Things we'd like to see in the next patch

Dan C. · #1 November 2nd, 2002, 07:27 AM

I would like to see the map format be unencrypted. The game file, should be certainly, however if you have a map file and want to see it all you have to do is fire up the map editor. It would be nice to have a format (even if binary) so one could write a program to generate random maps, but using some constraints (for example hyperspace, or start positions with sphereworlds etc.).

Does anyone know why the map format is encrypted in the first place??

Fyron · #2 November 2nd, 2002, 07:41 AM

It is encrypted to prevent people from cheating in MP games. MM will never unencrypt it, so there is no point in trying to get it done.

Dan C. · #3 November 2nd, 2002, 08:05 AM

Quote:

It is encrypted to prevent people from cheating in MP games. MM will never unencrypt it, so there is no point in trying to get it done. [Wink]

Nope, Sorry, Don't follow your statement at all. How does encrypting the map file prevent MP cheating?? Most MP games disable map saving and never save a copy at game creation, as the game file is encrypted, one has security. But we are taking about another file there.

So if the "save map" feature is on, or if for some reason the map is supplied, I can just load the file into the map editor and see everything. How does encryting the *map file* help prevent cheating?

In fact I see no reason for it other than MM didn't want it to be ascii and doesn't want to have to explain a binary fomat. Likely they just ripped the code for reading/writing the map section of the game file into the map editor, and that is why it is encrypted.

Quikngruvn · #4 November 3rd, 2002, 07:36 AM

A couple of things that I don't think have been mentioned:

--The option at game setup to view all, allied, or none of the treaties of known empires, like it is now for score.
--The ability to make AI's create one (and only one) ship/base within a system with a particular component. Then, AI's might effectively use components that give system-wide abilities. Then Rollo might put the Orbital Mind Control Lasers into DNM.

Otherwise, my biggest requests are movable/resizable windows, wheel-mouse support, the ability to save and reopen simultaneous turns, the ability to sort by planet type in the Planets screen, and restrictive racial techs.

Quikngruvn

jimbob · #5 November 3rd, 2002, 07:46 AM

kalthalior: Moving warp points, brilliant!

HEMAN: And your deeds will be rewarded my friend

- jimbob

Gryphin · #6 November 6th, 2002, 06:28 PM

A nice to have feature:
I would like to be able to do a Multi Add to the Construction Cue when a planet has more than one Space Ship Yard with out going into the build que.
The reason: I'm lazy. I can't remember all of the numbers of the Space Ship Yards. I really don't want to name all of them.
So there I am:
10 Space Ship Yards with non sequential numbers.
Shif Click, Choose the ones I want to Multi Add, Add the ship, Done.
I can dream.

Dan C. · #7 November 7th, 2002, 01:19 AM

Quote:

The reason: I'm lazy. I can't remember all of the numbers of the Space Ship Yards. I really don't want to name all of them.

I, of course, have the opposite problem. I would like to rename more. It would be nice if the next patch would allow one to re-name a mothballed ship (as you can refit it while being mothballed).

I would also like to re-name systems that I control (i.e. control all the inhabited planets) but I suspect this is more difficult.