Re: Play by Mail Tools

From: zirto@indepth.com

Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1998 00:00:00 +0000

> Well, how about this.  I need to get tools for a game that has a rather
> large hex map.  Each group will be getting units that have a limited
> amount of movement points.  They also have certain strengths and
> weaknesses.  I need a set of tools that will keep track of unit
> locations, and if there if a battle, to do the randomisation of the
> battle.  Any help?

Sure, there are several graphical solutions that allow you to work
directly with images (maps and counters).  Cyberboard, SMS, and V_MAP
are free Win32 programs that do that.  They have varying degrees of
difficulty and features (listed most to least.)  SMS and V_MAP are
very easy to get started with since they directly use images (bmp,
gif, jpg) for their maps and counters.  In the features race, SMS is
currently in the lead, but I'm working on a new version of V_MAP as
we speak.

Automation of combat is a little tricky.  None of these programs
have that feature.  (They are all designed to be used with the widest
of possible combinations of games.)  Cyberboard and SMS have dice
rollers, and V_MAP will be gaining one shortly.  [Although, I prefer
independent and 'cheat-proof' dice servers.]

V_MAP's file format is plain text and open to manipulation by
custom programs.  See the Dealer gameset on my home page for some
example source code.  So, writing a battle engine for it is very
do-able.  I'm always willing to help people that have questions
about the format, etc.

So, if you're willing to hand moderate combat, there are three
immediate solutions available.  If you can do a little coding, at
least one of them can be forged into the tool suite that you want.

--
TAZ

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/6599/v_map.html

Just a reminder, all these graphical PBEM game aids are for Windows
95/98/NT.  If you have users that can run them, they'll have to
settle for screen snapshots and send in their moves manually.
Robert Knop has a working beta of a V_MAP compatible viewer written
in Java.  I need to see what's up with that project.

-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
http://www.dejanews.com/       Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own

References

Re: Play by Mail Tools
zirto@indepth.com
Tue, 22 Dec 1998 00:00:00 +0000
Re: Play by Mail Tools
tsara1234@aol.comNOSPAM (Tsara1234)
Wed, 23 Dec 1998 00:00:00 +0000