M1 Tank Platoon II FAQ
Microprose Customer Support
Hi folks, Adam here from Customer Support. Here is the latest list of
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for M1TP2 based on the most common
concerns we've received in email. We'll be updtaing the FAQ as more
information becomes available.
We want you to know the development team is paying very close
attention and that we are super-committed to addressing your issues.
An update is already in the works, based on your comments and
suggestions, which will add most of the enhacements customers have
requested. We'll be posting a full roster of goodies to come in the
following days. Stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Adam B.
Customer Support
sup...@microprose.com
==================================
M1 Tank Platoon II for Windows 95
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Last Revised: April 2, 1998
==================================
System Requirements
===================
IBM PC 133MHz Pentium compatible or faster
Windows 95 and DirectX 5.0
16MB RAM
Super VGA graphics for 640 x 480 x 256 colors
Hard drive (200MB free)
Quad-speed CD-ROM drive
Mouse
DirectX-compatible sound card
Recommended
-----------
IBM PC 200MHz Pentium compatible or faster
32MB RAM
3Dfx-based graphics accelerator
Joystick
Required for Multiplayer Option
-------------------------------
Null-modem serial cable (2 players)
28.8kps Windows 95-compatible modem or faster (2 players)
Local area network with IPX protocol (2–5 players)
Troubleshooting
===============
Q: As soon as I launch M1 Tank Platoon II, the game exits
to Windows and there isn't an error message.
A: This can occur with some video card drivers. Download
and install the latest drivers from your video card
manufacturer's Web site. If you continue to get this
problem, open the Windows Start Menu>Settings>Control
Panel>Display Properties>Settings and lower the screen
resolution to 800 x 600 and/or the color depth to
256 colors.
Q: When I start up the War College, I get an error message
about QuickTime.
A: If you open your CD-ROM using Windows Explorer, you will
see a program called "QT16" in the DSG folder. Double-click
on "QT16" to install QuickTime.
Q: I have chosen Glide in the game's video
configuration and I am getting a blank screen when I
try to enter a mission.
A: You must have a card which uses the 3Dfx VooDoo chipset
to use the Glide protocol. M1 Tank Platoon requires the
2.43 version of the Glide drivers. You may download
the Glide drivers from www.3dfx.com.
Q: My 3D accelerator uses the VooDoo RUSH chipset and I am
getting a blank screen when I try to enter a mission.
A: At present, there appear to be problems with Glide 2.43
and cards employing the VooDoo RUSH chipset. Cards that
use the RUSH chipset include the Diamond3D, the Intergraph
Intense, the Jazz Adrenaline Rush and the Hercules
Stingray 128. We are currently working with 3Dfx on a fix.
In the meantime, Voodoo RUSH owners will need to set
their configuration to "Software."
Q: I cannot use Alt-Tab to switch between M1 Tank Platoon II
and other Windows applications.
A: M1 Tank Platoon II is extremely resource-intensive and
should not be used with any multitasking programs. It is
strongly recommended that you shut down all programs before
launching M1 Tank Platoon II and avoid using Alt-Tab.
Q: How do I uninstall M1 Tank Platoon II?
A: Go to your Windows Control Panel and choose "Add/Remove
Programs." You will see M1 Tank Platoon II listed. Never
uninstall a Windows game by merely deleting its folder.
Q: In my main map screen, the buttons below the map either
flicker or they cannot be seen.
A: This can occur with some video card drivers. Download
and install the latest drivers from your video card
manufacturer's Web site. If you continue to get this
problem, open the Windows Start Menu>Settings>Control
Panel>Display Properties>Settings and lower the screen
resolution to 800 x 600 and/or the color depth to
256 colors.
Networking
==========
Q: We're playing on a local area network (LAN), but we're
seeing "phantom" tanks or "phantom" players who appear
to be destroyed but who can still maneuver.
A: The game needs time when starting for everyone to get
synchronized. Before moving the platoon, everyone should
stay at the initial staging area until all players can
see one another.
Q: How can I get the best modem head-to-head performance?
A: You should connect to another modem using TCP/IP.
Q: I cannot seem to get the Single Battle to work on
our LAN.
A: Multiplayer is intended for Random and Campaign modes
only. Note that some of the larger maps can cause
synchronization errors on some networks.
Q1: I'm trying to exit the mission by clicking on the "Exit"
button in my map view, but it just takes me to another
screen.
Q2: In the LAN game, the mission does not end although the
objective is complete or all users' tanks have been
destroyed.
A: To end a mission, type Shift-Q and wait for the commander
to issue orders to stand down.
Q: How do I play M1 Tank Platoon II on the Internet?
A: M1 Tank Platoon II is not designed for the Internet. While
it may be possible to play 2-player games via the Internet,
you will probably get unpredictable results. Network play
is limited to LANs, which can better handle the large amount
of data M1 Tank Platoon II sends and receives.
Q: We're using TCP/IP for our LAN network protocol, and it
doesn't seem to work.
A: For TCP/IP connections, ensure that Dial-Up Networking is
set to "Don't Prompt" to use "Dial-Up Networking." This is
set in the Dial-Up Networking program located in your
Start Menu>Programs>Accessories>Dial-Up Networking icon.
In addition, make sure that Dial-Up Networking is loaded
before starting any multiplayer M1 Tank Platoon II game.
Q: When I start moving in LAN play, some users' games exit
out to Windows.
A: The game needs time when starting for everyone to get
synchronized. Before moving the platoon, everyone should
stay at the initial staging area until all players can see
one another.
Gameplay
========
Q: My gunners seem to automatically use up the MPAT and
STAFF rounds early on in the game. How can I get them to
conserve those types of ammo?
A: Give your platoon "Hold Fire" orders until their targets
are within 2,000 meters. They will then select the
shorter-range HEAT or SABOT rounds.
Q: Can I call for smoke from the artillery units?
A: You will be able to have smoke from your artillery units
in the updated version of M1 Tank Platoon II. This updated
version will soon be released.
Q: I am having trouble saving a mission in one of the prebuilt
(NATO or Gulf War) scenarios.
A: Those missions are not meant to be modified. "Save Battle"
should be used only for Campaign or Random.
Q: I cannot get past the Platoon Records screen to create
a platoon.
A: To create a platoon do the following: 1. Left-click on
one of the blank panels in the Platoon Records screen;
2. Left-click on the "Create Platoon" key below your
highlighted blank panel; 3. Enter your desired platoon name
in the pop-up box and press Return; 4. select your
desired "Service;" 5. Left-click on the lower left and
right arrow buttons to select your insignia; and
6. Left-click on the text above the insignia
(e.g., "1st Marine" or "1-32 Armor").
Q: The manual implies that I can bring up vehicle damage
reports in the commander's cockpit view (the F1 key). Why
doesn't this work?
A: The manual is in error.
Q: On page 36 of the manual, it says I can press Z in the
"unbuttoned" position (the F7 key) for 10x binocular view.
Why doesn't this work?
A: The manual is in error.
Q: The manual implies that I can give the platoon sergeant's
vehicle separate orders and the others will follow. Why
doesn't this work?
A: The manual is in error. Orders are given by selecting the
whole platoon.
Q: In my CITV screen (the F1 key), the gunner sometimes ignores
my tank commander orders to engage targets. Why doesn't the
gunner follow the tank commander's orders all the time?
A: There are two reasons for this situation. 1. When a Tank
Commander designates a target, the gunner receives the
message, finishes targeting and firing on his present
target and then moves on to fire on the designated target.
This process takes some time and the time varies depending
upon the gunner's and loaders' ratings. This "lag" time
is the causes orders to appear as if they have been ignored.
2. The gunner automatically engages to fire at an enemy
vehicle within 1000 meters. If the Tank Commander orders
the gunner to engage a target while the gunner is engaged to
fire an enemy within 1000 meters, the Tank Commander's orders
will be secondary. The gameplay described in #1 and #2 will
be improved in the updated version of M1 Tank Platoon II so
that the Tank Commander's orders have first priority. This
updated version will soon be released.
Q: My CIVT Autoscan doesn't work at all in the Tank Commander's
screen?
A: The CIVT Autoscan (the [ key) will be fully functional in
the Tank Commander's screen in the updated version of
M1 Tank Platoon II. This updated version will soon be
released.
Q: My CIVT Search doesn't work at all in the Tank Commander's
screen?
A: The CIVT Autoscan (the ] key) will be fully functional in
the Tank Commander's screen in the updated version of
M1 Tank Platoon II. This updated version will soon be
released. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Q: The G key doesn't seem to work properly in the Tank Commander
and TC Hatch screens.
A: The G key will be fully functional in the Tank Commander
and TC Hatch screens in the updated version of M1 Tank
Platoon II. This updated version will soon be released.
Q: My #2 button on my joystick doesn't work in the Tank
Commander, Gunner and GNR Primary screens.
A: Joystick button #2 will be fully functional in the Tank
Commander, Gunner and GNR Primary screens in the updated
version of M1 Tank Platoon II. This updated version will
soon be released.
Q: My #3 button on my joystick doesn't work in the Tank
Commander and TC Hatch screens.
A: Joystick button #3 will be fully functional in the
TC Hatch screen in the updated version of M1 Tank Platoon II.
This updated version will soon be released. However, joystick
button #3 in the Tank Commander screen will not work. The
manual is in error.
Q: My joystick hat doesn't seem to work at all. It doesn't
move up, down, left or right in any of my screens.
A: The joystick hat will be fully functional in all screens
in the updated version of M1 Tank Platoon II. This updated
version will soon be released.
Christoph Nahr
On Fri, 03 Apr 1998 16:00:54 GMT, sup...@microprose.com (Microprose
Customer Support) wrote:
[stuff snipped -- if anyone still believes Amy's claims that she
thought M1TP2 was ready for shipping then I have a bridge to sell]
>Gameplay
>========
>Q: My gunners seem to automatically use up the MPAT and
> STAFF rounds early on in the game. How can I get them to
> conserve those types of ammo?
>
>A: Give your platoon "Hold Fire" orders until their targets
> are within 2,000 meters. They will then select the
> shorter-range HEAT or SABOT rounds.
What!? The iM1A2 manual lists the effective range of the Rheinmetall
cannon as 3 km for HEAT and 4 km for Sabot rounds!
Furthermore, does the above imply that you cannot shoot MPAT or STAFF
at targets within 2 km or less...?
>Q: The manual implies that I can bring up vehicle damage
> reports in the commander's cockpit view (the F1 key). Why
> doesn't this work?
>
>A: The manual is in error.
So there won't be any vehicle damage report in the patched version?
>Q: On page 36 of the manual, it says I can press Z in the
> "unbuttoned" position (the F7 key) for 10x binocular view.
> Why doesn't this work?
>
>A: The manual is in error.
So there won't be any binocular view in the patched version?
>Q: In my CITV screen (the F1 key), the gunner sometimes ignores
> my tank commander orders to engage targets. Why doesn't the
> gunner follow the tank commander's orders all the time?
>
>A: There are two reasons for this situation. 1. When a Tank
> Commander designates a target, the gunner receives the
> message, finishes targeting and firing on his present
> target and then moves on to fire on the designated target.
What do you mean, "finishes targeting and firing"? Until the present
target is killed, or until he feels like he's bored with the old
target and would like to move on to another one...?
> The gameplay described in #1 and #2 will
> be improved in the updated version of M1 Tank Platoon II so
> that the Tank Commander's orders have first priority. This
> updated version will soon be released.
In exactly what way will #1 be improved?
--
Chris Nahr (chn...@emailNOSPAM.msn.com, remove NOSPAM to e-mail)
Please don't e-mail me if you post, or with a spam-trapped address
Sean Ormond
Microprose Customer Support wrote:
> Let me paraphrase in case you had trouble understanding that: the
> developers will announce additions and changes for the update in this
> newsgroup in a few days.
Hey Adam,
Go find Amy and have her explain the concept of "condescension" to you. Be
sure to ask her if it's a good thing or a bad thing for a support rep to
have...
Sean
Michael Concino
Sean,
Uh, maybe you should review the definition of "civil conversation" or
"respect".
Adam was just letting everyone know what was happening on their end
regarding M1TP2 and Chris jumps in with a point by point series of rude and
antagonistic questions. There's only so much shit that _anyone_needs to put
up with. I actually had a good laugh over Adam's response to the little
moron's post.
If you don't understand what I'm saying here, maybe you should go ask your
mom?
Mike
Sean Ormond wrote in message <35258708...@mindspring.com>...
Microprose Customer Support
On Fri, 03 Apr 1998 21:16:14 GMT, chn...@emailNOSPAM.msn.com
(Christoph Nahr) wrote:
>>Q: My gunners seem to automatically use up the MPAT and=20
>> STAFF rounds early on in the game. How can I get them to=20
>> conserve those types of ammo?
>>
>>A: Give your platoon "Hold Fire" orders until their targets=20
>> are within 2,000 meters. They will then select the=20
>> shorter-range HEAT or SABOT rounds.
>
>What!? The iM1A2 manual lists the effective range of the Rheinmetall
>cannon as 3 km for HEAT and 4 km for Sabot rounds!
>
>=46urthermore, does the above imply that you cannot shoot MPAT or STAFF
>at targets within 2 km or less...?
If that were the case, the original question "My gunners seem to
automatically use up the MPAT and STAFF rounds early on in the game."
would not make much sense, would it? Basically your gunners will try
to use the "easiest" rounds, and that's the answer to how to have them
not use them. If you want to use them you can, as you'll see if you
play the actual game.
As far as your other questions, the beginning of my post said this:
"An update is already in the works, based on your comments and
suggestions, which will add most of the enhacements customers have
requested. We'll be posting a full roster of goodies to come in the
following days. Stay tuned!"
Let me paraphrase in case you had trouble understanding that: the
developers will announce additions and changes for the update in this
newsgroup in a few days.
Adam B
Customer Support
sup...@microprose.com
Erik Astrup
> Basically your gunners will try to use the "easiest" rounds, and that's the
>answer to how to have them not use them. If you want to use them you
>can, as you'll see if you play the actual game.
Well, perhaps you can explain the pissing match I got into today with my
gunner. "Load Heat" I said, "Loading Heat!" he replied. Then as soon as I
switched stations the drone says "Load Staff!!"
Now this crap went on back and forth back and forth over and over and over
and over....get my drift? This went on even though I had said HOLD FIRE
repeatedly. Ridiculous. This has to be fixed in a patch. Load the shell, and
LEAVE it in the breech till it's fired.
Aureliand Cunanan
Yeah, it seems the gunner gets the drift that you're not looking when you
change screens and tells the loader to load what HE wants. Very annoying.
Erik Astrup <eas...@mother.com> wrote in article
<3529d0e3...@news.mother.com>...
Sean Ormond
Michael Concino wrote:
> Uh, maybe you should review the definition of "civil conversation" or
> "respect".
OK, I'll bite... This is really pretty simple. There's a right way and a wrong
way for someone posting with the name "Microprose Customer Support" to respond
to a paying customer, *especially* given the precarious position MPS has in a
lot of gamers' minds right now. I'm glad to say Amy and Mike have won me over,
but if they had of shown up copping an attitude, they would've lost a customer
for life...and, I'm pretty sure running off customers isn't in Adam's job
description. Oh, and in regards to "civil conversation" and "respect", my mom
reminded me of that deal about two wrongs not making a right and catching more
flies with honey than vinegar... Moms are so smart!
I am glad you had a good laugh, btw, but I have to admit I find "The Adventures
of Comet Boy and Vampyr" to make much better reading...
Sean
Michael Concino
Sean,
>my mom
reminded me of that deal about two wrongs not making a right >
don't thik it's right to start screaming at someone who's trying to help.
>I am glad you had a good laugh, btw, but I have to admit I find "The
Adventures
>of Comet Boy and Vampyr" to make much better reading...
Yes, I've followed that one as well...good stuff !
cya
Mike
Krud
Michael Concino wrote in message <6g48t0$9...@dfw-ixnews11.ix.netcom.com>...
>Sean,
>Uh, maybe you should review the definition of "civil conversation" or
>"respect".
>regarding M1TP2 and Chris jumps in with a point by point series of rude and
>antagonistic questions. There's only so much shit that _anyone_needs to put
>up with. I actually had a good laugh over Adam's response to the little
>moron's post.
First of all, Chis Nahr is definitely not a moron. Secondly, what was so
antagonistic about his post? He bought the game, it doesn't work, and now he
wants some honest answers. He has every right to be frustrated with
Microprose. If you believe that the *missing features* are actually just
mistakes in the manual, that's your prerogative. Microprose's only saving
grace is the fact that they are here trying to find out exactly what they
need to do to satisfy the people who bought the game, and keep us informed of
the progress they are making. They blew the release and now they only thing
they can do is finish the game. If they share Adam's attitude (which I'm
sure they don't) then they can keep M1TP2. And they can keep Falcon 4 and
Mech Commander and Agents of Justice too.
-Krud
Krud
Microprose Customer Support wrote in message
<35257c73...@news.concentric.net>...
>
>If that were the case, the original question "My gunners seem to
>automatically use up the MPAT and STAFF rounds early on in the game."
>to use the "easiest" rounds, and that's the answer to how to have them
>not use them. If you want to use them you can, as you'll see if you
>play the actual game.
Just what we need, a smart-ass Microprose rep. Thanks for taking the time to
come here and mouth off to someone who tried to "play the actual game" but
couldn't because IT DOESN'T WORK. You just screwed-up real bad.
Mike and Amy, it you're smart you'll put a muzzle on this guy ASAP, before he
pisses anyone else off.
>"An update is already in the works, based on your comments and
>suggestions, which will add most of the enhacements customers have
>requested. We'll be posting a full roster of goodies to come in the
>following days. Stay tuned!"
>
>Let me paraphrase in case you had trouble understanding that: the
>developers will announce additions and changes for the update in this
>newsgroup in a few days.
Now let me paraphrase for you: the developers will not admit that the game
was shipped before it was finished so they are trying to bullshit people into
believing that the only problem is the manual, and all the things that are in
the manual but don't work in the game are actually *enhancements* (is the
hunter/killer mode an enhancement?) that we will ad just because we like our
customers.
Hey Adam. Keep your patch. I e-mailed your customer support over a week ago
and have yet to get a response. I think I'll write a letter to the CEO of
Microprose and tell him that his tech support people will not respond to my
e-mail but they will come on to the newsgroups and mouth-off to customers.
How's that sound? I'll be sure to mention Adam B.
-Krud
Krud
Michael Concino wrote in message <6g56i0$9...@dfw-ixnews11.ix.netcom.com>...
>
>>I am glad you had a good laugh, btw, but I have to admit I find "The
>Adventures
>>of Comet Boy and Vampyr" to make much better reading...
>
>Yes, I've followed that one as well...good stuff !
Comet Boy is a different story. I agree that the reps should not have to put
up with that much abuse, but is what Chris posted really that bad? Most
people are trying to remain civil. I am for the simple reason that Amy and
Mike are here trying to fix things, but I'm still disgusted with Micrprose.
They are walking on a tight-rope right now and someone like Adam is all it
takes to make them fall. Obviously his ego doesn't care.
-Krud
-Krud
Amy
krud,
The only problem I had with Chris is the language, frustrations aside, a
stranger on the sreet does not deserve the language and name calling he
displayed.
Amy
Amy
hi Krud,
I have spoken to customer support.They will be posting but the majority
of posts will be from Mike dubose and myself, if there are any issues
with posts, please forward them to me at Abo...@microprose.com and I
will make sure they are addressed.
Now for the product, I have never said that all the issues are manual
errors. I believe there are some bugs, but things like bino view and
thermal and direct 3D were not going in originally, the reason they were
in the manual is that the manual took stuff from the original design
doc, as you know, these change as the game is developed. some things are
added and some are discarded. we did not think bino( and I use it as an
example) was a major item. we were wrong, that is why we are doing the
patch, for items like that and for bug fixes(CITV was major) and
tweeks.(tweeks, being senitivity issues, rounds, explosions), etc.
I will also state again, That I stand behind the game, it is a good game
and when patched, it will be the definitive ground simulation.
Amy
studio head,Hunt Valley(not PR ape) :)
Abo...@microprose.com
Krud wrote:
>
> Microprose Customer Support wrote in message
> <35257c73...@news.concentric.net>...
> >
> >If that were the case, the original question "My gunners seem to
> >automatically use up the MPAT and STAFF rounds early on in the game."
> >would not make much sense, would it? Basically your gunners will try
> >to use the "easiest" rounds, and that's the answer to how to have them
> >not use them. If you want to use them you can, as you'll see if you
> >play the actual game.
>
> Just what we need, a smart-ass Microprose rep. Thanks for taking the time to
> come here and mouth off to someone who tried to "play the actual game" but
> couldn't because IT DOESN'T WORK. You just screwed-up real bad.
>
> Mike and Amy, it you're smart you'll put a muzzle on this guy ASAP, before he
> pisses anyone else off.
>
> >"An update is already in the works, based on your comments and
> >suggestions, which will add most of the enhacements customers have
> >requested. We'll be posting a full roster of goodies to come in the
> >following days. Stay tuned!"
> >
Christoph Nahr
Adam,
One thing first. My anger is directed at the people at Microprose who
are responsible for delivering an unfinished game. I took your post
as a message from the publisher, with you merely being the messenger.
If you take comments aimed at the publisher personally then customer
support is the wrong job for you.
You are right that I'm not actually playing the game. I haven't
bought it yet, and I will only buy it when it's finished and works as
expected. Currently I'm trying to figure out whether this is, or will
be the case. If you think people have to buy a game to earn the right
to ask questions, tough. I've been burned a few times too many by
premature releases that never got patched to an acceptable level.
On Sat, 04 Apr 1998 00:29:45 GMT, sup...@microprose.com (Microprose
Customer Support) wrote:
>If that were the case, the original question "My gunners seem to
>automatically use up the MPAT and STAFF rounds early on in the game."
>would not make much sense, would it? Basically your gunners will try
>to use the "easiest" rounds, and that's the answer to how to have them
>not use them. If you want to use them you can, as you'll see if you
>play the actual game.
Let me explain it. The 120mm main gun of the M1A2 Abrams tank can
shoot Sabot rounds at an effective distance of up to 4,000 meters, and
standard HEAT rounds at an effective distance of up to 3,000 meters.
If this is wrong then some tanker please correct me.
Given these facts, why do you call the STAFF and MPAT rounds the
"easiest" rounds for distance higher than 2,000 meters? As I
understand it, MPAT is specialised ammo that should be saved for
helicopters. STAFF should likewise be reserved for heavily armoured
targets where the top armour is the only weak spot.
Therefore, a gunner loading STAFF or MPAT by default whenever any
target is more than 2,000 meters away is plainly wrong, and should be
changed. The decision which shell type to use should be up to the TC,
not to the gunner. So this feature is actually a bug.
That said, can M1TP2's computer gunner be prevented from loading STAFF
and MPAT, regardless of target distance? If so, do I have to tell him
everytime I give him a CITV target?
>As far as your other questions, the beginning of my post said this:
>
>"An update is already in the works, based on your comments and
>suggestions, which will add most of the enhacements customers have
>requested. We'll be posting a full roster of goodies to come in the
>following days. Stay tuned!"
"Goodies" and "enhancements" means you'll eventually include the
features stated in the manual and already present in your competitor's
product iM1A2, right? Well, I thought so. And that's why I asked
about the vehicle damage report and the binoculars: will they be
included in the next or future patches, or won't they?
>Let me paraphrase in case you had trouble understanding that: the
>developers will announce additions and changes for the update in this
>newsgroup in a few days.
Am I supposed to be grateful that a publisher finishes a product which
was fraudulently released in an unfinished state? What about the
broken damage model for AP rounds that people have been reporting, do
you see a problem here? Are you working on it? Hello?
Krud
Amy wrote in message <35263859...@home.com>...
>krud,
>
>The only problem I had with Chris is the language, frustrations aside, a
>stranger on the sreet does not deserve the language and name calling he
>displayed.
I must have missed the post you all are talking about. Comet Boy deserves
what he got, and I don't blame you for giving it to him, but I didn't see
where Chris was abusive.
-Krud
Gregory P Bylenok
Right after M1's release, everyone here complained that the Microprose
people were nowhere to be found. Can you really blame MPS? They can't
win! When they finally do come forward, they are publicly chewwed out.
If I was a developer, I wouldn't want to put up with all the schlock on
this board. Personally, I'd prefer the developers spend more time on the
patch than waste time in a flamewar.
So for all of our sakes, give 'em some credit, and a lot of respect.
They don't really _have_ to be here.
DarrylW555
Well, I for one would just like to be able to play the game.
I suffer from the dreaded "I get dumped back to windows
without an error message when I try to launch M1TPII"
problem. Yes Microprose I have the latest video card drivers,
yes, my resolution is set to 800X600, with 256 colors,
I even tried unistalling, then reinstalling, all without
result. I have A Gateway P133, with 32 megs, STB lightspeed 128 video card,
etc, etc ,etc.
I hope this is one of the problems to be addressed in the patch.
I know it must be a common problem, since it mentioned in
the microprose FAQ.
Christoph Nahr
On Sat, 04 Apr 1998 08:40:41 -0500, Amy <abo...@home.com> wrote:
>The only problem I had with Chris is the language, frustrations aside, a
>stranger on the sreet does not deserve the language and name calling he
>displayed.
There was not a single instance of "name calling" in my post. The
only ad personam comment was the one at the top where I referred to
your ridiculous claim that "I for one, would not have released this
game if I thought it was not ready". Given the list of deficiencies
that is now officially admitted by Microprose this means you are
either incompetent, or you were lying to the people on the newsgroup
with the intent of scamming them into buying an unfinished game.
I just browsed through all your M1TP2 related posts here. There was
not a single bit of valuable information to be found. All I know
about this game is what I have from helpful people like Patrick Miller
or Cmdr Krud who shared their hands-on experience. You were just
blowing smoke and spindoctoring.
And here you go, lying yet again about the contents of my post. Let
me ask you, were you born without any sense of decency or does
Microprose pay that much? Come to think of it, as soon as M1TP2 was
released this NG was flooded with posts from people who I've never
seen here before and who posted a zillion variations of "it's so good,
it can only get better, be nice to Microprose"! I'm not the only one,
Old Salt noticed that as well: one of the MPS drones was uncovered
when he didn't know what the term "lurker" means, showing clearly that
he hasn't been on Usenet before, not even as a lurker.
This warm, fuzzy, positive fluff from a couple of unknown posters is
in stark contrast with the reports about missing and broken features I
get from people who I know and trust. We've seen it before, and it
doesn't take a conspiracy theorist to figure out what's going on.
Don't bother to reply, I know by now that I won't get any honest
information from a Microprose employee. Good thing that I didn't rush
out to buy the game, and another good thing that MPS has lost its
creative potential anyway and doesn't have any other game in the
pipeline I would be interested in. Once MPS has finally gone bust I
suggest you work as PR agent for Derek Smart. He likes your style.
PS: In case you haven't noticed, the above post _was_ abusive.
Phil Surfer Worthen
In article <3528a80a...@enews.newsguy.com>,
chn...@emailNOSPAM.msn.com says...
> Don't bother to reply, I know by now that I won't get any honest
> information from a Microprose employee. Good thing that I didn't rush
> out to buy the game, and another good thing that MPS has lost its
> creative potential anyway and doesn't have any other game in the
> pipeline I would be interested in. Once MPS has finally gone bust I
> suggest you work as PR agent for Derek Smart. He likes your style.
What?
You don't even have the game?
LOL.
-Surfer
--
Phil "Surfer" Worthen
VMFA-333 Tres Equis / 510th TFW
---------------------
phi...@pacbell.net
"If you're not having fun...you're doing something wrong"
Christoph Nahr
On Sun, 5 Apr 1998 23:19:27 -0500, phi...@NOSPAN.pacbell_dot_net (Phil
"Surfer" Worthen) wrote:
>You don't even have the game?
No, is it a requirement for asking information about the game and
disliking being lied at?
Phil Surfer Worthen
In article <3528d0cc...@enews.newsguy.com>,
chn...@emailNOSPAM.msn.com says...
Surf scribbled:
> >You don't even have the game?
Chris comments:
> No, is it a requirement for asking information about the game and
> disliking being lied at?
I'm constantly amazed at folks becoming actively involved in threads
about shipped products which they don't use. I'd never question one's
"right" to post anywhere about anything...I basically find extended
posting about products which have shipped but not used by that poster
laughable.
That's just my opinion.
Bruce Rennie
Phil "Surfer" Worthen <phi...@NOSPAN.pacbell_dot_net> wrote:
> In article <3528d0cc...@enews.newsguy.com>,
> chn...@emailNOSPAM.msn.com says...
> Surf scribbled:
> > >You don't even have the game?
> Chris comments:
> > No, is it a requirement for asking information about the game and
> > disliking being lied at?
> I'm constantly amazed at folks becoming actively involved in threads
> about shipped products which they don't use. I'd never question one's
> "right" to post anywhere about anything...I basically find extended
> posting about products which have shipped but not used by that poster
> laughable.
Umm, maybe we're trying to get enough information and reassurance to buy
the game?
What's laughable is people who buy the game sight unseen, then defend
the game and the developers to the death because they can't admit that
the product might be deffective in some way.
/bruce
--
*******************************************************************************
* Bruce Rennie Q: Are We Not Men ? *
* bre...@interlog.com *
* *
* Suffering from Bloc Quebecois? Try new Separation H! *
* Canada is like vichysoise: Cold, partly French, and difficult to stir. *
* *
*******************************************************************************
Bruce Rennie
Gregory P Bylenok <gb...@andrew.cmu.edu> wrote:
> Right after M1's release, everyone here complained that the Microprose
> people were nowhere to be found. Can you really blame MPS? They can't
> win! When they finally do come forward, they are publicly chewwed out.
Untrue. They can win if they take the time to release a game with all
features present.
> If I was a developer, I wouldn't want to put up with all the schlock on
> this board. Personally, I'd prefer the developers spend more time on the
> patch than waste time in a flamewar.
I'd prefer the developers take the time to do it right the first time.
> So for all of our sakes, give 'em some credit, and a lot of respect.
> They don't really _have_ to be here.
I will give them respect. However, I will not kiss their *sses.
Umm, the minute they released an unfinished game they became liable, IMO.
Yes, they really do have to be here.
Game players! Can we please try to retain some of our dignity here?
It's really embarrasing when people who do not get what they thought
they purchased start apologizing for the people who sold them the
defective goods in the first place.
Confusius
Maybe I can inject a little insight into this discussion about this
situation. TRUE STORY: I purchased M1TP2 the day it came out. Got it home,
installed and messed around with the training missions. I noticed the
missing features and the bugs which I later confirmed with other usenet
posters. After waiting for a response and not getting it initially, I
returned the game and got F15. A few days later, the Microprose postings
started, promising fixes for the problems with the sim. Went out and
re-purchased the game. Now I know what you're thinking: this is exactly the
example that everyone's ranting about-a gamer who caves in to a game
publisher's shortsighted product. Believe me, I ranted with the best of
them about this problem with "ship it now, patch it later" attitudes in game
development (I have a long and storied history on Sierra's sports message
boards!). I challenge anyone to complain more than I have about the
industry's treatment of its customers. However, this case was different.
Why? One word: gameplay. Despite the missing features and bugs (which I
later discovered to be pretty minor), this game's atmosphere, depth, and
tactical authenticity are simply too grand to escape. For those of you who
doubt this, do a dejanews search on the game and you'll find a recurring
theme among posters-"man, this game has some irritating flaws; i mean,
where's this feature and why doesn't that work? Frustrating...but boy is it
fun!" Rarely does a game play so well that it transcends flaws which are so
obviously glaring. In the end, with Microprose's commitment to finishing
the game and my current enjoyment of it, it's a purchase I will not regret.
--
-Confusius
*****LEGAL NOTICE TO ALL BULK E-MAILERS*****
NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS: Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,
Subchapter II, 227, any and all non solicited commercial E-mail sent to
this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of
$500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.
Bruce Rennie wrote in message <6gb203$b0a$3...@news.interlog.com>...
Phil Surfer Worthen
In article <352927b5.0@kds5>, cpar...@bigfoot.com says...
> or those of you who
> doubt this, do a dejanews search on the game and you'll find a recurring
> theme among posters-"man, this game has some irritating flaws; i mean,
> where's this feature and why doesn't that work? Frustrating...but boy is it
> fun!" Rarely does a game play so well that it transcends flaws which are so
> obviously glaring. In the end, with Microprose's commitment to finishing
> the game and my current enjoyment of it, it's a purchase I will not regret.
Rgr that.
And you'd ONLY really know this if you were actually playing the game.
Some of us that acutally own and play the game know quite well the
ommisions, manual errors and other little stuff that need fixing. We also
know how much darn fun this product is to play, even in it's current
state.
Again, repeated postings, rants and complaints by people who don't have
the game or have ever played the game is something I find laughable. I
know that folks who consistenly jump from thread to thread, voicing their
opinions will continue to do so and it's their right to do so.
And I'll still get a laugh when I read posts from those folks, once a
pattern is established.
-Surfer
Michael Concino
>And you'd ONLY really know this if you were actually playing the game.
>
>Some of us that acutally own and play the game know quite well the
>ommisions, manual errors and other little stuff that need fixing. We also
>know how much darn fun this product is to play, even in it's current
>state.
>
>Again, repeated postings, rants and complaints by people who don't have
>the game or have ever played the game is something I find laughable. I
>know that folks who consistenly jump from thread to thread, voicing their
>opinions will continue to do so and it's their right to do so.
>
>And I'll still get a laugh when I read posts from those folks, once a
>pattern is established.
>
>-Surfer
I agree with you 100 %. I own a copy of the game which makes me a
"customer" as opposed to "crusader". I'm sure you've followed all this for
the past 2 weeks and have seen the MPS customer rep posting here to tell the
customers that here are all the things that we're going to do to fix what's
broken and to make your gaming experience more enjoyable. Then someone, who
doesn't even own the game, responds by yelling at the rep about how immoral
it was for them to release such a shabby product, etc., etc, and
re-iterating point by point what the problems are with the game.
Like we don't know and need reminded. I'm sure glad there are people here
looking out for me, that tell me what I like and don't like and how to spend
my money. Yes, I appreciate those those who bought the game and posted some
heads up warnings about the game initially, so people are well informed
about making a purchase. It's just that those that get up on their soapbox
to blast the game and keep others from buying it, so they can have their 15
minutes is not only laughable but sad and, after listening to them over and
over again, boring.
Finally, people are taking a more constructive approach to M1TP2 and read
some helpful, interesting posts from customers, and less ranting from the
crusaders. This, of course, is IMO, which I'm entitled to. Good post,
Surfer.
Mike
Kev Metcalfe
Confusius wrote in message <352927b5.0@kds5>...
>I noticed the
>missing features and the bugs which I later confirmed with other usenet
>posters. After waiting for a response and not getting it initially, I
I waited and read the reviews/posts.
>you'll find a recurring
>theme among posters-"man, this game has some irritating flaws; i mean,
>where's this feature and why doesn't that work? Frustrating...but boy is it
>fun!" Rarely does a game play so well that it transcends flaws which are so
>obviously glaring.
The above is the reason I'll buy it in a fortnight or so.
> In the end, with Microprose's commitment to finishing
>the game and my current enjoyment of it, it's a purchase I will not regret.
Of course if it is still flawed, and there is no commitment to fixing those
flaws, then I'll complain.
Trey Marshall
On 6 Apr 1998 16:59:40 GMT, Bruce Rennie <bre...@interlog.com> wrote:
>Phil "Surfer" Worthen <phi...@NOSPAN.pacbell_dot_net> wrote:
>> In article <3528d0cc...@enews.newsguy.com>,
>> chn...@emailNOSPAM.msn.com says...
>> Surf scribbled:
>> > >You don't even have the game?
>
>> Chris comments:
>> > No, is it a requirement for asking information about the game and
>> > disliking being lied at?
>
>> I'm constantly amazed at folks becoming actively involved in threads
>> about shipped products which they don't use. I'd never question one's
>> "right" to post anywhere about anything...I basically find extended
>> posting about products which have shipped but not used by that poster
>> laughable.
>
>Umm, maybe we're trying to get enough information and reassurance to buy
>the game?
>
>What's laughable is people who buy the game sight unseen, then defend
>the game and the developers to the death because they can't admit that
>the product might be deffective in some way.
>
>/bruce
Why is it hard to believe that the people who defend the game
actually enjoy it rather than being deluded. Let's face it. Some
people really enjoy it (like myself) and others can't see past the
bugs (I have no problems with that.) But crap man, stay off my back
because I like the game. Deal with it and drive on. I'm not some
company crony but the average computer player. I think M1TP2 has
great atmosphere and playibility and I see the many bugs which I will
wait for patiently. Why can't people just respect the opinions of
those who enjoy the game. I really don't understand why I have to
defend my tastes against the people that don't like it anyways. All
that matters in the long run is does the customer feel satisfied with
his purchase. I would say M1 does perfectly (imperfections aside.)
Trey
Trey A Marshall, 1LT, FA
Fire Direction Officer
1 Plt, C Btry/4-1 FA, 3 Bde, 1st Arm Div
www.Kansas.net/~snakes Wargame Scenarios
Trey Marshall
On Mon, 6 Apr 1998 15:07:25 -0400, "Confusius" <cpar...@bigfoot.com>
wrote:
>Maybe I can inject a little insight into this discussion about this
>situation. TRUE STORY: I purchased M1TP2 the day it came out. Got it home,
>installed and messed around with the training missions. I noticed the
>missing features and the bugs which I later confirmed with other usenet
>posters. After waiting for a response and not getting it initially, I
>returned the game and got F15. A few days later, the Microprose postings
>started, promising fixes for the problems with the sim. Went out and
>re-purchased the game. Now I know what you're thinking: this is exactly the
>example that everyone's ranting about-a gamer who caves in to a game
>publisher's shortsighted product. Believe me, I ranted with the best of
>them about this problem with "ship it now, patch it later" attitudes in game
>development (I have a long and storied history on Sierra's sports message
>boards!). I challenge anyone to complain more than I have about the
>industry's treatment of its customers. However, this case was different.
>Why? One word: gameplay. Despite the missing features and bugs (which I
>later discovered to be pretty minor), this game's atmosphere, depth, and
>tactical authenticity are simply too grand to escape. For those of you who
>doubt this, do a dejanews search on the game and you'll find a recurring
>theme among posters-"man, this game has some irritating flaws; i mean,
>where's this feature and why doesn't that work? Frustrating...but boy is it
>fun!" Rarely does a game play so well that it transcends flaws which are so
>obviously glaring. In the end, with Microprose's commitment to finishing
>the game and my current enjoyment of it, it's a purchase I will not regret.
Be careful with that talk in this group. You'll be branded a
sympathizer like the rest of us who are deluded enough to enjoy it ;)
WLambrukos
>I agree with you 100 %. I own a copy of the game which makes me a
>"customer" as opposed to "crusader". I'm sure you've followed all this for
>the past 2 weeks and have seen the MPS customer rep posting here to tell the
>customers that here are all the things that we're going to do to fix what's
>broken and to make your gaming experience more enjoyable. Then someone, who
>doesn't even own the game, responds by yelling at the rep about how immoral
>it was for them to release such a shabby product, etc., etc, and
>re-iterating point by point what the problems are with the game.
>Like we don't know and need reminded. I'm sure glad there are people here
>looking out for me, that tell me what I like and don't like and how to spend
>my money. Yes, I appreciate those those who bought the game and posted some
>heads up warnings about the game initially, so people are well informed
>about making a purchase. It's just that those that get up on their soapbox
>to blast the game and keep others from buying it, so they can have their 15
>minutes is not only laughable but sad and, after listening to them over and
>over again, boring.
>Finally, people are taking a more constructive approach to M1TP2 and read
>some helpful, interesting posts from customers, and less ranting from the
>crusaders. This, of course, is IMO, which I'm entitled to. Good post,
>Surfer.
>Mike<<
Right on Mike ! This game has some bugs that should have been caught before
shipping, but the fact is this game with bugs is more fun than MANY games that
have been released without bugs! Like an earlier poster, I bought F-15 and M1
on the same day. Play them both, like them both, but I find myself playing M1
(and SM Gettysburg) the most !
Bill
>
>
Bruce Rennie
I have no problem with you, Trey. And I will stay off your back. :^}
I'm not attacking your taste in games, either.
I WANT to buy M1TP2. I was looking forward to buying M1TP2. I probably
will buy M1TP2. I may end up loving M1TP2.
I can't at the moment because the initial flurry of problem reports
"scared" me away. I would have much preferred to buy the game a month
or two from now when it was properly completed, but Microprose decided
otherwise.
Now this bozo (the previous poster) is trying to tell me I have to purchase
the game in order to have an opinion. That's the problem.
/bruce
--
*******************************************************************************
Trey Marshall
No problem. My view is that the game does have many bugs,
however, the game is still a blast to play because I haven't even
really gotten into the TC mode with the H/K function. When I play, I
spend most of my time watching the map and giving orders, watching the
outside views for awhile, and then switch to gunner mode to engage
myself. Waiting may be the best but I have found that the bugs have
not detracted much from my enjoyment. Think of it as M1A1 TP2 until
the patch comes out ;) When the patch does hit with hopefully some
expansion packs, this game will definitely be game of the year for me.
Trey Marshall
I bought both on the same day as well and I've only done one
training mission in F-15!
Nigel Tzeng
In article <35258708...@mindspring.com>,
Sean Ormond <sor...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>Microprose Customer Support wrote:
>
>> Let me paraphrase in case you had trouble understanding that: the
>> developers will announce additions and changes for the update in this
>> newsgroup in a few days.
>
>
>Go find Amy and have her explain the concept of "condescension" to you. Be
>sure to ask her if it's a good thing or a bad thing for a support rep to
>have...
>
>Sean
Q. I thought that Customer Support folks were only supposed to make fun of
us over beer with their buddies?
A. The manual was in error.
Nigel
Amy
my appologies Nigel, Customer support do a very good job and sometimes
they get defensive and take things personal. Adam is a very good
customer support rep, I would like tpo believe he did this without
realizing, but that doesn't excuse it, again, my appologies.