a very small suggestion for the next patch for ryhleh ( devs plz read )

[PvK]

Sounds easy enough (and fun enough) to code, to me...

The tricky/annoying part would/might be deconflicting incompatible types for the new Groups.

PvK

[ July 12, 2004, 17:27: Message edited by: PvK ]

[Arryn]

Originally posted by PvK:
Sounds easy enough (and fun enough) to code, to me...

The tricky/annoying part would/might be deconflicting incompatible types for the new Groups.

IMO, the tricky part is what's involved with the "remembering" aspect of your proposal. I think you underestimate the data structures that'd be needed to do this.

In light of what I've previously posted on this subject, were I the responsible dev, I'd first code a basic (and no-cost) "dismiss" functionality (to close the existing hole in the game's design) and then, later, enhance the dismiss functionality (in one or more ways as per various suggestions) in the form of a new "feature" added to that basic function. It's the principle of stepwise refinement. Build complex systems up from simpler ones. It's easier to do than biting off a big task in one chomp. Nibble around the edges ...

EDIT: the "deconflicting" aspect should be an inherent property of the aforementioned data structure(s). IOW, once you've stored all the relevent info regarding the unit(s) to be disbanded, then conflict-resolution should be automatically derived (inherited) from the data structure when you go to apply the event that accesses that data later on. Fundamentals of modern OOD/OOP.

[ July 12, 2004, 17:55: Message edited by: Arryn ]

[PvK]

Sidestepping to reality, with IW as the dev team, it depends on whether or not they already have a way to categorize units into appropriate/compatible types. I can't think of any evidence that they have any such categories - my guess is the existing "themed" mercenaries and independent province attacks and reinforcements are all hard-coded.

Even so, it seems to me the hard part would not be adding a (object-oriented or not) method for categorizing units itself, but creating one that works for all unit types, assuming none already exists.

It seems like the tactical AI could also benefit from a method which knows to separate units with dangerous auras from units without invulnerability to them.

Anyway, recording units and putting them in Groups by compatible type for later use sounds pretty straightforward to me... though I don't know what data structure they use. If it's a massive array with all kinds of ancient spaghetti attached, maybe it would be a pain.

Most we can do about such code details is speculate, though. I mentioned the idea because it sounded like the _main_ obstacle was lack of a fun idea for what to do about disbanding units, so I thought I'd mention what sounded fun to me.

PvK

[Stormbinder]

Originally posted by Kristoffer O:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Stormbinder:
I don't. In fact custom UI programing is one on my specialities, and I don't mind doing it.

For real?

I don't program much, but to me it would be more rewarding making a change that made the game more fun to play and as I rarely am bothered by the UI in dom2 I would prefer a new interesting feature.

The 'dissmiss' however would fall under features in my book, as it is something that would affect the game play.

---

Exactly.

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by Arryn:
The additional fact that the poll rubbed you (one of the worst fanboys on this forum), the devs, and many others with too-sensitive sensibilities the wrong way does absolutely nothing to lessen the underlying point.

What, I'm a fanboy because don't attack the devs when they don't pander to the whims of the players? How dare they not work on exactly what the players tell them to work on! After all, we are entitled to a years worth of enhancements on a product that was nearly bug-free out of the box.

I don't believe in tap-dancing around issues or sugar-coating replies for ease of consumption.

Which is otherwise known as being an ******* for the sake of being an *******.

Finally, I'd also call your attention to the statistically significant number of poll respondents who agreed with me.

Such a poll is nothing more than an appeal to popularity, if the respondents were actually separate individuals, and not the result of one person creating multiple accounts to sway the results, as has happened with other polls.

EDIT: PS - this is about as polite a response to flamebait, GD's obvious intent in his reply, as I can make.

Well, if you actually feel that you are entitled to have the game made exactly the way you want, then the flaming is probably well-deserved.

[Arryn]

Originally posted by Graeme Dice:
a product that was nearly bug-free out of the box.

It's precisely this sort of stupid statement that proves my point on you being a fanboy. The rather lengthy list of bugfixes in the 4 patches since release belies your ... buggy ... assertion. Dom 2 was *functional* out of the box (something that cannot be said of some games), but it was far from bug-free. To IW's credit, they've been diligent about quashing bugs, or at least those they are willing to acknowledge as bugs.

Which is otherwise known as being an ******* for the sake of being an *******.

Well, it's rather obvious that you are clueless as to the distinction between politeness and frankness. For the record, you've a lamentable lack of politeness. In short, you're a rude, obnoxious lout. Which is impolite of me to say.

Such a poll is nothing more than an appeal to popularity, if the respondents were actually separate individuals, and not the result of one person creating multiple accounts to sway the results, as has happened with other polls.

Do you truly believe anyone on this forum would go through that much effort (to create multiple accounts just to skew a poll)? There are modern drugs to treat such paranoia. I suggest you seek some.

Well, if you actually feel that you are entitled to have the game made exactly the way you want, then the flaming is probably well-deserved.

Flaming is never deserved. It's a Last resort for people who's brains have reached their limitations in ability to process information in a rational manner. Alas, there are no drugs to treat such an illness. The only effective treatment is plenty of bedrest. While such bedrest may not appreciably help the diseased one, it will certainly make the lives of those he's inflicting his ravings on much much more peaceful. Get some rest GD. Please. Soon.

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by Arryn:
It's precisely this sort of stupid statement that proves my point on you being a fanboy. The rather lengthy list of bugfixes in the 4 patches since release belies your ... buggy ... assertion.

Aside from the battle replay inconsistency, and a few things that could occasionally crash the hosting process, there were virtually no serious bugs on release, and still are almost none. Which is why I stated that it was virtually bug free.

Dom 2 was *functional* out of the box (something that cannot be said of some games), but it was far from bug-free. To IW's credit, they've been diligent about quashing bugs, or at least those they are willing to acknowledge as bugs.

Ahh yes, and of course, _you_ are qualified to determine what is and is not a bug. Why don't you tell us what major bugs are still lurking out there? After all, you've mentioned that some still exist in previous Posts, but haven't stated what they actually are.

Well, it's rather obvious that you are clueless as to the distinction between politeness and frankness. For the record, you've a lamentable lack of politeness. In short, you're a rude, obnoxious lout. Which is impolite of me to say.

I'm rude? Who's the one who started to tell the devs, once again, that they don't know what they are doing? You're the one who is perfectly willing to state that you know what is best for the game, and are always willing to derail any given thread to continue to whine about the topic.

Do you truly believe anyone on this forum would go through that much effort (to create multiple accounts just to skew a poll)? There are modern drugs to treat such paranoia. I suggest you seek some.

As I stated in my reply, that very thing has been done on this forum to at least one poll about the state of the AI.

Flaming is never deserved. It's a Last resort for people who's brains have reached their limitations in ability to process information in a rational manner.

Flaming is almost always deserved by people such as yourself. That would be people who use a false veneer of civility over top of inflammatory remarksin an attempt to slip under the radar of the administrators.

[ July 13, 2004, 03:56: Message edited by: Graeme Dice ]