E40 and G40 ABattlemap modules preview

@Funcioneta:

About not upgrading … I was fearing not being compatible with old AA50 and Revised modules. I’ll check it now

All new versions of ABattleMap should be fully compatible with previous modules.  Newer modules, however, may not be compatible with previous versions of ABattlemap.

@Funcioneta:

OK, I updated to 0.80 and all old stuff still works nicely

I checked P40 3.1. It has improved, but seems you didn’t used the convoy option.

Did you update to 0.80, or “0.80+”??  (You can tell by looking at the file size - 0.80 is 78.0 KB, and 0.80+ is 80.0 KB).  Version 0.80 does not support convoy disruption, you have to get the newer version 0.80+ which is only available packaged with the download of Atti’s P40 module.  If you do have version 0.80+, remember that convoy disruption is contingent upon “at-war” status.  a flag in the “USA At War” NO tells the program that US and Jap are at war with each other.  A flag in the “UK/ANZAC At War” marker above India tells the program that UK/ANZ and Jap are at war with each other.

@Funcioneta:

• There are a bunch of unused markers at z52. Since kamis and cash are represented, you should delete them (I guess you forgot do so and anyway is easy modding the start file)

Yes, I forgot to delete them.  This will be fixed in the next version, which should come out very soon.

@Funcioneta:

• In dummy toolbar, kamikaze marker should be under minor IC marker, and damage counters for AB and NB should be under AB and NB markers. With current toolbar, damage NB counters will add 6 IPCs to neutral land total (like aaguns)… not very important, just for polishing it

I agree they make more sense rearranged.  You may have noticed I rearranged them in G40 module, but I think I am going to leave them as is in the P40 module since changing them affects module compatibility with older save files.

@Funcioneta:

Anyway, great job

Thanks very much!

@Funcioneta:

On more thing: Burma Road still is counted even without chinese marker on it … the same goes for Philippines NO and Hong Kong NO

this is the “auto-NO” feature I was talking about.  Most NOs will show up in infoview according to whether or not they are met, regardless of whether or not it has its marker (in case you forget to add/remove the marker when you make/break an NO).

Anyway, we are getting off-topic.  I do appreciate your questions/comments.  If you have any more regarding the P40 module v3.x, please feel free to post on that module’s thread.  Comments/questions regarding the G40 or E40 modules are still welcome here on this thread!  Thanks!  :-D

@Funcioneta:

Upgraded to 0.80+ (it was really hidden). It’s a nice improvement and old modules work as you said, so yes, there is no reason to not upgrade. I like specialy that sums air units separate

Glad you like it!  I do too.

@Funcioneta:

About G40, I think there is no limitation to the number of playing powers. I have a module called “Globale War” that has 15 powers!

Different features of Abattlemap support limited numbers of powers.  some features only support 8 powers.  Alliance/team definitions apparantly only supports up to 9 powers.  Globale War does have 15 powers, but it has no coded teams/alliances.  If the teams/alliances becomes an issue, I’ll just not include the automatic-NO feature, so then (from what I am thinking), teams won’t matter.

@Funcioneta:

Yep, you rearranged them in G40, but Kamikaze marker is still in aaguns row … I still think that it whould be in minor ICs row, but it doesn’t mind. I guess you’ll have to do some changes when global rules appear

I like the kamikazes in the AA gun column.  That way, all the facilities are together and facility damage markers are in their appropriate columns too.  any particular reason you think the kamikazes should go in the mIC column instead?

@Funcioneta:

@Stoney229:

I like the kamikazes in the AA gun column.  That way, all the facilities are together and facility damage markers are in their appropriate columns too.  any particular reason you think the kamikazes should go in the mIC column instead?

If kami marker is in aaguns row, it will add 6 IPCs to neutrals total in Infoview for each kami counter, that’s the reason. It’s not very important, but take into account that is possible that some neutrals in Global have a tank or a fighter or such (probably Spain or Turkey)

Okay, I see what you are saying, but I think I would rather keep it the way it is with the facilities together, since I don’t expect anyone will really be paying attentions to the neutral InfoView assets stats, as it would still be unreliable and will be spread out over several different neutral nations, some of which could become allied and some of which could become axis so the numbers won’t really mean much anyway even if they are accurate.

@Funcioneta:

It’s possible that you want make a optionals chart zone. You could include if NOs and Techs are On or Off, have a option for splitting of UK income (India, Canada or no split), non restricted move of China, non restricted move of neutrals, non-agression treaty, J1 attack on allies forbidden, and Kamikazes control box (those are some possible ideas). That would save kamis marker, that could be replaced by a normal jap marker. In fact, I think that AA50 could have also a optionals chart, being the more obvious NOs, tech, Dards open and escorts

I just noticed as well mobilization zone. It was really needed  :-)

Thank you for the suggestion - I could do this if I have extra room on the map.  I must first ask about your comment on the mobilization zone - is that sarcasm?  It seems sincere to me, but to be honest the only reason I included it was because I had space to fill - normally I use the chart on the bottom-right as a mobi zone.  So if you were sincere about the mobi zone being needed, I’m glad, but you should tell me if you think it would be better to have a mobi zone or your suggested house rules chart.  With the layout the way it is, it will probably be one or the other unless I here other people saying they really want both.

@Funcioneta:

I just noticed that new version of AABattlemap has a sektor editor … it’s handy!

Yes, it is indeed very handy!  Section M of my ABattleMap modules tutorial may be helpful to you in discovering its uses!

@cminke:

is this a battle simulator?
where do you get this for aap40 and aae40

@cminke:

thanks man.

Thanks SAS!  though I noticed there are actually 2 links there to P40 modules (one is to Atti’s for the program upgrade).  this is the link to my P40 module thread: http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=17808.0
Pretty sure most people are using my module now instead of Atti’s (they are not really compatible)

@cminke:

is this a battle simulator?
where do you get this for aap40 and aae40

Also worth adding:  you can see how people use ABattlemap by checking out the “Play Boardgames” forum: http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?board=40.0

Alright, so I am no graphic designer, but I have an idea that I will make the new E40 and G40 maps look pretty cool.  I think an epic game like these deserves the best quality module we can make (changing things after the initial release can affect compatibility with existing games, and is frustrating for players) - the only thing is, it takes a lot more time and I am currently swamped with work right now.  I would very much like to make the modules, partly because of the ideas I have and work I’ve already done on it, and partly because of my experience working with making modules for the latest versions of ABattlemap.  However, I am swamped with work right now, and could very much use some help doing some of the prep work.  If someone could help out with some of the work and do a good job with it, I will hopefully have a little more spare time in a couple weeks to do put it all together and hopefully have the modules ready on E40’s release day.

The main thing I could use help with right now is creating the SektorInfo.bmp file for the G40 module.  I actually want it to be created using a slightly different than traditional method - that is, without any black borders.  Having a little experience with image editting with layers would definitely be helpful, but if you are detailed and meticulous and are interested in helping, the image editting part can definitely be learned (I learned while creating the P40 modules).  Basically, I have a bit of a map image over which I want to create the sectorinfo.bmp image in a new layer.  Does anyone want to help me out?  PM me if you’re interested.

@SAS:

So when can we expect to see the completed version now that we have a complete preview with map and setups?  I understand you need some help Stoney, so who can help?  I want to play! :lol:

Unfortunately, despite my enthusiasm, I probably won’t have much time to play once this gets running, much less help with development; but otherwise I would be all over this!

BTW, nice quote from Derek Webb in your signature Stoney.  Good artist.

lol well I do appreciate your enthusiasm!, and most certainly appreciate your notice of my signature ;) !

I have realized that I still have some more technical graphics editting to do before work on SektorEditor.bmp can begin, but if anyone is skilled at graphics editting and/or has photoshop or some good image warping software, in particular, that they want to try, they can definately help with this part too, as I may not be able to get to it for a while.  Since I am going to try to do this module (or the map, at least), a new way, it is impossible to know how long it will take me, but it could definitely take a while since I’m pretty busy right now and may or may not have some more time free up within a few weeks.  Sorry if that’s not the answer you were looking for  :oops:.  I would have loved to be able to get it out by release day, but I’m afraid that just isn’t looking possible for me unless I get a lot of good, skilled volunteer help with the graphics.

@Funcioneta:

Stoney, do you mind if I toy a bit with your AAG40 preview and I try make an “alpha” module based on yours? I’m more worried in playing the game itself than in graphics … if I manage do something enough good you could add your graphics then, true?

I have yet to see if I have enough time for this (I think that yes), but I want your permission first, because I’m going to use your work as base  :-)

Hi Funcioneta - I am currently working on the module and hope to have a working (albeit not finished) version by release day.  I would rather not release any version before August 24, as that would seem to me to be bad taste  :wink: .  I’m sure we can all show some self-control and wait just a little while longer  :-D .  If you wish to create a version to be released on the 24th just in case mine is not yet ready, then you may use what you wish from my preview module, but please name the directory something other than G40.gim.  Since my module will not be compatible with yours, this will allow users the ability to install my G40.gim module without having to uninstall yours while they are in the middle of a game.

Furthermore, note that a working module can be easily made without sector information - no tedious coding or sector mapping, just the map itself (and pieces, module title, etc.).  However, I say this trusting that you will use the program responsibly, and not just copy an image of the game board into the map and then distribute this as a module: the product art, and the name and logo for that matter, should not be used without permission.  For the same reason, you may notice that I only use images taken from the internet which are licensed for reuse.