Being the aforementioned brother “currently working on some coding”, I guess I can provide an update.
I’ve been working on a number of PBEM improvements to TripleA, with success. Our test game has been at a stalled pace for some time because I am generally busy, and have been putting any free time I get into hacking TripleA instead of playing it (no really, it’s not because I’m getting spanked in that game!). As a result, I expect to have a new jar file for TripleA (Stable 0.8.2.2) for beta testers to play with by the end of the weekend. I am currenlty putting on some finishing touches.
The overall goal is to make TripleA the easiest way to play PBEM games, even if your opponent chooses not to use TripleA.
Here’s a summary of work done so far, for those interested:
There have been some comments about TripleA not being a map editor. The ability to freeform-edit a game-in-progress in an auditable fashion is next on my list of things to tackle. This is a tricky undertaking and I am engaged in design discussions with Sean Bridges (the TripleA author/maintainer).
Stay tuned this weekend for an initial beta of my current changes.
If the opponent is not using TripleA, how do the results of their moves get put in? I guess that’s where the “Map edit” feature would come in.
Why does that need to be auditable? When people update their board or ABattlemap, nothing is auditing them in that.
Rather than a map edit, why not just add a feature to enter number of hits manually instead of rolling dice? Then you can take the number of hits rolled by DAAK by the other player and just move the game along that way.
Guys,
So that we don’t completely hijack this thread, I’ve created a new thread for these discussions on TripleA changes. Please post any further comments here:
To bring it back on topic - the dicey.net links in the first post are out of commission.
Also, for new users here I think a comparison between the different maps and map software available would be helpful. I’m still not sure whether ABattleMap or MapView is better, and neither is mentioned in the first post.
TripleA. This one is not just a mapping utility, but a game system as well. Comes with all the maps.
http://triplea.sourceforge.net
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ABattlemap. This one comes with all the maps for A&A. It’s not the prettiest but it does have some nice features.
http://wartime.3.forumer.com/index.php?s=59fd42b6d1e201c058f239accd63dde6&showtopic=104
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Mots Mapview. Looks like because of copyright issues, it is difficult to get the modules (maps) for Axis and Allies for this program:
http://www.motcreations.com/mv_download.html
Here is a working link to download the Mots Mapview AAR Module (AAMC links are dead):
http://www.geocities.com/aa_4online
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Here’s a pretty good how-to
http://p078.ezboard.com/ftheofficersclubfrm49.showMessage?topicID=1.topic
Thank you RJ for posting updated links to the various programs that are NOT Dicey.net dependent :-)
I’ll let djennsen know so he can update the links section of the site.
Updated the first post, and just quoted rjc’s post with those additional links.
I’ve added a new tool to my site for submitting blind bids, as an alternative to DAAK. No account required. Check out http://frood.net/aacalc/bid/
Heydily Doodily, dudes -
http://frood.net/aacalc/maps/ now features links and/or downloads for ABattleMap, including the patch, the AAR module for Mapview, and a link to TripleA.
Additionally, there are six map images that can be used as wallpapers, planning aids, whatever…
I knew my money was well spent supporting you and your site :-)
Even if I AM winless against ya….
Up for a re-match? If so, I’ll add you to my queue…
all righty… put me back in the hopper…
in battlemap my little box that has $ and the little box that you use to add pieces
has dissapeared how do i make it come back
Hey folks,
Have a quick question for you. I noticed that in PBEM games the attacker generally handles the casualty choices in combat for both players. However, in some cases, where multiple rounds of combat are involved, or in some tricky naval engagements, I can see that the defender would no doubt prefer the autonomy to make these important choices. How is this difficulty generally handled?
Best,
MIR
One other thing:
Is there anything like ‘standard notation’ shorthand for A&A, as there is in chess?
If so, is there a relevant link anyone could direct me to?
Thanks in advance, MIR
Is most of the information in this stickey irrelevant?
Very likely.
@randyshervandyke:
Is most of the information in this stickey irrelevant?
Hey folks,
Have a quick question for you. I noticed that in PBEM games the attacker generally handles the casualty choices in combat for both players. However, in some cases, where multiple rounds of combat are involved, or in some tricky naval engagements, I can see that the defender would no doubt prefer the autonomy to make these important choices. How is this difficulty generally handled?
Best,
MIR
I had this exact same question so I searched the forums. I thought I’d bump this rather than start a new thread.
This seems like it could be a game losing factor in the naval battles he suggested. Perhaps an opponent might choose to lose his carrier so that the fighters can fight one more round and then crash into the ocean, or perhaps he wants the opposite. And what if you combat move into a submarine, how do you know if we wants to submerge it or sacrifice it and take down a ship.
Even if the answers to these examples are obvious and I"m not aware, maybe noone would ever in their life sac a sub or something. But surely there must be SOME situation where it is not appropriate for the attacker to choose casualties even if they do their best to remain unbiased.
Hey folks,
Have a quick question for you. I noticed that in PBEM games the attacker generally handles the casualty choices in combat for both players. However, in some cases, where multiple rounds of combat are involved, or in some tricky naval engagements, I can see that the defender would no doubt prefer the autonomy to make these important choices. How is this difficulty generally handled?
Best,
MIR
I had this exact same question so I searched the forums. I thought I’d bump this rather than start a new thread.
This seems like it could be a game losing factor in the naval battles he suggested. Perhaps an opponent might choose to lose his carrier so that the fighters can fight one more round and then crash into the ocean, or perhaps he wants the opposite. And what if you combat move into a submarine, how do you know if we wants to submerge it or sacrifice it and take down a ship.Even if the answers to these examples are obvious and I"m not aware, maybe noone would ever in their life sac a sub or something. But surely there must be SOME situation where it is not appropriate for the attacker to choose casualties even if they do their best to remain unbiased.
Sadly with PBEM or Forum play, the only way to ever handle such situation is to halt combat and ask the defender how he wants the battle to go. Generally the attacker uses his logic but when multiple choices arises, he needs to put the game on hold and ask the defender. However such decisions usually occur only 3-4 times per game
