The Wargamer

Theatre of War Update Report Part 2

FORUM NEWS posted on 4 SEP 2007 by Andrew Glenn

More information about the changes under consideration by the developers of Theatre of War have emerged.

As we reported last week (story), the developers of Theatre of War are working to improve their World War II real-time combat simulation by incorporating features requested in response to user-feedback. Additional information about what may or may not be changed in the game have appeared in the same Battlefront forum thread and are summarized below:

• Remove "ready sir" comment when unit is selected: Will not be changed as it contradicts with game design.
  
• Make 'hold' the default command after other orders: Unlikely to be changed as it is considered part of a unit's initiative.
  
• Formation spacing: Changing the spacing between units will be possible in the add-on by allowing players to modify formation spacing on-the-fly (probably by holding Ctrl key or such).
  
• Keeping previous formation by default: As the game can't keep track of all possible combinations, the use of the group system is recommended. A group can by selected by selecting units with Ctrl + number.
  
• Full map editor with elevation tool: This will be included in the upcoming add-on. However, the map still needs to be drawn in a graphics editor.
  
• Proper animation for auto rifles: This is a low priority and will be fixed if animators have the time.
  
• Retreat functions, surrendering soldiers: This may be addressed, but it's not clear at the moment.
  
• When will the mission editor be ready?: It will be included in a patch before the release of the add-on.
  
• Wounded soldiers die: This has been corrected for the add-on. Critically hit soldiers will not move and shoot and die after some time. Severely wounded soldiers can move very slowly and shoot with a large penalty.
  
• Hopping over fences: Included in the add-on.
  
• Hand-to-hand combat: Included in the add-on.
  
• Direct control similar to games such as Soldiers: Heroes of WWII: Unlikely to happen as the two games are completely different.
  
• Improving sounds: Being done constantly.
  
• Use of captured equipment in next mission: Included in the add-on.
  
• Infantry types distinguishable only at close distance: This may be addressed, although it's not clear at the moment.
  
• Removing un-needed squads from the roster: This might be possible if time permits.
  
• Semi-auto rifle animation: A low priority for the animators.
  
• Option for 'hold' as the default stance: This might be possible if time permits.
  
• Return to previous camera position after unit view: Originally designed this way, the developers found it unsuitable.
  
• More planes, different loadouts for them (rockets, bombs): This is being addressed and will likely be included in the add-on.
  
• Button/unbutton: This would require a lot of work as the crew animations would need to be redone.
  
• Make the camera travel further: This can be achieved by increasing the maximum altitude of the camera in the options menu.
  

  
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