RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * Updated Screenshots *

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RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 10/22/2013 5:08:17 PM

CarlVon

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quote:

Perturabo

Hey Perturabo,

You read my mind :-). That's down the list though. No need to jump around the galaxy. There are plenty of things of interest in a solar system! :-).

(in reply to Perturabo)

Post #: 31

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 10/22/2013 5:12:30 PM

CarlVon

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Hi Stilletto,

The game is full client / server at this point. I will be hosting the server, and it will be free to play, what good is a game I made for myself and my friends if it's just us? All you need from you is your keen mind and brass balls :-) -- Seriously, this game has a stage where it becomes chicken.

Hot seat can be done just by logging 2 accounts in to the server and switching if you want. I will have a lobby to create games, it's almost done.

(in reply to Stilletto)

Post #: 32

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 10/22/2013 10:21:30 PM

trebcourie

Posts: 301
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Meanfcker

quote:

Without a means to simulate an economy and movement between stars all you have is a point buying battle. No strategy to that at all.

You would be surprised at how much thinking can go into one of these battles.
In one sense, right now we do just spend points and duke it out like Napoleon Total War, but even in that there is strategy. Should you take an offensive or defensive posture? Should you fake a defensive posture and launch a quick attack? Raid part of his fleet or try to talk him into a trap so you can get all of it?
One ship on one is pretty much just a tactical skirmish. Once the number of ships go up, the amount of skull sweat required goes up exponentially.
Meanie.

Sounds like a fun game. There doesn't always have to be a "big picture" to enjoy a single battle.

(in reply to Meanfcker)

Post #: 33

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 10/23/2013 2:54:50 AM

CarlVon

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Thanks Brojd,

I hope to see you in glorious fleet action soon! :-).

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Post #: 34

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 10/25/2013 2:38:13 AM

Stilletto

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From: Texas
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I hope that at some point you will release the server and client side so if/when you get tired of hosting the game it doesn't disappear.

Can't wait to play!

_____________________________

When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

(in reply to CarlVon)

Post #: 35

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 10/26/2013 12:49:40 AM

CarlVon

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:-), don't worry not going to die. If I was to shut it down I would release the source code etc. I have made a few little manuals to give you guys the feel and get some feedback while I finish up the lobby system. I just need a place to put them. I will probably start a drop box or something soon.

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Post #: 36

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/3/2013 10:56:36 PM

CarlVon

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Hi Everyone,

Game is going well. Here's an after action report for you to show a small battle. It should give you the flavor. We have a new tester on board so we should get some more large fleet actions going in a bit.

I have also attached one section of the manual to give you an idea of what gunnery is all about.

After Action Report (Full Version):
https://www.hightail.com/download/OGhjN3RjNnlCTWtQWWNUQw

Gunnery Manual:
https://www.hightail.com/download/OGhjN3RaQk5kMnNYRHRVag

Link expires next week: 11/10/2013

Enjoy!

< Message edited by CarlVon -- 11/4/2013 3:35:00 AM >

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Post #: 37

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/4/2013 10:41:15 PM

Stilletto

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Read through the After Action report and I find it very interesting. Can't wait to play the game!

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When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

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Post #: 38

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/4/2013 10:50:59 PM

CarlVon

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Thank you very much Stilletto for the kind comments. Hope to see you on the battlefield when we are ready to go, maybe a Lone Star class battleship at some point? :-), I figure it would be bigger than the others lol.

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Post #: 39

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/5/2013 7:55:40 PM

Perturabo

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I liked the AAR. Makes me wonder what it would be like if there would be Z axis.

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They should ask themselves why people who finish schools burned out due to mobbing aren't receiving high enough compensations to not seek vengeance.

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Post #: 40

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/5/2013 10:17:09 PM

CarlVon

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Thanks Perturabo,

That's funny, there is a Z axis, but I have hidden it :-). All math is done in 3D. It was interesting, but very hard to play with lots of ships. 3D would require a full 3D client and a lot of work on the UI. But hey, I like you thinking, wait till you try in 2D first :-). A big fleet makes my brain hurt already hehe.

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Post #: 41

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/5/2013 11:12:18 PM

Stilletto

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From: Texas
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oOoOoOo. 3D. Now you're talking! Do the ships model armor on all sides, top, bottom, etc if you were to switch to 3D?

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When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

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Post #: 42

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/5/2013 11:28:24 PM

CarlVon

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lol! You guys are great!

Yes, the ships are modeled with armor fore, aft, port, starboard, top, bottom.

I'm playing around with some 3D stuff, but it needs to be clean like the current interface, the game uses a time control system that is very powerful (refer to gunnery manual) so the UI needs to stay clean.

If it goes 3D, I won't compromise on the UI.

Anyhow, lets get 2D down first :-).

Status update:
- All major bugs are crushed by alpha testing, a few more big fights should get us there, we are just testing the Missile Defenses right now, and see if the interface on that needs cleaning. Had an issue with the intercept math, and couldn't defend my battleship! Almost lost it hehe. But our math guy fixed it all up.
- There is a basic lobby system, so I can generate some mission for users and they can play on their own time -- New users can start with something small.
- Then just some general code cleaning I think.
- Once we get going, and you guys have played, I would love to get designing some ships.

(in reply to Stilletto)

Post #: 43

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/5/2013 11:40:58 PM

Stilletto

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2D already looks like great fun. My boys have asked about playing it as well. They still think they can beat me on tactical games like that.

Silly boys.

_____________________________

When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

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Post #: 44

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/7/2013 12:24:19 AM

Perturabo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: CarlVon

Thanks Perturabo,

That's funny, there is a Z axis, but I have hidden it :-). All math is done in 3D. It was interesting, but very hard to play with lots of ships. 3D would require a full 3D client and a lot of work on the UI. But hey, I like you thinking, wait till you try in 2D first :-). A big fleet makes my brain hurt already hehe.

Would big space fleets be feasible to build and practically useful anyway?

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Post #: 45

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/7/2013 1:10:46 AM

CarlVon

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Family is good :-) Stilletto, I think it would be great. When we get there, we can make a mission for you and your boys.

I hope you win, call me a sucker for old, wise and angry.

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Post #: 46

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/7/2013 1:26:29 AM

CarlVon

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Hi Pertuabo,

The largest fleet action so far was around 15 ships each / 30 total.

Yes, it changes everything. When there is 1 vs 1, it's tactics, but once you have a squad you can use angles on each other, flanks etc. Flanks in this game are particually devistating (as shown in the latest after action report). Once you have around 20 ships each, you can do raiding, skimeshes and large formations (formations count -- big time). You will have to plan and time your fleet co-ordinated efforts, it is very hard. Opponents like Meanfcker will try to hide their movements with deception, amazing enough, this works even when you can see you opponent -- he is quite good at it. The game also supports multiple teams, fleets, and elements per fleet, so there is no reason we couldn't have a 4 vs 4 with 15 ships each via 2 teams. 120 ships total. A fight that size would require very complicated strategic thought and operational timing.

Keep in mind, armor is much less on the sides of the ships than the front, non-existent basically on the rear (although the Baltos assault cruiser is an exception due to some seriously costly engineering). Anyhow, the ships are cylinders so weight cost is less on the front, but much more costly on the sides (given dimentions of a tube), this will create major issues for you in battle, or you can exploit them to destroy your enemy. On an operational level this involves a lot of thought, it can all be combined -- the effects are devistating. But because it is also modeled at the tactical level, knowing ships and their capabilities are very important.

Soon you will understand :-).

(in reply to Perturabo)

Post #: 47

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/8/2013 12:16:09 AM

Perturabo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: CarlVon

Hi Pertuabo,

The largest fleet action so far was around 15 ships each / 30 total.

Yes, it changes everything. When there is 1 vs 1, it's tactics, but once you have a squad you can use angles on each other, flanks etc. Flanks in this game are particually devistating (as shown in the latest after action report). Once you have around 20 ships each, you can do raiding, skimeshes and large formations (formations count -- big time). You will have to plan and time your fleet co-ordinated efforts, it is very hard. Opponents like Meanfcker will try to hide their movements with deception, amazing enough, this works even when you can see you opponent -- he is quite good at it. The game also supports multiple teams, fleets, and elements per fleet, so there is no reason we couldn't have a 4 vs 4 with 15 ships each via 2 teams. 120 ships total. A fight that size would require very complicated strategic thought and operational timing.

I mean in sense of worlds powers being able to amass massive space fleets.

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Post #: 48

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/8/2013 11:40:38 AM

CarlVon

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Sorry Perturabo I understand now :-),

Given the rate of technology progression (exponential at this point), I am probably under rating some of the specs on the ships. Given Nanobots, Brain augmentation, minaturization, soon to be space mining, nano level material control etc etc. There is no reason large fleets could not be fielded. I mean, really if we get nanobots working in the next 20 years, a small group or even an individual could have a workforce of billions, and raise entire cities in months. Home based manufacturing should be in full swing soon. Let's just refer to the Singularity Era: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uIzS1uCOcE

Bottom line, with the amount of wealth in our solar system, there seems to be a reason 1) To get out there and get the stuff, 2) To protect what you get 3) Given the amount of wealth, no reason you couldn't afford both points 1 and 2.

For interest:
The in-game frigates is around around 1.5B (Today's Dollars)
The in-game cruiser is around 3.2B
The in-game battleship is around 9.6B

Pretty cheap really, unless you loose a bunch. :-)

(in reply to Perturabo)

Post #: 49

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/10/2013 6:27:59 PM

Meanfcker

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One other real nice thing about this game, is the minimal time commitment.
I am working two jobs right now and cannot commit to a game of ATG.
I can usually come up with an hour or two a week and that is it... this game works well for that.

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Post #: 50

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/10/2013 9:09:25 PM

Meanfcker

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I also agree with Dan about the 3D.
I insisted on 3D at first.
Once we started to experiment with task force sized fleets, ie a battleship and appropriate support, the game quickly became complicated enough that I shut up.
The thing to remember always is that everything is based on true Newtonian physics. It is like asteroids, once you start moving in a given vector, you will keep moving in that vector until you act to make a change. You cannot expose the rear of your ship to the enemy. This makes planning very far in advance an absolute necessity.
2D is complicated enough for now. I would be willing to try 3D at some point though.
Meanie.

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Post #: 51

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/11/2013 2:54:31 PM

Stilletto

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Since it is true Newtonian physics does the game allow accelerating to a certain speed then rotating the ship to a different vector while still traveling the original one?

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When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

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Post #: 52

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/11/2013 10:07:20 PM

Meanfcker

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Absolutely, we refer to that as yaw and bearing. I might have a bearing of 180 and a velocity of 2000m/s, but I could be facing ninety degrees port or starboard of my vector.
That is very handy, and often necessary in fleet engagements, especially for the flank guards.
Add to that intermittent or constant thrust and you can generate irregular curves.
It is all very intellectually stimulating.
I wish Dan would hurry up and get it ready for you guys, it is too good to keep to ourselves!
Meanie.

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Post #: 53

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/11/2013 11:00:43 PM

Stilletto

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Better and better.

How about small craft? Any carriers? Fighters, bombers, gunboats, that sort of thing?

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When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

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Post #: 54

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/12/2013 12:20:26 AM

CarlVon

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Hi Stilletto,

There's no limit what we can do with the current design system. But we limited by the combat environment and physics. The smallest design so far is the frigate vanguard class around 158 Meters Long with 12 Meter Beam and 5300 Metric Tons. The Battleship (Dreadnough class) is around 450 Meters and 78000 Metric Tons.

Now, fighters (single man space craft) are basically out because there's a minimum size for a fusion torch with fuel etc. Laser also occupy lots of space, along with the all important armor weight. That being said, I would like to design a smaller fusion torch for a corvette class ship, the only thing that may make that worthless is not enough armor, but we will see. In the end, depends on the cost of the corvette, it better be cheap.

Carrier's are a seperate issue all together. We will require some handwavum for a jump drive system in the future, so "carrier" or "Support Command Ships" will probably be required to house a jump drive and take the fleet with them.

For bombers etc, some ships have missile systems, and projectile systems. They are limited, point defense is trivial in space, but they have their uses. Lasers are by far the primary weapon, as well as your mind, and your boldness.

< Message edited by CarlVon -- 11/12/2013 1:24:22 AM >

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Post #: 55

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/12/2013 6:07:03 PM

Stilletto

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From: Texas
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I thought fighters used a modified hydrogen based ion engine that didn't have the thrust to weight ratio of a fusion torch but don't need it because they are small. Armor would also be a non issue as a fighter is designed to use it's quickness and ability to maneuver to survive. Fighters could carry a smaller laser that didn't have the range of the big guns but were designed to be used in squadrons instead of alone. Bombers would basically be the same thing but carry a few missiles/torpedoes designed to be fired closer to an enemy ship to overload it's anti-missile defenses.

Or whatever. <laughing> Sorry. I couldn't resist. Can't wait to play.

_____________________________

When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

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Post #: 56

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 11/12/2013 10:45:35 PM

CarlVon

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lol! That was a good read Stilletto, gave me a good chuckle.

On the very serious side of space combat, for those who are viewing...

When we talk about maneuver, it's not like Earth. The standard 6Gj laser would make swiss cheeze out of a small craft -- Lasers aren't going to miss even if you do loop-de-loops :-), an ion drive may provide enough thrust (not really but ok, hehe) for it to change vectors quickly, the problem is, the big guys like the frigate will move just as fast (due to their 1.5TW Fusion Torch), and will out firepower and armor the small fighter.

Now, if the fighter needs a laser, woah! It needs, batteries, a reactor (that can also provide power for the ion drive), a targeting computer, sensors etc etc. Ok, so say it's all really small stuff, the next problem is you need big lasers to even break through the armor, so you begin a cycle where you will end up with a much larger fighter. Well, the frigates are currently smaller than a 688i sub, so really they are quite small, could be considered fighters :-)

Now, if your fighter was kinda fast you could get moving at 3KM per/second and then strike the larger ship you would have the fighter mass converted to equivilent of TNT, making it's poor little laser that can't break the thick armor useless, and worse... Expensive and useless - a horrible combo.

But smashing into something with 3KM speed * mass is great.. Hmm, assuming the larger object doesn't have a Metal Storm CIWS system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKlnMwuCZso.. Then we have a new problem, your 3KM of energy that you paid for is about to be translated directly back to you once a small fragment shot at you hits you. And don't think you can 'dodge' it, your moving 3KM/s!! hehe, you ain't adjusting crap.

Essentially we have fighters, we call them missiles :-). But Corvettes we still gonna try, because it would be cool. hehe. If they flunk, I'm not paying for them.

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Post #: 57

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 12/1/2013 4:51:01 AM

CarlVon

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Hi All,

Just a quick update for you guys.

The graphics engine has been moved to a full 3d engine (panda3D). Much more powerful and smoother. I have moved to a "Harpoon" style look. Let me know what you think.

This move was needed as the other engine was quite slow, now it's smooth as silk, very handy when plotting attack runs.

And at a more strategic level, the game now automatically changes the display.

Attachment (2)

< Message edited by CarlVon -- 12/1/2013 5:55:43 AM >

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Post #: 58

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 12/3/2013 11:03:38 PM

Stilletto

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From: Texas
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Nice.....very nice. Was just thinking about the status of this project.

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When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

"Ms. Betty has sharp thorns, but underneath is a delicate flower." -ltfightr

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Post #: 59

RE: Space / Tactical Fleet Combat Game / Progressing * ... - 12/3/2013 11:10:45 PM

CarlVon

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Always good to hear from you,

Just having some issues compiling right now, but the Panda3D team is helping me. Anyone out there doing development I would highly recommend Panda3d, a pleasure to work in.

Anyhow, once it's compiled we will do another big battle to flush out any bugs on the new display, tweeks etc. Then we can look at getting a Beta server up.

The server side has been upgraded to 'pypy', some processing went from over a minute to 6 seconds, so yeah.. pypy is good :-). This is all the nit picky stuff (80 / 20 rule). But it needs to be done, but so far I'm really happy with the new display engine.

(in reply to Stilletto)

Post #: 60