Improve the game log to list all the start positions at start.
Add a replay button when the game is over that reads from the log and recreates the game before your eyes.
Specifics:
First off, I checked the to-do list and this wasn't in there even though I think I remember hearing it suggested before.
Second, I know these are both tall orders, but everything else I can conceive of wanting from the site is already done.
In Detail - Log 2.0 : What I'm asking for here is that when a game starts the log lists each color and all the territories it started with, as well as the army counts in these territories. The game then hides this unless you click to see the full log. It also lists neutral territories and army counts.
In Detail - Replays : If Log 2.0 is done it should be easy for you, or one of our grease monkey script writers, to be able to add in a button that replays the game by reading the log and then going through the motions. The only real question is how fast it should do each move, my initial guess is 0.5 seconds, but even that might seem a little slow.
This will improve the following aspects of the site:
Studying old games for strategy and figuring out just where you went wrong (or what you did right).
Figuring out what happened in that crazy fog game you just played.
User driven map testing, and perhaps even behind the scenes testing.
I think it would make sense that Lack leave the replay machine to the GreaseMonkey types, at least in the first instance, and as such I think it'll have plenty of options. Rather than a 0.5 second framerate I'd hope for a full set of 'transport controls' ie play, pause, frame advance, frame reverse etc ... And in each of those the resolution of a 'frame' could be set to be: a singe throw of the dice, a single deploy/successful attack/fortification, a single turn, a single round ... and the framerate to be user specifiable.
Give the GMs Log 2.0 and they'll have replay machine up in no time.
Speaking as one who has no real idea, my major doubt is: would there not be a lot more storage of data required putting strain on the server?
Yeah, that's the big concern. I don't think the extra log info would be too bad, especially if it is hidden unless people click to see the whole log. I don't know 100% how bandwidth works, but maybe it'd be possible to d/l the replays instead of doing it all on server, but that might be even more strain. *Shrugs*
At the very least, seeing all the start positions in the log would be very helpful for going back and analyzing a game, replays could come later.
Speaking as one who has no real idea, my major doubt is: would there not be a lot more storage of data required putting strain on the server?
Yeah, that's the big concern. I don't think the extra log info would be too bad, especially if it is hidden unless people click to see the whole log. I don't know 100% how bandwidth works, but maybe it'd be possible to d/l the replays instead of doing it all on server, but that might be even more strain. *Shrugs*
At the very least, seeing all the start positions in the log would be very helpful for going back and analyzing a game, replays could come later.
That all makes a great deal of sense. to be able to watch a replay of the game!...i would love to see that in operation.. Maybe if you could store the dice rolls and game-log on the server for a round, then upload to Each users hard drive as they start their go, you could recreate the games anyway .. with a clever bit of coding?
i always wanted something to sort of "replay" the game. would it show dice results? (see the streaks!?)
it would depend how they coded it i suppose Tom ... if blind explanation were possible then yes... but if my post were possible it would be very lucky indeed!
cicero wrote:When I posted earlier in the thread I didn't include a link to Game Log 2.0 suggestion.
thanks mate!
lackattack wrote:Complete logs have been requested several times, so perhaps this is a good opportunity to reveal my secret plans...
Game Log 2.0 * will normally not include fortifications * but click on "extended log" and you'll get fortifications and dice rolls * log will be available in xml format so talented programmers (*cough* *cough* Tr0y *cough*) could create movie players and even bots * logs will be deleted on old games to make room for all these dice rolls * internally I'll store the log differently to make it possible to translate the entries into different languages far off into the future
I knew I saw it before. I'd vote this next on the to-do list if I had any sway, but they probably have something secret they are doing that's even more awesome, they always do.
Coleman wrote:I knew I saw it before. I'd vote this next on the to-do list if I had any sway, but they probably have something secret they are doing that's even more awesome, they always do.
dw, one of the upgrades will be awesome, i would say more but OP and Twill might kill me. ((wheres that smiley with the tape on his mouth when you need him))
After a game is finished you could watch from the beginning as the game progressed from move to move, round to round until completed, like a video of the game.
It could help people analyze a certain board and why a person won or lost.
Game log doesn't show unsuccessful attacks. Like if yellow had a 9 and it got knocked to a 3. So when people complain about secret alliances and stuff, attempted attacks don't show up.
I like the idea, but it sounds like it would be a huge load on the server.
nothing wrong with a little bit of man on dog love.
It'd be possible to parse the combat log and recreate the game(minus 100% accuracy on the number of armies). Sounds like a good community contributed mod. *wink*
antony.trupe wrote:It'd be possible to parse the combat log and recreate the game(minus 100% accuracy on the number of armies). Sounds like a good community contributed mod.
New suggestion topic "Replay Button" started on 20 June 08 by gordito. Merged with existing suggestion topic "Log 2.0 and Replays" started on 14 June 08 by Coleman.
"Replay Button" overlaps entirely with the suggestions in "Log 2.0 and Replays".
Cicero
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antony.trupe wrote:It'd be possible to parse the combat log and recreate the game(minus 100% accuracy on the number of armies). Sounds like a good community contributed mod. *wink*
We already have the "Handy Game History" script - although I am unsure if it still works correctly at present...
However - once Game Log 2.0 comes out - then a full replay system would be available as an add-on script...
Just got done playing a FOW game in Pearl Harbor. When I played my last set, one opponent had 2 territs left. As I frantically searched for him/her, I was not sure I would even have enough to win their cards. When FOW is lifted, is there any way to post the number of armies left if your opponents have say, under 3 Territs.
This will improve the following aspects of the site:
Not sure, just for informational purposes only I guess.