[jc173]

Well depending on pervasive the use of this variable is, if it is the limiting cause... it might be as simple as a global search and replace or more likely it is something much more complex. No way to tell without knowing the source code better.

Now I assuming my guess is actually on the mark about the 8 bit variable, I wonder why he didn't use at least a 16 bit short or just a regular int. Then again I'm not familiar with what language he used and there could be plenty of other considerations that affected his decision to do it this way. That said I'm not sure you could physically fit 65335 star systems onto the current strategic map. I guess he could have used some intermediary number but I can't remember any simple/primitive variable types on most Languages that are between 8 and 16 bits off the top of my head right now.

Actually I guess that makes sense, I'm guessing that he probably didn't think any of us would want over 65k systems. I like playing on a big map too, but I have trouble remembering where stuff is as it is set up now sometimes. 65k star systems.... sheesh I'd be really lost<G> So maybe it was some sort of compromise. Imagine how slow the game would get and how much memory and disk space it would take to play and save it if the galaxy were that big. It'd be interesting but geeze I barely finish games on a large map now <G>

[This message has been edited by jc173 (edited 08 May 2001).]