Normandy 44 : European Theater (Sweeten2213 retired - 2.0 Alpha released))

[Twitchy]

@Ivan - Beta...Can't say to be honest. However, a playable Alpha should be out there by then, I think at this point we're just mopping everything up and getting ready. Think of it as our "Dress Rehersal" for a proper Release to the community.

[gliz2]

@sweeten2213
Is there any chance soon to get rid of the irritating bug of special abilities for hunters (tank hunters/TD/snipers/observers) - I mean it sometimes kinda freezes so you can't do anything with the infantry and with the vehicles it shows the unit is in ambush while it looks ingame as it is not.

Also I have noticed that mortars have a range of rifles... This aint' right.

The 3rd issue is on recon - I have a mixed feeling right now - some Doctrines have them in plenty while the others (lots of Brits/US) don't. While playing one of the German Panzer Doctrines I was able to snipe the enemy (Brits). And the Brits could not see me!!! Ehhm... This is disturbing.

Regards

[sweeten2213]

@ gliz - the snipers don't go into camo state with "sniper set-up" but do have longer range and sight (I started off with camo state, but they just weren't firing enough). It's a toggle so they have to toggle it off to move. The AT ambush should work properly with camo, but it also has to be toggled off if they don't fire or are found first. A Bino ability has replaced the observation halt for most infantry squads now. And the "hold" ability was one that people begged for and liked, but it also is toggled and needs to be turned off to move (and if certain guys are killed they will be stuck). But the key is to toggle the ability back off when you no longer want to use it. All that being said, the german infantry squad abilities still aren't completely done (all the Heer and the 1 SS are currently updated in SVN) - the Soviets also aren't finalized yet.

Another note - if you are talking about the description of the ability, descriptions in general are FUBAR atm

Mortars have greater range than rifles - but maybe not enough to be noticed (though I wouldn't think so). Rifles actually lowered in range from 1.7 slightly and mortars did not change (an example - us 60mm mortars range is 75 and 81mm 90 while the M1 garand is 25).

And as for recon - it is a mixed bag as the ones that have a lot of recon types have little or no heavy stuff and vice versa. All infantry more or less have the same sight range - whether they be recon or not. It's the recon abilities that increase their range during that time. But you are correct that Germans do tend to have more recon and aufklarung infantry squads than the allies - it's mainly vehicles than are the "either you have recon types or you don't". If you were able to snipe Brit infantry w/o being seen, my guess is you used a sniper squad, used one of the abilities (including the sniper squad's), or you got real lucky and used a squad with a sniper in the squad (their range is not nearly as long as the sniper in a dedicated sniper squad - there are very few squads with them), and had a Capt or maybe Lt in the squad that has slightly longer slight range than regular infantry, and were in that perfect sweet spot.

As for vehicles, their abilities are next on my list once I get done infantry squad abilities.

[bangalor44]

Alright sweets we all wait for this one.Never before has so much been owed to so few by so many.Awesome job guys cant wait to see this one.I know it will be awesome.Once again hats off

[gliz2]

@sweeten2213

I was saying you are able to choose two or three German subdoctrines that allow you to have quite heavy firepower like Panthers or Tigers with a lot of reco (snipers and such). By this you are able to snipe the enemy without being seen with your tanks. And I've seen this quite a few times so no luck involved - rather a limitation of the AI. They tend to push some infantry the get some view radius but you can imagine the outcome.

I've checked the mortars - I'm sorry you are right although I'm not so sure on the radius showing for 60mm mortars - it's basically their sight radius. Or are my eyes mischeated by some spell?

I'm on the Xfire for the next two days so we can chat if we'll get a chance. And sorry I was not able to do the pics but had a terrible time lately :/
I guess that I'll send you some samples in the following days.

BTW - Is there any chance for something like in Tortoise mod? With a deployment phase (with high resources) when you can attack your enemy?

PS. The scouts and snipers do get stuck from time to time - take my word on this one. I don't know how to make it visible as the screenie would only show as much as the unit standing. Which prooves nothing.
It hapens when you take a squad that was in a recon position and then you order them to leave a building without unlocking them. So they do get into the open but stay locked. And nothing seems to work - not even the retreat button...

[sweeten2213]

@ bangalor - i appreciate the encouragement (and the Churchill quote was nice as well )

@ gliz - I see what you are saying about the sniper/tank range thing. It's kind of planned that way (with infantry spotting for tanks to use their range), but the germans do tend to have more snipers (as do the Soviets). I can take a look at balance and see what may be able to be done, but I do think most of the US at least do have some recon or sniper teams (Airborne do - I think the armor types do to an extent, and where they don't they do obviously have some infantry, though maybe not sniper type range, that can help with the "spotting for tanks" concept).

I would love to chat on XFire, but I am at work at weekend (work on sleep pretty much on my 12 hr shifts). And no worries - I know you're busy.

I'm not sure what tortoise mod uses - so I'm not sure what of their options is possible or more importantly feasible given our current system.

As for guys getting stuck - that whole "using the ability in a building and letting them out before unlocking" will always be an issue, I am afraid. I could make it so they can't use it in a building, but that kinda sucks and people begged for that one. And the way it's designed it's an unavoidable bug as far as I can tell - that is unless you unlock them before the leave the building

[gliz2]

@sweeten2213
It's hard to tell the balance is off after just handfull of games - but it did looked a bit strange. If any given sub-sub doctrine would have a sniper (limited to one for all of them with some having more). I guess that would solve the issue. That would not ruin the game as one sniper would not make a game but this would allow for a more flexible gameplay rather than one side (well 2-3 sub-subs) being able to snipe the rest out. On the other hand the binocs are a very good trait so maybe this would be a better solution. On a second thought I would go for this on human vs human. The issue is that sniper has a permanent recon while the binocs are temporary - so against AI it sucks.

I do volunteer for doing a handbook on this mod. This is really huge and it's easy to get lost between so many options for one to choose. So full map for all the Armies is a must for me! Anyone interested in a handbook on Norm'44???

[huetti07]

better on ET44
It would be really interesting

[gliz2]

@huetti07
don't be picky

So anyone else interested on handbook for European Theater: 1944?

[sweeten2213]

I am

[Twitchy]

@Gilz2 - I'd be willing to peer edit it for you if you'd like, I could also lend a hand. Seems like a great idea to me!

[bangalor44]

I havent played 2.0 yet.But the handbook sounds great

[gliz2]

@Twitchy
Sounds perfect. I will go for detailed version rather than a basic one (basic can be done at a later stage). I will start with unit mapping If you'd like to do some just PM what would you like to do. Mapping includes pictures so it is a lot of work (buildings fo each sub-sub with icons of the units plus the short wording).
Next step would be the units in more detail and some history background.

[bangalor44]

Hopefully you"ll release 2.0.And then write the handbook

[borgeater]

Will the coming patch leave us without the possibility of playing n44 for a while?

[bangalor44]

If its a problem I myself wont apply the patch.If there is anyway around it.everything here works fine.What does the patch do thats going to make this better.

[Khannis]

There's a way to not apply the patch? Anyway, spring's here, looking forward for the next version, and still having lots of fun with 1.7

[bangalor44]

True Khannis Spring has sprung.I also look forward too.1.7 is very good alot of fun.Excuse my english i'm from America I don't know about the patch thing.I'm kinda new here.Good on ya have a good spring.Its always good.

[Twitchy]

Merry Spring everyone! Although, I walked home in freezing hail yesterday. But at least somebodies' getting some sunlight!

Just hold on guys, we're working dilligently to get our "Product" out to the internet shelves.

[bangalor44]

That sounds like hail.I knew there was a reason it was so quite round here.Now that would be a nice spring.

[da_mich]

Hello guys. I am new in this forum and a enthusiastic N44 Player.
Great when the russian fraction is available....so i have a question. At the version 2.0 is it possible to choose german divisions which onyl fought at the east front? for example the 3. SS Panzer Division???

[Twitchy]

@Da_Mich - Not currently. The Ost Heer (Or Eastern Army) isn't even near implementation at this point, we're focusing on the Soviets and the other factions currently.

[da_mich]

hmmm....what a pity!!
But anyway u r doing a great job! respect...

[[]inveigle[]]

Keep up the great work gentlemen.

[Jeast]

Hello all!

I just want to say how great this mod is!
It gets me closer to acquire some realistic scenes ingame.
Thank you for your great work, all who participate in making this mod.

I'm a professional in 3d structural modeling (I'm a civil engineer for profession) so if you ever need any help in things like map objects modeling or something like that, just let me know! ;-)

[whitewolfmxc]

Hi Jeast , glad you like the teams work XD

if you want to help you can PM Sweeten XD

[Twitchy]

@Jeast - Yeah, send a PM off to Sweeten, I think it'd be a load off for the current Modellers for you to help "Share the weight" if you will.

I'm sure he won't turn you down, !

[sweeten2213]

Yeah, Jeast - PM sweeten

Just as a note to those following along on the svn - I hurt my neck (again ) so it's hard to sit at the computer atm. I hope to finish up the German infantry squad abilities over the next couple of days and keep moving forward (vehicle "squad" abilities are next followed by fixing all those funky text descriptions)

[bangalor44]

Sorry to hear about that hope its not to serious.I'm sure everyone here supports the efforts of You and your team.

[Jeast]

It's send :-)

Just played a game last night and I had a hard time against 2x normal wehrmacht.
As a defensive kind of player, I captured some point and digged in around them.
When they attacked and couldn't get passed my line, they shelled the heck outta me and overrunned me within seconds.
The same happened at my HQ. They used like 4 arty strikes at a time and I didn't have any chance. :-(

[Khannis]

I guess I'm not very good at this game... I love it, make no mistake, but I win/lose about 50/50 against normal AI (mostly depends on the map and on the doctrine of the AI) and on Hard I only won once out of 12!

[gliz2]

You have to train more Khannis and remember one thing - attack is your best defence

@sweeten2213
Sorry to hear this sweeten. I have hurt my right hand last week so I'm kinda stuck with graphics for another week. Luckly though I think I have all the necessary pictures for doctrines...

[[]inveigle[]]

I'm sorry to hear of all your maladies, here's to being on the mend. My particular ailment only allows me to sit for short periods of time. I go in for surgery in two weeks. Please don't lament for me; I only wish all "pains in the a**" were so easily exorcised with the same simple five minute procedure.

Ahh life, you just have to laugh at it's beautiful absurdity.

[Tricloid]

Um, I don't suppose there's a place I can get the 2.0 beta is there?

Just asking, because it looks pretty awesome.

[bangalor44]

2.0 hasn't been released yet Tricloid.

[Khannis]

Gliz - Sweeping points up as fast as I could and generally catching the AI off-guard has worked wonders... Another question though, there is somekind of information on the advantages/disadvantages of each sub-doctrine?

[Twitchy]

@Khannis - Wait for the handbook. But for general thinkings sake:

Ami Armor: Not so good in the Inf department.
Ami Infantry: Not so techie in the Tank department.
Ami AB: Not so hot with the amount and techie of Tanks.

Brit Armor: Fairly balanced, actually.
Brit Commandos: Same as Ami AB.
Canucks: More armor then the Ami Inf, but not very much of it.

AtlantikWall: Think Defense Doctrine. Infantry is passable (Ostruppen aren't), not so hot with Armor.
Rommel's Normandie: Well rounded in my opinion.
Rommel's Vet's: Well rounded once again, depending on your Sub's.

Luft: Extremely mobile, no big hitting tanks.
SS Doct's: Extremely expensive, good all around so long as you can keep things alive.

[gliz2]

@khannis

That would be your best bet against AI - be quick and hammer the bloody bastard asap!
As for the handbook I'm on it but it won't be ready for another 2 months I guess as no one has volunteered to help (no PM received....). So far I have been able to do some of US airborne.

Quick tip - try to find the best units for you. I have my favs in most of sub-doctrines (on-map and off-maps). The US Paras I guess are the best for Allies - they are capable to destroy any armour and beat the SS elite. For Germans is LSSAH that has the combination of mobile artillery, tanks and elite inf to beat the hell out of anyone...

PS. If anyone wants to help on the handbook please PM me as I have hurt my hand badly and have a limitef ability to work for next 2-3 weeks.

[Khannis]

@Gliz

I'm generally liking any doctrine that allows you to start with SS Sturmtruppen on basic barracks, they are the best for sweeping advances and capture of points, and then I just roll in the heavy armor... But to send a suicide motorcycle scout party and then call a Theodor barrage in the middle of his base is always fun too

@Twitchy

I'm not sure I see those Rommel's doctrines, am I doing something wrong? But thanks for the info anyway!

[Twitchy]

@Khannis - Oh, sorry i'm using the Dev version. Vet's are the middle and Normandie is the right doct.

[Khannis]

Probably it has been mentioned before but, I think I found a bug that makes a big crash (not just CTD, but like the computer freezing and not responding, and my rig is only 5 months old) and I don't know the specific causes, but it happened at late game, with me playing the PE Luftwaffe doctrine, with the 16th Felddivision sub-doctrine, and after building both one Flak 88 and one Flakvierling, in that order, on two different maps, Angoville and Rouen.

EDIT - I'm not even sure the Flakvierlings finished building in the first place, it might have something to do with them.

[Twitchy]

@Khannis - It's the 88 to my knowledge, stay away from it in 1.7 and wait until 2.0 is out.

@Gilz2 - Shoot me a PM with how you formatted the AB Doct and I'll start on the Waffen SS whenever I have freetime.

[Khannis]

Wait I shall then... Hopefully not much longer

[Akho]

The mod is super! I really like it but i keep getting the TEMP and dump errors. It looks like that the mod requires super pc too run it properly. Any tips on making the game lighter? I run everything on low or off.

[LloydyBoy]

hmmm pretty tough there since even with everything on Low or Off pretty much solves the TEMP error...

try turning off background programs such as MSN, Xfire, Skype etc etc

other than that i can say just wait for the new patch...

[Akho]

I use game booster and defrag. Everything is off except antivirus and fraps. It just seems that it's a game that i can't run properly even though crysis 2 and shogun 2 seem to work really well

[Khannis]

One balancing question: Are the Doctrine/Sub-doctrine point trees supposed to be equivalent in power/usefulness to one another?

[DMz]

@Akho Your soundcard. If its realtek onboard or another onboard turn off all enhancements,particularly enviromental reverb, it causes shed loads of problems in many mods.Plus turn your sound quality down to medium and reduce otther settings on it.Onboard soundcards are the curse of the age and use system memory plus cpu resources like they own the whole pc when gaming.

unless you have an nvidia graphics card with physx on turn physx to low. If you have an nvidia card no more then medium. if that doesnt work, model detail to low . Also if you havent got 4gb of ram on vista forget any decent performance in N44. Turn off AA and antistropic filtering on your graphics card options, or set them to off by default and turn them off in the game menu.

Turn of your screensave ,even though it isnt on screen its continually monitoring your system and using background resources. In your sound option in windows turn off all enhancements, settle for just 2 speakers.

Try to get hold of tune up utilaties 2010 or 11, the turbo mode on it saves you messing around and works quite well.

On a decent or avergage graphics card run msi afterburner.

Anything at or above radeon 4650 should run it fine. below that uunless its crossfired or sli id have doubts.

Turn your desktop down to 16bit from 32 bit. that save an aweful lot of resource and doesnt really notice ingame . (Desktops still running in the background no matter what ingame res you have) .

Scan your system with spybot S&D somtimes a background program you got inadvertantly will be constantly trying to use resources while your playing.

If none of that works take your pc into the garden and shoot it with a bazooka.

[Akho]

DMz tnx i'll do that. Let the gaming take it's part!

[gliz2]

@Khannis

The sub-subs are not a match. They reflect the historical abilities of sides and units. So basically there will be a very strong SS doctrine and there be a weaker Wermacht (Osttruppen or whatever the name is). You would have to use different approach against human as it is completely different experience.

I would encourage to build a gaming communit around this forums and would not mind getting my ass kicked Really the 2 humans vs 2 humans games are absolutely mind blowing experience.