FOG2 Ancients 1.6.15 update is now available - changelog

[rbodleyscott]

The v1.6.15 update has been released.

STEAM and GOG builds should update automatically.

Standalone build will require you to run an updater. If the "Check for Updates" button does not work for you, you can download the updater here:

https://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/FieldOf ... 1.6.15.zip

Changelog:

Version 1.6.15

• MP Allow Restarts option:

• o There is now an option in the MP challenge setup screen to “Allow Restarts” in Ranked custom battle challenges.
  o This is to facilitate the use of the Slitherine Elo ranking system in player-run tournaments that allow either player to reroll the map at the start of the game if they deem it unsuitable. Mechanically, this entails one player conceding the game and then the challenge being set up again.
  o If the “Allow Restarts” option is set, concessions will be ignored for Elo ranking purposes if they occur in either player’s first 2 turns. After the first two turns, the conceding player will be considered the loser for Elo purposes.
  o Explanatory tooltips added to checkboxes in MP New Challenge setup screen.

• New Army Lists:

• o Meroitic 280 BC – 400 AD
  o Axumite 100-970 AD
  o Beja 250-849 AD
  o Beja 850-1049 AD
  o Blemmye 298-499 AD
  o Blemmye 500-550 AD
  o Nobatae 298-499 AD
  o Nobatae 500-550 AD
  o Christian Nubian 550-1049 AD

• Other list changes:

• o Kardakes Hoplites added to Achaemenid Persian 419-329 BC list.
  o Irregular Foot added to Seleucid 300-206 BC list.
  o Tweaks to Indian (Rajput) and Ghaznavid lists.

• Points Costs:

• o ‘Abid al-shira and Pseudocomitatenses cost reduced to 39.

• Many thanks to Paul Adaway for all the new units/textures.

[MarkShot]

Thank you, Richard, the long term support is very appreciated.

Also, appreciated is engine improvements, because if one has purchased the engine; and not having to buy DLC to get engine improvements. Yes, I do own all that you have produced, but still the principle of not selling the fixes/functionality updates to a game is important principle to me. Players do really know developer passion and game quality as indicated by the stellar performance of Manor Lord on Steam vs AAA studios.

[Schweetness101]

...
• Other list changes:

• o Kardakes Hoplites added to Achaemenid Persian 419-329 BC list.

very minor point, but I wonder if the Kardakes Hoplites will be added to the existing historical battles like Issos?

[rbodleyscott]

...
• Other list changes:

• o Kardakes Hoplites added to Achaemenid Persian 419-329 BC list.

very minor point, but I wonder if the Kardakes Hoplites will be added to the existing historical battles like Issos?

Unlikely because it would require rebalancing.

[SuitedQueens]

Map restarts, elo system and dice rerolls are very tempting indeed. Great work on encouraging competitive side of the game. I believe all external cheating exploits were figured out and weeded out as well. I do remember games where my general was dying on the first two for one melee phase (increased odds) after not very logical RNG altering moves by opponnent. Now the system sends the messages on suspicious amount of reloads which I tested myself.

[tyronec]

Just a few thoughts on the Kushite spears after having played a couple of matches.

They are the same points as the massed raw spears at 33. However the massed raw spears are heavy foot while the Kushites are mediums.
IMO the heavy foot raw spears are borderline good value at 33 pts. Usually they are routed before they get to use their extra manpower. Sometimes the extra manpower is helpful for absorbing arrows and occasionally it helps in melee. But in general the standard size unit at 24 pts is better value. The other aspect is they generally come in an army with a good mix of ordinary foot so a few units are OK. So just about worth 33 pts and sometimes they pull their weight.

The Kushite spears on the other hand are Mediums and the extra morale malus has a significant impact. I think in my 4 games not one unit lasted in melee for any length of time.
Further the armies that have them lack a solid core so they are more prone to chain routs. And you are probably going to be fielding more of them than you would want.

So not as good as the Heavy foot. Would suggest dropping them to 30 pts., and even at that they are still going to be a pretty awful unit most of the time; unless you have a really good map.

[SnuggleBunnies]

Could add the line from the medieval points chart to the ancients one to drop them down to 30 -
"-3 unit discount for 2-deep Warrior, Impact Foot, Swordsmen, and 3-deep MF spears to allow for Unmanoeuvrability."

However, that would also drop Pictish Spearmen to 48 and Syrian Spearmen to 37. Personally, I think that's probably fine though.

[rbodleyscott]

Could add the line from the medieval points chart to the ancients one to drop them down to 30 -
"-3 unit discount for 2-deep Warrior, Impact Foot, Swordsmen, and 3-deep MF spears to allow for Unmanoeuvrability."

However, that would also drop Pictish Spearmen to 48 and Syrian Spearmen to 37. Personally, I think that's probably fine though.

Fair enough, I will do that.

Note that the Kushite Spearmen should aready have been 30 in FOGM Time Warp, and I will correct that too.