Prerelease 1.202B (Raider buffs, bugfixes, minor HUD improvements)

[x4000]

Note:  This doesn't affect players playing solo, but multiplayer players please note that this version contains experimental network code.  Basically, the entire TCP-based networking code from past versions has been ripped out, and a (hopefully faster) UDP-based solution has been put in its place. There may be problems.  However, I really could use feedback on how this new solution is working, so if you have a chance please do test it out.  So far no issues have been reported that are actually related to the new network code, and it is much faster for those who had problems before, so it is highly likely that this will become the new networking stack for the game.

The Latest prerelease is now out: http://www.arcengames.com/share/AIWar1202B.zip

That version is an upgrade from version 1.201, so you have to already have 1.201 (or greater) installed. Just unzip it into your game folder (usually C:\Program Files\Arcen Games\AI War\ unless you specified something else). Please make sure that your unzip process keeps the folder structure from the zip file, rather than just unpacking all of the files into the base target directory.

What's new since 1.202A:
(Cumulative release notes since 1.201 are attached at the bottom)

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-Raiders, which were supposed to be immune to tractor beams (as their unit description text says), were not. Fixed.

-The attack range of raiders and teleport raiders has been made much more midlevel, to help differentiate them from your standard fighters and similar ships.

CHANGES FROM PRIOR PRERELEASES
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-Fixed a crash bug in 1.202A when switching to planets without any planetary summary items visible in them.

-There was a piece of panel incorrectly shown behind the minimap display button in 1.202A.  Fixed.

-The low energy warnings have been moved down in order to not overlap the resource bar.


NEW ART - Philippe Chabot
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Combat Style Buttons
Polished Galaxy Map Buttons

[tals]

Huw and I continued a game last night on this and played for around 2 1/2 hours. Huw commented that whereas before he had been getting lag he hadn't experienced it in last nights game so a big thumbs up for netcode (for 2 player game)

In the settings screen the bottom text is overtyping each other and the cancel button. My gfx is 1680x1050

[x4000]

Huw and I continued a game last night on this and played for around 2 1/2 hours. Huw commented that whereas before he had been getting lag he hadn't experienced it in last nights game so a big thumbs up for netcode (for 2 player game)

Wonderful!  I'm really glad to hear that, it seems to be helping out for players in general so I am very thankful.

In the settings screen the bottom text is overtyping each other and the cancel button. My gfx is 1680x1050

Thanks for the screenshot!  I already knew about that issue, but did not have a screenshot of it in action.  It's on the list to fix, and will be particularly important for localization purposes.

[MorphingJar]

While we are in the process of HUD improvements, I have a small one.  The Advanced Warp sensor indicator on the new minimap is barely noticeable.  So much so that you have to squint and stare at the screen for a few seconds to see any difference at all. 

[dumpsterKEEPER]

To everyone involved with the new HUD upgrades: I really like how it's shaping up so far. The old HUD was perfectly serviceable, but the new changes make everything feel much more unified and polished. Thanks for all the effort!

[x4000]

While we are in the process of HUD improvements, I have a small one.  The Advanced Warp sensor indicator on the new minimap is barely noticeable.  So much so that you have to squint and stare at the screen for a few seconds to see any difference at all. 

Thanks!  Added to the list:  http://arcengames.com/forums/index.php/topic,1214.0.html

[x4000]

To everyone involved with the new HUD upgrades: I really like how it's shaping up so far. The old HUD was perfectly serviceable, but the new changes make everything feel much more unified and polished. Thanks for all the effort!

Glad you like it!  Phil and I have both been working really hard on that, him with the art and me with updating the programming to include all of that art and make it dynamic.  We're actually about done with the HUD updates at this point (the in-game HUD, I mean), and are now moving on more to other aspects of the interface such as the menus, lobby, cursor, etc.  There will be a few more tweaks to the HUD, I think, but overall it is definitely feeling so much more unified to me, too, as you say.  Glad it's a hit!

[x4000]

Not too much new in this one, but a few things:  http://arcengames.com/forums/index.php/topic,1222.msg7881.html#msg7881