Theatre of War Update Report Part 2
More information about the changes under consideration by the developers of Theatre of War have emerged.
FORUM NEWS posted on 4 SEP 2007 7:50pm by Scott Parrino
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.
