MAX2Paul: We were hoping to announce the release of the next version of the beta tonight MAX2Paul: Unfortunately.. we're still having connectivity problems with our new T3 line.. MAX2Paul: so it looks like this will be delayed until late tomoorw or Monday.. :( MAX2Chris: There are a lot of questions to cover in a brief amount of time. If you do not get a satisfactory answer to any of them, please feel free to use the Web Board, or e-mail directly. Thanks. MAX2Paul: We put a questionnaire up on the web site.. everyone please go up and answer it when you get a chance.. MAX2Paul: It's only about 4 questions MAX2Paul: We've just gotten through compiling all the bugs everyone has sent.. MAX2Paul: our QA dept has started working on them.. Thanks for everyones help... Meghan: Okay! Here we go :) Meghan: Welcome to the M.A.X.2 beta test chat! If you have a question for the M.A.X.2 team, type "/msg meghan addme" without quotes and you will be added to the queue. You MUST be in #interplay when your turn comes up or you will be skipped. Meghan: Go ahead, [HMT]StratoSoft [HMT]StratoSoft: hi MAX2Chris: Hello. MAX2Paul: Hi [HMT]StratoSoft: ive been wondering what your opinions on Power Generators and Connectors now? MAX2Paul: I like them.. [HMT]StratoSoft: i mean how is it going getting the connectors back int the game? MAX2Chris: We've been talking about them. We still don't have a good enough way to add them back into the game. MAX2Chris: We have too many problems to resolve in the amount of time remaining in the schedule. [HMT]StratoSoft: i know many valid solutions have been sent in concerning your problems [HMT]StratoSoft: have they been discussed? MAX2Chris: True, true. And we still haven't resolved all the problems. We've been watching the webboard (which has been really useful), but nothing final has been decided. [HMT]StratoSoft: well what about power generators? [HMT]StratoSoft: any plans on possibly reintroducing them into the game? MAX2Chris: Power generators will not be added back in. We have discussed it over many, many hours and have resolved to keep it with the mining stations and new maintainence rules. [HMT]StratoSoft: I also believe that chris mentioned a poll concerning the before mentioned objects. When will thispoll be sent to the testers? MAX2Chris: It will be on the next questionaire. Not the one that is up there, but the next one. [HMT]StratoSoft: sorry, but why did u decide to change the maintainence rules in the first place? [HMT]StratoSoft: ok Meghan: All done? [HMT]StratoSoft: just wondering... MAX2Chris: Hmmm. MAX2Chris: Well, we wanted to change the gameplay emphasis to reward the aggressive, active players vs. the defensive players. It was too easy to make a big base and no one could defeat you (well, without difficulty.) [HMT]StratoSoft: Many would argue that the PG's connectors and maintainence of MAX1 were what set it appart from the other strategy games at the time MAX2Paul: People can send in their response to the new rules using the suggestion form.. [HMT]StratoSoft: Could it have been better to have instead attempt to balance the game instead ofswitching the rules? [HMT]StratoSoft: ok im done ga MAX2Chris: The problem is the amount of territory that needs to be covered. MAX2Chris: We want to make it difficult to support a small, tight base and still have a large force. MAX2Chris: The new rules mean that you have to expand to develop a larger force. This is better because it leads to more conflict. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Thanks Strato :) Meghan: Go ahead, LeJohn LeJohn: hi MAX2Chris: Hello! LeJohn: The lack of anytype of movement point restriction on the vehicles has unbalanced the game in favor of the warmonger LeJohn: Are you planing to have some type of firing rate restriction to reballance the game? MAX2Chris: That's not exactly true. There is still a movement/fire restrictions. They are just much harder to see in full-speed real time. MAX2Chris: Try moving the Game Speed slider down a bit and you will see. MAX2Chris: The current rate of fire is based on the number of Shots. So, vehicles with more Shots will fire faster. LeJohn: Ive tried 20 games based on foget the bas and attack and have wone within 5 min each time MAX2Chris: There is also a delay for some vehicles when they can move and shoot. The Scout, for example, still gets the ability to quickly move and attack. LeJohn: base MAX2Chris: Remember, that the current beta isn't a real good indicator for game balance. It is simply missing too many units. It was intended to find bugs. LeJohn: so the vehickles act diffrent that the beta we have? MAX2Chris: There are some units that are not working properly, yet, but we hope to change that shortly. LeJohn: ok thanks MAX2Chris: A short list: Repair Unit, almost all Sheevat units, infantry, giant robot, sea units, air units and research rules. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Thanks LeJohn :) Meghan: Go ahead, JohnA JohnA: Hi Folks MAX2Chris: Hiyaz! JohnA: How about ammo restrictions MAX2Chris: That's something we are talking about in the whole connector/power relay station idea. it's a really good idea. MAX2Chris: Hopefully, we will be able to do something about it. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Thanks JohnA! Meghan: Welcome to the M.A.X.2 beta test chat! If you have a question for the M.A.X.2 team, type "/msg meghan addme" without quotes and you will be added to the queue. You MUST be in #interplay when your turn comes up or you will be skipped. Meghan: . Meghan: Go ahead, HOKUM MAX2Chris: (Opps!) we really like the ammo restrictions on planes. We plan on doing somthing about it. HOKUM: morning all MAX2Chris: G'morning? Okay. I buy it. HOKUM: is the real time engine in it's final version or will it be improved to bring it up to par with current rts games? MAX2Paul: Morning? :) HOKUM: (hey it' 2:30 here) MAX2Paul: where are you? MAX2Chris: What do you think needs improvement? (Gus is asking from across the room. :) HOKUM: it's not smooth MAX2Chris: Could you explain that a little more? HOKUM: it lacks the shine of current rts games MAX2Chris: Do you mean that it is choppy animation? That the units are placed on squares? HOKUM: mosr games have i dunno a feel this seams to use the turn based structure but just faster MAX2Chris: Hmmm. In some ways, it is. Turn based and real time still use the same rules. HOKUM: i like the turn based side too but thats limited to only 59 turns atm HOKUM: 50 eveb HOKUM: arrrgh MAX2Chris: The turn limit restriction will go away. MAX2Chris: :) MAX2Chris: Anything else that I can answer? HOKUM: i've plated games like dark reign and that seams to be very different in terms of how the engins works MAX2Chris: Yep, it's a different game. HOKUM: (dam my typings going down the drain) HOKUM: ok thanks Meghan: Thanks Hokum :) Meghan: Go ahead, Maim Maim: My questions concerns the colors of units, like in Warcraft 2, the units differed visually, by wearing different colors on i.e. shoulders, buildings had different stripes... Will MAX2 have any sort of a visual difference between units of different "players"? MAX2Paul: Yes.. we're going to add tints to the different teams.. to show their team colors MAX2Paul: This will also make them stand out against the terrain.. Maim: cool, that's all i wanted to ask, GA MAX2Paul: GA Meghan: Thanks Maim :) Meghan: Go ahead, JConquer JConquer: Hey guyz...first off, I must say that the game is great! :) MAX2Chris: Thanks! JConquer: Here's my question. With the Clans option for M2, will the players be able to create their own custom clans w/ custom graphics for use in Multi-Player play? Will M2 multi-player support more alliances through clans? MAX2Paul: That's a really cool idea for internet play.. I'll talk with our network guys about it MAX2Paul: we don't have anything like that yet though.. JConquer: Also...got any jobs available. :) :) j/k MAX2Paul: ga JConquer: GA MAX2Chris: But I like it! :) Meghan: Thanks JConquer! Meghan: Welcome to the M.A.X.2 beta test chat! If you have a question for the M.A.X.2 team, type "/msg meghan addme" without quotes and you will be added to the queue. You MUST be in #interplay when your turn comes up or you will be skipped. Meghan: . Meghan: Go ahead, CaptComal CaptComal: Since Real Time and Turn Based are very different in many gameplay aspects, how can MAX2 expect to be BOTH with the same gameplay rules? CaptComal: MAX2 has fantastic potential and I hope you can pull it off! MAX2Chris: We are trying to keep the number of changes to a minimum, so people won't have to learn two completely different rule sets. MAX2Chris: We are making many changes internally (like ROF) to make them play better. Steve_RG:#max2: How long Meghan? MAX2Chris: The Simultaneous Turn based play from MAX1 has already proven that real time and turn based can coexist. CaptComal: But are you detracting from RT in order to compensate for Turn Based? Or detracting from Turn Based to accomodate Real Time? Simultaneous is different than true turn based. MAX2Chris: We hope not! :) MAX2Chris: You have asked a really good question, one that bothers us. Until we get a completely playable game, it will be hard to tell. One this is for sure, we are making many different tweaks between the two styles. MAX2Chris: ga CaptComal: Thanks! Meghan: Thanks Cap'n! MAX2Chris: You're welcome! Meghan: Go ahead, Duffy MAX2Paul: This will hopefully be something we'll work out through all this testing.. :) Duffy: Hi ! Are you planing to make the AI more aggressive, like in M.A.X. 1. I find myself shoting at scouts which don't even bother to attack me. MAX2Paul: YES! MAX2Chris: That's a bug. It's already been fixed. Duffy: And is the AI able to predict the direction from which the shots came ? MAX2Chris: The AI is getting much smarter as we find little problems and fix them. Duffy: It would allow the scouts or units with low scan range to engege the missile crawlers ... Duffy: Ok, that's it. Meghan: Thank you Duffy :) MAX2Chris: You need a unit with a long scan to target other units. This is part of the game design, at the core really. MAX2Chris: That's something we have no changed from MAX1! MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Go ahead, Steve_RG Steve_RG: Hi glad to meet ya Steve_RG: all MAX2Paul: Hi Steve_RG MAX2Chris: Hello. Steve_RG: When building structures in realtime Steve_RG: will it take time to build Steve_RG: or use turns? MAX2Chris: Time to build. There will be a bar graph indicating time remaining. MAX2Chris: It won't mention seconds or minutes, but the bar graph will update constantly. MAX2Chris: ga Steve_RG: Also will there be Cutscenes? Meghan: Thanks Steve_RG :) Meghan: Welcome to the M.A.X.2 beta test chat! If you have a question for the M.A.X.2 team, type "/msg meghan addme" without quotes and you will be added to the queue. You MUST be in #interplay when your turn comes up or you will be skipped. Meghan: ack! sorry MAX2Chris: (ROF = Rate of Fire) MAX2Chris: Nope, no cutscenes are planned. We are focusing on the game play. Steve_RG: ok.. thank you very much for a great game see ya! Meghan: :) MAX2Chris: We'd rather have more units and stuff in the game, than something that gets watched once or twice and then never seen again. MAX2Chris: Thanks! Meghan: Go ahead, [Shodan] [Shodan]: ok, good morning [Shodan]: First, I'd like to test MAX2, but I had some seriuos problems. So serious that i have to reinstall win95. I do not get over the first round without a reboot. (Yes, directX 5 is installed.) Any hints? MAX2Chris: Ugh. * MAX2Chris points his finger at Paul. [Shodan]: :) MAX2Paul: Hmm.. have you sent in all your system specs? [Shodan]: no i was busy reinstalling Meghan: Makes sense ;) MAX2Paul: What kind of problem.. I mean.. what happens? [Shodan]: so after buying units i enter the game [Shodan]: then i clicked aliitle bit around to see what the units can do [Shodan]: after some moving and building the system hangs [Shodan]: i 've to reboot [Shodan]: after the last reboot my registry was destroyed Jovian:#max2: Meghan...what place am i in line?? * Ilmari (~ashaman@sea-ts8-p55.wolfenet.com) waves [Shodan]: :( [Shodan]: think it was not max but the reboot MAX2Paul: Don't know.. Max doesn't write to the registry.. [Shodan]: well just fucking win95 MAX2Paul: Can you send in complete system info to us? Meghan: Hey now, language please ;) [Shodan]: thats my next question [Shodan]: yes [Shodan]: Why is MAX2 programmed under directX? Will there be a DOS-Version? [Shodan]: wich email or the bugreport form? MAX2Chris: We are using DirectX for compatible and driver issues. There will be no DOS-specific version. [Shodan]: :( [Shodan]: Why is MAX2 so dark? (Or should I try to clean my glasses? :) Is this map dependable? MAX2Chris: Our artists draw all the art in a dark room. We try to turn on the lights and they scurry. :) Meghan: Last question, Shodan. [Shodan]: that was it from me [Shodan]: ga Meghan: Thanks :) Meghan: Go ahead, [HMT]StratoSoft [HMT]StratoSoft: ok MAX2Paul: We'll have an adjustment for the brightness.. MAX2Chris: There are just so many different monitors and different configurations, that one consistant light level is hard to achieve. There are more colorful worlds, and that might help. I think there is gamma correction in the game as well. ga [HMT]StratoSoft: I would like to know why the Lead programmer for MAX1 isnt on MAX2 and why you decided to add RT to MAX2 [HMT]StratoSoft: no offense Gus MAX2Paul: The lead programmer is still on MAX2.. MAX2Paul: His name is Dave Boulanger.. he's still alive and well.. :) [HMT]StratoSoft: what does he do on max2? MAX2Chris: Gus is the Lead Designer and AI programmer. Dave and Bernie are the lead programmers. [HMT]StratoSoft: ok [HMT]StratoSoft: and my other question :) MAX2Paul: He does all the cool effects, map code, units, network.. [HMT]StratoSoft: well then who was the lead designer for max1? MAX2Paul: I wanted it in MAX1 but we didn't have time.. Plus this was the number one request after we released MAX MAX2Chris: (Lead Designer for MAX1 = Ali Atabek and Gus) Meghan: Ali Atabek is the strategy division head now. [HMT]StratoSoft: Many would argue that u are watering down turn/simu just for RT [HMT]StratoSoft: why do this? MAX2Paul: We are responding to all the suggestions we got from MAX1 [HMT]StratoSoft: ga [HMT]StratoSoft: thx MAX2Paul: The most often requested feature was a real time mode.. MAX2Chris: You're welcome. Meghan: Thanks Strato! Meghan: Welcome to the M.A.X.2 beta test chat! If you have a question for the M.A.X.2 team, type "/msg meghan addme" without quotes and you will be added to the queue. You MUST be in #interplay when your turn comes up or you will be skipped. Meghan: , Meghan: . Meghan: Go ahead, Lancelot Lancelot: I find that building artillary towers in REAL TIME mode take longer to build after each unit built, ie:after the first unit built, it takes more time to build the second one (compared to the first) and so on. Any ideas why? I figure that the more times you build something, the less time it takes since you have built them before? MAX2Chris: The only thing that we can think of is that it is a material shortage. It should take the same amount of time to build. MAX2Chris: The time to build is always consistant. If it isn't a material shortage, then it sounds like a bug. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Thanks Lancelot! Meghan: Go ahead, JohnA JohnA: hi again...given that you have an RT element will you have JohnA: unit settings for searchndestroy or scout ala dark reign MAX2Paul: We have the Auto Sentry command in there now.. It works in a similar way.. JohnA: that was in max1 though...anything new coming MAX2Paul: There were plans for several other different modes like this planned, but don't know for sure if they'll make it in.. MAX2Chris: We are doing something called "AutoFire" and "AutoMove" it will have new commands for automatic control of units. MAX2Paul: The Auto sentry works different than the sentry in MAX1 MAX2Chris: It is basically a shortcut for telling a unit how to react to enemy units. JohnA: Excellent...thx that's all MAX2Chris: You're welcome, I hoped that answered your question. Meghan: Thanks JohnA :) JohnA: yse...thx Meghan: Go ahead, DragonLor DragonLor: 1) first a unit can not always scan somthing in some positions on the board. is this normal or is this a bug. 2) I really like the realtime. but I was thinking that maybe you can add the small power station to help for power. 3) Are they going to make it so you can disband a building /turret like in max1 ? MAX2Chris: 1) You might be seeing the LOS (Line of Sight) rules in action. We are changing this to make it more apparent what squares you can and can't see. MAX2Chris: 2) We want to keep the power rules tied to specific locations on the map. We want to avoid a building that allows unlimited power. DragonLor: Well it is fun the way it is. as you need to move your units around but they will sit next to you and not shoot you. MAX2Chris: 3) Yes, there will be a remove building function. It's in the full beta, I don't know why it's not in the beta you guys have. MAX2Chris: The AI should automatically target enemy units. That was a bug that has since been fixed. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Thanks DragonLor :) Meghan: Go ahead, MaxCommander MaxCommander: Since fuel is no longer a resource and mines produce both power and minerals, will gold mines (refineries) act in the same same way as mineral mines? ie. produce power too? Are you going to put in the auto destruct feature for buildings like MAX1? MAX2Chris: Gold mines do not produce power. They are purely there for upgrading units. MaxCommander: So you don't build them on gold spots? MaxCommander: Just regular mines? MAX2Chris: Yes, there will be an auto destruct for buildings. I don't know why it wasn't in the beta. MAX2Chris: No, gold mines must be built on gold locations. You cannot build them elsewhere (the same way you can't build a mining station except on a material location.) MaxCommander: Ahhhhhhh, ok. MaxCommander: Thanks. =) MAX2Chris: You're welcome! Meghan: Thanks MaxCommander! MaxCommander: ga Meghan: Go ahead, VicNice VicNice: hi VicNice: O.k i got a question regarding modem play asuming your game will suport it. Will there be a save game option during game play over a modem MAX2Chris: Yes, we will be supporting modem play. CaptComal:#max2: Meghan ... the "your next" prompt came in here instead of #interplay. MAX2Chris: Yes, you can save games when playing modem games. VicNice: o.k VicNice: thx MAX2Chris: You're welcome. Meghan: Thanks :) Meghan: Go ahead, CaptComal CaptComal: 1) With Dark Reign, a common complaint is the elevation on maps is hard to actually SEE making it frustrating & detracting from the game rather than enhancing it. MAX2 seems to be the same in that respect. 2) Go Packers 2000! :) MAX2Chris: 1) The newer maps are much better in that regard, but the grid really helps if you rotate the map 60 degrees. MAX2Chris: There is also an elevation reading, so you can manually check the height of a location to verify it for yourself. CaptComal: how? MAX2Chris: One of the numbers on the status bar (the same bar that shows the X,Y location) has an elevation number. Just move the mouse around and it will show the elevation for the spot under the mouse cursor. MAX2Chris: The higher the number, the taller that particular point in space is. MAX2Chris: ga CaptComal: thanks Meghan: Thanks CaptComal! Meghan: Go ahead, MoonDragon MoonDragon: Hello everyone... There was mention of a manual with all the undocumented features listed. Will this be available in the next download? It would be really usefull! MAX2Paul: Don't think I'll have it ready for the download.. but I can have some documentation within a few days.. MAX2Paul: GA MoonDragon: When we download the new beta component do we put it in the same folder (overwriting Maxplay.exe)? MAX2Paul: Yes.. you'll have to get a brand new version.. and delete everything you already have this time... MoonDragon: Even music MAX2Paul: except sound.. MoonDragon: or can music be copied over MAX2Paul: yes.. MoonDragon: one last thing MoonDragon: I saw that you are still accepting testers MoonDragon: why not call it an open beta? MoonDragon: Is it true there are 10,000 testers MAX2Paul: no.. 10,000 people responded.. MoonDragon: thats it for now... cant wait for the next download Meghan: Thank you MoonDragon :) MoonDragon: is it still air/water units MoonDragon: bye MAX2Paul: I think there's about 400 or so that are really testing.. MAX2Paul: don't know how many pirates.. :) Meghan: Bah. :P Meghan: Go ahead, Jovian MAX2Paul: Yes.. Air units will be in the next version of the beta Jovian: First I would like to say that it's great to have weekly chats with you guys! Jovian: I was wondering how the map editor is going to work if all the maps are rendered.... Lantherick:#max2: Well we all know Meghan is cool and stuff like that ;) MAX2Paul: Thanks.. We like them too.. :) MAX2Paul: We're going to give you our map tools.. These basically will allow you to construct a map after you construct the source artwork.. Lantherick:#max2: GASP: Tell me it's not true Meghan!!! It can't be true! :) MAX2Paul: This means you'll need to have some artistic ability.. It's not going to work like a warcraft map editor where you can plop down tiles.. Jovian: so you make your own art?? Jovian: ok MAX2Chris: Speaking of maps. I have a picture of most of the current maps available as thumbnails. If you would like to see them, ftp to: "ftp.netcom.com:/pub/an/anarchy" and grab the w1to12.jpg and w13to24.jpg files. MAX2Chris: I'll keep them up for a day or two. Jovian: Also, are you going to make more explosion animations?? =) MAX2Paul: The map editor allows you to to the height info, walkable/not walkable areas, etc.. but you'll have to supply the pretty art.. :) MAX2Chris: Yes, there are more explosions. Our artists have been having a field day. :) Jovian: =) Jovian: thanks Meghan: Thanks Jovian :) Meghan: Go ahead, GUILE GUILE: It seems to me that building and training buildings and units respectively are overly fast paced at the normal speed setting of the game. Has this issue been addressed or am I just full of it? Jovian:#max2: Meghan..i'm done MAX2Chris: You really should play with the Game Speed slider. We still have some tweaking to do, however, so don't be surprised if some things change. The balancing of the game will be an ongoing process until the day we ship. Meghan: rofl.. consensus in #max2 is that you're full of it :) GUILE: oh thanks meghan GUILE: :-) [HMT]StratoSoft:#max2: lets all bomb Meghan :) Meghan: Any time. ;) GUILE: i think I am too used to the simul gameplay, (which is better I might add) GUILE: I really like the idea of tayloring the game to the point where you can customize Clans for internet play...just thought that I would add that in there. Could you ask your programmer if this is in any way possible??? MAX2Chris: Yeah! We'll be talking to him about it. I think it's a great idea. GUILE: This would make the Alliance league that much more better :-) (selfigh wishes never hurt anyone) GUILE: oops selfish I meant * GUILE is full of it!!! GUILE: thanks that is all guys GUILE: ga MAX2Chris: If we could get something going like the Quake clans, that would be great. It's good when a game can create groups of people. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Hahaha.. thanks Guile :) You might want to head over to #max2 ;) Meghan: Go ahead, Ilmari Ilmari: Is there going to be a map-sharing feature? To make the swapping of custom made maps easier? Ilmari: i've got a few questions just to warn you =) MAX2Paul: Yes.. that's the plan.. I'm really hoping alot of people will start doing this.. Ilmari: As with all computer games, titles are delayed. So far you seem to be very stressed about 'time' and the production schedule for MAX2. Does the MAX2 team have enough time to implement everything into the game? What about making sure it the best games it can be? MAX2Chris: :) Well, you never have enough time to add all the features that you want. * Ilmari starts asking the hard questions ;) * Ilmari nods MAX2Chris: It's a question of prioritizing the proper elements to make the game as best as it can be. Ilmari: Is there going to be more random elements in MAX 2 than MAX 1? Ilmari: (I'm speaking of 'Infiltrators' and the 'Speed factor' of selecting units at the start of a new turn.) Ilmari: [Playing in Simultaneous mode game play] * MAX2Chris ponders the questions. MAX2Chris: Well, we have added alien units (which can be randomized), but I don't understand your question beyond that. MAX2Chris: Oh. * MAX2Chris beats hand to head. MAX2Chris: No, we try to keep the random elements to a minimum. * Ilmari chuckles Ilmari: good =) * GUILE on #max2: makes an impression on Meghan MAX2Chris: Heh. Ilmari: what about the speed factor between turns is anything being done to address this? Ilmari: for sim game mode that is MAX2Chris: Do you think that it is taking too long between turns? Ilmari: no but a twitch factor Ilmari: I move a unit into range of your MC Ilmari: your MC has moved Ilmari: next turn how do things resolve MAX2Chris: That's a good question that I should get the answer from Gus. MAX2Chris: One sec. Ilmari: do you get to fire first? or can I move first,... its a random twitch factor * Ilmari smiles MAX2Chris: It is not random. Ilmari: Will in MAX1 it seemed to be so MAX2Chris: Whoever fired last in the last turn, it will be the next player who fires first. That is constant. MAX2Chris: There is never any randomness in determining who will fire first. MAX2Chris: ga Ilmari: humm Meghan: Thanks Ilmari :) Meghan: Go ahead, [HMT]StratoSoft [HMT]StratoSoft: ok [HMT]StratoSoft: i know im carrying on with this but... * MAX2Chris runs screaming into the night, laughing manically. Meghan: rofl [HMT]StratoSoft: is there ANY possibility that power generators could be added back into the game? MAX2Chris: Of course, there is a possibility. It's very, very slim, however. [HMT]StratoSoft: and what would it take ? MAX2Chris: Lots and lots of money. MAX2Chris: :) [HMT]StratoSoft: :) [HMT]StratoSoft: seriously Meghan: Cash only please :) [HMT]StratoSoft: even as an option? GUILE:#max2: bribing the beta testers now, Meghan??? MAX2Chris: It would take us finding that the game revolves around them. So far, our extending playtest has not shown this to be the case. [HMT]StratoSoft: there really should be some limit on where u can build buildings MAX2Chris: That would be a very serious option. It would dramatically change the game. MAX2Chris: It would completely undermine the resource rules that are in place. Major, major change for an option. [HMT]StratoSoft: what do u mean playtest? [HMT]StratoSoft: yes so no possibility of a local/universal resources option? MAX2Chris: Well, what we are doing here with our own Quality Assurance and everytime someone on the development team plays the game. :) MAX2Chris: Probably not. We are looking at ways of enhancing what we have, but we really feel it is superior to the old model. [HMT]StratoSoft: What about the poll? [HMT]StratoSoft: will that have any influence in determining stuff in the game? Meghan: Last question StratoSoft MAX2Chris: The poll is one of the things that could change our mind and be a decisive factor in determing whether or not they go in the game. [HMT]StratoSoft: ok thx ga Meghan: Thanks! MAX2Chris: It will have a big influence, if there are enough responses and if there is a statistical meaning to them. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: The queue is closed. Meghan: The queue is closed. Meghan: Go ahead, Another_Guy Another_Guy: I wanted to know how it was going with the connectors (I have some ideas, but they seem simple enough I think I don't understand something) MAX2Chris: Well, connectors are something we are really banging on our heads on. Most of the team loves them. MAX2Chris: If you have any ideas, please post them on the webboard. MAX2Chris: Lots of good discussion is going on there. MAX2Chris: ga Another_Guy: Ok I will do that Another_Guy: Do you plan to have "shared radar"? So that allies can see what the other player is seeing as well? This certainly seems to fit with the MAX story, considering they are all cyborgs. And it is an awesome feature, as well! MAX2Chris: It is on the list, but it is very low priority. Or so says the network programmer. Blame him, :) Another_Guy: ok... MAX2Paul: That was one of the things we were planning for alliances.. don't know if we'll have the time to put it in though.. We're all under really tight schedules Another_Guy: Well good games aren't made my simply trying to meet deadlines. You should consider that Another_Guy: If it isn't finished, delay it MAX2Paul: We all agree :) MAX2Chris: Yep. Another_Guy: Lastly about PGs Another_Guy: And if anyone ever stopped to think about how insanely difficult it would be to manage PGs in real-time, you might stop asking for them. GUILE:#max2: what was your major, Meghan??? Another_Guy: I guess that's it for me Meghan: Thanks Another_Guy :) MAX2Chris: Thanks! Meghan: Go ahead, DragonLor DragonLor: 1) Is the next beta step going to have the air units in it. 2) when do they think the next step in the beta will be out, also the fix patches.? 3) have they fixed the sound bugs where the sound comes on and off. 4) I think that the real time play is the best. and want to thak you for your time and the pervillage to partake in the testin. so thanks on behalf of all the tester.5) maybe they can make it so if a enimy unit goes through you line DragonLor: thanks for your time.. MAX2Chris: 1) Yes. MAX2Chris: 2) It was supposed to be out tonight, but we are having problems with our provider. MAX2Chris: It will have more bugs fixed, but it might have some new ones. That's the way it goes. MAX2Chris: 3) I don't know. MAX2Chris: 4) You're welcome. Thank you very much. That was very kind of you to say that. MAX2Chris: 5) Didn't understand this, did it get cut off? MAX2Chris: :) DragonLor: Well I think this is true, and thanks MAX2Chris: ga DragonLor: 5) I was saying that people are saying they can not shoot an ememy in the turn they move DragonLor: and they move away after when they get there DragonLor: so why not make it so that before the unit moves away you are allowed to shoot at it.. MAX2Chris: Ahhh! 5) Some units can shoot and move, some cannot. The Scout, for example, is a great unit for quick attacks. It can move and shoot with the best of them. DragonLor: yes I do understand that and what you are saying. but in turn base game play MAX2Chris: If you slow the game speed down using the slider, it is a lot easier to manage large attacks. The AI will have a better understanding of defensive fire. So, we are working on a couple fixes to that problem. DragonLor: it is hard to shoot the emiemy if they come to you and move away. MAX2Chris: Yep. The AI will be improved for your units. DragonLor: Okay thank... Meghan: Thanks DragonLor :) DragonLor: thanks you. MAX2Chris: Thanks! Meghan: Go ahead, Lantherick Lantherick: Are there plans for makeing the units be affected by terrain? Eg slow down going up hill etc.. Also are there plans to have missle launchers not be able to fire right next to themselves? MAX2Chris: Yes! Yes! Yes! Already in. Lantherick: :) Cool and stuff.. it's just not noticble in the current beta... MAX2Chris: We have added some new terrain types. Rough terrain that cannot be built on, but all mobile units can move through (but it takes non-Infantry longer to move.) MAX2Chris: And then Infantry only terrain. MAX2Chris: It's not in the current beta. We added it based on your requests. MAX2Chris: It will be in the next beta. Look at it and tell us what you think. Lantherick: Right on! Power to the Beta Testers!! :) Meghan: Hehehe MAX2Chris: Especially the colored grid, which will tell you what terrain type is in that square. MAX2Chris: ga Lantherick: thanks... Meghan: Thanks Lantherick :) Meghan: Go ahead, Ilmari Ilmari: okay =) Ilmari: If you know that given enough time connectors could be implemented into the game. Why not take the time and hard work to do so? * Ilmari smiles Ilmari: GO connectors! MAX2Chris: Heh. DragonLor:#max2: good night Meghan.. thanks MAX2Chris: It's not just a time issue. MAX2Chris: Basically, we can keep working and tweaking a game forever. Then the engine gets old, and the game is not seen as current technology. MAX2Chris: I know, this happened to me with Stonekeep. You can't keep upgrading the engine. MAX2Chris: We want to not only get the game done on time, but we want to add the critical elements that make the game fun. * Ilmari nods : I understand Ilmari: Why was simultaneous mode not an option on the questionnaire? * MAX2Chris takes Connectors over the Packers. MAX2Paul: It was grouped into Turn-Based.. Ilmari: Ah (it was not clear) Ilmari: Thanks guys! Ilmari: ga Meghan: Thanks Ilmari :) Meghan: Go ahead, LeJohn LeJohn: hi agan LeJohn: Yes you mentioned that the infrantry and infriltators and other groundpounder were LeJohn: going to be upgraded. Any chance of giving them (at least 1) anti-aircraft capibilitys? MAX2Chris: We haven't really thought about it. We might have to do something like that. LeJohn: its needed, MAX2Chris: Infiltrators should be safe from aircraft, by nature of the stealth ability. MAX2Chris: Infantry may need it. We'll look into it during the balance stage (which is happening now). LeJohn: one last question. chris have you been reading you msg in the forum? MAX2Chris: What forum? Where? LeJohn: yes but the infrinty could help protect the base from aircraft LeJohn: max2 MAX2Chris: That's the job of mobile anti-aircraft and AA turrets. MAX2Chris: Do you mean the MAX2 website? The message board there? MAX2Chris: If so, yes, I read it religiously. It's good stuff. LeJohn: yes but moble units if infrintry would be better (cooler0 MAX2Chris: :) LeJohn: k cause theres a lot of good suggestions there.. well thanks LeJohn: ga MAX2Chris: Yes, there have been lots of good suggestions there. I post all the time. Look for "Chris Taylor" and "Paul Kellner". We can hold extended conversations there and go into more detail. MAX2Chris: ga Meghan: Thanks LeJohn :) Meghan: Last Question: MaxCommander: I like the idea of having power stations if you want them.. perhapse you could have a MAX Classic option, which would have all the options and abilities of MAX1 and incorperate them into the MAX 2 engine? ie. connectors, power plants, etc. * MAX2Chris looks pained. MaxCommander: Sorry if this has been drivin into the ground.. =) MAX2Chris: It would add a lot of work, and would throw off the balance. We have to be really careful about adding features, but we are taking them into consideration. * MaxCommander nods. * MAX2Chris looks confused and nods back. Meghan: Thanks for coming, everyone :) Meghan: I assume you're done.. haha MAX2Chris: Yep. Thanks all! MaxCommander: lol Meghan: Join us next week.. same bat time, same bat channel :) MAX2Chris: Look for the new version in the next few days. MAX2Paul: goodnight.. :) Meghan: The channel is now unmoderated, to talk in it you'll have to leave and come back :) CaptComal: Nice meeting! Meghan: Thanks! :) VicNice: yeah nice meeting Meghan: It was smaller, that helped. MAX2Chris: Yep, very nice. [HMT]StratoSoft: sundragon [HMT]StratoSoft: guile? CaptComal: I have found some very neat things in the game MAX2Chris: Did anyone look at the map pictures? CaptComal: having No DOCS is a pain! Blackhat: in class hi [HMT]StratoSoft: guile? MoonDragon: Yes Chris I downloaded them VicNice: yeah i did CaptComal: I like the RANGE circles MAX2Chris: Any opinions? VicNice: i like the new maps [HMT]StratoSoft: yes VicNice: i think they look very good for internet or modem play CaptComal: And trying to figure out those little tiny circles at the right edge of the top left corner picture Blackhat: Cool, class just ended, can I ask my question now that I can type without my teacher having a coronary? CaptComal: Maybe they are Spy Cams or something? MoonDragon: I'll have to view them in zoom mode before I give my opinion CaptComal: You can put a plus sign in them VicNice: chris for the maps do you think that maybe some of the maps that we the beta testers create might be added in the final version * Ilmari was wondering the same thing! Blackhat: Chris, does energy get produced from surplus (stored) energy or is it only just from material being currently mined? [HMT]SunDragon: Meghan Shelagh Jenks Blackhat: Hi, Meghan!!! Meghan: Nodders [HMT]StratoSoft: dragon meet me in side chat man [HMT]SunDragon: Woodland hills, California Meghan: Come to #max2, we're talking about that :) Meghan: Nope, not in Woodland Hills any more. Blackhat: What, my question? MAX2Chris: VicNice, maybe. It's more up to Paul. I don't know if we will have room on the CD. The maps are quite large, and the CD is packed. Ilmari: HIya Meghan! Blackhat: Heya, Ilmari. VicNice: o.k Ilmari: HI Blackhat! Blackhat: Urhg, gotta switch computers.. talk at ya soon. MAX2Chris: Blackhat, energy comes from mined material only. Not surplus. Blackhat: Cool, BRB. Meghan: Hey Ilmari :) Ilmari: So is GUs sure about the turn firing priority [HMT]SunDragon: I can't seem to see the MAX to channel [HMT]SunDragon: MAX2 Channel Meghan: Hmmm... /join #max2 doesn't work? MAX2Chris: Ilmari, Yep. His sure. [HMT]StratoSoft: did u get it sundragon? Ilmari: cause I could have sworn in MAX1 it would make a BIG diffrence if I selected a unit and commanded it do do an action right at the start of a new turn as... oppose to letting the computer figure things out for that turn MAX2Chris: Eep! He's sure. [HMT]StratoSoft: alright i gotta go now CaptComal: Chris ...I looked at your map thumbnails ... but both files are the same?? * Ilmari shurgs MAX2Chris: What? Ilmari: okay okay =) [HMT]StratoSoft: ill be seeing everyone MAX2Chris: I'll check that. [HMT]StratoSoft: bye * Ilmari waves CaptComal: I see 13 and on in both CaptComal: But I may have messed up downloading ... did both at once with CuteFTP MAX2Chris: Woah! It looks like you're right. CaptComal: You did that on purpose to see who actually did look at them, right/ CaptComal: :) VicNice: chris for the next download do you know if we are going to be able to dowload it from a ftp site Ilmari: Chirs, could you ask GUS if it would not be to much trouble to email me the firing prioritys or rules on sim mode... between old turns and new? * MAX2Chris grins sheepishly. * Ilmari smiles MAX2Chris: The two files are the same. I'll check this and upload the fixed version. Both ones are worlds 13 to 24. The one called "w1to12.jpg" is wrong. I'll fix it. CaptComal: Well ... it was very nice again tonite. I gotta go finish watching the Superbowl game ... I missed the first half and have it taped and gotta watch it yet! * Ilmari waves CaptComal: See you later! Ilmari: see ya Capt! VicNice: c ya CaptComal: Nite zippy: nite VicNice: hey chris do you notice who comes to the meatings * Ilmari thinks Chirs has no clue ;) MAX2Chris: Okay, the new one is up. It's fixed. w1to12.jpg is actually the right file now. * Ilmari laughs Ilmari: j/k * Ilmari smiles MAX2Chris: We do actually log the meetings and notice who comes to them. VicNice: one last thing altidude: darn, missed it VicNice: for the final version will you be sending cd's MAX2Chris: I'm not sure, ask Paul that next week! :) VicNice: k no prob VicNice: it was nice talking to you MAX2Chris: bye! Ilmari: Yes very nice talking to you! * Ilmari waves VicNice: bye MAX2Chris: bye all!