The Darwin Flying Circus (Full Version)

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mussey -> The Darwin Flying Circus (12/27/2020 4:19:21 PM)

The Emperor really wants Darwin. Fall 1942. My boys have been contesting his wishes:



[image]local://upfiles/23116/68EED931B0E444778A2099767D724A23.jpg[/image]



RangerJoe -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/27/2020 4:23:42 PM)

It kinda, sorta, looks like some of those pilots need some training. In their defensive skill, that is. Or is their philosophy "Kill him before he kills you!" Or something like that?

Seriously though, those would make good training instructors for other squadrons, raising the average statistics so the trainees seem to improve faster.



Yaab -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/27/2020 6:57:58 PM)

"Do you like our AI?"
"It's artificial?"



dasboot1960 -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/27/2020 8:30:43 PM)

Who needs defense with those experiences and air to air levels?



dasboot1960 -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/27/2020 8:32:28 PM)

These are not the numbers you might expect against a live opponent ( I hope)



mussey -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/28/2020 12:59:22 AM)

These guys have knocked off 500 Planes, mostly unescorted Bettys and Kates over a 6 month period. AI loves the smack down (Early Ironman scenario). I thought of splitting off some of the pilots. But they are holding up the Northern Front all on their own.



Ian R -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/28/2020 1:02:50 AM)

I think you mean spring 1942.



RhinoDad -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/28/2020 3:28:59 AM)

What map are you using? Looks much different than stock. Any advantages over stock.



RhinoDad -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/28/2020 3:31:15 AM)

What map are you using? Looks much different than stock. Any advantages over stock.



BBfanboy -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/28/2020 4:03:18 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: RhinoDad

What map are you using? Looks much different than stock. Any advantages over stock.

Maps have two components - a series of three or four pw files (in the main game directory) that tell the computer what the features of each hex are, but do not generate any visual picture and
- a set of map segments that are just .bmp ART (in the ART folder) - visual representations for you. You can change the ART without affecting the way the map works in the game.

Choice of ART is a personal preference - I find all the alternate map art hard for my old eyes to spot differences - things like the shading of one hex blending into the next hex, making it hard to figure out the terrain type. One of our former members did a number of ART versions but disappeared off the forum - I think there may have been copywrite issues with offering something not part of the official game without getting permission first (just my guess). But some players do use these alternate maps and know where you can get them.

Also be aware there are four map types which each have unique set of pw files:
1. the stock map with stacking limits only on some islands
2. a stacking limits map that has limits defined for every land hex
3. an extended map (extra locations and land added in a few places) with stacking limits only on some islands
4. an extended map with stacking limits for every land hex

The map ART you choose must be compatible with the computer pw files that define what is where or there will be a mismatch of visuals and computer locations.
The alternate map types can be found at the end or the Da Big Babes Reluctant Admiral (RA) site. I thought I had that bookmarked but I can't find it in my bookmarks. Try looking in the Mods Section for a link. EDIT: Found the site. The extended map is offered in section 7. Read the installation instructions carefully if you want to try it out. https://sites.google.com/site/dababeswitpae/reluctant-admiral



RhinoDad -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/28/2020 6:43:58 PM)

Thank You BBfanboy



mussey -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 3:25:14 PM)

The map is Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica. The only advantage is it’s much easier to see terrain types and certain color icons stand out a bit better. Highly recommend it.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 4:16:40 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mussey

The map is Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica. The only advantage is it’s much easier to see terrain types and certain color icons stand out a bit better. Highly recommend it.


I am enjoying the Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica map and the little update that goes with it. It adds a land hex to the west of Clark Field, making Clark a full land hex [no coastal exposure.] The little jut of land next to Clark in the KBP map does not have a base. In the map that looks like World in Flames that hex has a base and is called Subic Bay. I am not sure if there is a way to get Subic Bay to show up as a base on the KBP map. It would be nice to have it, but my eyes much prefer the Kamikaze Bellum Pacific map's less "jangly to my eyes" shading.

To each his own.



Ambassador -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 4:46:46 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Randy Stead

quote:

ORIGINAL: mussey

The map is Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica. The only advantage is it’s much easier to see terrain types and certain color icons stand out a bit better. Highly recommend it.


I am enjoying the Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica map and the little update that goes with it. It adds a land hex to the west of Clark Field, making Clark a full land hex [no coastal exposure.] The little jut of land next to Clark in the KBP map does not have a base. In the map that looks like World in Flames that hex has a base and is called Subic Bay. I am not sure if there is a way to get Subic Bay to show up as a base on the KBP map. It would be nice to have it, but my eyes much prefer the Kamikaze Bellum Pacific map's less "jangly to my eyes" shading.

To each his own.

Small caveat.

KBP is a nice map indeed, but maps are only graphics, they don’t add land (nor modify it). This is the purview of the pwhexe.dat file, which most maps won’t change (only full mods like DBB do it, and better not play against the AI with them if they do many changes).

Stock map, and game, Clark Field can only get accessed by land from NW, NE, E, SE and SW, and can also be entered by sea from SE (Bataan). The W hex side is not passable, even if the map gives the impression you can enter with a TF from the west. In fact, if you try an amphibious assault in CF, you’ll pass through Bataan’s hex (and I can tell you it hurts).

And in fact, Subic Bay is in CF’s hex, hence why there’s a port level (and Subic Bay Defenses).

To add a hex of land, you also have to change the pwhexe.dat file, and to add a base, that’s in the scenario files.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 5:01:13 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Ambassador


quote:

ORIGINAL: Randy Stead

quote:

ORIGINAL: mussey

The map is Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica. The only advantage is it’s much easier to see terrain types and certain color icons stand out a bit better. Highly recommend it.


I am enjoying the Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica map and the little update that goes with it. It adds a land hex to the west of Clark Field, making Clark a full land hex [no coastal exposure.] The little jut of land next to Clark in the KBP map does not have a base. In the map that looks like World in Flames that hex has a base and is called Subic Bay. I am not sure if there is a way to get Subic Bay to show up as a base on the KBP map. It would be nice to have it, but my eyes much prefer the Kamikaze Bellum Pacific map's less "jangly to my eyes" shading.

To each his own.

Small caveat.

KBP is a nice map indeed, but maps are only graphics, they don’t add land (nor modify it). This is the purview of the pwhexe.dat file, which most maps won’t change (only full mods like DBB do it, and better not play against the AI with them if they do many changes).

Stock map, and game, Clark Field can only get accessed by land from NW, NE, E, SE and SW, and can also be entered by sea from SE (Bataan). The W hex side is not passable, even if the map gives the impression you can enter with a TF from the west. In fact, if you try an amphibious assault in CF, you’ll pass through Bataan’s hex (and I can tell you it hurts).

And in fact, Subic Bay is in CF’s hex, hence why there’s a port level (and Subic Bay Defenses).

To add a hex of land, you also have to change the pwhexe.dat file, and to add a base, that’s in the scenario files.


Oh, crap, Batman!

All I did was copy and paste the files from the Kamikaze map mod into the game's art folder. If I understand you correctly, and I believe I do, I have just broken my game.

Good catch, and thank you very much for advising me.



Ambassador -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 5:07:36 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Randy Stead


quote:

ORIGINAL: Ambassador


quote:

ORIGINAL: Randy Stead

quote:

ORIGINAL: mussey

The map is Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica. The only advantage is it’s much easier to see terrain types and certain color icons stand out a bit better. Highly recommend it.


I am enjoying the Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica map and the little update that goes with it. It adds a land hex to the west of Clark Field, making Clark a full land hex [no coastal exposure.] The little jut of land next to Clark in the KBP map does not have a base. In the map that looks like World in Flames that hex has a base and is called Subic Bay. I am not sure if there is a way to get Subic Bay to show up as a base on the KBP map. It would be nice to have it, but my eyes much prefer the Kamikaze Bellum Pacific map's less "jangly to my eyes" shading.

To each his own.

Small caveat.

KBP is a nice map indeed, but maps are only graphics, they don’t add land (nor modify it). This is the purview of the pwhexe.dat file, which most maps won’t change (only full mods like DBB do it, and better not play against the AI with them if they do many changes).

Stock map, and game, Clark Field can only get accessed by land from NW, NE, E, SE and SW, and can also be entered by sea from SE (Bataan). The W hex side is not passable, even if the map gives the impression you can enter with a TF from the west. In fact, if you try an amphibious assault in CF, you’ll pass through Bataan’s hex (and I can tell you it hurts).

And in fact, Subic Bay is in CF’s hex, hence why there’s a port level (and Subic Bay Defenses).

To add a hex of land, you also have to change the pwhexe.dat file, and to add a base, that’s in the scenario files.


Oh, crap, Batman!

All I did was copy and paste the files from the Kamikaze map mod into the game's art folder. If I understand you correctly, and I believe I do, I have just broken my game.

Good catch, and thank you very much for advising me.

No, it has only changed the graphics, not the game play. I don’t use that map, so I can’t say what it looks like around CF, but it has no effect on whether there’s land or not.



Ambassador -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 5:15:32 PM)

In-game, use the F6 (or Windows+F6 depending on your computer) to see the hex sides. You’ll see the W hex side of Clark Field is red, and the SW side is white. Red indicates impassable, white passable by both land and sea, and green is a land connection only.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 9:40:19 PM)

I've decided [for now. at least[;)]] to revert my game map back to stock, then install the Babes extended map and data, plus the stacking limits and the new Asia roads. And to have all modified hexes functional. If I understand this correctly, I will have a stock map modified to extended, with redesigned and functional hexes in the Philippines and Malaya, and a few small island hexes, plus the Asian roads mod. All functional and able to be recognized by the AI Japanese player. Correct? I've been reading and rereading the instructions and I think I know what I have to do and in what sequence.

So, for now anyway, goodbye to the lovely Kamikaze map.



RangerJoe -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 10:30:06 PM)

quote:

. . . All functional and able to be recognized by the AI Japanese player. Correct? . . .


I do not believe so. Check the threads for the scenarios and the new AIs for better information.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 10:59:55 PM)

Hmm. More research to undertake. All I wish to do is to get it functioning against the AI with the new terrain recognized in a long campaign or the in-game scenarios, should I wish to play them. I'm not planning right now to try user-contributed scenarios.

Does anybody play against the Japanese AI using Babe's extended map with the new Philippines, Malaya and island hexes with new stacking limits and Asian roads, all functional and recognized by the AI? Or must I download a new AI?

Thanks for the heads up, Joe; I'll do more reading before I carry on. I have a freshly installed, fully patched game, version 1.8.11.26b with stock map, no mods implemented.

I used to be a dab wiz at installing mods for other games. Then since the brain tumour removal in 2015 it has been a learning curve again. I hope I am not wearing out anyone's patience with my queries. I thank those who have been kind with their assistance.

P.S. Apologies to Mussey for diverting this thread. I thought about starting a new thread but thought since the original discussion seems to have wound down to carry on here, where those who are assisting me know this thread.



RangerJoe -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/30/2020 11:05:12 PM)

You are brain damaged and you admit that. No problems there with me. I am not a complete idiot either, some parts are missing. [:D] Ask Zorch if I should post some pictures of that for him to enjoy.[sm=innocent0001.gif]

A simple suggestion, have a basic installation then a new installation in a separate folder for each different map or whatever change that you want.



Ambassador -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 9:05:33 AM)

I won’t delve into details, others are better suited for that, but the AI is not real. The computer won’t react to your moves the way even the least experienced player will. The AI is just a series of scripted moves, with some triggers, which were written by Andy Mac, with some variants introduced. But if you do something unplanned, there might not be a single script to react to it (and in fact, the AI may continue doing moves it shouldn’t do).

That’s why a lot of moves should not be done, at least in the first six months, during an AI full campaign game, because you can break it.

Likewise, the scripts mainly refer to bases and coordinates based on the stock map and files - if you mod your game, changing the terrain files, moving bases, creating new bases, the AI won’t take it into account, and will still run the scripts the way it was programmed to.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 2:16:06 PM)

Ambassador, as always, an informative and enlightening post. Thanks for that.

So it seems for now the best thing for me to do if I am playing the AI is to leave the map stock? Or, if I get a map with extra hexes but don't play them myself, will the AI take them if I leave them vacant? For example, on the one map the extra hex in the Philippine Islands goes to the west of Clark Field. If I leave it vacant, will the AI take it? Or those modified hexes in Malaya and the Shortland area, same deal? I am suspecting the best thing to do as far as the AI goes is to just play with the stock map; or, use a modified map but leave the extra hexes vacant. But I am guessing from posts I have read that the AI ignores the new hexes altogether, so even if I leave them vacant the AI will behave as if they do not exist at all, correct?

The reason I am focused on the AI at present is because it is going to be my vehicle for learning the game. If all goes well then I shall be able to assist my brother to learn how to play the game, and eventually we can play each other by email or on the same machine. Likely email, as he has plans to sell his house and move closer to his favourite fishing grounds. I wouldn't mind following, and maybe even both live on the same property, but my wife insists on staying close to our grandchildren. A dilemma, but my local kids and grandkids have higher precedence. So, maybe we'll be email foes in the end.

I know I'll be able to master the AI once I know what I am doing. The AI is like boot camp, use it to learn the mechanics of the game. The real learning is when you play a human opponent, with all his deviousness. I played the original Pacific War and was able to defeat the AI about 15 months ahead of historic timeline. I remember the giant air battles, after which one side or the other is wiped out and for the rest of the game his naval and ground units are for your fliers' target practice. WitP:AE, with its one day turns seems not to replicate that experience, from what I've read, so that even if you do get creamed in a particular air battle it does not necessarily mean you are wiped for the rest of the game. You get clobbered hard in one battle, and then you remedy the situation by reinforcement or redeployment.



RangerJoe -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 2:25:17 PM)

I think that it is best when you are learning to play the stock game with the original AI scripts. Then go to the new AI scripts. Then go to mods.

Like a baby: learn to crawl, then walk, then run, then hobble with a cane.[;)]



Ambassador -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 2:34:53 PM)

Like Joe said, step by step learning is best. I would also advise to start playing the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal scenarios instead of the full campaign (and do so with both sides).

Re: maps, you can change to whatever map you want, as long as it’s said to be a « stock » map. What modders mean with that, is that they don’t change the pwhexe.dat file (so, the actual in-game terrain), nor the bases, so it will work without any problem for whatever scenario #1 to #16 you want, and some others too.

If you like Kamikaze Bellum Pacificum’s style, pick the map of the first link - that one « adds » no land, so the basic scenarios will work.
The « extended » maps are all for the Big Babes mods, and derivatives thereof.

To answer your question, please take a screenshot of the game, after having used the « 1 » and « F6 » shortcuts to let the terrain and types of hex sides appear.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 3:03:18 PM)

Yes, I really do like the Pacificum map. Will load that one and try the scenarios you suggest. It seems one really must learn the carrier ops and land battles before launching into the grand campaign.

I'll leave the map mods for later, when I have a human opponent.

Good advice, Joe and Ambassador. Much appreciated.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 3:23:54 PM)

I have downloaded Kull's Turn 1 suggestions, for both Allied and Japanese. Somewhere in the forum I saw the same sort of thing with suggestions for turn 1 for the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal scenarios. That's the route I think it best for me to go, but I cannot find those again. If anyone knows where there are, please reply.

Nonetheless I will continue to search for them.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 6:41:34 PM)

I found the link containing advice for newbs playing the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal scenarios. I feel like giving myself a "Participant" trophy for finding it again before somebody else went and did the work for me. [:'(] Anyway, for those like myself who could use the advice, here it is:

CS & G scenarios advice for newbs



BBfanboy -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 6:58:20 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Randy Stead

Yes, I really do like the Pacificum map. Will load that one and try the scenarios you suggest. It seems one really must learn the carrier ops and land battles before launching into the grand campaign.

I'll leave the map mods for later, when I have a human opponent.

Good advice, Joe and Ambassador. Much appreciated.

As I posted to another player in a recent thread (and you posted in it afterward), the visual art you want to change are .bmp files in the ART folder. Use thumbnail view to see which bitmaps are the ones for the map (as opposed to icons and such).

Make note of those file numbers, make a "map save" folder and move those files to the save folder. Then copy in your new map .bmp files. I don't know if Pacifica Bellicum (name?) is offered in stock and extended versions but you definitely want the stock version as you are not changing the pwhex.dat file.



Randy Stead -> RE: The Darwin Flying Circus (12/31/2020 7:10:18 PM)

Hi BB. Yes, I made sure to have the stock files. There is an extended version, but I am only installing the stock files.

Kamikaze Bellum Pacifica is the proper name of the map mod.



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