diff --git a/gamedir/Ja2_mp.ini b/gamedir/Ja2_mp.ini
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a8de8ea1b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gamedir/Ja2_mp.ini
@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+[Ja2_mp Settings]
+
+;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+; ** all of these need setting/adjusting for all the "features" ;)
+; basic multiplayer settings...; they can be changed for effect without restarting the engine,
+; but a restart of the server/client or level/game may be necessary relevant....
+; see the readme.html for detailed explanation
+;
+;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+; THE FOLLOWING SECTION NEEDS TO BE SET BY ALL CLIENTS
+;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+; The server ip. Set this ip to "127.0.0.1" for the client who wants to be the server.
+; On the other clients, set this ip to the external ip from the server.
+; The external ip can be looked at www.whatismyip.com
+SERVER_IP = "127.0.0.1"
+
+; Leave this default value. Be sure that this port is forwarded on your router if you are the server.
+SERVER_PORT = 60005
+
+TEAM = 1
+; Pick a team number, if its the same as another clients, you will be allied while Teams are allowed by server.
+
+; This can be upto 30 characters. Make sure to keep the "quotation" marks around it!
+CLIENT_NAME = "Your_Name"
+
+; The starting sector edge of your team.
+; 0 = north, 1 = south, 2 = east, 3 = west
+SECTOR_EDGE = 0
+
+
+;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+; THE FOLLOWING SECTION ONLY NEEDS TO BE SET BY THE SERVER. SETTINGS FROM CLIENTS ARE IGNORED!
+;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+; The number of clients who want to play.
+; Game maximum is 4, can be less needs to be total clients going to join.
+MAX_CLIENTS = 2
+
+; The maximum number of mercs hireable by each client, max for game/mod is 7, there are 6 per squad...
+MAX_MERCS = 4
+
+; This is a weapon damage multiplayer.
+; This can be any decimal (FLOAT) value.
+; .5 = half damage, 1 = full/normal damage, 2 = double damage
+DAMAGE_MULTIPLIER = .7
+
+; Bonus points towards an interrupt if weapon is allready readied. (int)
+WEAPON_READIED_BONUS = 2
+
+; The starting money for each client.
+; (leave out the $ sign).
+STARTING_BALANCE = 25000
+
+; Game starting time. (FLOAT)
+; The values are in hours (0.5 = 1/2 hour)
+; Default value is 7 (7am), ie 13.5 = 1:30pm
+TIME = 13.5
+
+; A divisor of how much time each client has for its turn. Default = 100, less = more time.
+; 10 = 43 seconds, 15 = 28s, 20 = 22s, 25 = 19s, 50 = 17s, 100 = 15s, (with just cliff fresh on 22 ap's), it seems exponential, total number of MERCS/AP's comes into to ...
+TIMED_TURN_SECS_PER_TICK = 25
+
+; Allow hiring of same merc by different clients.
+; 1 = true, 0 = false
+SAME_MERC = 1
+
+; Should other clients see the name of your hired mercs?
+; 1 = true, 0 = false
+REPORT_NAME = 0
+
+GAME_MODE = 1
+; 0 = All vs All Only,
+; 1 = Team's Allowed, (as per client TEAM variable lsited above)
+; 2 = Only Co-Op,
+;
+;note : coop stil doesnt really work ... but can be loaded and crashed
+
+; Disable Bobby Rays website?
+; 1 = true, 0 = false
+DISABLE_BOBBY_RAYS = 0
+
+; Disable AIM and MERC equip?
+; 1 = true, 0 = false
+DISABLE_AIM_AND_MERC_EQUIP = 0
+
+; Here you can control if you would like to play with enemies, creatures, mitlitia and civs
+; Info: Leave creatures disabled!
+; 1 = true, 0 = false
+ENEMY_ENABLED = 0
+CREATURE_ENABLED = 0
+MILITIA_ENABLED = 0
+CIV_ENABLED = 0
+
+; If set to 1, this enables cheat function bound to key '9'. This contains a helpfull testing function which shows all mercs from all clients.
+TESTING = 0
+
+; Would you like to disable the morale of the mercs?
+; 1 = true, 0 = false
+DISABLE_MORALE = 1
+
+; An array of items to be given to each merc hired at the start of the game, repeat a item number for more than 1.
+; Each item can not have number of digits greater than 4, is <=9999, total length for this string is 100, including brackets and commas,
+; and no more than 20 items int total. these can be adjusted apon request.
+; Examples: 201=first aid, 214=canteen, 199=comp binoc's, 222=energy boost (aka stim pack), 235=regen boost, 300=light knife,
+; 49=knuckle dusters, 337,279,279= a FN five seven side arm with 2 extra mags :) .
+; Look in items.xml for full list, of coarse this is also limited to mercs inc capactiy.
+; Also note that right now they are not added to replicants, so they wont be dropped by killed mercs other than your own
+; Another kit bag setting: KIT_BAG = [201,214,300,337,279,279,222,235], also note the limitations of NIV in regard to which pack is in use.
+KIT_BAG = [201,214]
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/gamedir/readme_mp.html b/gamedir/readme_mp.html
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..af20d37d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gamedir/readme_mp.html
@@ -0,0 +1,1223 @@
+
+
+
+
+ JA2 v1.13 Multiplayer
+
+
+ b3
+
+
+
+ JA2 v1.13 Multiplayer
+ (you'll need NIV installed from now on)
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+
+
+
+ The Variables of "Ja2_mp.ini"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Server only Settings:
+
+
+
+
+ |
+
+
+
+ |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Getting Started
+
+
+
+ Installing
+
+ If you use SVN, just update the Game Directory.
+ If you do not use SVN, download the RAR-Package and extract it in your Jagged
+ Alliance 2 root directory.
+
+
+ Setting up Ja2_mp.ini
+
+ Don't think you can skip this step, there's too much in here
+ which needs independently configuring per client to achieve successfull connection
+ and gameplay.
+
+ You will find a copy of this file with the release, this needs
+ to go in your root Ja2 directory, along with the .exe included. It contains all
+ the variables and parameters i have added which are convenient to change. They are
+ read in from the file as part of starting up the Raknet Client. So if you change
+ a setting in the file, you dont need to restart the game engine for effect, simply
+ restart the net client. More about these variables in the following section
+ where i detail each one.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Setting the Drop Zone
+
+ This is now the first step after starting a new game and choosing
+ initial game option, and is only done by the server, client changes have no effect.
+ This cannot be changed once server started/running.
+
+ Switch to the Airspace display by either clicking on the map button or pressing
+ the 'A' key. Then click on the 'bullseye' to select it, (which will at startup be
+ located at secotor 9,1 "Omerta"), then place it as the agreed/desired game sector.
+ All hired Mercs and Bobby Rays orders will now be sent there.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Starting a Server
+
+ Ok... start a new game and when presented with the map screen,
+ press the '1' key, (it works on the numpad too). You should see some little remarks
+ about the server starting up. If other clients cannot connect to you (the server),
+ be sure that the selected port in ja2_mp.ini is forwarded on your router!
+
+ Connecting the Client
+
+ If you are the host you automatically connected to the server
+ if you pressed '1'. If you aren't the host, start a new multiplayer game. The settings
+ in the start new game screen does not matter, because you will receive the settings
+ from the server after you connected. On strategy map screen, press the '2' key and
+ you get connected to the server. In either situation you should see some comments about the Raknet
+ network client starting up, and then if you have specified the right variables in
+ Ja2_mp.ini and your network/firewall is "ok", you should make connection and
+ see report of this from both the server and client. If you need to change a variable
+ in your config or simply have another go at connecting, you can press the '2' key
+ again after your attempt has been reported as failed, or kill the client/server
+ and start it again.
+
+ Hiring you Mercs
+ When all clients are connected and only then
+ should you start hiring mercs, when the server is ready, they press the '3' key
+ to unlock the laptop access.
+
+ Boot up your laptop and hire up-to 7 Mercs from the selections
+ at AIM and MERC... Due to the assumed fact that their proceeding action wont be
+ longer than a day, the default chosen contract length, delivery time and confirmation
+ have been adjusted for ease of use.
+
+ I might also add here that this can be a good time to save the
+ game, once all clients have hired their mercs, this way if there is a crash or some
+ other problem or you just want to start again or play once more, you can do so quicker.
+ Though bobby rays orders are not save at the moment, so save before placing them.
+
+ Doin' the Bobby Ray's
+
+ I just had to add this in because i could ;p ... the default
+ destination and shipping choice have been pre-set, and there's no difference in
+ changing them.
+
+ The delivery is now made immediately after order, and available
+ from the map inventory screen, without loading the level !, into your pre-located
+ crate as specified in the config file. Further orders can be made mid game. Note
+ i've changed the defualt game options to gives the best bobby rays selection, this
+ is great, unless you want it otherwise.
+
+ Starting the Battle
+
+ When all clients have followed the above steps and are ready
+ for battle, from the map screen, press the '3' key. When all clients are ready,
+ this will load the level and launch the "Tactical Placement GUI", as known
+ by the overhead map view of the sector, allowing placement of Mercs along allocated
+ edge space once all clients are loaded.
+
+ Placing your Mercs
+
+ When all clients are loaded you can begin. *Be carefull
+ if for some reason you will be placing opposed mercs along the same edge or at a
+ corner where they may be in immediate sighting range of another clients enemy merc
+ edge, you will probably have problems, as the code doesn't like starting the battle
+ (going into tactical) and going straight into turnbased mode when all clients aren't
+ in tactical yet, ie still in placement mode.
+
+ Entering Tactical
+
+ When all clients have finished with their merc placement and
+ are ready, all can selet "Done". This will set you as "ready" unless you cancel,
+ and when all are ready it will go into what is called "Tactical View". It will start
+ in realtime until the the first opposed sighting is made at which time it changes
+ to turn-based mode. The game can also switch back to realtime if each clients have
+ not seen each other for some turns.
+
+
+
+ Duke'in it out
+
+ Let me break it to you now so as to dash those hopes you had
+ of experiencing the full spectrum of intricacy and complexity afforded by the Ja2
+ engine but in Multiplayer...
+
+ Very little of the combat components have been implemented at this stage... here
+ is the list of what is sent across the network and as such justifies allowed gameplay
+ manouvers:
+
+ ** moving your mercs on the ground level, ** changing stance between standing, crouching,
+ and prone, ** changing facing direction, ** firing a gun, ** bullet damages
+ and ** stopping a merc apon spotting new enemy...
+
+ I might also mention that ** knife damages, ** punch damages,
+ ** and burst fire damages are implemented, however the animations are not. This
+ leaves pretty much all the rest of the fun un-implemented, so agree to avoid it
+ to save confusion and invalid battle actions, for example, roofs, med packs,
+ and grenades etc. etc.
+
+
+
+
+ Once all but one team is left we have a winner, and you will
+ either be presented with notification of defeat or, be returned to realtime and
+ as such become the winner / survivor.
+ From here im not sure whatis possible, you could obviously start a new game, but
+ you could also try hiring more mercs and gear, which will be delivered automatically.
+ Perhaps even the survivor could walk to another sector, and those defeated, hiring
+ more weapons and mercs could change their destination sector. Though it hasnt been
+ tested...
+
+
+
+
+ Disconnecting a Server/Client
+
+ By pressing the '4' key, from the Tactical (map) view, the server and client process's
+ if running will be disconnected and 'killed', reseting parameters relating to status
+ of connection.
+
+
+
+ The Server Overide Functions
+ and In-game help
+
+ Now's a good time to mention some new features, one is the Server Overide Function,
+ bound to the key '7', which can be used by the server to bypass any of the mod's
+ 4 launch checkpoints. There is also a small help display bound to 'F1' and 'F2'
+ if you forget your keys..., oh, there is also bound to '5' a script to show
+ mouse grid coordinates.
+
+
+
+
+ The server can now also Manually end another players turn (or if in realtime, start
+ turnbased action) with 'Alt+E'.
+
+ As well the server can "kick" a player with 'Alt+K'. This removes all copies of
+ that clients mercs throughout the network , causing there turn to be skipped, but
+ leaving them connected to spectate.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The Variables of "Ja2_mp.ini"
+
+
+
+ Client Settings: (set all on all):
+
+
+
+ This is the IP addess that your client will connect to. You can
+ use "127.0.0.1" if you are the host.
+ If you are not the host you have to enter the external IP address of the server.
+ The server can look at www.whatismyip.com to get the external
+ IP address.
+ Don't forget the
+ "quotation" marks. This doesnt need to be
+ set if you are the server.
+
+
+
+
+ The port that the server and client
+ will connect through, best if not used by other apps and isnt blocked by a firewall,
+ router etc. > 6000 is best, set it the same on all machines and it doesnt need
+ to be writting in "quotation" marks as don't the rest of the variables.
+ If other clients cannot connect to your server, be sure that this port is forwarded
+ on your router!
+
+ Pick a team number, if its the same as another clients, you will be allied while
+ Teams are allowed by server.
+
+
+ This can be upto 30 'char' characters. make sure to keep the "quotation" marks around
+ it ! ie "hayden"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Choose between 0 and 3, to set your starting sector edge
+ (ubStrategicInsertionCode) , 0=North, 2=East, 1=South, and 3=West.
+
+
+
+
+
+ Server Only Settings: (no effect on client only game):
+
+
+ This can't
+ be made higher than 4 (for the games sake), but lower is ok. Best to set this to
+ the expected number of clients to allow for proper game launch
+ check progressions....
+
+
+ Number of
+ mercs hireable by each player, Maximum for this mod is 7. 6 is good as that
+ is the squad limit (though you can have more than one sqaud.)
+
+
+ -
+
+ DAMAGE_MULTIPLIER
+
+
+
+ Originally 'net_divisor' it is now the factor, and can handle decimal
+ value (float), eg 0.5 = half, 0.3333 = third, 2 = double.
+
+ -
+
+ STARTING_BALANCE
+
+
+
+ The Starting balance for all clients set in dollars without the $ sign.
+
+
+ Game starting time. (FLOAT).
+The values are in hours (0.5 = 1/2 hour).
+Default value is 7 (7am), ie 13.5 = 1:30pm
+
+ -
+
+ TIMED_TURN_SECS_PER_TICK
+
+
+
+ A divisor of how much time each client has for its turn. Default = 100,
+ less = more time.
+ 10 = 43 seconds, 15 = 28s, 20 = 22, 25 = 19s, 50 = 17s, 100 = 15s, *with only cliff,
+ fresh on 22 ap's*.
+
+
+
+ Enable or disable the hiring of the same merc by more than
+ one client...
+
+
+ If should report the Name of remotely hired mercs.
+
+
+ 0 = All vs All only, 1= Team's Allowed, (as per client
+ TEAM variable lsited above), 2 = Only Co-Op (coop not still working)
+
+ -
+
+ DISABLE_BOBBY_RAYS
+
+
+
+ 1 = true, 0 = false.
+
+
+ -
+
+ DISABLE_AIM_AND_MERC_EQUIP
+
+
+
+ 1 = true, 0 = false.
+
+
+ This as with the following 3 options can now be set to 0 or 1,
+ to enable or disable the spawning of the respetive AI faction. The clients never
+ generate anything themselves, just spawn what is passed to them from the server
+ to make sure all players have same AI. The AI is only controlled/running on the
+ server game. Actions are from ther sent out.
+
+ These options are now only server side, and need only be set
+ in its .ini
+
+
+ -
+
+ CREATURE_ENABLED
+
+
+
+ Leave creature disabled as thier team size was reduced
+ to 1 from 32 to make room for LAN players...
+
+ -
+
+ MILITIA_ENABLED
+
+
+
+ 0 = disable, 1 = enable.
+
+
+ 0 = disable, 1 = enable.
+
+
+ when 1, enables cheat function bound to '9', containing helpfull testing
+ function, show all mercs, though i believe it makes getting an interrupt harder....
+
+
+
+ Enable or Disable Morale Changes during battle.
+
+
+ An array of items to be given to each merc hired at the start of the game,
+ repeat a item number for more than 1 each item can not have number of digits
+ greater than 4, is <=9999, total length for this string is 100, including brackets
+ and commas, and no more than 20 items int total. these can be adjusted apon request
+ examples: 201=first aid, 214=canteen, 199=comp binoc's, 222=energy boost (aka stim
+ pack), 235=regen boost, 300=light knife, 49=knuckle dusters.
+ look in items.xml for full list, of coarse this is also limited to mercs inc capactiy.
+ Also note that right now they are not added to replicants, so they wont be dropped
+ by killed mercs other than your own.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Developmental Comments
+
+
+
+
+
+ The Online SVN Repo
+ Thanks to the forward help of
+ lalienxx at the Bear's Bit i have some SVN space where you can get the source
+ code as i update it using an SVN client such as TortoiseSVN. I'm open to contributions,
+ i currently am running Visual Studio 2005 express.
+
+
JagZilla (Bugzilla) Thanks to
+ the forward help of
JAPH
+ at the Bear's Bit we have a bugzilla space where you can post you comments,
+ requests and bugs without them getting lost in the forums, plus you get tracking
+ and it new ... ;)
+
+ http://ja2.discusrock.org/bugzilla/
+
+ How Co-Op Doesnt works (well not that well, right now...)
+ If it does... (you'll have to get back to me on that)
+ I seems
+ to have nutted out the problem stopping my initial sometimes working attempt from
+ working all the time. it was that the Inv array part of the Merc Create struct ,
+ which is a class and not that simple, was getting mangled through the RPC call,
+ so i fixed it by pulling out the inventory items into a dedicated struct to hold
+ them and the old struct, passing this, and then at the other end (the recieve) a
+ new create merc struct is initiated, and filled with values from the old struct,
+ (the bits that pass through ok), and the pulled out inventory items passed through
+ "outside" with it.
+
+ It seems to work out, so let me know if you have any experience
+ to comment on. The AI components are now set server side only. And are sent out
+ when the server creates them, which is generally after going from the tactical placement
+ gui, into the tactical "action" view.
+
+ Current Development
+ Currently we have RoWa21 from the boards coding some changes
+ ! He's helped allready by mergin my oringinal code with thet latest 1.13 and NIV,
+ he will also be helping with other coding areas. this being said theres plenty to
+ be done and more help would be good. hopefully we can get coop working and the basic
+ combat and movement systems working and synchronized effectively.
+
+ You can contact me (
+ haydent ) through the Bear Pit's Forum
+
+
+ http://www.ja-galaxy-forum.com/board/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=165740&page=1
+
+
+
+
+ How it all Works
+ (well some of it) Maybe you dont want to get your head under
+ the bonet and into the code itself just yet but are just interested to know how
+ i went about certain things, here's a brief run down.
+
+
+ Well firslty i hope it does work, atleast some for you, ive barely
+ play tested, just loading it up on my spare computer which is a laptop with no screen
+ and a damaged faulty monitor output plug, enough though that i could test my code
+ worked, but iver christmas i hope to test it further, perhaps you can to and give
+ some feedback.
+
+ Aside from the Initial Server and Client components which i transfered
+ and modified from a "Chat Example" project that comes with RakNet. I used a function
+ of RakNet called RPC or Remote Procedure Calls to send and recieve my communication.
+ This is easy as it avoid having to package my data into packets, send it, then open
+ it at the other end and work out what to do with it. An RPC function simply executes
+ the function specified on the other specified remote clients, in this case all but
+ the sender.
+
+ The server computer lets each client/side know when its there
+ turn and the clients tell the server when they've finished they're's. When a client
+ give the fire weapon order, an inital command is sent out to all the other clients
+ telling them to do the same. Except when the other clients get to the bit of code
+ which applies the hit and damage, if the command came from another Client they stop.
+ Then when the Original client works out the hit damage taking into consideration
+ random factors, and if it happened, and sends it out to all the other clients which
+ then apply it hopefully in time to make it all seem connected.... You will notice
+ wont short-coming of this, is that a client having recieved an order to replicate
+ a weapon firing, may do so, but calculate that this particaular shot is going to
+ miss, and such show the difference in arc for the bullet animation to miss, but
+ just as you see the bullet whizzing past your head, you recieve the second command
+ from the attacking client (the one which has the bullet hitting and it's damages)
+ ... this is then applied and your on half health after breathing what was in this
+ case, a too eager sigh of relief ... and the same example vice versa .
+
+ As for the few other implemented commands, the are pretty simple
+ and straight forward...
+
+ So much of the time i've been looking through the code and i
+ would find things that were almost perfectly set up for multiplayer and often not
+ used at all, there was a definate effort by the original creators and they came
+ close in my opinion... id love to know what stopped them... ?
+
+ Now another of the new systems implemented is the 4 new
+ LAN teams (bteam: 6, 7, 8, and 9). How i did this was to have 4 new teams, 1 for
+ wach client, max at 4. when client 1 hires a merc for example it is sent out and
+ spawned on the other clients in team 6. client 2 in 7, client 3 in 8 and 4 in 9.
+ The server (client 1) handles the team order and sends the command to each client
+ to start any particualr teams turn, including the AI. There are a set number range
+ of ubID's for each team: 6(client 1, the server) is 120 to 126 (7 members), on any
+ client, their own mercs take slots 0 through 19 team 0, but when a client sends
+ out a new move for example, the merc's ID (ubID) is prefixed (added) with a corresponding
+ number to their client number (netbTeam) to match it with the network spawned merc
+ copies in the other games. for example any clients first merc will be ubID 0 and
+ team 0, if its client 1 (server) a prefix of 120 is added on to make its ubID 120
+ which is the first clot for team 6 which is used to hold the "copies" of client
+ 1's team remotely. if its client 2, the prefix is 127, and so on... i hope this
+ makes things clearer ;)
+
+ The interupts are working again for what i have tested... and
+ are only calculated by the merc (and owners computer) that is moving because they
+ have the most up-to date info regarding merc (namely theirs) positions.
+
+
+ RakNet UDP Networking
+ If your interested in more information on the free C++ UDP based
+ network library used in this project follow this link for where there is a forum,
+ doxygen manual and you can download it yourself.
+
http://www.rakkarsoft.com/
+
+
+ Changes:
+
+
+
+
+ |
+ b3 -- |
+
+ Well i cant even remeber everything i did today...
+ * menu changed (MP has its own save game directory)
+ * bonus added towards interrupt if your has his weapon ready
+ * various message tweaks
+ * Interrupt fix
+ and some more... |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ b2 --
+ |
+
+ you can now return to real time if all active lan teams request so within one round
+ of turns
+ NIV actually was working, it just doesnt operate @ 640 res. ;)
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ b1 --
+ |
+
+ lots of help has brough about some further progress !
+
+ no more interupt lockups
+ interrupt reworkng
+ updated source to include NIV
+ other changes: save in turnbased when not turn, stay in game after death, etc
+ etc
+
+ this is initial intermediatary release, just to put something playable out there
+ again...
+
+ still needs more work on sync and interrutps etc etc.
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+
+ rev. 02022008 --
+ (prebeta post final)
+ |
+
+ I realised i got my exe's mixed up after doing some 3 player LAN testing today :),
+ and for the last few releases theres been some test code in there that would have
+ been making it not play well and wasnt meant to be in there... so while i was at
+ it again i have made some other quick fixes :
+
+ * removed test code that shouldn't have been released (causing among other things
+ blue 'update' text and sliding merc movement)
+
+ * fixed loss of UI lock during interrupt fter being shot at
+
+ * removed some 'non-ready' MERC profiles
+
+ * fixed new MERC profiles tactical selection and face animation
+
+ * disabled roof climbing (temp)
+
+ * prevented 3-sec pausing of repo merc movement apon it being spotted by your merc
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+
+ rev. 28012008 --
+ (prebeta final)
+ |
+
+ This is just adding the prerelease changes. nothing new. This is the
+ final pre-beta, after this it will be beta and feature hopefully a upgraded network
+ synch system. this will however require more bandwidth than before, (~ 2kbs/client)
+ , but i think its worth it even though it will make playing any version past
+ this over dialup obsolete. Hopefully it will open up the way for further un-implemeted
+ game state synchro on a more regular basis.
+
+ * fixed door ani los issue/bug
+
+ * fixed bobby rays crash
+
+ * synced up bandage health levels
+
+ * added ~15 new game mercs to MERC
+
+ * synced up doors!
+
+ * synced up burst fire sounds
+
+ * fixed death messaging
+
+ * re-enabled intterupts
+
+ * allowed disabling of hired name display
+
+ * started using a dvorak keyboard
+
+ * enabled the rest of the MERC bios
+
+ * added begining kit bag loadout, an array in the ini for free stuff !
+
+ * disabled medical deposit costs
+
+ * enabled the disabling of morale events
+
+ * server can now manually end a clients turn or start a clients turn in realtime
+ or turnbased (bound to 'Alt+E'), making the previous ini setting and command 'START_TEAM_TURN'
+ obsolete .
+
+ * removed the ini setting for testing interrupts now they are happening.
+
+ * there is no more bobby rays crate (for now), items are dumped in the middle of
+ the sector.
+
+ * fixed crash from death animation being tried to apply to allready dead soldier
+
+ * disabled death messaging
+
+ * Interrrupt syncronisation of interupted merc's location apon being interrupted
+
+ * Kicking/Removal of a Clients team of Mercs, bound to 'Alt+K' (this doesnt disconnect
+ the client, allowing them to spectate)
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 17012008 -- |
+
+ ok , not alot of changes but some that will hopefully rectify a few of the
+ main issues popping up during testing so far... unfortuanately/fortunately this
+ is just a cheap hack/fix and a pretty raw solution, but ive ended going with it
+ for now as it is quick, it is accurate, and by the process of getting this far i
+ have learnt more that i can use later to upgrade or re-implement systems of synchronisation.
+ ie Dont get upset if it seems ive just patched some problems only to create some
+ more, (which may be the case as ive felt before), the aim is that this is atleast
+ a more evenly playable variant than before.
+
+ * there is now a regular update sent out about every 2 seconds by the owner of each
+ merc with stats on location, health and breath, this should help with the related
+ issues.
+
+ * when you assign a new destination for your merc, the calculated path is now sent
+ out as well as the destination grid, as to your mercs location. this way all merc
+ replications start their path from the same grid and follow the same path. (though
+ fences "work", they have not been refined)
+
+ * There is a grid movement synchronisation system akin to what is known as "lock-step"
+ synchronisation, where no merc can advance further than the current grid with out
+ all the other replications of themselves being ready to do so as well. How i got
+ this to run smoothly and avoid the pause between the time of arrival, sending out
+ such, awaiting all others to do so, recieving the go-ahead and continuing, is by
+ requesting the sector in advance. So it is all happening in the background while
+ traversing a grid, and if all are in sync and ready, the next grid is moved onto
+ seemlesly ("nearly"), depending on ping... :)
+
+ * stop commands are now synched further, such that when it is sent out it also contains
+ and thus applies the settings of position and direction so all replications are
+ stopped in the same grid.
+
+ * The main Game engine no-longer automatically pauses game play while the Main Game
+ Window is not selected (or backgrounded/minimized). i havent got as far as blocking
+ game pausing altogether, but this will enable you to chat in irc etc. while the
+ game keeps running and updating graphics happily including network traffic. Due
+ to this the implementation of a chat system has been relegated in rank of things
+ to do as irc is an excellent system and the few times ive used it in my experience
+ ive been rather impressed. This too along with the fact that the implementation
+ of a chat system would hinder game play and game display more than using irc itself,
+ thus potentially bringing up further problems. You can quit easily fit a windowed
+ game of ja2 at 1024 along side a resized small window of irc with todays standard
+ 1280 res, but if you ahve an extra monitor your set ;)
+
+ * I also fixed a problem which im not sure when or if it had come up before, where
+ the servers mercs were being autoplaced apon ui unlock without selecting so.
+
+ * Also im now back to distibuting debug exe builds, as after packing it isnt much
+ size difference, and by running a debug exe you get a few more stats on errors and
+ such, and it is further tested, by the community which i owe a big thankyou to for
+ the feedback so far both through the forum thread and the ja2 1.13 jagzilla bugzilla
+ bug tracking site.
+
+ * I also disabled a mercs reproduction checking for enough AP's before making moves
+ etc, as this is calculated by the owners game instance and results applied from
+ there.
+
+ All these updates should work just and well (and have been slightly tested so) to
+ work with both real-time and turnbased.
+
+ Happily all this synchronisation hasnt increased network traffic much at all and
+ it still quite happily trots along at under 1kb/s in idle tactical view.
+
+ Please report any problems you have as i rely on this mostly, due to any spare time
+ i have being spent on resting and doing other things than coding, leaving little
+ time for testing than that is necessary to check my changes "work" atleast...
+
+ regards,
+
+ Hayden.
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 11012008 -- |
+
+ * disabled hourly updates - causing breath loss on insertion on clients pc, but
+ not happening on remote merc duplicates, leading to unsync due to differing ani
+ speeds. this will have been accounting alot for some of why one merc has been faining
+ while the other still standing... this is big fix, you stil will get "slight unsyncs"
+ (a few grids), so someday i will still implement actualy updating of merc params
+ and traversal. (as there is atleast a small delay between when your werc starts
+ running and your merc replication starts running, throwing things like interrupts
+ and first time spots out of allignment between pc')
+
+ * There was also some code which made enemy mercs anispeed different to a player's
+ (now overidden)
+
+ * coop discription in documentation fixed, (was around the wrong way)
+
+ * something i forgot to mention last time, you can now load game from tactical placement
+ gui, rather than only being able to quit game.
+
+ * new spectator mode enabled once you are wiped out :)
+
+ * fixed up death sends, to not create unkillable merc...
+
+ * added in cheat testing function to the ini, to enalble showing of all mercs to
+ enable testing
+
+ * fixed panel shading while in opponent turn
+
+ * fixed another possible unsyncer of a problem, where a client replicating a mercs
+ move would pause the merc when it spotted another enemy merc (possibly there's)
+ even though the merc being moved wasnt in their control and was a replication...
+ so now only stops if ordered from moving owner...
+
+ * added manual start for turn based mode, if the server want to start off a team
+ straight up without realtime, might be handy for testing...
+
+ * add clients specified names to the turn title bar :)
+
+ * there will be still slight out of sync until proper game clock animation syncing
+ between clients is implemented...
+
+ * fixed a bug brought on by the screen locking function i started using, (to
+ enable moving screen while not turn). prob was it wasnt unlocking prop for interrupts,
+ so that is fixed now.
+
+ * fixed a bug where interupt timed turn was going too quick as to the turn after
+ that. its a quick hack that makes it the same time as you get for a "normal" turn...
+ i cant figure out any better right now.
+
+ * first time using release build rather than debug, if you have issues let me know
+ and i can revert |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 08012008 -- |
+
+ We got quite a few good ones here... (where to start hmmm...)
+
+ * You can now move your screen around while its not your turn.
+ * The bottom right mini 'radar' map view of the selected sector from map view screen
+ is now always active so you can see preview before play.
+ * Bullet trajectory is now replicated, and follows same path on clients as on senders,
+ as to synced are bullet hits, bullet misses, bullet hit structures and bullet hit
+ windows.
+ * Death's are networked as is the info relating to such, ie killer and team numbers..
+ * more INI parameters: ability to specify alliances and factions, to enable 2v2
+ or 1v3, and the specification of a Player name.
+ * We got a bugzilla at http://ja2.discusrock.org/bugzilla/
+ * When all your mercs are killed you stay in the game, especially good for server
+ to avoid droppouts for remaining players.
+ * Interrupts work, (they did before but they do now for real...)
+ * Change of state is replicated, ie blasted away, shrugging, animations
+ * Dont expect anything from coop, i havent looked at it yet...
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 02012008 -- |
+
+ A heap more requested change additions:
+
+ * Timed Player Turns is now an option again, and the time allowed is adjustable
+ from the ini ! (TIMED_TURN_SECS_PER_TICK)
+ * More externalised ini server variables: MAX_MERCS, STARTING_BALANCE, TIMED_TURN_SECS_PER_TICK,
+ DISABLE_BOBBY_RAYS, DISABLE_AIM_AND_MERC_EQUIP
+ * M.E.R.C. hires now incur nominated daily salary apon hire.
+ * All Game Options Screen choices are now only taken into effect by the server,
+ and sent to the clients from there...
+ * 1 day contract length for AIM is now only option
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 02012008 -- |
+
+ Quite alot of new changes:
+
+ * Bobby rays order are now delivered straight away into your sector, and can be
+ accessed before loading level, to allow time to dish out weaps befroe match...
+ * There is now a 4 step, staged launching system with "ready" check points at: all
+ clients connected, all clients ready for load, all clients loaded, and all clients
+ placed and ready for battle... there is also a manual server overide feature is
+ someone drops or goes to sleep...
+
+ * All the server settings are now set only by the servers ini and sent out
+ to the clients apon connection, including the dropzone, which needs to be set before
+ starting the server.
+ (there is however a small bug where a client (not the server) cant load a saved
+ game made once in tactical...)
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 31122007 -- |
+
+ We now have slightly tested Interrupt system working. Tested only so far with 2
+ players in Deathmatch, no AI. Needs for testing and no doubt modification...
+
+ it has new ini setting: "INTERRUPTS" to disable, enable and always (extreme for
+ testing) it.
+ The old "NET_DIVISOR" is now "DAMAGE_MULIPLIER" and is "decimal" (float), so 0.5
+ = half damage, 2 = double.
+ Added basic in game help display |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 30122007 -- |
+
+ CoOp has been fixed ... AI is now propogated to the clients where spawned,
+ though only slightly tested, also added new dev notes on lan team turn implementation
+ and coop. also i forgot to mention the grid coordinate display script bound to key
+ '5' was fixed last release, as the X and Y where around the wrong way. Interupts
+ are on their way.
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 24122007 -- |
+
+ bug fixes: disabled interrupts to avoid lock-up, fixed crash bug of clicking in
+ "hashed" area while in tact place gui.
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 22122007 -- |
+
+ small adjustment to fix team 4 being treated as PLAYER_PLAN member and getting a
+ green shader ! , there are now 7 slots per LAN team, but 1 creature and 1 player_plan.
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ rev. 21122007 -- |
+
+ initial pre beta release
+ |
+
+
+ |
+ |
+
+ |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ :)
+
+ Page Created with NVU
+
+ eof
+