Notes regarding the next patch (1.04)

[Pocus]

The next patch is near ready, but we will give some time for the newly appointed testers to play with it, so that no obvious bug pop-up in front of you.

Expect to have by sunday.

For now on, you can already download the map update. This update is not mandatory (you can play games in 1.04 without updating the map), and add some fords and bridges on the map. (We have added in 1.04 two new kinds of links between regions: fords and bridges). Beware, it weights 173 megas (the demo too, this is not an error)

http://www.ageod.com/download_patches/BoA%20MapUpdate104.exe

[Gargoyle]

I'm playing a good 1775 campaign right now. Can I update the Map with that link and still play my savegame?

And can I still play my savegame after I download the full 1.04 patch?

[IronBrigadeYankee]

Bridges and Fords sounds like an excellent addition, what specific advantages will they provide?

[Pocus]

yes, the map update is just a graphical update, without interferences with saved games.

1.04 should be compatible with 1.03, as the data format has not changed.

[PhilThib]

Bridges and Fords sounds like an excellent addition, what specific advantages will they provide?

Simple: they mostly affect movement, reducing significantly the time need to cross major and minor rivers they are located on

NB: no effect on combat (remember Arcole )

[Pocus]

Bridges and Fords sounds like an excellent addition, what specific advantages will they provide?

movement:
reduction in the crossing cost

combat:
no particular defensive advantage, or reduction in the defensive advantage of the opponent guarding the other side.

we will publish the combat & movements matrix soon, with the modding tools.

[Adlertag]

Simple: they mostly affect movement, reducing significantly the time need to cross major and minor rivers they are located on

NB: no effect on combat (remember Arcole )

I disagree .. Arcole's wooden bridge was never taken by force despite the heroism of Bonaparte's troops. When they tried ( Nov 15 1796) , Augereau , Verdier , Lannes were wounded , Verne and Muiron killed . In the retreat Bonaparte himself fell from his horse and was saved in-extremis (by "adjudant-chef" Belliard , appointed "General de Brigade" on the spot for his heroic behaviour ).
It was really a great confusion , Bonaparte wasn't very good for that occasion.
So it's suicidal to try to take a bridge under ennemy fire , I think defenders should have a bonus .
Just an opinion.

[IronBrigadeYankee]

well, it think it depends. On a tactical scale i wouldn't argue that the defenders would have an advantage (ie Burnsides' poor preformance at Antietam). However in the scale of this game, i think the addition of a bridge to the map would represent the fact that it is civilized and there are roads crossing the river, that is to say not just one bridge into the province, but the idea that there are a few bridges, as opposed to crossing a river in the wilderness.

[waynef]

Regarding the Update

I am downloading the 173 MB update now. If I understand correctly ... 1.04 is a Map update.

This patch (1.04) will be seperate from any game play or UI fixes in the Sunday patch?

Pocus said:

Expect to have by sunday

I dont want to download a 173 MB file and then have to download it again to get the Game Play/Bug fixes in the next patch.

[waynef]

Any way to ZIP this 173 MB 1.04 Map Update?

[seminole]

So it's suicidal to try to take a bridge under ennemy fire , I think defenders should have a bonus .

That depends on what the opponents bring to the table. In Baghdad it was suicidal to try and hold a bridge against the Marines and the firepower they could bring to bear. The opposition itself was funneled into the defense, at ranges that put them at distinct disadvantage.

The bridges and fords in these games are also an abstraction, the enemy could just as well move to nearby fords and flank bridge holding units. Rivers already provide an advantage, I think of this as an effort to distinguish levels of river terrain:
fordable and civilized, wide and/or deep?

[pasternakski]

IronBrigadeYankee and seminole, I think you are both spot on here.

I appreciate the efforts to be responsive to the sliver of the customer base that posts in these forums, but I live in fear that ill-advised changes will be made to this excellent game on the basis of poorly considered expressions of "what I want." As I watch these forums, the clamor is slowly starting to build, as it always does in such places. I suggest that those who want changes think first and post later.

Please. Let the game be what the game is and be careful what you request in the way of changes. Bug fixes, yes. UI improvements, within reason. Basic design parameter alterations ... hey - hey - hey - let's be careful out there.

Now, on to primary business. I am unclear about the impending patch. Is it in two pieces, a map upgrade and a "mechanical" patch, or is it ultimately to be one big "thing?" 173 megs is a helluva "patch." Why must it be so large?

[Korrigan]

I am unclear about the impending patch. Is it in two pieces, a map upgrade and a "mechanical" patch, or is it ultimately to be one big "thing?" 173 megs is a helluva "patch." Why must it be so large?

The map is made of dozens of Bitmap files, each one has been hand drawn by the graphic designers. That is why it is such a delight, that is what is is so heavy.

During beta phase, Pocus used to only give the updated engine to the testers in order to lighten up the download. We just had to copy and paste the map directory before to instal the last version (about twice a week).

Somehow, he is offering to map addicted BoA players to use the same process.

Perhaps a download manager, just like Stardock one, would be less confusing but I prefer him to even more improve the AI right now.

[Pocus]

the map update is not mandatory, and is only consisting of compressed bitmaps. If you install it, your previous saved games will still work. It just add fancy fords and bridges.

the 1.04 patch will have the standard size (less than 10 mb) and will just have the new executable and changed data files. This is a separate download.

[chulett]

Pocus - you may want to post something here or add a 'readme' to the map update. It wasn't very clear what exactly I was supposed to do with it after spending 16 hours to download it.

Poking around, I found the 'Regions' directory where it belonged but still wasn't sure if I should replace everything there, or just files that had changed or what. Everything seemed to work out fine (I archived the original files and then dumped the new ones in) but thought you might make it easier on folks when the update is available again.

[Pocus]

the default directory given by the archive was boa\graphics\regions ? This was supposed to be anyway.

I will add more informations by monday, ok.

[chulett]

Actually, it defaulted to the directory the update was in... or at least it did for me.

[Kobra]

Says invalid link when I try to get the map update.

Whats going on?

[Reiryc]

Says invalid link when I try to get the map update.

Whats going on?

It has been taken down until either monday or tuesday due to their server not being able to handle the heavy traffic flow.

[waynef]

It has been taken down until either monday or tuesday due to their server not being able to handle the heavy traffic flow.

Beat me too it

http://www.ageod-forum.com/showthread.php?t=463

[Gargoyle]

That depends on what the opponents bring to the table. In Baghdad it was suicidal to try and hold a bridge against the Marines and the firepower they could bring to bear. The opposition itself was funneled into the defense, at ranges that put them at distinct disadvantage.

The bridges and fords in these games are also an abstraction, the enemy could just as well move to nearby fords and flank bridge holding units. Rivers already provide an advantage, I think of this as an effort to distinguish levels of river terrain:
fordable and civilized, wide and/or deep?

Everybody is misreading Pocus's comment that there will be "No Effect" on combat. He means there will be "No Change". Fords and Bridges do NOT negate the defender bonus again attackers across a river.

[Pocus]

sorry yes, I meant 'no change' and not 'no effect'.