PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

Achtung Panzer:Operation Star is an Eastern Front wargame with solid graphics and sprawling battlefields that really emphasize the scope of WWII tank combat. The gameplay is a remarkably realistic turn-based and real-time operational/tactical hybrid wargame that continues the series begun by the acclaimed Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943.
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PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

Post by Redmarkus5 »

This is a preview of the main APOS Patch 580 (May 2012) changes, based on a Beta Test version of the patch that Andrey asked me to trial.

I am still learning about the new version and there might be some minor changes before the final patch is released.
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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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I am using the Volonovka (Operation Blau) Soviet Campaign

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

Post by Redmarkus5 »

There is a new Briefing window with a little more detail than previously.

Note that each turn a new update to the briefing appears. This is based on the text written by the scenario designer and reflects AI reinforcement plans and other AI scripts. It won't reflect the results of the player's battles.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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Based on the briefing, I have to hold with my isolated units until the troops of the 114th Tank Bde arrive from the right of the map. Armor should start arriving on Turn 2.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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The AI makes its moves and attacks me in two locations. My troops are dug in.

Note the improved arrows that indicate the enemy axes of attack. I can expect enemy troops from these directions on the battlefield.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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Mousing over the battle site (without clicking) provides additional details. Some of the graphics have been updated. For example, the red dots have replaced the red Xs and are easier to see. They indicate the locations from which any troops present will become involved in this battle.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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Mousing over a unit provides details about that unit.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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Entering the 3D battlefield, we see some of the key 580 UI changes.

1. The mini map now shows the enemy attack arrows, helping the planning process.

2. The various UI buttons have been regrouped and moved around the screen:

- Game admin is at bottom left.
- The Units OOB is at the bottom center. More unit commands will appear below the OOB later when a unit is selected.
- The main units commands are at bottom right
- The Message Box (hidden at this stage) and some related buttons are at top right.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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The new minimap

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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two new deployment options have been added (within the red box).

The first allows you to select a unit or platoon and tell it to auto-find a position on higher ground. Each time you click this button the unit will move slightly higher up the hill.

The second button orders the selected unit to move to lower ground, for example into cover in a wooded valley.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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There is a new Option to use thicker grass on the 3D map. I have turned this up to Max.

Also note the new tick box on the Entrench button. This means that the command is active.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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I have chosen to put my limited units in all round defence at the location I am told the enemy will focus on during its attack.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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This is a 3D view of my chosen position prior to ending the Deployment phase.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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After deploying I tour my units. I can see that a new 'fox hole' schema has been added by the patch. I will find out later whether the trenches appear after a unit has been dug in for longer.

You can also see how the additional unit options and data have been relocated. These items at the bottom of the screen only appear when a unit is selected.

The new tick box effect is also visible on the various hold fire options. Tick ON means the unit will fire. No tick means it will hold fire. The hold fire buttons no longer turn red.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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It looks like the AT gun pits are a bit more shallow. This should help with some of the placement and LOS issues previously seen.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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The MG positions have also been changed to ensure that the MGs can fire effectively.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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CORRECTED

The artillery fire commands have been radically changed.

1. Select a commander who can order artillery fire.
2. Select the Gun button that appears below the OOB.
3. To set a target zone:
- Right-click in the center of the relevant target zone ON THE MAP OR 3D BATTLEFIELD - NOT ON THE BUTTON AS PREVIOUSLY STATED then;
- Right-click or right drag on the 3D map or on the Map View, as before.
4. To request a support mission:
- Select HE, Smoke or Illumination, as available
- Select a target zone (Left-click on the desired target zone button)
- Select the number of rounds to be fire PER GUN (Left click on the desired button)
- Left-click on the Call Support button

The best place to configure and call support missions is normally on the main Map (F10)

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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The new Message Box is at the top right of the screen. It is translucent and displays a descending message list, with the time of each message shown.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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Clicking on each message takes you to that location on the map. An orange circle highlights the subject of the message.

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RE: PREVIEW OF MAIN PATCH 580 CHANGES

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MOVEMENT in 580

There are now two different options for issuing unit move commands.

Option 1

- Select a unit or group of units.
- Right-click on the ground or map.
- The Command Menu appears (formerly opened by pressing the space bar)
- Select the appropriate command.
- The selected units will carry out the selected command at the location where you right-click on the ground or map.

Option 2

- Select a unit or group of units.
- Click on one of the move buttons at bottom right of the screen.
- Right-click on the map, as before, to execute the command.

This took me a few minutes to get used to, but I now find that Option 1 provides better fine control over unit movement and posture. Previously, I rarely used the space bar and I was therefore ignoring options like Hunt and Recon.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The selected move options no longer remain 'sticky'. Every time you select a move option (Move, Road March, Attack, etc.) and execute, the move options revert to a blank state. You now need to define the desired move method for each unit you select in sequence. However, you will no longer face the problem of giving the wrong movement type orders to units after forgetting to change the move mode.
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