The Energon Pub

Well here we are coming to the end of 2007. With that sentence I'm sure you have a ton of questions. Ok...Maybe just 1 question: Where is HMW2?
I assure you it is not here yet but it has been a very exciting journey so far.

When I came on board (around late March I believe) I was short stacked to say the least. There were several things going on that made this an incredibly difficult situation for a new guy to step into. I said from day one that I would not beat around the bush with all of you that changes would be huge and alot of you would hate me by the time it was done. Well mission accomplished

Since I will spend the rest of December tying up loose ends and giving the HMW admins their game management tools, I would just like to go through what has actually been accomplished this year and take you through my own personal thoughts on each thing. Maybe give you a look inside my head as to what I was thinking while these changes were going on.

1. Performance Summary Fix -
This was the first thing I did. When I first looked at the code it was quite, well, quite mind numbing. This was the easiest thing to do first. Broken stats...no problem. This got me familiar with the basics and got your kill-per-day back.

2. Alt mode rotator -
Pretty much took this one back to the drawing board and designed what you have now. I was very confused when most people were begging for 30 pixel gif images over having their weapons fixed, but who am I to question the importance of a gif?

3. Prize Alts -
When you actually worked for that gif image, you'd better darn well get it! Gotta love the new prize alt system.

4. Kremzeek -
You have to love him or hate him because he will either make you curry or kick your teeth in. I've said it a zillion times: Kremzeek is an unstable guy.
The sole purpose of this guy on my end was to test out unconventional weapon effects. Wow! Did he ever show that they work!
I bet he'll be back someday.

5. Quintessons -
Most people actually liked this new feature in the game. I have to say this was the most difficult thing to pull off programatically as it was unlike anything that had been done in years. New factions mixed in with NPCs mixed in with characters that use multiple tactics. It was insane to code and everyone seemed to love it.
You finally got to find hoards of sharkticons and (much to my surprise) some of you actually slagged the Fallen!

6. TripleChangers -
After years of begging you finally saw them in action. After making the 5 faces of the Judge work it wasn't too difficult to tone them down a bot and create the triplechanger alt. It also wouldn't be very difficult to plug that triplechanger alt into the alt mode rotator after adjusting the upgrade bars to accomodate more tactics. Ah, if only I were in the mood

7. Minicons -
Oh wow, what a controversy! The players were split right down the middle on this one. To alot of people the minicons meant the end of HMW and gloom and pestilence were to follow. Oddly enough, there was a similar (if not smaller) reaction when I removed them this month.

8. Automatic Levelling -
Ever hate a level bully so bad you could kick him in the crotch? Ever was a level bully kicking others in the crotch?
Well all that is no more. When you hit a certain amount of XP it is time to get shoved in with the big boys now.

9. Name synchronization -
A problem in the game for a long time. Now when you change your username in the forums, the game synchs up within 24 hours. Wasn't hard to do but was definitely needed.

10. Subfactions -
Who will ever forget the Great Purge? The time when it was announced that unofficial subfactions would no longer be allowed? A few people talked it through with me and a few others just got angry. Lots of hardship and turmoil that almost made me temporarily unplug the game.
Wether you love me or hate me for this, the game will be better in the long run because of it. Ah the vision of integration. It was good for ancient Egypt and its good for you too
BTW - Please don't start another flamefest on this topic as it has been hashed to death.

11. Subfaction Forum Integration -
Have to mention this because of its significance. Having the "clan" forums on this site was the first step of actually having a complete HMW game with them. Once most everyone was on board with what the site was doing, I was able to run with these clan forums becoming the link between players and the game. The people that had the access to these forums would also be automatically logged for clan tournaments, competitions and reporting. Again, the joys of integration

12. Robot Mode -
I was surprised at how indifferent the community seemed to be towards these after all the time people had spent saying they wanted them. Maybe it was because of the fallout from the subfaction purge or maybe it was because the Bulk type had the endurance of Barry Bonds after a shopping spree at Balco. For the most part they worked and I'm sure they will be back.

13. Limitations on Weapons -
Weapons hoarder? Not anymore. Only 24 allowed at a time now.

14. Clan Tags -
Just added today. Again shows the importance of integrating the subfactions and their forums. You are automatically embelished with your clan. As far as having the clans integrated into the game, anything is possible now.


Well that's about it. I'm not sure what next year has in store for me, but this year was definitely a challenge. We sure did get alot done!
I'd like to thank AS, Mkall and Caelus along with the members of the planning team for their help through this.
Also to the members of the subfaction planning forum for all your work and being such a huge part in getting the game moving into the future.

Everyone have a great holiday season!!

You just wanted to have another thread where people were thanking you.

Well, it worked. Thanks for everything you've done for the game, most of it has kicked aft.

And I think the "indifference" bot modes got was that everyone pretty much liked them, so no one really bitched too much. Except for Tammuz, but, well, what do you expect from that guy? And I will admit most of his bitching was right, it should be somehow included in leveling.

Thank you for your innovations and additions to HMW over the past year!!

Rat Convoy wrote:You just wanted to have another thread where people were thanking you.

Nah. It is more like a taking of inventory and showing everyone where we are at. I'm glad you appreciate things though .

I wasn't around for alot of Glyph's time here so I have no basis of comparison, but seeing all the things that have been accomplished laid out like this makes you realise just how much has been done. OS deserves a big slap on the back for this, well done for putting the game ahead of everything else.

Once Again Thank you OS! It's quite obvious it has been one big bitch fest here, but you stuck through it! Glad you put up this review and cleared things up as far as what is to come in the future! Now you go ahead and have a good holiday and get rip roaring drunk for new years and then get busy on V2

Daneki wrote:OS deserves a big slap on the back for this, well done for putting the game ahead of everything else.

I can see to that...

Kryptikore wrote:Now you go ahead and have a good holiday and get rip roaring drunk for new years and then get busy on V2

...but i'm not sure about that


Cheers on the update!

Why not throw a party for the Big Bot?

The weapons limitation. Is that what you have in your inventory. Or does that include what your characters are using as well?

Sunstar wrote:The weapons limitation. Is that what you have in your inventory. Or does that include what your characters are using as well?

Total weapons, including the equipped ones.

Cheers for the game, big guy. NOW MAKE MORE STUFF!

Including the equipt one? that sucks royally.

That should me made clearer then. I thougth it was only in inventory as my inventory does not show my the weapons my characters are equipt with.

thanks for the info. you are doing a good job with the game.

As someone brand new to the game and already thoroughly addicted, allow me to say thank you. I've missed most of the growth and ups and downs this year, but I'm glad to be here now, and looking forward to the reboot and being able to jump right in with everyone else.

Thank you, OS.

Aye, what a year it's been. Here's hoping for another good year!

Thanks for all the great work!

Cheers dude!

Have a good christmas & new year!

Thank you, big guy!I missed most of this year but I can see what a difference you've made!Thanks again!

Great job, OS. It has only gotten better.

Has it really been that long?

Uncrazzimatic wrote:Has it really been that long?

Seems like only yesterday, doesn't it?

OS,
As I've told you before, despite our recent differences during the sub-faction affair, I think that you have done a very good job on the game. I look forward to what the future may bring.

Now go kick your feet up for the holidays and see if you can gather the patience to deal with another year of all our crap.

all i can say is = thank you OS,thank you for your work,your time and your nerves that you have spent on the game.

and a big thanks for the ideas givers,alt/botmode makers,and staff for dealing with us all,your time spent,and work for a better game.thank you all.

Great job OS, we luv ya

Christmas on its way

On behalf of the entire RDD I would like to say thanks for what you have done, Sentinel.

I wont draw comparisons to Glyph as you are totally different people, but no matter how the guys 'n' gals of the clan decide to show it, we do appreciate the work you have put in and look forward to working with you to build on it all over the next year.

Go and enjoy your holidays bud, you have more than earned it.

Thank you for all the presents Santa Sentinal, now go take a break.