It's a question I asked before I think, but it's just getting more pressing with all this new stuff we find.
As far as I can tell EAW isn't far off from having all or most CDF's replaced by better and far more advanced ones. Isn't it about time we start thinking on what we should put inside the CDF's and how to make sure that most people can easily benefit from what this community has produced by simply by going to a website and download a new and far more interesting version of EAW?
Some place where a new milestone is placed and where all comes together without the need of having to go through hundreds of different pages which lack the necessary coherence.
A place where you say 'Yes this is what I want' and a single mouse click will get you there!
If so how do we go about it, as the place where it has to happen is of no doubt, but how to tackle it and what's still missing?
Such a mod would without a doubt relieve some stress on OAW too and it could be included in the download with a few goodies to start off with (Unified?).
Such a combination migh be an immense download but then again it would set a new starting point for the game too.
As a modder I feel that any new findings might change the overall integrity of this game which is why this decision has to be taken in my opininion. This to assure that an OAW reset will get you back to basics.
At this moment most changes have no far reaching consequences except what's allready been widely accepted on and offline and all changes thusfar do not inluence the older mods on which all of us have build.
If the right time is choosen wrongly then it will not benefit us as things will become too different that older users no longer have compattabillity which would mean the end of this game in a way. After all up till now all our efforts did have slow machines in mind but we can not forever follow that road. If we change now then slow computers will still be compattible, be it on- or offline, if we wait too long we're bound to loose many of EAW's most important pilots, those who've started out on a pentium I 133Mhz with very limmited resources.

VonBeerhofen

good points VBh,
we realy have to think about it!

Christian

Hi,

what is the advantage of new CDF´s??

I for myself like the default graphics, i only use new, cause always the same is boring.

It would make sence that you create new CFD´s for your FXEXE, with addons that only the FXEXE can hanlde.

It would make sence to pack new CDF´s if, for example, a new exe can handle 100 or more planeslots, or different skins per plane, or different terrains or if the exe would provide a much higher resolution without problems.

Currently we only would get a new smal, static EAW, this we can do in the much more flexible way of OAWunified, any campaign, great Shot, or in other customized setups.

The biggest disadvanatge would be, that none of the current campaigns, nor OAWunified, nor great shot and most skins dont would work with this new version, cause many addonst dont would work without the default CDF´s.

To be able to offer new CDF´s without tolose the compatibility, ALL addons(specialy skins) need to get overworked, so that they all include all needed files. Unfortunately this would doulbe or triple the the D/L size of many addons.

Greetings,

VBH, I see no harm in trying!
Obviously there are issues, and on this I'd like to make certain points, as I understand them:

• 1. I'd like to say until there is an overall rebuild of the game via source, there is no easy answer to the idea of a one off, all-in-one package for EAW.
  We need multiple solutions.
  (That said, I am not trying to be discouraging at all.In fact the opposite.)
• 2. AFAIK, no one has truely tried and presented a serious approach on the .CDF and .EXE combined issue.
  If all remember, at times it has been brought up by VBH, myself and others.
  But I must say IMO, few truely understand the matter clearly.
  If anyone read my emails on the subject I did point out that the .CDF method by nature should be used with a custom .exe and by so doing, if presented properly causes no incompatibility
  as far as mods available (AFAIK).
  Those who do not know enough about it should not judge too quickly;
  You see basically the short version is; The .exe is coded to read .CDF's.The names of the .CDF's and/or many common files and extensions used in add-ons can be changed to the same as within the .exe per designer's preference with some limitations.
  In example:
  That means the if the names of either the .CDF's (easiest) and/or the files (more complex) are altered both of the files and the .exe in question; only that .exe uses those files.
  Using this method in experiments, I was able to:
  -have multiple .CDF's versions in the root EAW folder without any disturbance.
  -Each custom .exe is used to run the alternate files.
  -The standard EAW.exe was unaffected, because it does not search the custom named .CDF's for files.
• 3. Oddly enough, the main valid arguments against this are always:
  a.based on the @ one-off, overall, all-in-one view of EAW.
  b.Download size.
• 4. There is no reason a custom .CDF and compatible custom .exe package produced as a whole could not be done and presented much as Black Adder made the "Great Shot" easily.
  And as to that, I have to say he really didn't ask everyone for permission he just did it.
• 5. IMO, an entire new "manager" sytem for EAW could easily be made using a .CDF system (but note I have theory combination with path statement alteration would be superior- but other ideas I had include a Virtual CD/DVD mounting system combined with .iso's would allow "stackable" complete EAW CD's so a user could obtain an entire collect of all EAW this way and may even be superior to the .CDF/.exe method)
• 6. For my own, I have given up on any all-in-one or overall solution for EAW.
  But still it is good to have semi-complete presentations.
  The OAW Unified ideas proved to me that.
  However the problem with OAW (as it is percieved), in the long run is that the entire approach depends on a single limited program that has unstable version control and file-system limitations.
  You see, ultimately the very flexibility of OAW Select is its greatest weakness, because it has to select files according to a named folder and files ordering.
• 7. IMO, In light of the source code development issue, it is better to now pursue multitracks of development in all areas.
  This is because ultimately the very programming of EAW and its structure as we know it today will probaly seem archaic in a few years.
  All of more advanced study can glimpse this as I do certainly , becuase if you know much about EAW you know the very limitations are the hardcoding of the .exe, and the power to program with the source code truely can 'unlock' that limitation and produce a new .exe and file structure eventually.

Those who don't know details, just understand that to understand the game and have access to the code means to a programmer; the power to create anew.

..You see it is said in a certain song:
"All of the buildings, All of the cars,
were once just a dream in somebody's head.."

-S!

Hi All,

A while back I tried repacking a revised standard EAW to use as an intro for people that I thought might be interested in taking up the game but alas I came unstuck on 2 fronts.

1) It was no longer standard to the default EAW1.2 as played on the internet so those interested could not try it on the net.

2)It was not compatible with OAW, and OAW is a big disincentive due to its flexibility and complexity for a new person who just wants to try out a game to see if it suits them.

If the proposal for a EAW1.3 is to replace the EAW1.2 clean in all areas then yes, I would be greatly in favour of the endeavour, otherwise if not, then we risk fracturing EAW into too many segments and risk losing new members.

Regards sydbod

Hello,

Nice posts to read....

BTW (for Sydbod) :
What you change in this "revised standard version"..???

Military regards.








Software is just like sex; it is good only when it's free

The EAW WIKI encyclopedia http://eaw.wikispaces.org/

OAWunifiedBeta ready for download here:

h**p://www.raf-roy.com/share/dumoulin/OAWBETA/OAWunifiedSmallbetaSetup.exe

My blog : http://onlyeaw.blogspot.com/

Hi Guys!

This was something I was pushing for a year or more ago, but the same questions of which mods to include came up.

I think this will have to be a project worked on in conjuction with the Code Group, as changes in the EXE and other files will have a huge effect on the game overall, and will result in a new version of EAW. The question is, how many want an EAW III? This could end up as a lot of work for nothing, as only a few would know about it, let alone play it. We already have nearly all the mods done in HR, with the exception of a few planes to be reworked.

I think this whole topic of what to Do/Change, needs to be very carefully thought through, just as if we were working on an enirly new sim, which is exactly what it would be.

We are indeed living in interesting times!

VB's point is a good one. No harm in looking ahead.
It's not time yet, of course, for EAW v1.3.
Those who know, like Von B. himself, also know they have just started with the source code floating around.

What can we expect?
The "Aha!" and "Look What I Found" discoveries he and others have been making. Just more of them as time goes on.
Only when those discoveries pile up to the point someone realizes, "We have enough for a new version of the game" will it be crunch time.
Then we will be like Atari or other game-makers. We will have big questions to answer:

1. Do we aim for backward-compatible versions?
---We will probably try. The basic EAW is still near and dear to many hearts.
But the headaches of gradual change versus just starting over will produce much difference of opinion.
2. Do we aim for a complete re-make?
---New CDF's can technically still be "mods" that EAW fans can drop into the old game.
---The many different EXE versions already in use will morph even further. At some point, most will agree that EXE.XXX is the best and most compatible.
---Somebody, maybe the whole EAW project team, will declare a new game is needed and they have the start on it.
Then Col. Gibbon's point of "who wants it?" will be answered. "...only a few would know about it, let alone play it..."
Not so. More people watch us than we realize (and now we can get an idea with the SimHQ tracking)

Who wants it will be answered by what we come up with. Even Atari may show interest and gently ask if they can use some of our creations and help a new game along. Maybe. They have shown great kindness already, and deserve it in return.

3. OAW and Online.
---Ah, this is a BIG key. As long as Mr. Jelly is with us and cares enough to keep making changes to OAW, there is the chance of a major online revival.
Online players all know the issues. Early source code changes will probably start here.
The issues are knotty and will take some sharp folks who know what's going on in the online world.
It's an opportunity to create a really interesting online game that attracts a larger following. But only an opportunity, or things will go on as they have gone on.

4. We must be realistic as to who we are. We all do this for love and learning, a sense of self-satisfaction and approval of our peers here.
Anyone can drop in---or drop out--at any time.
Knowledge levels vary enormously.
We can't say, "Von B., work on this. I'll need it next week." "Chompy, you do that. Colonel, spend your time here. No,Kurt, don't keep working on that; it's out."
We can ask. And they can ignore us.
When you want something done here, DO IT.
I will say folks are good about helping one another when they see a sincere effort.
No. We can't make demands. We contribute what and when we can. When we feel like it.

Our fans--who are us--"buy" the changes by downloading them at Sandbagger's or the source sites.
The NEW EAW WHOOPIE-DO.EXE may be a complete dud.

All this remains to be seen. It's not up to anyone else.

-Wudpecker

1/ to offer new CDF files look great since less files to handle and possibility to teaze more players with separate full set

2/ OAWselector is just the only way to play serious fights online (game without icons for all and so on)

Conclusion:

1/ We will need to handle CDF folders with OAWselector...probably using changing name like with the big music files

2/ On the other way it is always possible to run one OAWselector inside a new EAW1.3 (or EAWFEXE) folder. Especially if CDF compatibility with older exe is lost cause of HR sprites and so on.

****************************
Question:

1/ Isnt it too early to post a new EAW1.3 since progress are running so fast those late days...

2/ I will personally prefer 'EAWFEXE' or 'EAWHR' than EAW1.3 since i think EAW1.3 must keep compatibility with older skins, terrains, gunsights and so on...

Well I'm get in here too

1. Nothing wrong with default 1.2 IMHO, only the rocket freeze has me reducing my effects level...that I don't like. Not at all, but is obviously my rig and choice of hardware.

2. Many many time I say, a gorgeous looking skin is a blur in my cockpit window. So really I don't see why so many "re-skin" the same plane over again? Making no sense to the Baron...For example Big Beautiful Doll OKay well known, what period she fly? Cannot fight the Battle of Britain though, that would be historically incorrect. So I say why not agree on Big Beautiful Doll for the 51d in what ever period she flew in for example.

2a. Bored? How can anyone become bored of EAW? Baron say those who constantly pointing out faults, probably "hell" to live with at best of times, like something crawl in their bumhole, now lodged in there, and making that person cranky, never satisfied. Typically we call this mental illness. Not to be laughed at nor or for the person to be feeling bad or less "normal people". Nor get defensive, then deny, then blame on the person who say, "You know what your problem is?" They simply need medication and or counselling OR change their life so they happy:) 90% of the time.

3. This brings me to my main point. I find enjoyment in the game. Yes skins a bonus, but to fill OAW unified with MBs of skins making the download period longer on dial up...this I don't understand. I would be happy if I had one skin of every conceivable plane for EAW. This is why Baron make site with as many DIFFERENT planes as Baron could find for Luftwaffe Realizing this alone could lead to 300 plus skins, and considerable weight in MB, don't include them all, just the links to download them, (as you will read on Baron explain this in further detail.)

FW200 rumors have me doubled over in anxiety, trembling and flinching like waiting for the new Rolling Stones Album!!!!

3. This lead me to terrains and skies, one summer and one winter terrain, and one desert and one Pacific terrain, would make sense to include???? Skies, one clear blue, one partially cloudy and one overcast, would suffice.

4. I think this way, more come to realize what works has been done for EAW, good for recruiting newbies and but yet not feeding them with a silver spoon of many downloads of the same plane 50 different skins????

5. OAW can still continue on its own, for those who have the drive and motivation to "Pack that OAW Bag as tight as it can go, with as many features as possible."

6. Like I say I enjoy fighting online for my virtual pilot's life much more than wrestling with this OAW monster panel that can do eveything but make breakfast (I'm sure Dr. Jelly will have that one solved as soon as we get the code)....and yes Dumoulin I have readme, many times, install your fix, but still get CTD, when close panel from first play, next day CTD, no changes made to computer. OAW did play normal first game then subsequent CTDs, leading me to contemplate throwing comp out auto window at 150 km/h.

7. Something tells me that if we were going to get the code, we would have received it already, but hey I'm a pessimist myself probably due to my own inabilities to cope in this world.

8. Borrow a stripped down version of OAW. Put campaigns in a folder, put skins in a folder, put terains in folder, and skies.

9. The read me file could contain hyperlinks to places that offer more skins. Instead of calling it readme file call it OAW Guide. Get skylark or flying tiger to make a nice "cover page for it", and make it a word or pdf file. For some reason, and I am guilty of this too, that readme translates to don't read me file.

10. An interface with 7 buttons on one panel."Change this plane button", "Change this terrain button", "Change this sky button", "change this camapaign button", "Launch game button" and "reset data to default button" "Change this speech pack". The panel could use up the whole screen as the EAW main screen does, and show a preview pane of everything that is "loaded". IN the case of a large file size like a speech pack, if a newbie hits "Change this speech pack button", and the one he selects is not in EAW 1.3, he will be notified by a popup warning, "You need to download the "Polish Speech Pack here" for example, then provide the hyperlink to the site on a drop down menu.

11. I can't program this idea. And I am certainly not critic to any of the great work done on OAW, FXEXE , RP 2.6 etc. OAW just simply not work for me????

12. This is my EAW 1.3 dream. Change from plane to plane, from theatre to theatre, from season to season...AND PLAY IT ONLINE AT THE LAUNCHPAD 24 hours per day....Korean style with cot set up by computer desk, so can fly while lying down. Yes and also have LED screen, so Baron's eyes don't melt shut from days of continual play!!!

S!!!

BVM