Few newbie questions

[Hussar]

Just got this game after exchanging Panzer Elite. Didn't think I'd be that keen on 'modern' era warfare but this game is excellent!! Few questions:

1) I have a MS Sidewinder Precision2 joystick and a review of the game (e-sim I think) suggests programming the buttons can save a lot of hassle. I just wonder whether seasoned players have come up with a good 'cocktail' of the best keystrokes to programme in? I currently have buttons 1-4 as per the game but have also added Fire at will to 5, main/coax to 6 and sabot/heat to 7 and 8. Also when 'driving' am I correct in assuming the throttle lever can't be used?

2) I have a Mitsubishi 19" Diamond Pro monitor and a GeForce Ti4200 video card. IIRC the game is supposed to run at 640x480. Last night I played and it defaaulted to (A) setting itself, not sure if its 800x600 though, it clips the top of reticule/scopes off. I run on XP and found that I can set it to run in 640x480 if I click properties in the shortcut but it seems to be making no difference to the way it looked last night? Is there some kind of 'preferences' file that the game creates that needs to be deleted before it will 'recongnise' the new 640x480 compatabiility settings? I don't really want to go through the hassle of setting the whole desktop to 64--480 when I play because it screws up my desktop icons (indeed I'm not even sure if that will work either). I have SB Gold v1.2.26.

3) Any thoughts on the best mods to get? Some of the winter terrain, tank camos and skies etc. look great in the albums but I'm not sure what they will be called and whether they will be at the downloads page?

Thanks

[Ssnake]

I just wonder whether seasoned players have come up with a good 'cocktail' of the best keystrokes to programme in? I currently have buttons 1-4 as per the game but have also added Fire at will to 5, main/coax to 6 and sabot/heat to 7 and 8. Also when 'driving' am I correct in assuming the throttle lever can't be used?Regarding the last question: Yes, there's just three speed levels, so the throttle as a continuous axis doesn't help you here.
You may want to add the different sights (e.g. map view, primary and secondary view, or crew stations). Successful players often cycle through the different crew positions to maximize their situational awareness.it clips the top of reticule/scopes off.Due to popular demand, we increased the reticule sight at the expense of upper and lower parts of the circular sight. After all, most of the action is taking place around the center/horizon level.Is there some kind of 'preferences' file that the game creates that needs to be deleted before it will 'recongnise' the new 640x480 compatabiility settings?No. It's always SVGA screen resolution, no matter what.Any thoughts on the best mods to get? Some of the winter terrain, tank camos and skies etc. look great in the albums but I'm not sure what they will be called and whether they will be at the downloads page?Though I won't recommend any, but be aware that the night mod JUST changes the looks and not the underlying game mechanics. Which means, for computer controlled units it still will be as a bright day, just not for the player.

[attackrat]

On the subject of mods: I haven't had the chance to play around with any of Moggy's stuff (although they look friggin' awesome), but anything he or Rockape put together is worth getting. The night mod is probably my favorite, as it really increases the tension of the game. Just make sure you back up all your originals first.

[Hussar]

Ssnake/attackrat:

Thanks for replies.

I was beginning to think something had changed re the screen res, no matter what I did/set I still got a clipped reticule etc. It didn't bother me as such, just wanted to make sure I hadn't screwed up installation to such an extent I was missing some vital warning light that appeared in the top/centre :D .

Think I'll try the crew positions first. I'm not sure if the MS SW2 will allow me to programme it so 1st press of say 5 goes to view 1 then 2nd press goes to 2 etc. If so I'll do both the suggestions, makes sense. If not. think I'll try crew positions first + perhaps Main/CoAx, or even switch just TC/Gunner and HEAT/Sabot. I find those are the two I get in most of a panic with.

I actually think the graphics are good! especially for a game three years old! It certainly does the job. I play a lot of Combat Mission too so I'm used to playing games that sacrifice top notch graphics for gameplay. Give me the latter every time.

This game is excellent!!!! A good appetizer for SB2 as well, doubtless this will stand me in good stead for that. Another touch I like is all the docs in the SB GE I bought. Nice to see that I don't have to go and spend a fortune on good tactics books etc (though I probably will anyway for my other gaming interests).

One final thing. is there asite that contains any vehicle identification profiles etc for the units in the game? I'm fairly hot on WWII but, while I have some idea of what some of the 'allied' units do in SB, I'm not 100% sure and haven't come across it in the folders etc yet. There are two apc type vehicles with 'roof mounts' on that I'm not quite sure of. One looks like some kind of missile launch (AT?) system and the other (which drops back and down when you move) - not sure.

[attackrat]

I think Hell Hound has an anti-frustration kit for new gamers: take a look on his profile, it should contain a link. As to vehicle identification, the old SB site had a ID guide on it, but I haven't looked to see if the new site does yet. Sean?

[Lone*star49]

This game is excellent!!!!

One final thing. is there asite that contains any vehicle identification profiles etc for the units in the game? I'm fairly hot on WWII but, while I have some idea of what some of the 'allied' units do in SB, I'm not 100% sure and haven't come across it in the folders etc yet. There are two apc type vehicles with 'roof mounts' on that I'm not quite sure of. One looks like some kind of missile launch (AT?) system and the other (which drops back and down when you move) - not sure.

[Edited on 30/3/2003 by Hussar]


...

Welcome aboard Hussar.. and fine words.. that open doors..lol

Look in left column of forum down a bit..in small letters "recognition guide"

You'll find all you are looking for..

Enjoy.. LS ;)

* yes on tow a/o missile launchers .. Bradley, Jag, 901, troops - 2 tow launchers per squad.. moving units must be stopped for systems to set up and launch..

[Ssnake]

Actually the "Recognition guide" is listed in the "Content" section on the left.

http://www.steelbeasts.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=XForum&file=post.reply&fid=5&tid=720

[RnR]

heres my Prec 2 profile if you want to try it http://www.homerocker.com/sbcontrol.zip Basically I use the buttons for driving and speed, and the hat for quick view of map/gunsite - For me this keeps my hands from having to beat the keyboard to a minimum.

[Hussar]

RnR - Thx, will give it a go.