PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:28:04 AM

Redmarkus5

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This is a preview of the main APOS Patch 580 (May 2012) changes, based on a Beta Test version of the patch that Andrey asked me to trial.

I am still learning about the new version and there might be some minor changes before the final patch is released.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:31:03 AM

Redmarkus5

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I am using the Volonovka (Operation Blau) Soviet Campaign

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:32:07 AM

Redmarkus5

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There is a new Briefing window with a little more detail than previously.

Note that each turn a new update to the briefing appears. This is based on the text written by the scenario designer and reflects AI reinforcement plans and other AI scripts. It won't reflect the results of the player's battles.

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< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 1:30:53 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:35:37 AM

Redmarkus5

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Based on the briefing, I have to hold with my isolated units until the troops of the 114th Tank Bde arrive from the right of the map. Armor should start arriving on Turn 2.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:37:37 AM

Redmarkus5

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The AI makes its moves and attacks me in two locations. My troops are dug in.

Note the improved arrows that indicate the enemy axes of attack. I can expect enemy troops from these directions on the battlefield.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:38:59 AM

Redmarkus5

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Mousing over the battle site (without clicking) provides additional details. Some of the graphics have been updated. For example, the red dots have replaced the red Xs and are easier to see. They indicate the locations from which any troops present will become involved in this battle.

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< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 1:33:20 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:41:40 AM

Redmarkus5

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Mousing over a unit provides details about that unit.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:46:05 AM

Redmarkus5

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Entering the 3D battlefield, we see some of the key 580 UI changes.

1. The mini map now shows the enemy attack arrows, helping the planning process.

2. The various UI buttons have been regrouped and moved around the screen:

- Game admin is at bottom left.
- The Units OOB is at the bottom center. More unit commands will appear below the OOB later when a unit is selected.
- The main units commands are at bottom right
- The Message Box (hidden at this stage) and some related buttons are at top right.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:47:12 AM

Redmarkus5

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The new minimap

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:49:49 AM

Redmarkus5

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two new deployment options have been added (within the red box).

The first allows you to select a unit or platoon and tell it to auto-find a position on higher ground. Each time you click this button the unit will move slightly higher up the hill.

The second button orders the selected unit to move to lower ground, for example into cover in a wooded valley.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:51:01 AM

Redmarkus5

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There is a new Option to use thicker grass on the 3D map. I have turned this up to Max.

Also note the new tick box on the Entrench button. This means that the command is active.

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< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 12:52:53 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:53:25 AM

Redmarkus5

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I have chosen to put my limited units in all round defence at the location I am told the enemy will focus on during its attack.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:55:06 AM

Redmarkus5

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This is a 3D view of my chosen position prior to ending the Deployment phase.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 12:57:02 AM

Redmarkus5

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After deploying I tour my units. I can see that a new 'fox hole' schema has been added by the patch. I will find out later whether the trenches appear after a unit has been dug in for longer.

You can also see how the additional unit options and data have been relocated. These items at the bottom of the screen only appear when a unit is selected.

The new tick box effect is also visible on the various hold fire options. Tick ON means the unit will fire. No tick means it will hold fire. The hold fire buttons no longer turn red.

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< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 1:35:43 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:00:59 AM

Redmarkus5

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It looks like the AT gun pits are a bit more shallow. This should help with some of the placement and LOS issues previously seen.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:02:00 AM

Redmarkus5

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The MG positions have also been changed to ensure that the MGs can fire effectively.

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< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 1:36:12 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:05:14 AM

Redmarkus5

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CORRECTED

The artillery fire commands have been radically changed.

1. Select a commander who can order artillery fire.
2. Select the Gun button that appears below the OOB.
3. To set a target zone:
- Right-click in the center of the relevant target zone ON THE MAP OR 3D BATTLEFIELD - NOT ON THE BUTTON AS PREVIOUSLY STATED then;
- Right-click or right drag on the 3D map or on the Map View, as before.
4. To request a support mission:
- Select HE, Smoke or Illumination, as available
- Select a target zone (Left-click on the desired target zone button)
- Select the number of rounds to be fire PER GUN (Left click on the desired button)
- Left-click on the Call Support button

The best place to configure and call support missions is normally on the main Map (F10)

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< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 10:22:29 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:11:28 AM

Redmarkus5

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The new Message Box is at the top right of the screen. It is translucent and displays a descending message list, with the time of each message shown.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:12:53 AM

Redmarkus5

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Clicking on each message takes you to that location on the map. An orange circle highlights the subject of the message.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:22:11 AM

Redmarkus5

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MOVEMENT in 580

There are now two different options for issuing unit move commands.

Option 1

- Select a unit or group of units.
- Right-click on the ground or map.
- The Command Menu appears (formerly opened by pressing the space bar)
- Select the appropriate command.
- The selected units will carry out the selected command at the location where you right-click on the ground or map.

Option 2

- Select a unit or group of units.
- Click on one of the move buttons at bottom right of the screen.
- Right-click on the map, as before, to execute the command.

This took me a few minutes to get used to, but I now find that Option 1 provides better fine control over unit movement and posture. Previously, I rarely used the space bar and I was therefore ignoring options like Hunt and Recon.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The selected move options no longer remain 'sticky'. Every time you select a move option (Move, Road March, Attack, etc.) and execute, the move options revert to a blank state. You now need to define the desired move method for each unit you select in sequence. However, you will no longer face the problem of giving the wrong movement type orders to units after forgetting to change the move mode.

< Message edited by redmarkus4 -- 6/19/2012 1:41:25 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:22:53 AM

Redmarkus5

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Option 1.

Movement (and other) orders.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:24:05 AM

Redmarkus5

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Option 2.

Using the Move order from the bottom right orders panel.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:27:09 AM

Redmarkus5

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A shot from a Quick Battle to illustrate the new UI features in action.

Also note that you can now save a Quick Battle in progress. At present, only one battle can be saved and the save will be overwritten once you play another battle.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:29:04 AM

Redmarkus5

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These are the main improvements I have spotted so far in 580. Overall, I am very pleased with the direction the game is going in and I find that the UI is easier to navigate and to interpret.

As I spot other neat 580 features I will update this thread.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 1:53:37 AM

Missouri_Rebel

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Appreciate the info. I can't say that I'm overly pleased with the unit formation panels location on the screen though as it appears to take up quite a bit more of the viewing area. Does that sound like a fair assessment? I'd much prefer a more streamlined UI with smaller buttons.

Of course I'll need to see it firsthand to know for certain. Great to see they are still working to improve what I consider one of the best games I have ever played and I will purchase all DLC's and further versions that are released. I am so hooked that I find it hard to play the games I have already committed myself to play.

Thanks again.

mo reb

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 2:23:59 AM

flashburn

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Hope you don't mind but from what I have gathered from poking around apos beta patch.....
Editor documentation is much improved for all you mission maker types.......ok I hope more people will attempt custom campaigns.
New script system for making campaigns....totally new things are possible over old editor.
Default units are set up much better for making a new campaign. Should help with understanding how things work when you look at divpool files.
Better user and how to docs in tactics manual. Explains things much better than the old one. Five minutes of skimming the thing should explain 90% of questions people new to APOS have.
The new UI is a little different than older apos or K43. Become vary use to them, but new system does make things a bit more stream lined.

Someone out there make user APOS campaigns! I would but I am busy modding the heck out of APOS's brother SABOW. lol If anyone has questions about how things work or have questions feel free to ask!

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 2:29:36 AM

Missouri_Rebel

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Besides what I gave as my opinion above, I do like improvements, especially the scrolling message box. Can't wait to give it a try.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 2:36:53 AM

shrek

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Looking forward to the patch very much! Is that an in-game help button at the bottom left?

Hope they had a native-English speaker proof the new docs.

< Message edited by shrek -- 6/19/2012 2:44:36 AM >

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 3:55:50 AM

budd

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Yea well i'm pretty well hooked also. Will be buying any add-ons and expansions. Damn you guys for all the screen shots and fanboy posts about the game...it's your fault

I wonder if anyone has suggested movable ui boxes. So you can arrange the order boxes and such how you like them, also be nice if you could resize them to your liking.

Only have 1 question............WHEN?

Thx Redmarkus for the preview, appreciate it.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES - 6/19/2012 5:43:53 AM

Tejszd

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Thanks for the information on the patch!

Waiting for Matrix to offer it along with the add-ons....

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