1.88 Windows/Linux Release

Many of you who know me are aware of how this project began, which is to say it was never intended for mass consumption.  I started it many years ago with the only goal being for my own enjoyment.  Because of that, the design of my game is very different from other RTS games out there.

Since then, I've somehow managed to gather a sizable fan base.  So, once in a while I'll make changes that are purely to help new players get involved, even if it takes up more of my free time.  Today marks another one of those major capitulations.

Also you'll notice there is no Linux update this time.  That is because I want to defenestrate my computer whenever I see a Segmentation Fault.  Later when my patience has returned I'll look at it again. (EDIT: Linux is now updated as well)

PLEASE NOTE:  Your old settings will not be loaded in 1.88, due to changes in the "config.ini" file for future compatibility.  A new config file will be saved after you close the program.  Sorry for that inconvenience.

Changelog since 1.87:

• Classic Mode Interface.  By default, players will have Expert Mode (the interface previously used for selection/deselection, orders, scrolling and such) disabled, in favor of this much more familiar style of interaction.  In Classic Mode you drag a box over units to select them, issue orders with right-clicks, etc.  Those of us who will still use Expert Mode can select it in the main Options menu.  Personally I will always prefer Expert Mode, and I hope veterans will also appreciate its prioritization of accuracy.
• Human units on Move orders will now default to Stop orders when reaching their destination (Protect orders must be issued manually)
• Units on Move orders will now automatically Retreat when attacked
• Units on Retreat orders will default to Move orders when they are no longer under attack
• Carryalls suffering enough damage when Repair Hold is active while carrying cargo will abandon the original destination; instead they will return cargo to the Retreat Flag and then dock themselves
• Outpost sight range greatly increased to 24
• Minor updates to the CONFIG.INI file format to allow for Expert Mode retention and future usage
• Made changes to network chat room to help show what settings cannot be changed
• The active Orders of currently selected units will now appear "depressed"
• Changed coloring of in-game chat for easier reading
• Removed the Mousewheel up/down ordering system (too clumsy)
• Fixed bug where allied Foot units could not be seen in Crags
• Fixed bug preventing Back button from working in Server List room
• Minor graphical changes

1.87 Windows/Linux Release

This time I decided to sit down and fix every bug of which I was aware.
Changelog since 1.86:

• Rewrote network Hosting code to fix bug limiting players to 3 or fewer client connections online.  Prospective clients should also get a proper message if a server has no open slots
• Added Ping sound effect to alert players when a server is online (only in server list room right now)
• Added on-screen map loading window to avoid issues with system pop-up window and full-screen mode (not perfect yet but it works)
• Confirmed bug with Sonic Tank crashing when unpowered should now be fixed, based on last few release changes
• Made pathfinding improvement causing units to be more persistent when temporarily surrounded
• Made improvements to chatroom so faction and custom colors get sent to clients
• Fixed bugs with Merc purchases not processing
• Fixed visual bug with Configurator license area
• Fixed bug causing a unit's Retreat level to display incorrectly while in motion
• Fixed bug with units being unable to enter spaces where a Spice Blow occurred
• Fixed bug where a lost Harvester would sometimes trigger more than one replacement to be queued when on Maintain Operations
• Fixed bug where a unit would be unable to Airlift out of a surrounded location

1.86 Release

Mostly a cleanup patch, but does include a Linux update.  Changelog since 1.85:

• Updated code for cross-platform compatibility to release current Linux version (mostly tested)
• Map size cannot be changed now after loading a map
• Total network slots available now adjusts for number of AI chosen
• Fixed bug preventing chat in network chatroom
• Fixed strange behavior with incorrect Order options when selecting/de-selecting certain combinations of units
• Fixed bug where players' Death Hands would launch when under attack
• Fixed bug where units on Guard would move toward allied buildings
• Fixed drawing error with unit selection menu list
• Changed drawing behavior of intro and chatroom screens

1.85 Multiplayer Release

This is a large release and the first true Multiplayer release, with support for up to 6 human players simultaneously.  Naturally it is difficult for me to test more than one or two by myself to any great depth, so I'll have to rely on you to help.  Please leave detailed bug reports in the forums, but for you new players, be sure to search the posts before making a new one.

Changelog since 1.83:

• Support for more than 2 players (up to 6)
• Observer players cannot Chat in-game
• Mercenary groups now announce a warning and deploy after 10 seconds
• Mercenary units will not attack any Trading Post
• Removed Trading Post weaponry
• Tightened up online server tracking and client messaging
• Fixed bug with Back button not working for client
• Fixed bug allowing double-tapping Demolish/Cancel actions
• Fixed bug with client not displaying some menus properly
• Many minor graphical fixes/changes

1.83 Re-release

I'm deep in the middle of the next release and I can't stop now to fix much, but I HAD to resolve that awful client-side visual bug where the ground doesn't get drawn, so that's the only thing corrected in this version.  Other known bugs still remain.  Just re-download this if you had 1.83 from before today (5/6/2010).  I won't even bother giving it a new version.

I sure still wish someone had reported this a long time ago...  And now I had to go and see that someone posted a video of the game and of course naturally, they decided to be a client and run straight into this issue!  Where is teh lovez?

1.83 Release

Cleanup patch.  Changes since 1.82:

• Added a "tip box" that throws random helpful information at you (unobtrusively)
• Mapmaker mode now includes Sand Crags as an additional placement choice, and cleans properly when saving
• Increased chance for Sand Crag proliferation from seeds
• Decreased seed chances for Rock Crags to account for addition of Sand Crags
• Set Configurator window minimum height to make sure license info is readable
• Fullscreen value in Configurator now reads from config.ini file
• Added filler graphics for side menu bar at high resolutions
• Mentat text is now white to increase visibility as needed
• Updated some Mentat information
• Mouse cursor is now hidden from mapmaker mode on map screen
• Worms should now stop a short distance from rock (instead of on top of it).  This is a bit experimental at the moment
• Fixed minimap mouse click controls
• Fixed visual bug with spicefields populating outside map bounds
• Fixed chatroom graphics for Mapmaker mode toggle
• Fixed bug with current cell coords returning out of bounds
• Fixed location of radar placeholder

1.82 Release

This is probably best called a "by popular request" update. ;)  It involved a lot of work so I hope you like it, and keep in mind it may introduce some new bugs where I forgot to complete changes.
Changelog since 1.80:

• Added the Configurator, and rewrote large parts of the system to accommodate.  You'll see what it does
• Added new crags
• Clicking on the colored harvester for an AI player now assigns them a random color
• AI now have darker colors than human players
• Allied foot soldiers in crags are now visible
• Restored 1.79 targetfinding code to hopefully fix some new targeting errors
• Greatly optimized map drawing code