Patch 1.2.8 scenario list fixes, improvements and requests.

[cothyso]

Hello boys & girls.

As usual, after a new patch (namely 1.2.8 ), I had to do some cleaning through my FoG scenario files in order to have them as they should have been from the beginning (probably me working as a lead game designer and project manager is the cause for me needing to do this, but I like to have things clean and nicely ordered).

So..

In the fog_games_v1.2.8_fixed&ordered.rar you'll find the whole FoG (FoG + RoR + SoA) games folder cleaned up (there were a LOT of leftovers from patches constantly replacing old scenarios with new versions but in different folders and without cleaning up the old version's folder) and also a newly modified and fixed (corrected a few wrong data) version of the games/order.xml which puts all the scenarios in the historical time-line order (instead of the now-present annoying alphabetical order), with the Starter Army Battles at the end.

What can you do with them? Either:
a) delete your whole FoG games folder, and replace it with the one from this archive (so you'll have the cleaned up games folder + the historical ordered scenarios)
b) just replace your /games/oder.xml file with the one from the archive (in order to get just the historical ordered scenarios and levea the messy games folder as it is)

The pack only contains (all) original FoG+RoR+SoA scenario files, and it is useless for the ones who don't have the RoR or SoA packs (they can't play the not buyed packs scenarios as no necessary graphics data is in this pack).

And a few advices/requests for FoG boys:
a) please make the updates also clean up the un-necessary left-over files from the FoG folder
b) PLEASE make the scenario list taller (as in extend the visible aria) and/or the scenario list windows resizeable
c) please make the scenario list in historical timeline order by default and/or make the list re-sortable (at least by the scenario name and date indexes)
d) please include the SysTray application into the next patch (is a mandatory tool for a PBEM game)
e) please update the FoG news text in the launcher window, is still at 1.2.6 and there's no point in having the launch window if that text is not constantly updated

And a special request from my part, as a long time beta-tester and FoG follower:
f) PLEASE include the Lost Scrolls RoR Early Romans and Etruscan League mod made by a fan (forgot the name right now) in a patch (until the Lost Scrolls pack will be announced as intended and even better, released) or remove the check for 3rd party mods (again until the Lost Scrolls pack will be announced as intended and even better, released) or even better include them into the Immortal Fire addon; they are badly needed to cover the period and are a crucial part (actually main part) of the armies of that period. I understand you are a business and you need to sell your product, but as long as you don't even intend to sell it, please give us, your customers, a little present. The protection you made is not even working (I was still able to add them into the game, at the cost of replacing some other less used armies), but I won't release any mod with it (again in good faith of this present request).

Also, please feel free to use the files from this pack for the next game update if you want them.

Thank you,
Dan Antonescu

PS: learn to use Jones Generic Mod Enabler, it will make your gaming life a LOT better allowing you to use mods without messing up your game's original files and switch between them at any time.

[Examinondas]

There are not enough options in the pool for so many suggestions so I will comment on each point:

a) please make the updates also clean up the un-necessary left-over files from the FoG folder

Agreed

b) PLEASE make the scenario list taller (as in extend the visible aria) and/or the scenario list windows resizeable

It would be nice to have resizeable windows (and while we are at this, also an option to change the font size)

c) please make the scenario list in historical timeline order by default and/or make the list re-sortable (at least by the scenario name and date indexes)

IIRC, some people (not me!) asked for the alphabetical order. Anyway, in the road map post there is a "10) Review: Scenario filters and sort options" point under the "Planned for future revisions with no specific date allocated" section, so this is coming.

d) please include the SysTray application into the next patch (is a mandatory tool for a PBEM game)

I don't play MP, but from what I have read SysTray looks like a fine addition, so agreed.

e) please update the FoG news text in the launcher window, is still at 1.2.6 and there's no point in having the launch window if that text is not constantly updated

AFAIK, 1.2.7 and 1.2.8 are beta patches, so it won't be appropriate to announce them in the loading screen.

f) PLEASE include the Lost Scrolls RoR Early Romans and Etruscan League mod made by a fan (forgot the name right now) in a patch (until the Lost Scrolls pack will be announced as intended and even better, released) or remove the check for 3rd party mods (again until the Lost Scrolls pack will be announced as intended and even better, released) or even better include them into the Immortal Fire addon;...

There was a thread in the main forum where custom army lists were discussed. IIRC, most people agreed it would be OK as long as there was a clear indication in MP games. In my opinion, custom army lists would be a great addition to the game. It would allow us to create more specific army lists, remove some caps to allow for bigger armies, or even fix some errors (german gunners have had a 0-0 cap for as long as I can remember).

BTW, IIRC it was Lupus (of "hoc est bellum" fame) who created the two army lists you mention.