TeAcH

I don't have the time to wade through all of the emails above and I would like to how soon you all are planning on starting this. Perhaps I can try to put the BER secure mode version on the fast track to help out. We (bradleyh and I) are guessing that this weekend (FRI or SAT) BER v1.5 will be ready to go, secure mode and all, but don't hold me to that . TeAcH

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> Is this, or will this end game randomizer be secure enough to be used in the proposed CAL tourney being set up by Treeburst 155? And again it means MAC users can't use the end game randomizer in the tourney. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Well, the secure mode WILL most definately be able to be used in tournament game. It will feature passwording and encryption. You create a BER game file, enter in a password, and send it off to your opponent to do the same. Once the BER file is created in that way, it will from them on require file swapping with passwords to access each turn's results....like CM does with its PBEM games. We should all be familar with that convention As far as MACs go, I unfortunately don't see us porting it over to that system I'm sorry to say. We MIGHT consider allowing someone at BTS or a Mac coding guru to attempt a port over, but we'd have to see. If someone out there is interested, send me an email. The Web based approach is a cool idea too. I like it. We might look at that sort of implementation in the future. The only problem with that is access. There are some issues with a web based approach versus a program on your desktop (their are benefits too though I agree). Question: Will WinDoze or a PC emulator work with the BER? As a sidenote, bradleyh and are contemplating designing a very cool and FREE utility for managing CM Mega Campaigns that will allow a "Game Master" to assign generals to both sides, track force compositions, generate QBs using those compositions, do random events (breakdowns, strafing attacks, partisans, sabotage, etc), weather and time of day calcs, handle supply issues, have large maps big enough to break up into CM sized battlefields as required, etc, etc, etc. In other words, you would gather up say a group of players who wanted to play a string of battles or operations, assign them to one side or the other and give them troops. The program would accept move orders from the "players" for their armies and then calculate and manage the data for you. Conflict/battle parameters would be provided by the program based on the troops present, surprise, weather, terrain, supply, morale, fatigue, location, objective and so on. It would then assist the GM in knowing what type of QB to create, how much and where to put the troops, and so on. The GM creates that QB file and notifies the combatants of the encounter. After the players fight it out, the results are entered back into the manager program and play resumes with whatever ragtag and battered bunch you have left (unless of course you get replacements and reinforcements). This would be a cool and easy way of engaging and managing multiple players in a dynamic CM roleplaying environment. I don't know. This would take some doing but we are up to it. Question though: What is the interest level? Anyone interested in this idea? Perhaps we should take a pass and spend the time with our families if only a few people are into the idea. BTW, BER v1.5 (with secure mode) might be out by this weekend. Ill let you all know. Regards, TeAcH [ 05-29-2001: Message edited by: TeAcH ]

Just a note to those interested, bradleyh and I planning on releasing our next version soon. This will include the secure mode feature for you to use during your games where you want to be sure that no cheating is taking place. I would like to take a second though to elicit some feedback from those of you that have used the program. Let us hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks TeAcH

Hi MadMatt! Good idea. As far as our BER goes, I think it will be the easiest for me if I point you to our BER site at: www.badcoinc.com/ber Once there, you can cut and paste whatever you want. If that's not gonna work, let me know and I'll write up something short. Regards, TeAcH

For those of you using the BER, we just released our latest build, build 35. Hooray! Build 35 adds file associations that allow you to open the BER by doubleclicking on the BER game file. We also corrected an install bug some of you were seeing and made a few minor fixes. We are going to spend our time getting the secure mode added to the BER for those of you that want to use it in a game where you want to be sure everything is on the up and up. Erase the old BER and get the new one today!! Here's the new link: http://www.badcoinc.com/download/bersetup.exe Enjoy! TeAcH [ 05-27-2001: Message edited by: TeAcH ]

New version to be posted today. Ill advise here. TeAcH [ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: TeAcH ]

Just a follow up to the question about using it against the AI. The only way to absolutely end the game when the BER indicates such is to do a cease fire. I don't know if the AI is going to match your cease fire on the same turn, so the game may not end then. Am I missing something? The BER was designed with head to head games in mind. Maybe someone will get creative and think of a cool way to implement it against the AI. Hope this helps. And now that the BER is out, feel free to let us know your comments and ideas. We may try to implement that aforementioned bell curve request (as an option) where the game is more likely to end closer to the game length (see above post). We will see. We want to get the secure mode finished first though Take care, TeAcH

TeAcH here. The BER link has not been activated yet. I had to work late tonight so we are slightly behind schedule. That stinks cuz I want you all to have the BER like yesterday. Why? Because it is really freaking cool and will add a lot to your games, but you know all that already. As far as a Mac or an HTML version, Dont know yet. Mac users may have to use an emulator. I passed a message along to BradleyH to release the BER tonight (activate the DL link) so keep checking until you hear from me that it is definately good to go. TeAcH

It's been a long time coming but it is finally here...well almost...in a day or so. We couldn't keep quiet about it any longer and man-o-man does it kick butt!!! Better yet, it's freeware and its all for you our fine CM friends!! Some of you may recall how I blabbed on and on about the last turn of a CM game being to static and thus predictable whereby you and your opponent knew exactly when the battle was going to end...down to the very last second. Realistic? I don't think so. And what happened quite often was that one could plan all of their tactics around the clock leading right up the infamous flag rush at the end of the game. I hate that!! hehehe You know the drill, you are in a great defensive position when on the last turn your opponent pulls a rush on you that throws the objective flag up in question. You lose the points and your opponents succeeds. Problem was, that you both knew that had their been just 1 more turn, perhaps even a measly 30 seconds, you coulda turned that rabble he called an attack into chop liver. Now all that is in the past for those of you who use the BER. So without further adieu, (drum roll please) Introducing BaDco's Endgame Randomizer (BER) for free!! Use the Endgame Randomizer and you can designate how much of a + or - modifier you want to add to your battle (say 30 turns plus or minus 3). Then on turn 27, the excitement really begins. Does the battle end then or does it drag on until turn 33? Only the BER knows. If it does end, you and your opponent issue cease fire commands at the start of the turn and the scores are tallied. Can you dig it? Can you see the possibilities? Random endings for those that want em..and they can be as random as you want them too. I played a QB, 12 turns, +/- 3 and the game ended on turn 9! It coulda ended on 15. And you know what is really, really, really cool? Those of you who don't like this idea, get this...this is the cool part, you dont have to use it! That's right! Yep! Just click BACK on your browser. Neat eh? We will activate the download link on the webpage tomorrow night..near 2000hrs PST. Until then, feel free to take a peek at the BER website and see what's in store for you. (Note: some contents of the webpage may change by tomorrow..but, hey, I just had to let the cat outa the bag). See for yourself. www.badcoinc.com/ber It really changes up things let me tell ya!! Makes those last few turns a real nailbiter. Cheers! TeAcH & bradleyh

Damn. I couldnt have said it better Stacheldraht. I agree 150% with ya. TeAcH

Don't get me wrong, I think BTS has gotten the gameplay down just right. Its damn right near perfect. Now its time to tweak the engine. TeAcH

/flame protect v2.3 on I'd like to see Operation Flashpoint Style graphics for CM2. Have you all seen that game? Whew. Seriously, I think the graphics need a facelift. Tanks that show different types of damage, partially collapsing buildings, smaller tiles, better fog, and on and on. Hey I love CM like everyone else, cept CM2 is going to need a better engine. Thank God Im not the one that has to design it though. Sometimes being a consumer aint half bad. /flame protect v2.3 off TeAcH

bump

Boy, if we could use the Operation Flashpoint engine for CM2, Id be happy camper. [This message has been edited by TeAcH (edited 04-01-2001).]

My friends and I have done that MadMatt and it may buy us some time, or skip past the hiccup altogether, but I know three of us, myself included who have experienced the crash problem. I know this is a bugger to identify and I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for this game. You were a very good choice of BTS' as a hire. Regards, TeAcH

bump

I think the bottom line is a movie can't satisfy everyone...period. I thought this movie was boring. Gimme me an East Front SPR and Im a happy camper. You can keep and enjoy this gritty soap opera all you want. TeAcH

Mirage - Good points. It IS a matter of personal opinion. I know you'll agree with me when I say not everyone WILL like it. Everyone did not like Gone with the Wind, Star Wars, and so on. I didn't care for EATG. I wanted SPR East Front style. I got "As the Gulag turns" and "One life to Snipe" (Soaps) Im out TeAcH [This message has been edited by TeAcH (edited 03-17-2001).]

I thought Mel Gibson's attempt at a Scottish accent was fair and did a lot for the movie. As far as Pearl Harbor goes, Ill watch it and I am glad they are making it too, but why does it have to get bogged down in a love story. No one complained that Saving Private Ryan lacked one. What's the big deal? Skirt around the issue all you want fellas. No one seems make a comment on my Scottish speaking Japanese now do they? C'mon. This is a personal opinion issue anyway. I would rather see them employ Russian actors and teach them their line in English. Don't sell a good actor short. Moreover, yeah I agree that it would have been more realistic if they spoke their true languages with subtitles but very few want that. I don't want that either. Strip the humping scene and the love story out of this film, do a better job choreographing the war scenes and put more emphasis on the sniper to increase the drama and I am happy camper. C'mon gang, remember Platoon and Patton? I know the CM'ers liked those films among many other good war movies that did not have the love saga. I just think it detracted from the bigger story and too too much time was spent on it. TeAcH [This message has been edited by TeAcH (edited 03-17-2001).]

Well David, I strongly disagree with your idea of why they needed to include the love story. Some of the best war movies did NOT have them and were better movies because of it. Saving Private Ryan didn't have one. Platoon didn't have one. Patton didn't have one, etc, etc, etc. It was foolish and unnecessary and detracted (for me) from the real story at hand (Russians locked in a desperate struggle for their country in Stalingrad and a great sniper duel). They could have at least toned it way down. Leave the love story for your favorite soap opera. You are entitled to your opinion even if it is wrong. (hah) Frankly, I hope that the new Pearl Harbor movie focuses more on the conflict than on a love affair between two people as the trailer suggests. Sure, they can show how soldiers missed and longed for their loved ones, but in the proper context. Enemy at the Gates did NOT need one. And furthermore, you say you didn't mind the English accents for the Russian soldiers? I dont think it would have limited an actor's ability at all. Didn't seem to affect Mel Gibson in Braveheart, or Catherine-Zeta Jones (English born) in Zorro. Take a movie where Russian accents were used well and there is no comparison. Look at some of Clancy's works. I suppose you wouldn't mind it if they did a movie on Guadalcanal and the Japanese had rough Scottish accents. Amazing. TeAcH [This message has been edited by TeAcH (edited 03-17-2001).]

I have the TBird 900 on a ASUS A7V MB with 640MB ram, win 2k, and GForce 2. Best system Ive ever owned. I love the TBIRD. TeAcH

I have the TBird 900 on a ASUS A7V MB with 640MB ram, win 2k, and GForce 2. Best system Ive ever owned. I love the TBIRD. TeAcH

Well, that appears to be the only rational explanation. Thanks TeAcH

So I saw the movie and thought, "You know. I could make a tiny map in CM complete with rubble galore, uneven terrain, and buildings (some on fire). Ill toss in some elite snipers on both sides, a few regular snipers on both sides, and small flags at either end of my tiny, narrow map. Well, two things happened. One, the snipers would fire even when the enemy sniper was in LOS and under 100m (or so) and two, when out of desperation I ran my sniper onto the German sniper, the two sat on top of each other, kneeling for the rest of the game. No one fired or swung a punch at the other. Hmmmm....I know sharpshooters don't want to shoot if it is going to reveal their positions, but... (I know this would most likely cause a major effort in the code to get a sharpshooter to shoot another sharpshooter at close range). But I still don't get it why the enemy snipers sat on top of each other and did nothing. TeAcH [This message has been edited by TeAcH (edited 03-17-2001).]

I saw this today and I was disappointed. Why did they have to include the love story in this movie? Take out that part, do a better job with the combat between the soldiers and the duels between the snipers and you have a good movie. I also had a hard time getting past the english accents on the Russian soldiers. Why cant they fake them or find actors that can? And the sex scene didn't work. Ima not a prude, it just didn't fit in the movie. Anyway, Id give it a 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. Overall, I was big time disappointed.