Getting back to it...

[thewood]

I was one of the first to get POA2, and probably one of the first to give up on it. I decided to get back into it and see where it stands.

I have found numerous C++ errors, although the game seems to continue to run. I really like how the new units have been added.

My main reason for posting is that I am struggling with the scenario creator. I go through all the motions and checklists, but it seems to crash and lock up when I get to unit placement. Any suggestions or pointers from people that have built scenarios.

I am somewhat disappointed with the lack of maps and scenarios. I have ADC and am just starting on the tutorial on mapmaking. I think I'ld rather have my wisdom teeth out than go where ADC is taking me. Should I put any more effort into this...is there a large enough community to take advantage and recipricate the work.

[XRAY]

I’m not sure how much interest remains in POA2 as a viable Modern Combat Simulation. Many past supporters have simply lost interest and just visit the forum occasionally to catch upon the latest update. I suspect the majority no longer have the game on their HD and have moved on.

There are still a dedicated core of supporters (small in number) that continue to test and report back problems they find. As for map and scenario construction, players are reluctant to spend time and effort on what many see as a lame duck. And yes you are quite correct, ADC2 is difficult to master but not impossible. Some past contributors have turned out some pretty impressive maps but again unfortunately small in number.

I’m not sure what is causing the crashes during your scenario creation. I’ve not used the editor for a couple of updates and it’s quite possible that a bug has crept in. I‘ve some free time this coming weekend and will run through some scenario testing. You could drop Scott a line or perhaps Herc may be able to help.

[thewood]

Thanks for the feedback. The lack of traffic through here did have me a little concerned. I am very disappointed that the database was never openned up. I would loved to have created some extra units to do a six-day war scenario. That's the kind of thing that would have kept my interest up.

I will keep plugging away at scenario creation. If I can get it to work, it may make it worth hanging around. I can't imagine anyone at HPS could have thought 10 or 12 scenarios would be enough to keep people interested. Oh well, another $100 contributed to the school of hard knocks.

[Werewolf]

I've been messing with the scenario editor for the past few days.

It does work - but I'll be darned if I can figure out how to consistently make it work (and I've designed scenarios for Steel Beasts for the US Army and the Gold version of the game - so I ain't no amateur).

For example making a scenario where the options screen doesn't come up is definitely possible but I'll be darned if I can figure out how.

The main problem with POA2 and the Scenario Editor as well is a lack of good documentation.

There's a 150 pages of what the game will do and why it was designed to do it but very little about how to do it and that right now is IMO the major problem.

[HercMighty]

I for one do not have ADC for making maps. I have also not even ventured into the realm of scenerio creation. I have yet gotten a handle on the included scenrios to even try to add new ones.

This game is very in depth and complicated. I think until we as a community can play games solo and human vs human with a firm understanding of what is going on and understanding what you are doing, it is pointless to make new scenerios.

I could be wrong but it is the stance I have taken and therfore have yet to even consider scenerio construction.

[Don Maddox]

The main problem with POA2 and the Scenario Editor as well is a lack of good documentation.


I wrote a tutorial a while back that should help. There is also another one that shows how to do topographic maps.

In my view, the main problem is the sheer complexity and time consuming nature of the map editing process. It takes forever to do anything but simple desert maps. On the plus side, the editor is capable of creating truly incredible maps if the author has the time and patience to do it.

[Werewolf]

I wrote a tutorial a while back that should help

I'm going to assume that you are referencing a scenario creation tutorial. Where might it be found?

[Don Maddox]

I'm going to assume that you are referencing a scenario creation tutorial. Where might it be found?
http://www.warfarehq.com/index.php?page=articles/articles.shtml

[Werewolf]

Sorry - I communicated badly. I thought you wrote a tutorial on scenario design. The link is to a map design tutorial (pretty good by the way).

There's enough variety in the stock POA2 maps to make some good scenarios - now if I could just figure out how to do simple stuff like placing victory objectives, getting rid of the settings screen on load, making custom unit names stick etc, etc - I'd be a happy camper.

[thewood]

One of the reasons I was trying to build a new scenario was to build a test with just a few units to get used to the system. Unfortunately I have had limited and varied success. I have searched for a scenario builder tutorial and documentation, but it seems to be hidden somewhere. I'll give a few more days and then free up HD to put SPMBT back on if I can't make any progress.

My opinion on the sim, even it runs right, is that it really is a military sim. If your whole day, week, month is spent running real-life, hypothetical small-unit scenarios, this is the "game" for you. If you can't spend more than a couple of hours/day playing, CM, EF, or SP are what you need.

[XRAY]

At this moment in time I believe there is no tutorial specifically covering scenario building for POA2.

Much of the editor is intuitive and somewhat automatic, but having said that there are areas which are difficult to use and off putting. It’s also prone to c++ errors and lockups.

Hopefully when Scott publishes his update manual there will be a section covering this rather neglected area.

[thewood]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. If come up with something useful, I'll let you know.