Macisle
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Posts posted by Macisle
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4 hours ago, Sgt.Squarehead said:
Dude.....When?
This looks so cool.....You saved me a bunch of work too!
PS - @37mm Thought I'd draw your attention to the building textures a few posts above.
Thanks!
Yeah, actually that's a big part of the reason I decided to dive into this. Rather than have folks dealing with ports of varying degrees of time and success. Basically, what happened is suddenly, totally unexpectedly, I got complete WWII burnout. So, with the port issue in mind, I decided to do just enough of the map to test combat and see if I wanted to continue. The result of the test was like, "Oh, yeah..gotta' make this happen."
Despite the amount of work building from scratch, it felt less intimidating than dealing with the unknowns of porting and would allow me to get a feel for the extra tools in BS. So, I made an elevation overlay of composite screenshots from the RT map and matched all tile elevations across the whole master. Then, I set up a composite file to produce overlays to do the same thing for the general map work. I do a "row" of blocks across the map, a block at a time, filling up a row at a time. Then, I do screenshots from the RT map for the next row. As I go, I am checking Google Map and Street to look for improvement changes made possible by the extra features in BS and opportunity of doing again from scratch. That's mostly building heights and the addition of some flat rooftops. However, there are a couple of future areas that I did on the RT map before I decided to be so faithful to real Kharkiv. So, those might see big changes on the BS map as I make them conform more closely to the RL layout.
One really nice thing is that the BS map is being made with finalized texture placeholders. So, I can update textures later without having to go back and rework building assignments. The RT map was done with a temporary number system and the textures are all scrambled now. So, I'm going to have to go back and reassign across the whole map. Ugh.
I'm able to run RT and BS at the same time, so I flip screens back and forth between the 3D views in RT and BS, along with Google Street, to match building configurations to original and/or look for improvements. That also allow me to spot and fix any issues in the RT map, along with doing any spot improvements there as well.
As for time estimates...
For the BS map, I'm doing the most time-consuming blocks first. That's the northern part of the map. Those blocks take 1 to 4 hours of concentrated work each. In the row areas worked on to date, there are roughly 28 blocks. All but 3 of them are completed except for flavor objects. The last 3 are placed but I need to go through and format the buildings. They are beasts, though, and that's probably an 8-10 hour job to finish all of them. A very rough estimate of the total number of blocks on the map is 80.
To be honest, I've long been kicking around asking for help on the textures to speed things up. That's not a strong area for me and is a kind of bottle neck. Also, I had originally considered doing some custom flavor objects (I know there are some interesting threads on that). However, I don't think I should spend any time on those myself.
From the get-go, functionality has taken top position over everything else. Where visual presentation collides against game function, function wins. Luckily, I haven't really come up against any issues. In fact, I've been super-pleased with how well the Engine is handling the designs I'm throwing at it. Everything works at least as well as stock. My putting some kind of road path pretty much everywhere I possibly can may be part of that. The player just needs to be diligent with waypoint placement vis-a-vis which door entrance he wants and very careful to make sure his waypoint found the right column in a high-rise.
Anyhoo, long post. I'll leave off here. Thanks again for your long-enduring interest and patience. Your enthusiasm for the project has certainly helped me get through those moments when I realized just how much I had bitten off to chew on!
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One more post and I'm back off to my cave. From today's combat testing, CM and the RL location:
My guys are putting fire on an enemy ambush position (1). Later, two squads were dug out of (2) at high cost.
The grenade launcher is putting rounds on location 1 in the CM image.
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Deadly duels and sweet revenge!
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7 hours ago, Artkin said:
Yoooo need a beta tester??
Not yet, alas. But let me give everyone status. I have some minor bad news and some major good news.
The bad news is that I'm not any further along with my work on the RT project than my last update. The good news is that I have been very active over the summer and the result is...
For the Black Sea crowd, "Kharkiveskya" will be coming as "Kharkiv." Boom!
No ETA yet, though. Much work done, but much left to do. I'd expect the next upgrade to hit first. If the upgrade delivers major performance enhancements, that could change what I do with the campaigns. Both the RT and BS versions will be released at the same time.
I'll let folks know when I'm ready for beta testers. For now, I can say that I've been doing some combat testing in QB form on parts of the new map that are finished (minus flavor objects). And, while I was very pleased with the WWII combat, I'm even happier with how the BS kit is feeling on the map (which is not a port, but a fresh build in the BS Editor).So, sincere apologies to those who have been waiting so long for this. It is going to happen. And I think yer gonna' like it!
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7 hours ago, waffelmann said:
Hmmm....which mod? Vehicle-numbers?
Not using any vehicle mods at the moment. That's the stock "btr-80ak-hull.bmp" texture.
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Forward we go once again.
Through the mists, the mighty objective awaits our greatest efforts.
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I'll be away from the forum for the rest of the summer. Here's one last pic for the road:
Some of the new WIP textures on map, with a shot of the same view from the real world.
Have a good summer, everybody!
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Another few adaptions of independent building textures to modular for more variety:
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Two more show-and-tells from today's work:
The first is a blend of stock modular and independent textures. The second, an import from Berlin with the German-style wall beams removed.
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2 hours ago, Bulletpoint said:
Looking good, and I don't even have CMRT. But I recognise a good map when I see one.
Thanks! With FR out, you should really think about picking it up. The Berlin map is super. Ben has used the available tools to create a ruined city environment masterfully.
And, when my map comes out, you can use the in-game assets to ruin your own city!
Anyhoo, it's Sunday morning where I am, and so time for as much coffee and CM as I can fill the time with. Here are a few pics of first-pass adaptations of some of the independent building textures into modular textures. I'll be doing a number of these to add the needed visual variety.
These will all be tweaked (like the drain positions, if I keep them).
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On 6/8/2021 at 11:10 AM, Artkin said:
STILL (Excitedly) WAITING @Macisle
Also if you're running into performance issues, try making the maps in cmcw. You'd have to see if the flavor objects translated when ported over between the titles, and if so, that sure is an option. Cmcw is crazy smooth.
OR just add them last, after you've finished the map in cmcw
Thanks, Artkin!
I'm working on it. These days, however, I'm pretty much limited to what I can do on Sunday mornings (including any play time). So, progress is slow.
I decided to wait until FR hit before looking at finishing FO additions. Currently, I'm working on a texture pack. Aside from barns, the map is composed almost entirely of custom modular constructions. So, I need to have more than 8 textures to make things look good.
Long story, but the only way I've found that I can make that work is to use non-tagged modular textures in groups of 8 beginning with 9. At the moment, I have 23 slots (9 to 32). I've been pulling in the best stock textures from the titles I own, along with some Kieme stuff as placeholders. After a once-through on that, I'll be improving and finalizing in multiple passes.
It's gonna' take awhile.
In the meantime, here's a winter shot for everyone. Again, these are just placeholder textures. There will be much more variety and more period feel in the finals.
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9 minutes ago, Megalon Jones said:
That's something I was worried about. I will definitely be doing some QMB videos. I've just started the US 1982 campaign in Cold War and have the first video more or less ready to go. Once that's out, I'll do a Fire and Rubble QB and alternate between the two titles.
My only concern is that QB's can turn out stupid vs the AI as it is fairly limited in what it can do. Scripted missions are generally a bit more of a challenge and more real world in terms of AI contingencies.
I'm also in the beginning stages of a H2H game in the Italy title. We tend to do 1 turn per day, so it's going to be awhile before that match shows up.
I'm greatly enjoying your Cold War vids, too. Your presentation style works especially well there. I just watched the CMFI video last night where you went H2H against CW forces with ACs and a TD. Good viewing, if some head-scratching armor usage by your opponent.
Yeah, I understand on the dicey nature of QBs vs. the AI. Sometimes, the system produces quite good battles. But, very often...not. A big culprit is AI force selection, I think.
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I found your YT channel fairly recently and have been enjoying your CM vids. I really like the vibe and presentation style you do. Love the retro cinematic thing! Brings back memories of going to the movies as a kid.
Maybe some Fire and Rubble quick battle vids? I can't watch the scenario vids yet, as I haven't had time to play them and don't want any spoilers. Would love to see some non-spoiler F&R vids, though!
Thanks very much for your work. Very cool, indeed.
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At the Luftwaffe Ministry, MG Platoon commander Hörter and the last rifleman from his HQ team hug the floor as enemy bullets slice through everything around them. They are frozen with fear and anticipate death any second. As the Soviets change magazines, the eyes of the two men open and find each other. In that moment, the gaze of each silently asks the other, "Do you want to die like a dog, or like a man?" Suddenly, they find strength, rise and engage the enemy squad.
The Soviets, thinking they had won the firefight, are taken aback. Hörter cuts one down with his MP40. The remaining enemy soldiers lose their nerve and dive for cover. When Hörter and his comrade stop to reload, the Soviets exit the room and run down the stairs to the ground floor.
At that moment, the concrete HQ Stug rounds the corner and scans for targets. In a reversal of fortune, the Soviets are now the ones facing annihilation! But, like with Hörter, fear is replaced with courage and two Russians ignore the new threat to turn and re-engage Hörter's team.
The Stug fires.
But the shot comes too late for Hörter. Like so many men, fate has decreed that he and his comrade are indeed to meet their end in the Fire and Rubble.
(Last of series.)
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Moving the half-track means an instant, fiery death by T-34. Staying in the half-track means the crew being picked off one-by-one by AT rifle fire. Therefore, the commander orders the remaining crew to bail out and fight as infantry.
At that moment, a second platoon of T-34's attempts to push into Strongpoint West. One stops and puts a round into the AT HQ team, leaving only the commander alive. A second runs the infantry barricade, setting off a number of AP mines. The third makes an attempt to round the corner shielding the ATG and now crewless half-track.
Having seen the AT half-track crew bail, a trooper from 1st Platoon, Heavy Sturm, decides not to rely on the remaining AT gun and takes aim with his panzerfaust.
He shoots...
He scores!
Meanwhile, there is a worrying development in the battle at Strongpoint East. While 2nd Platoon has inflicted heavy losses on the Soviets and is standing firm, a handful of enemy soldiers have slipped through and made it into the bombed out corner of the building. It has no direct access to the rest of the facility, but might offer the Soviets a keyhole from which to put point-blank SMG fire on the defenders. It is a dangerous situation, indeed!
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1 hour ago, dbsapp said:
What mods do you use? Any resolution\colors mods?
I use lots of mods. I'm gradually adding them back in after returning to stock to install and get going with F&R.
For the terrain, I believe most/all of what you currently see modded in my screenshots above comes from the Aris CMRT Terrain Texture Compilation. To my eye, his pack is a pretty huge enhancement -- especially when it comes to the pavement and water textures. Aris's pavement textures blend much better and are far more natural-looking than the stock ones, with nice color variation. I think he may have taken them from Red Orchestra/Darkest Hour.
I did a quick search and found this link for the mod. I think it is the correct one:
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Gamebar features have hotkeys. I use it these days for screenshot and video capture, but seldom open the actual gamebar.
Just learn the hotkeys and folder locations and there's no screen mess to deal with.
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As the cannon half-track readies itself to engage enemy tanks, a sudden jolt is felt and the vehicle emits a sharp, loud metallic sound. A few seconds later, it happens again. This time, the loader makes a gurgling sound and slumps over. An AT-rifle has them zeroed in!
From his observation perch just behind the barbed wire, the anti-tank platoon HQ sees the lead T-34 move to rush the wire. With this many tanks incoming and the AT half-track in a panic, he orders his panzerfaust man to engage. It is a good shot and takes out the enemy tank.
A few seconds later, another T-34 surges forward. This time, there is no panzerfaust available. However, the sharp eyes of Stug 2's gunner, under commander Kahl, sight the threat and send a round down range from Strongpoint East. It brews up the tank.
The burning tank's crew bail and 2 men attempt to rush the AT platoon HQ's position. The German team has no choice but to defend with small arms.
This alerts the remaining enemy tanks to their presence and a T-34 sends off a canister round, killing and wounding part of the HQ team.
Meanwhile, at corner of the Luftwaffe Ministry, the Soviets gain the upper hand in the firefight against Hörter and his men. The panzerschreck team is wiped out and Hörter's team loses its radioman and a rifleman. The rest are pinned.
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With no enemy armor spotted on the East flank, one of the Stugs is called in to help stop the Soviets in the Luftwaffe ministry from flanking Strongpoint East. The engine groans under the extra weight of its concrete armor. If he can arrive in time, there may be a chance to save Hörter!
Another Stug repositions to help the Anti-tank gun at Strongpoint East cover the East-West road to Potsdamer Platz and Strongpoint West.
There, just South of Strongpoint West, a mass of enemy armor has assembled for what looks like a very strong push on the point. Gulp!
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To the German's surprise and relief, the center Soviet push pauses to do a security sweep of newly-acquired ground, regroup scattered units, and march off prisoners.
However, both flanks remain very hot. At Strongpoint East (Reichspost Ministry), the infantry battle rages.
The grizzled veterans of 2nd Platoon, the best in the company, use the good defensive terrain of the burned-out Ministry to great advantage.
However, Platoon Commander Heubaum judges that a tipping point may have been reached and calls in the reserve AT-rifle grenade team to help out. They put a number of rounds into the Soviets. The effort looks to have paid off, as the Soviet pressure eases up enough for the rest of the platoon to get back into stride.
Meanwhile, across the street to the AT-team's right, MG Platoon commander Hörter (observer from post 1) and his team work to exit the Luftwaffe Ministry and rejoin the remnants of his platoon. In the corridors, they bump into a fleeing panzerschreck team and decide to move together to link up with one of Hörter's HMG teams at the corner of the building. Alas, as they approach, they can hear the team surrendering to the Soviets, who are now everywhere in the building. The Soviets have all exits covered, the only thing to do is fight it out...
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As the center of the German first line disintegrates, the Soviets shrug off casualties and press forward without delay.
Some Germans surrender. Others fight to the death. Those that can, attempt to get away in the hopes of forming a second center line.
The HQ team of 3rd Platoon manages to extricate itself from a bad spot and get across the main road before coming under small arms fire. One man is lightly wounded, but they make it to safety (the MG Platoon HQ from the first pic set also got away).
Guess who notices and decides to lend a hand.
Previous air attacks scratched the paint, but the cannon half-track is in the fight and itchin' to get some kills!
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A lot can change in 60 seconds...
Overrun!
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Moments later, the Soviet wave crashes across the entire front line with Guards infantry and armor seemingly everywhere. German keyhole HMG teams open up on the Soviet infantry while a panzerschreck engages the lead T-34, hoping to knock it out before it can spot the machine guns. The schreck team lands a perfect shot and the tank erupts in a mighty explosion. The AT team then displaces as another T-34 is spotted further back. Hopefully, the team will be able to circle back and be ready before the new threat attempts to engage.
Meanwhile, the next block over is chaos. Just as the German AT team there raises its tube to engage a T-34, the Soviet tank suddenly turns and darts down an alley, leaving its infantry behind. The bewildered German AT team barely has time for a next breath before previously unspotted Soviet scout and armored cars dart into the fray. The buddy German infantry teams adjacent and below desperately keep Soviet infantry at bay, while the AT team goes to work on the light vehicles. It's touch and go, but the schreck team holds its nerve and manages to brave the thick rocket exhaust and dispatch multiple vehicles only seconds before they can return fire. The zone is hot!
At the far end of the company's defense zone, Soviet infantry rapidly closes and attempts to rush the sister strongpoint at the post office complex.
However, since the attack is unsupported by tanks, the defenders are free to fire and most of the attackers are quickly cut down. Only one or two Soviets manage to get past and round the corner.
Doing so, they find themselves out of the frying pan and in the fire, as they bump right into the German's flank anchor.
Death comes faster than any time for regrets.
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
in Combat Mission Black Sea
Posted · Edited by Macisle
Nevermind.
(Question on a battle, but am going to bed and things will change will I'm asleep.)