Marines!

[slug88]

I'm practically speechless. So many improvements to look forward to, and coming so soon! Smoke artillery? Helicopter and jet sounds? And action spot highlighting! Battlefront, I love you.

Edit: secondary explosions for vehicles?? Wow.

[slug88]

Still no screenshots of the T-90 in game...saving the best for last, eh? ;)

[Thomm]

From the looks of it I think that the announcement is not fully online yet?!

I do not see any recent screenshots, and there should be some!

Best regards,
Thomm

[Moon]

There are new screens in the Overview section (hover mouse cursor over some of the highlighted entries).

[stikkypixie]

Video is nice. Like the new voice sounds when arty is being dropped. Too bad it didn't show a squad entering a building though, because I hope that's one of the things that has been tweaked.

[c3k]

Looks good. The listed improvements are impressive.

Regards,
Ken

[Thomm]

Something else that should be mentioned is that squads do not spread out any more when the waypoint is next to a building. This enhances movement control in urban settings considerably, because you can keep the soldiers off the streets.

Best regards,
Thomm

[Moon]

Whoops... I just noticed that something is missing indeed. The whole Campaign section of the webpage is still hidden. :eek: Err... I'll be right back...

[Cpl Steiner]

I'm surprised no-one has commented on this yet:

Computer player uses artillery and air support dynamically throughout the game, not just pre-planned strikes.

At last! :)

[Drusus]

Is there a way to preorder just the download? The mail delivery costs 20$ which almost doubles the price.

How much will the price be if I order CMSF:Marines after release as download?

[Moon]

There is no point in pre-ordering a "download only". You won't be able to download until it's released anyway, so you may just as well hold on to your money until release day :)

All our products come in three delivery options. Pre-orders always use "Download & Mail". The principle is always the same. Here's a breakdown, using Marines Bundle as example:

Download Only - $45, no shipping
Mail Only - $45, plus S&H
Download & Mail - $55, plus S&H (so, +$10)

Pre-order (Download & Mail) - $45, plus S&H (so, -$10)

To answer your question, Download Only of the Marines Module will be $25 (no shipping).

[handihoc]

I'm pre-ordering, without a doubt, soon as I've posted this. The improvements are really impressive - but I have to confess to a slight sense of disappointment that directionable smoke for infantry still doesn't seem to be in.

I would have thought that was a relatively simple addition to code (treating smoke grenades like other small arms, basically). And it would make a significant difference to play, particularly in WEGO, where its omission has made me swear like a trooper more than once.

Any plans for future inclusion?

Whatever, I'm really looking forward to Marines.

[Moon]

PS. I should perhaps point out why it might still be a good idea to choose Pre-order and/or Download&Mail: Downloads are limited to 1 year and/or 10 downloads. Pre-order customers and DL&Mail customers get a "backup" copy of the game on CD, so they'll never have problems with "losing" their game (happens all the time, we get probably 1-2 of these each day through our support channels). Also, obviously the Mail option will get you a printed manual (if there is one) and a nice box :)

But if you want to save on the shipping, simply wait until the game is released and order Download Only. Choices choices...

[Melnibone]

Good job. The new sounds seem to add a lot of atmosphere.

[Mord]

Man, VERY cool! Thanks for the previews! Looks like me and TC are gonna have some new areas to play with for the Radio Mod. Can't wait!

Spore and CMSF Marines, both in September. Christmas is gonna be early this year!


Mord.

[Zatoichi]

The list of new features and fixes is very impressive - I've placed my pre-order! £25 for the download and hard copy is a serious bargain in my book.

[Piecekeeper]

Will you be able to buy it in store?

[Moon]

Will you be able to buy it in store?
Not anytime soon. There are no plans to release this to retail until probably mid to late 2009. (Well, except in Russia. A Russian localizated version is going to be available at the end of this year.)

[Mord]

I hope you guys will release a hard copy of the manual sometime down the road...actually an updated combo manual for the combined games would be great...something along the lines of The CMBB strategy book. I don't mind paying extra for stuff like that. I like having something I can carry with me. My CMBO manual and the CMSF one have gone many places with me.


Mord.

[Paper Tiger]

You have no idea how happy I am to read about the AI's ability to use artillery and air support throughout the game. AND artillery delivered smoke to boot... pinch me, I must be dreaming. :cool: That's the ONE improvement I've been hoping for.

[c3k]

All good news. Will I be able to select my Bradley (era) coax? :)

Thanks,
Ken

[Guest]

deleted per user request

[mikkey]

All good news. Will I be able to select my Bradley (era) coax? :)

Thanks,
Kenwould be good selection between Main Gun/Second gun/Missile(TOW...)

[Other Means]

I'm surprised no-one has commented on this yet:

Quote:
Computer player uses artillery and air support dynamically throughout the game, not just pre-planned strikes.
At last! :)I don't think I'll be breaking my NDA to say it's frickin deadly. It stopped me from having concentrated MG support from rooftops - exactly like a good human player.

[Thomm]

You have no idea how happy I am to read about the AI's ability to use artillery and air support throughout the game. AND artillery delivered smoke to boot... pinch me, I must be dreaming. :cool: That's the ONE improvement I've been hoping for.

When this was first introduced, I was not sure (from the wording of the description) whether the OpFor FOs really target all by themselves, so I loaded up my Blue air/arty support test map and chose the Red side to see what happens.

Then I waited. One minute, two minutes ... *MAYHEM* After 15 minutes of total destruction not a single Red soldier or vehicle on the map was alive.

Was pretty convincing.

Best regards,
Thomm

[Cpl Steiner]

Then I waited. One minute, two minutes ... *MAYHEM* After 15 minutes of total destruction not a single Red soldier or vehicle on the map was alive.

Great news! I can hardly wait.

[c3k]

Nice to hear that enemy arty will force better tactics...

[Battlefront.com]

The list of features we've put into the game for version 1.1 is just the highlights. There is a long list of other things which players have requested. We simply didn't want to clutter up the big stuff with the little stuff for the moment ;) Obviously we'll post a complete and full list eventually. Still some tweaks going in.

One thing that is still not in there is directional smoke for infantry. Yup, it's definitely something many people have asked for but it's not in yet. The reason is simple... other things were generally found to be more important so they went in first. Lots of very good ideas still sitting in virtual limbo. The programming is, relatively speaking, not a big deal but there was some coding that Charles would need to do to make it work. That's why it hasn't made it in quite yet.

Thanks,

Steve

[Mord]

A side bonus to all this, thanks to the Marines Module, CMSF will be eligible for a basic review a year down the road, after the fact. Game reviewers are gonna have to mention all the tweaks and advances for the stock title when they run the module. Could end up being a new windfall in sales.

You guys have done a fantastic job from the sounds of it and it's a pleasure seeing the naysayers being proven wrong.

Ok, now three of my four biggest wishes from the old engine;

Kill List?

Detailed Vehicle hits?

Building status (stars)?

The other is grass and stuff catching fire but I imagine that is gonna be held off.

Mord.

[Elvis]

I think everyone will LOVE the action spots. For getting up against a building or behind a wall it can't be beaten.

[Mord]

It's probably one of the most exciting things mentioned. I've been dying to hear more about it since Moon dropped the hint. The screen shots look awesome. Can't wait to see it in motion.


Mord.

[MarkEzra]

I'm surprised no-one has commented on this yet:

Quote:
Computer player uses artillery and air support dynamically throughout the game, not just pre-planned strikes.

At last! :)


A thing you'll love to hate

[rich12545]

I'm wondering if the pdf manual will be a combined SF original + Marines or just a Marines supplement. Also, will it be printer friendly? Thanks.

[MarkEzra]

-Secondary explosions for burning vehicles as ammunition "cooks off".

The gift that keeps on giving

[MikeyD]

I can imagine all of the arm hair Pattons out there who imagine themselves to be tactical geniuses - until the first AI-directed airburst mortar rounds start dropping on their positions 3/4 the way through a game. Ooooh, its a very humbling experience! :D

[Chops]

Awesome Battlefront! The features you have added are outstanding. Thanks!

[Chainsaw]

Pre-ordered already, cant frigging wait untill I get those Devil Dogs Marines! :D

and all the new feauters....


WOW!

/Chainsaw

[handihoc]

Thanks for the update on inf smoke, Steve. It's a pity it's not there, but great that it's on the list. And I certainly wasn't trying to rain on anyone's parade by bringing it up straight after the Marines announcement - Marines and the ongoing updates look awesome. I know I'm one of the many who really appreciate all the work and dedication that you guys have put into continuing to develop this game. I'm pleased to be able to say that I've always had faith in you, and have said so here more than once. SF really is an extraordinary wargame, and it just keeps getting better! The potential for the CMx2 engine is really exciting.

(Directionable inf smoke would be cool, though!)

[MikeyD]

People who have hesitated about buying the game should REALLY consider getting the bundle now. Both Stryker Brigade and Marine Corps with the game features and the AI polished to a high sheen. I've lost count how many battles between the two of them. A recent review referred to CMSF as a 'minor masterpiece' and they ain't far wrong. In a just world the Marine module package would outsell the basegame ten times over. hell, anyone who's ever been in the back of an AAV7 or handled a M40 sniper rifle ought to want this game on his PC!

[Normal Dude]

Awesome, awesome stuff!!! But I have to ask... has that map memory bug that hit some scenarios in my Task Force Panther Campaign been fixed? :D

[Melnibone]

I can imagine all of the arm hair Pattons out there ...
I shave mine every day.

[Bonxa]

Pre-order in place! X-mas is early this year as well. :D

[GSX]

Of course, it wont be necessary to buy the marines to get 1.1. Something to remember.

Also, PBEM games. I take it any 1.08 games will have to be finished before downloading 1.1.

Will the 1.1 upgrade be released when the marines module is?

[handihoc]

I'm actually a bit worried about the AI artillery and air strikes now. I've kind've grown comfortable in the knowledge that after the first strike there'll be no more. Suddenly, comfort zone no more!

[Battlefront.com]

Yup, like almost all updates any existing PBEM games should be finished up before moving onto version 1.1. Even if we do not explicitly say to do that, you should. It eliminates the risk of the game producing unexpected results. For a major point release like this one, definitely finish up before using v1.1.

Yup, version 1.1 will be released simultaneously with the Marines Module's release.

Some of the testers "complained" about the AI's use of artillery/air on the fly :D Even when it was off target it was unsettling at the very least!

Steve

[Sgt Joch]

yes, the AI is very effective in its use of artillery...probably better than the Syrian Army in real life! :)

[Other Means]

What I like is it doesn't seem to cheat. It won't drop on you straight away, you've got to be in a position for a while with something worth dropping on.

[Cpl Steiner]

The original TaskForce Thunder campaign featured quite a few missions in which Syrian artillery fire occurred in the first few seconds as a preplanned barrage. Will the new "on the fly" control of artillery and air assets by the AI apply to the TF Thunder campaign as well as the Marines campaign?

[Lethaface]

Good News! The list is surely impressive.

Finally I can hear Warthogs farting :)

However, 1 question...

I dont mind paying my hard earned money to Battlefront for their hard work, in fact i'll gladly do it because they have a nice product . There will definately be a charge on my CC reading 'CMSF Marines'.

However I would like to know what extra's does the Mailcopy version bring except for a hardcopy? Having ordered the deluxe version of CMSF (download & mail), I'll gladly pay more for extra content. But if the download & mail option only brings the hardcopy (CD-ROM), i'm not sure if thats worth my extra $20 shipping. Considering my belief that Battlefront is such a honest company, they will not cash in major on shipping costs ( ;) ). Paying DHL $20 for delivering an (printed cd) installer which i can burn myself? (no offense ment) I'm not that rich unfortunately. In that case, if you want my money earlier, you can make the pre-order download only version available now @ $25,- :)

I'm still hoping for a CMSF Action Figure with motion and sounds which should make me buy the download & mail delivery pre-order! (FOURTH SMILEY HERE, NOT ALLOWED ; ) )

[pad152]

I didn't see any improvements to Quick Battles, Force Selection, map size vs force size in the Marines Expansion, is this correct?

[rich12545]

I saw a bunch of new quick battle maps. No mention of whether these are new Marines only or will be better replacements for everything.

[Battlefront.com]

The non-download version simply is a hardcopy of the Module installation and the modest size Marines Supplement. The latter covers things that are unique to the Marines Module, which is primarily about the units and their employment. In short, it's nothing more than what you can do if you get a download then burn a backup of the program and print out the Supplement. The hardcopy version is really intended for those who do not have the option to download, for whatever reason.

No changes to Quick Battles in the Marines Module. If we did make changes it would be available to everybody, however we never intended on making QB changes at this point. As we've said for a long time now, we're not going to make any minor changes to QBs. Instead we're going to completely overhaul the system. That will take several months and therefore we aren't planning on it being something for Shock Force in the near term. The initial Normandy release will be the first one with the new QB system, then it will be seen in a modern setting after.

Unless I'm forgetting something important, the new QB maps will be available for everybody. The Marines Module does not contain any new terrain, therefore the maps are interchangeable.

Steve

[akd]

The non-download version simply is a hardcopy of the Module installation and the modest size Marines Supplement. The latter covers things that are unique to the Marines Module, which is primarily about the units and their employment. In short, it's nothing more than what you can do if you get a download then burn a backup of the program and print out the Supplement. The hardcopy version is really intended for those who do not have the option to download, for whatever reason.

No changes to Quick Battles in the Marines Module. If we did make changes it would be available to everybody, however we never intended on making QB changes at this point. As we've said for a long time now, we're not going to make any minor changes to QBs. Instead we're going to completely overhaul the system. That will take several months and therefore we aren't planning on it being something for Shock Force in the near term. The initial Normandy release will be the first one with the new QB system, then it will be seen in a modern setting after.

Unless I'm forgetting something important, the new QB maps will be available for everybody. The Marines Module does not contain any new terrain, therefore the maps are interchangeable.

Steve

Water (rivers/coasts) is not being added for the Marines module? Dang, I thought we were going to be able to have some fun with the AAVs. :(

Well, very nice vids and a great list of new features. One thing that kinda of stuck out in the newest vid, however, was members of a squad advancing on a building with AT-4s in their arms. Would be nice if the Marines had rifles up and AT-4s/LAWs on their backs unless preparing to fire (but particularly when they are moving to a new position). I'd think it worth the few extra polys.

[Moon]

-Secondary explosions for burning vehicles as ammunition "cooks off".

The gift that keeps on giving
What is pretty cool, too, and not mentioned in the feature list - the on-board ammo for vehicles is tracked. So if you have, say, a Stryker or LAV with a bunch of extra ammo on board, each cook-off will reduce that amount. Of course a lot of extra ammo also increases the chances for frequent cook-offs. So you better stay away from burning vehicles in the future.

[Moon]

Yup, version 1.1 will be released simultaneously with the Marines Module's release.



... or at least shortly thereafter :D

[PanzerMike]

Pre order placed.

Some time ago I vowed never to pre-order again. But I am weak :-)
I have confidence in you after the great patching job you guys did on CMSF.

[Berto]

Whoops... I just noticed that something is missing indeed. The whole Campaign section of the webpage is still hidden. :eek: Err... I'll be right back...

The Campaign Flow for Shock Force - Marines is very interesting :rolleyes:.

There is no such a thing for the "old" campaing TF Thunder.

[Normal Dude]

***COUGH COUGH*** :D

Awesome, awesome stuff!!! But I have to ask... has that map memory bug that hit some scenarios in my Task Force Panther Campaign been fixed? :D

[Paper Tiger]

-"Target" command is available in the editor to check LOS (no targeting orders are saved).

THIS will be EXTREMELY useful. Thanks a lot for including it. >sigh< August is going to be a LONG month...

[Sequoia]

There was some talk of the Infantry Brigade Combat Team TO&E being made available some time in the future. Any chance of that still happening?

[Battlefront.com]

Yeah, sorry about the water thing not being in. To do it right required too much time for a Module (lots and lots of AI work needed on top of graphics and physics!!). It's definitely going into the first Normandy release.

Normal Dude... I have no idea ;) I'll ask the testers and see if they remember.

IBCTs are definitely not in the Marines Module. I hope they can get in sooner rather than later.

Steve

[Northman]

Will soldiers peek around corners and fire(or use corners as cover while firing), or will they just position themselves better than before?

[LongLeftFlank]

Any new terrain or objects? I know you said no editor changes, but in the new daytime vid, I could swear I saw a pine tree with the branches stripped bare... Getting a jump start on the Ardennes/Volkhov front modules already, are we then?

[purpheart23]

Hey LLF, if you toss enough HE at the stock foliage it will strip down, pretty cool to watch when your artillery is hammering a wooded area.

[Darkmath]

Although I'm not sure I will buy the Marine Module yet , but 1.1 patch bring a lot of improvement I wouldn't have expected , especially dynamic AI arty or TACAI. ;)

Since the list isn't definitive, I am wondering how's it going for several points not mentionned :
-Hand to hand combat modelling
-Moveable waypoints
-WEGO in TCP IP mode

[Flanker15]

Will soldiers peek around corners and fire(or use corners as cover while firing), or will they just position themselves better than before?

It is said to be probably ready for next patch.

[Normal Dude]

Normal Dude... I have no idea ;) I'll ask the testers and see if they remember.


Thanks... hopefully it is fixed, if you ever want this to see the light of day...

http://www.battlefront.com/community/showthread.php?t=82403

:D

[dan/california]

Pre-ordered, can't wait!

[dan/california]

I teach high school for a living and the cruelty of this module coming out at the busiest time of my year is just unreasonable.

[Field Marshal Blücher]

I like the fact that positive, mature whining gets things into updates. My two biggest gripes were artillery smoke and infantry behaviour, both of which have now been at least mostly fixed! Thanks, guys! Preordering as I type.