Shep

***BUMP*** This one deserves more air time. Any answers, BTS?

Man, I thought this one was a shoe-in. I really hope it makes it, as a movie playback feature would have great potential for enhancing the enjoyment of the game. I would urge you all at BTS to reconsider if it has been stricken from the list for CMBB, or if it's still possible, to bump it up the priority list a notch or two. I wouldn't choose this over many other features that add to the authenticity of CMBB, but it is to me a very significant gameplay feature. Anyone else?

Anyone in the know have an idea on the number of scenarios/operations that we can expect? Is there a round number developing? Can it be revealed? Any tidbits would be appreciated.

Our guys have made a couple of wise choices concerning this piece of software: 1) That it will have a ton of wonderful content; and 2) That it will run very, very well. That takes time, and it is darn difficult to predict when it will be finished. Good companies also follow these policies: 1) They are as forthright as possible about the current stage of the process. 2) They give ballpark figures about the completion of the software only when they are absolutely sure. 3) They throw bones on a well-timed and regular basis. They've been doing fine with those things so far, and if they continue to do so, they'll avoid alienating anyone in the process of getting this one out the door. Looking forward to it none the less if it's delayed a month or two. My guess is sometime in early May or so. Mark

If there's an American Robin in CMBB, we need to arrest the little bugger for treason and have him summarily executed!

I know... lots. Enough for a sampling of the war and the game. I know... when the 3rd party scenario designers get through with this, a bazillion give or take a gazillion. But how about a ballpark figure on the number of scenarios and the number of operations that will be included with the CMBB disk? 25-ish for scenarios? 40-ish? 5 operations? 10? Hoping for some glimmer of information here. Should we start a forum-wide pool on the numbers?

WWB... I thought exactly the same thing... Also, the idea could take the form of a spreadsheet, instead of back-working all the scenario briefings.

And if the scenario author doesn't use CMMOS? Or doesn't use mods?</font>

Okay, here's an idea. In the scenario briefing the author can list CMMOS preferences. e.g., For a Normandy scenario... Magua's Normandy Mods... Appropriate camo and unit tags for AFVs for both sides... Uniform mods, including unit patches... But also a question: Is it possible to work back through our favorite and most popular scenarios, and modify the scenario briefing to include this info? Also, there would have to be a general consensus on which mods best represent which time of year and locale. I'd be willing to do some of the work of organization, developing a consensus on the mods, and typing in the info. Anyone else interested? Is this possible? Desirable?

I agree. A comprehensive CMMOS treatment of uniforms would be very nice. The whole CMMOS deal has been a tremendous enhancement of CMBO, and I'm grateful to those who have put in long hours for the enjoyment of others. Though I can't contribute in any kind of technical way, I can at least express my gratitude, and encouragement to continue producing similar enhancements as long as it is an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor.

Gordon, I agree with your choices, except I prefer DD's brush over Yeates'. Sure is fun and well done.

Doesn't sound good for a winter quarter release. Not that it really matters. We'll enjoy the game when it gets here.

I'd love to see this too. But not if it would delay the release of the game by even a day. If the human resources are there to pull this off without compromising the release, then by all means it would serve as a terrific preview.

The link for Gunnergoz' Spring Speckled Grass does not seem to be working. I've tried several times this morning, either by left-click or right-click and "save target as." Check it out, please. Superb program, and thanks a bunch.

During a battle Battalion HQs react to the broader picture - what they hear from their subordinate companies, and what they hear from the regimental HQ above them. How would this translate in the game? Not likely to affect HQ bonuses, but it *might* affect command delays one way or the other. Can a Bn or Co HQ give greater efficiency in command to their subordinates? Sometimes this happens before the battle in efficient planning and clear communication regarding contingencies... but command delays (or lesser delays) during the battle are also a reflection of the clarity with which the upper level command element communicates. Don't know if at this late date something like this is possible, but it's probably worth the research and implementation for future modules. I'd think that the aforementioned idea of giving Company and Battalion HQs a command range that affects delay times is well worth the research and implementation. Also... what pre-battle functions could be modeled? How about pre-plotted arty fires? Ambushes? Anyway... great idea.

I think it's great... use it before almost every battle.

Regarding the modeling contest... The addition of more vehicles was the subject of much debate after the release of CMBO, some of which was quite rancorous... (autobiographical reference here). BTS chose not to add the vehicles despite the vociferous pleas of several fans of the game, citing the realities of business and the need to get on with CMBB. Personal desires aside, it's difficult to argue with the bottom line. However... This modeling contest was a fine idea, and gives a great opportunity to avoid what happened when many of us found some earnestly desired vehicles missing from CMBO. I'm so glad that the BTS folks did this, and even though it wasn't possible for CMBO it's clear that they're moving toward greater customer satisfaction with the next game. Just a note of appreciation.

Looks to me like the list is coming along nicely. With 5 weeks to go, there must be a fair chance that most of the remaining models will make it in. Is this list being posted elsewhere? It may help some to post the list on the modelling pages, as well as here. In any event, keep 'em coming!

Shep is indeed short for Shepherd... But my name is Mark Perkins, and I am a Pastor by profession. A number of misguided members of my flock call me Shep for short.

I sold my nearly complete set about a year ago... I got several hundred bucks for it. Every once in a while I miss Hero Creation or some such bit of chrome, but it definitely got to be an exercise in rules memory instead of a game.

Panzer Leader: I think so. In order to qualify for the modeling contest side, it would have to be an actual plastic model. I'm curious if BTS would accept a computer-rendered model for inclusion in the game; I suppose if it undermined the contest in any way, they would say no... and properly so. But let us know if otherwise.

From Michael Dorosh: I have already sent Pz III L and T34/76A (1941), I have a 1/24 Panther I will be sending also. I have a SdKfz 251 with howitzer (/9?) I will likely send as well. There's four in the first hour of the topic! Keep 'em coming!

I think you misunderstood. This is a reference to the modeling contest. I'm making an effort to distribute the modeling efforts to the maximum number of mods. I may be using the wrong nomenclature: BTS has solicited 3D models for their use in producing CMBB vehicles. I know that "mods" usually refers to post-release textures, but I'm lacking the right word to describe what's happening with the modeling contest. To reiterate: BTS has solicited 3rd party 3D models that they will use in the game. They've submitted a vehicle list, and proposed that for every vehicle submission, that vehicle will be included in the game. The purpose of this topic is to record which ones have been done, and to list which ones need to be done. The premise? Which vehicles are included is now pretty much under the control of the CM community. I would refer you to the modeling contest topic for further information.

I don't have an ounce of artistic ability, but I'm glad to help organize the CMBB mods effort. Use this topic to post which CMBB vehicle mods you're working on, and I'll post an updated needs list every few days. BTS, which mods have you guys completed?

Hey all, we need to be organized on this! We need to get the word out! We need a constantly updated list of what has been done, and what needs to be done! In essence, the powers that be have put which vehicles are included right under our control... let's make sure we get them all.