kump

There is room for mods. All I want for Christmas is CMBB mods which are... 1) Tom's Snow Mod for CMBB light snow, including the tall pines and trees for "frozen" weather. 2) Normal tall pines are fine, but the Woods need redoing to give less lower cover and broadness so you can see units in woods better, plus add some differing green shades. 3) Take the wonderful CMBB textures and get some snowed on winter vehicles, snowed on winter vehicles, snowed on winter vehicles, and finally, some snowed on winter vehicles.

I must say, unlike other wargames I played, I'm not all that hung up on the "numbers game" with CMBB (and CMBO). I've played the game with tactics that should work, and they most times do (minus some surprises that keep things exciting). I used to be so hung up on tables and numbers and analysing things to death. The CM games have been a wonderful change for me. I no longer get hungup on the mathematics anymore. I don't calculate by looking at fire power numbers, I make sure I have the mostest at the right place where single power factor numbers just mean squat. One strong fire rating squad will get suppressed just as easy as a weak squad, and the greater number weaker squads will make short work of it. Now I know that is not what you asked. And yes, knowing what is under the hood is interesting to know, so I certainly don't fault being curious. But its so refreshing that I don't feel the need to know and that sound tactics work regardless. I'm playing CM and enjoying it, because I'm not analysing attack values and defense factors, but living in it and using the resources I have, regardless of the ratings. The results just feel so right at times that I've completely forgotten about things such as strength values. I only know that an MG42 will suppress and kill in the open and that is enough for me Man, I certainly don't miss those days of looking at chits for values and tables to get results from a die roll. Praise be to CM and the education it has given on how a computer can make a wargame come alive and how it can be done right. --- Sgt. Steiner runs to Lt. Williams who is looking at the field manual 2.001 Field Unit Fire Factors. "Sir, the squad is ready to take the tree line." Lt. Williams shakes his head in consternation, "I don't like this Sergeant. It says here that the German SS rifle squad at the tree line is a 5-3-3 unit." "Yes Sir, that is the standard rating of an SS rifle squad, but if we suppress, I think we can handle it." Lt. Williams looked worried and replied, "Yet the German rifle squad at the bocage to our left is a 3-2-2! Our chance of taking the unit in the bocage seems to be the better deal!" "Except Sir, you will note that if we attack to our left, that will take us into the firing field of a 12-5-6 machinegun nest!" The young Lt. did not look convinced. Grabbing a ruler and map from his field pack, he proclaims "I'm not sure about that Sergeant. That tree line looks like it would block the field of fire by running along side this hex line here!" Sgt. Steiner looks at his commander's ruler on the map and shakes his head. "I'm sorry Sir, I don't think that is considered blocking." The Lt. put his ruler, map, and manual away and looked determinably at the Sergeant. "I think you are wrong Sergeant and I'm willing to bet the squad's life on it. Get the squad ready." As Lt. Williams starts to leave he stops and stares at the sky as a large shadow appears across the horizon. "My God", he screams, "What the hell is that!" The Sergeant looks up and answers, "That Sir, appears to be the Cat's paw. We are doomed." EDIT: Yea, I know. Stick to the web site and leave the attempts at humor to others. What can I say, lapses in posting judgement like these aflict me once in awhile. Mmmm... Well, got those bucket full of Russian tank mods at Tom's CMHQ , best get busy cataloging them. [ October 23, 2002, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: kump ]

Not to be comparing, but I like Steve Jones T-34's as well. Its always tough choosing, the more choices the better. I think you should try them both and find out what fits you better. Personally, I like the T-34's with the vertical flame artwork on them.

I would say you are getting a "mod pack" with the 1.01 patch that is coming. It includes a host of new models and textures, including a few new improved textures for models already in place. Now that is what I call a mod pack! Actually, think about who delivered MDMP1 and MDMP2. Those same folks are doing new art for Patch 1.01 and later for 1.02, so I think we are safe to assume that this time around, we are getting the "mod" pack and game improvements/fixes in one package. Now you can't be disappointed with that, can you? EDIT: I really don't think of the Patch 1.01 as only a "patch". Its much more. There is no need for BFC to add additional models and textures as well as additional effects and features. They could just "fix" things. Its a patch, mod pack, and game extension all in one large splendid package. It actually shows BFC's love of their product and their desire to please this oh so demanding community. I'll take it! [ October 22, 2002, 11:05 PM: Message edited by: kump ]

Seems about the same to me too. However, in CMBO, one time I had almost three complete platoons surrender without ending the game. That's right, that is platoons, as in about three squads each. Some hadn't taken a single casualty and they were regular. Had superior forces on two flanks and front, about to envelope. They had enough. I've never seen that in CMBB, but I could never duplicate the event in CMBO either. When they surrendered in mass like that, it seemed absolutely logical and the right thing to do. I was greately impressed. Another play event that sent my respect for CM through the roof. I'll have to keep attention on CMBB and see if surrender is based on year. But I think its the same regardless and probably not changed from CMBO, but you can never tell with the CM master minds.

Sure, I can convert it to bmp, no problem. Just as long as the original jpg did not lose too much quality due to your compression setting. Hopefully its not noticable.

I can handle RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, BZZ, JAR. Oh yea, and ACE too Whatever you have on that first screen will be fine. I can scale it to the right dimensions if need be.

Hey, wait a minute! I didn't get no splash screen Sytass I want the splash screen as well. But more than that, I want that first one you edited from your initial post. I thought that was a classic as well. 1024x768 only will do just fine. Once posted on TCMHQ, I'll put it in the CMBB Catalogue. Thanks

MeatEtr, The batch file system would not make a good mod. You would need to understand it and change it to your own file locations, number of files, etc.. If you don't understand it well enough, you can cause problems. Now there is no reason why an application can't be written that would "randomly" mix splash screens and music. I certainly don't have time for this type of work, since all programming work I do is for... err... work (and mostly Linux and VxWorks). At home, its CMBB and CM Outpost maintenance. Its enough. I use batch files to whip it out in ten minutes effort and get what I want. Don't forget that CMMOS started this way. Initially it was a set of batch files that moved files around for Canadian, Polish, German, French, USA, and British markings. Then someone got tired of the batch files (prone to error) and wrote CMMOS. And thank goodness. A must have application if there ever was one! May blessings forever fall upon all responsible. Anyone who wants a peek at the batch files can send me email and I'll send it to them. Anyone who writes a windows application to randomize these files and start CMBB would even be better. Any volunteers?

Woops, also wanted to state that another advantage of this save system is that you can open up the save file with any editor and change the number to have the next CMBB load the song or splash screen of your choice. In other words, you don't have to touch the main batch file to get it to load songs/splash out of sequence. Makes testing new splash screens and songs a lot easier. [ October 21, 2002, 02:39 PM: Message edited by: kump ]

I would suggest that the process above is too much system work and would delay the starting up of CMBB after all that renaming. The best is not rename all those files at all, but have them numbered splash_(n).bmp, splash_(n+1).bmp, and so on. Then your batch file reads a save file and gets n, copies over splash_(n+1).bmp, and saves (n+1) to the save file. Done. When (n max) is hit, n=1 is saved to repeat process. I'm currently using it with CMBB this way with no less than 45 WWII intro songs, about half German with the other half made up of Russian, Italian, and Finnish songs. [ October 21, 2002, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: kump ]

Sytass, That is what it is doing, but it needs to do more than that. Think about it, it must cycle through all your available splash files and music files, remembering where it previously left off, and restarting the list when it gets to the last file. Its not complicated, but the batch file needs to save the last position it was at in another file and read that file when you run the batch file again. Batch files don't offer a lot of commands, so it gets a little strange working within its confines, but it works. [ October 21, 2002, 12:53 PM: Message edited by: kump ]

WineCape, Hmm... I was afraid of that. Someone would want to know. You should have some experience with batch files. When I get home tonight, I'll email you my stuff, then you can look into the files and see what I'm doing, and then change them to meet your purposes. By the way, I start CMBB by running the batch file, which in turn will start CMBB once the music and splash screen have been cycled. Edit: And yes, it works for Windows98. [ October 21, 2002, 11:51 AM: Message edited by: kump ]

First of all, I'm a CMBO fan. Yes, I have credentials to back it up. And CMBO has never looked better, with all the MODs installed. Its really amazing how far it has gone. However, CMBB is just a better game than CMBO. Both great, but I'm sorry, CMBB is at the next level. No, won't be playing much CMBO because my time is precious, and what there is of it, it will be in battling it out on the battlefields of CMBB. This issue with shockwaves as being a game killer is a bit extreme, don't you think? Yea, I liked them too, but after a time, I'm not missing them anymore. The other special effects of CMBB are just plain outstanding, the muzzle fire and smoke, LOS blocking clouds from building collapses, sparks on tanks, ground churning up from small arm fire, wind blown smoke, two types of smoke (wood/building vs vehicle), moving trees, and so on. And the number of units and graphics! Makes CMBO a graphics midget. A little thing like the improved infantry models goes a long way in helping immersion. The German helmets look like German helmets with recognizable markings to boot. The infantry graphics alone makes CMBO look mighty back level, even with all MODs applied to CMBO. Oh come on, those new officer models have to make you drool! No one can accuse me of not being a CMBO fan. And I love MODs. But the real action will be happening with CMBB. You can stick with CMBO because it does service the West Front better than anything on the market. In that regard, its the best. But its no longer the King of the tactical WWII wargames anymore, its second best. CMBB brings more tools to the table and bumps up the experience another notch. So that will be the one I'll play, the one with the mostest and the bestest. My CMBO CD won't be spinning much anymore.

It certainly sounds like you have a gridded grass set installed. The reason you probably only see it once in awhile is because there are two sets used dependant on weather. 1 - Summer & Fall 2 - Winter (no snow) Steppe (same as 2, game adjust color) Go into the scenario designer. Set the date to the month of June. Preview the map. Any grid? Now exit the map and set the date to December. Make sure you don't set to snow, keep it on dry. Now preview the map. Any grid? That is it. There is nothing within CM program itself that applies grids, its all in the BMPs.

My suggestion would be to go to CMHQ and download CMMOS and its mods. Fernando's mods are in there and is the base for many of the mods. Its the quickest, though the downloading isn't.

Generale_Pasquini, This is not just fanboys going blitzkrieg on a negative review. That line implies the reviewer knows what he/she is talking about, yet the overall review discounts that completely. This kid does not know the genre at all and pretending he/she does gets under folks skin who do. This board is an excellent way of stating what you find wrong or right with a CM review. Stay away from this thread if it bothers you so much.

I can have them all. Cycle through each screen and each music intro continuously. Start CMBB and have a different splash and music each time. One of the advantages of knowing batch files.

Hmmm... That last one is pretty. I want them both. You are right, you either have to mod the buttons to be opaque. Take a screen shot with the button blocking. Open it in your graphic program. Open your splash screen without buttons. Scale them the same, overlay one to the other to mark button locations. Take button locations on your splash screen by cutting out the button but using your graphic. Play with it, replace old buttons. On and on. There were several splash screens for CMBO that did this. An expert of this type of work is Tom at Tom's CMHQ. He was very good at this.

Really like it. I love as many splash screens as I can get, especially good ones like this one.

I think you should re-align your priorities. Most of those vehicles are the old CMBO models and textures being used in CMBB. They should be done last, because we really don't know yet how many BFC will replace with updated models in future patches. We can hope for most, but it probably won't happen. But still best to wait and see. In the mean time, all those new models (Russians, German tanks) need winter snowed on textures for sure. Alright, that is my priority. But one can hope.

You guys who have Yahoo accounts, don't forget you must also join the group as well. As for rar files, yes, I was surprised and initially could not do anything with them. But it only took a few minutes to find a Windows RAR capable application. Actually, it was pretty nice, since it supported rar, zip, and a host of other archive formats. Just search for "rar windows" and take your pick.

Panzer Leader, sucking up ain't going to get you anywhere. The only thing great around here is the gas I pass once in awhile to ensure I remain undisturbed in my computer room. The small site distribution sends shivers down my spine. Keeping up valid web links can be a chore. I'd rather have fewer permanent sites around. So many new sites come and go... 1) Great sites that get a lot of attention and the new owner learns the truth of popularity, high bandwidth. For those who can't afford it, bye-bye. Another great site sinks. 2) Other new site owners are on fire initially as they get excited about doing something different and new, then find out how much time it can suck away, and lose interest. Site stagnates. Means I get to update a lot of broken links, or have to remove a lot of entries due to the MOD not being available. I'll keep the Proving Grounds link around and answer questions of folks who query me why the link is invalid. When things get more permanent for those MODs, I'll update the links. But hey, the more the merrier. Hopefully the Catalogue can help make things a little saner. By the way, the person who was asking all MOD authors to contact him was Antaress who runs the Patrick's CMBB Page . And the good news is he is still active, with a new MOD just added of the IS-2. Wish he would put a date somewhere with the text, so I can check for new stuff more easily. Good site. May it remain up for some time to come (knock cyber-wood). kump Edited to say that I typed more than energy, so how can I have slipped in? I started first [ October 19, 2002, 03:05 AM: Message edited by: kump ]

But Chad, in CM stuff does explode on the board! At least my stuff does. Oh, you meant chess only. Well, I wish stuff on that board would explode too. [ October 19, 2002, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: kump ]

bump this one more time, though time is running out...