Vassal Module

[kevin graves]

I would happily knock up a VASSAL module for you if i can get the images out of the cyberboard module

[Michael Miller]

Hello, Kevin. If you're interested in collaborating on this project, we can certainly discuss this. Anyone more skilled with Vassal than I am would be welcome.

I've done a significant amount of work that would be applicable. For instance I have most of the starting units created in vector form, which would be preferable for many reasons. Some, such as examples of the markers, are already posted in this forum as a collection of zipped PDF files. There's also a map file posted. The combat units still need some clean up.

Let us know what you think, and thanks so much for your interest.

[ATD]

Obtaining the images is certainly possible for the counters; don't know about the map as a whole though. Exporting all the counters en-masse is likely but not certain. We had the kernel of a Vassal module earlier on which Don had been working (message quoted below).

"Once I get the map done (I have the base VASSAL module created, and two sets of maps, one being the full map, and the other I cut into sections, and I am still playing with VASSAL to make the map more sector/zone friendly, what this means if if your on map B hex 1818 when you hover over a stack you'll see it listed as [Map: B Hex:1818] and not as Hex 33302. But this is taking longer then I anticipated). Once I get the map showing the correct hexes, then (or in tandem) I'll begin on the counters.

Since I am java programmer one of the nice things about VASSAL is you can create 'extensions or add ons' and this is where I may make some adjustments or refinements to game, but we will have to see."

[Nigel]

Any progress on the Vassal module? If not, I'd be happy to help take things forward.

[Michael Miller]

Hi Nigel. I haven't heard any further on a Vassal module for CNA. Sadly Don seems to have disappeared from the scene, and I've been spending my time working on a different project, though I do have a variety of graphics and other resources which may prove useful in the endeavor. So from my perspective, absolutely have at it!

[Nigel]

Hi Michael,

That's fine, although I have a few other Vassal projects on the go at the moment, which I'll have to finish before making a start in earnest.

In fact I picked up an unpunched copy of CNA a couple of years ago with a view to doing a Vassal mod, but got no further.

What graphics do you have? For games of this vintage, I usually scan the maps but create the counters afresh.

[ATD]

Hi Nigel

As usual, Mike beat me to it!

On a general note, there isn’t a day goes by without a jarring thought that everything is ready to go in this game, except my availability to resurrect it. It’s been frozen like the command module of Apollo 13 and will work fine once it is thawed out. In the meantime, those with an interest may drift away. There’s just nothing that I have been able to do about it but change may be coming.

New members turn up on a regular basis and I do at least see that membership is approved and the correct group allocated.

As to the question at hand, although I personally have a very effective magnet system on rejuvenated, enlarged and laminated maps, a digital system to control the game is essential for two reasons. The first of courses that some folks can’t leave a 10 foot map lying around (especially cat owners!). The second is the need to be able to pass the moves from player to player.

The original intention was to start by using Cyberboard, simply to keep the positions; that is to say without taking advantage of all the other functionality in terms of dice rolls et cetera. This was to avoid the somewhat steep learning curve for setup and use between a number of players and also to avoid any possible pitfalls or bugs that might cause significant problems.

I have no idea which is best: Cyberboard or Vassal. Quite a lot of work was done (for the game) on the former of the two systems, so that would tip the balance, all things being equal. Many, the majority, or all of the counters I believe have been created as the necessary digital images. These may be useful for the production of a Vassal module, on the assumption that the graphics are very likely to be portable.

It’s very good to hear of your further interest Nigel and it may just be the catalyst for me to find some time from somewhere and put this “sandy behemoth” back on the Via Balbia!

[Nigel]

Hi Anthony,

I started off with Vassal as it was still actively supported (and being enhanced) and modules generally looked better and were more accessible (IMHO). I haven't looked back since and, having now created a dozen or so modules, would not want to change horses!

I agree that the counter graphics should be portable - can you send me some examples so that I can confirm? Also, is there a digital version of the map out there? If not, I can get mine scanned.

I am busy at the moment with other Vassal work for some soon-to-be published games so this would be more of a long term project. However. if there is interest I would bump it up in my queue ahead of SPI's Atlantic Wall and Operation Typhoon.

[Tom]

Interested to see how a vassal based copy would work.

[ATD]

I may have been remiss in following this thread earlier (been busy with the CNA programming to replace the spreadsheets in anticipation of getting the game started in the near future). Although we had a reasonable Cyberboard module, having a fully developed Vassal module (with someone who has a fair knowledge of this dark art) would be, to say the least, useful.