers.

So... Howcome ppl complain about them being posted in advance?

Re: New New Newest patch info ;).
 

Yes, I very much agree with most people in this thread. Please continue updating us on patch progress. It is very valuable information and shows that you care about your product and the people using it. So few companies do today. And the only ones that do are the small companies. The big dinosaurs just slap together something with alot of bells and whistles that doesn't work, take your money and run. I love the support Shrapnel and Malfador are giving this game. Please keep it up! http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif