Hi everyone!
I'm posting here to encourage users to report any issues you may be experiencing with the latest Hero Mages update (v1.7.0). Several users have commented that they were experiencing a few minor problems and I'd like to fix these issues in the next update. Please describe the problem in detail and any steps necessary to recreate the issue so I can determine what's happening and fix the code.
Also, I'd appreciate if you would report bugs directly on the forums vs. emailing me as this gives me a better way to keep track and helps other users as they can add their feedback on the issues as well.
Ross,
As per your request, here are some unintentional features I reported to you via email (you can now delete the email):
- The site does not remember me between sessions. Cookies have been enabled for the HM site.
- When I go into the Multiplayer area, though my avatar is displayed correctly at first (color-wise), whenever I go into (almost) any of the option screens from the main multiplayer chat screen, my avatar changes back to the default color when I return to the main chat screen (it looses customization).
- The new icons in the main multiplayer chat screen have no help! You really need to put popup help - at the least - on the icons, or words and icons (sorry, I know this was an intentional change, but it really is confusing).
- I spent half an hour trying to figure out why the Quick Battle and Custom Battle icons were greyed out! I turned off my LSO manager, re-logged, did everything except reenter my code to unlock custom content (I was going to do this, but figured I would talk to you first in case you wanted me to try other things) before I tried to click on one of them and discover they are not available on the browser system. I know the trick in programming is reusing and not duplicating code, so I would recommend a generic message stating these are currently only available on the mobile versions.
That's it - nice job. These are fairly minor tweaks, so overall, I think you nailed it.
Thank you so much for reading my post and quickly pushing an update for the mobile version to fix the GUI issue. There is a new problem however. Me and my wife can no longer play together cross platform. The 1.7.1 update you released was mobile only. Now when we try to play a multiplayer game together, our version's don't match. Browser version is 1.7 and mobile is 1.7.1.
Phew...thanks for that info Stinkypinky! I had a mini-freakout thinking that iOS/Amazon users weren't going to be cross-platform compatible, but it looks like this bug is isolated to the Android Gold version only. For some reason, I mistakedly changed the min version compatible to v1.7.1 instead of keeping that at v1.7.0. All of the other versions, including Android Silver, seem OK. This means, for the time being, you can play vs. your wife using the (free) Silver version.
Also, WorldChamp was able to give me the recreation steps for the "User join game error". Essentially, if the game host is changing game options and a new user joins the room, the entire screen disappears and all you can see is the background screen.
Thanks for these reports guys- I will try and have these bugs fixed ASAP and update the new version.
FYI about version compatability in general:
While I can make immediate updates to my website, I have little control over when Android updates will take place (and even less when new iOS versions will be posted). This is why I implemented a new version system.
In the past, Hero Mages required that client versions match exactly. In the new version, I look at two properties - your actual version and your min compatible version. As long as these two numbers are within compatible range, you can play games together. This way, as long as the versions don't introduce game-balance differences, people using older versions can still play with others while they're waiting for their device-specific version to get the update push in the marketplace.
Our current problem with Android Gold and web users is that I made the mistake of updating the min version number when I should have left it at v1.7.0.
v1.7.2 is out! I've fixed the cross-platform compatability issue and the problem with game hosts' screens going blank when new users enter the room.
Trasd- when you say the "site" does not remember you- are you referring to the game itself (multiplayer login) or just the forums part?
Has anyone else experienced the avatar color changing unexpectedly? I have not been able to recreate this issue on my end.
Thanks for the quick fix and response Ross. I grabbed the 1.7.2 android update last night. Me and the wife are back to playing! :). I'll be sure to report back with any problems with the game so you have the needed feedback to fix them. We both love the game so much. We're surprised it's not alot more popular than what it is. I mean even if it was exclusively web based I would think it would be very popular amongst a certain group of people. But being able to play anywhere in the world (with internet access) on an adroid phone/tablet or the iPhone/iPad is just incredible.
Might I suggest that you try and advertise the game to Heroquest/Boardgame fans? Maybe make a post here - https://www.yeoldeinn.com (https://www.yeoldeinn.com) . I've seen people on that forum ask about an Online version of Heroquest. Maybe you could describe that although Hero Mages does not currently replicate the magic that is Hero Mages, it is similar in nature and questing HeroQuest style could be in the possible future.
Also, I'm not sure if you are familiar with Reddit, but there is a boardgame subreddit that exists - www.reddit.com/r/boardgames (https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames) . I'm sure Hero Mages would be widely accepted there. Here is a recent post asking about board games with Android versions - https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/rhdp7/what_boardgames_have_versions_out_on_android/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/rhdp7/what_boardgames_have_versions_out_on_android/) .
Good luck. I'm sure with your determination, skills, and fan interaction, Hero Mages will only get bigger and better.
To add to what StinkyPinky was saying, I think word-of-mouth is one of the best ways of making people aware of HM. Once people like us are aware, they will be hooked. I see this as my personal duty to let others know.
I am doing my best to spread the word to my DDO guild, until I write my review. This is exactly the kind of game I was looking for when I luckily found it. To tell you the truth, I had seen the game before when it was available just online and I was searching for a good MMO. I was not a big MMO fan back then (I'm still not, at times, I only play this, DDO, Lord of the Rings Online, and now Pocket Legends), but when I first saw the game, I really thought it was another hack and slay, money grabbing program; I really wish I would have read further back then. I think my first impression was because the artwork sort'a looks like those games.
Anyway, I just would like to see everyone spread the word as there really is little Ross can do on his own. It is definitely a niche type game, so the more that hear about it, the better.
Ross, I will try to get back to you on that question you had for me above, soon.
Also, I would like to suggest a referral-reward system for new accounts, that, I think, would greatly help increase new members.
I am coming across about a 4 - 6 second lag every time I summon a crystal golemn or my computer opponent summons one. Crystal golemn is only summon I notice that happening on.
Anyone else come across this ?
I thought is was just my laggy computer... so yes I have noticed that
Very keen observation, Warmage. What version of Flash Player are you guys running?
I've noted the following issues with unit model animations (this appears to be Flash bug with how transformations are happening):
There is a glitch in Crystal Golem Cast on frame 43 for the following two layers:
upperrightarm
upperleftarm
There is a glitch in Soul Reaver Defeat on frame 16:
Cape
The funny part is that Flash Pro will actually lock-up for about 5 minutes if I scrub to that frame. I wasn't seeing the issue when running on mobile, so I thought it was just a fluke. I'll try and get this fixed for next update.
Quote from: Stinkypinky on April 12, 2012, 03:38:47 PM MT
Might I suggest that you try and advertise the game to Heroquest/Boardgame fans? Maybe make a post here - https://www.yeoldeinn.com (https://www.yeoldeinn.com) . I've seen people on that forum ask about an Online version of Heroquest. Maybe you could describe that although Hero Mages does not currently replicate the magic that is Hero Mages, it is similar in nature and questing HeroQuest style could be in the possible future.
Also, I'm not sure if you are familiar with Reddit, but there is a boardgame subreddit that exists - www.reddit.com/r/boardgames (https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames) . I'm sure Hero Mages would be widely accepted there. Here is a recent post asking about board games with Android versions - https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/rhdp7/what_boardgames_have_versions_out_on_android/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/rhdp7/what_boardgames_have_versions_out_on_android/) .
These are excellent suggestions. I've tried this in the past, but the trouble is most sites frown upon newly registered users promoting games on their forums (even if it is an indie dev and for the benefit of their users) because it looks like a spam-bot soliciting. It's the equivalent of me coming up to a group of strangers saying "Hey, play Hero Mages!" vs. one of their friends saying "Dude, I just played this awesome game you have to check out called Hero Mages".
A recommendation to play Hero Mages is much more powerful coming from a senior community member with existing reputation on the site who's personally played the game and can attest to it's quality and sincerity. These sorts of word-of-mouth references have been instrumental to the growth of Hero Mages, and we'd of course love to have all your friends here playing with us!
Quote from: Trasd on April 12, 2012, 06:13:10 PM MT
To add to what StinkyPinky was saying, I think word-of-mouth is one of the best ways of making people aware of HM. Once people like us are aware, they will be hooked. I see this as my personal duty to let others know.
This is spot on. Your guys support means a lot to me and our community!
Thanks Ross... also all of the teams show up as T1 during the game(on the side screen showing all the characters that are play) when it comes to red and orange team, its hard to tell
Quote from: MagicMissle on April 13, 2012, 06:41:06 PM MT
Thanks Ross... also all of the teams show up as T1 during the game(on the side screen showing all the characters that are play) when it comes to red and orange team, its hard to tell
So they do... good catch! I'll get this fixed.
My flash version fyi.
10,3,181,23
Quote from: Ross Przybylski on April 12, 2012, 12:05:53 AM MTTrasd- when you say the "site" does not remember you- are you referring to the game itself (multiplayer login) or just the forums part?
Has anyone else experienced the avatar color changing unexpectedly? I have not been able to recreate this issue on my end.
Ross, oh boy, where do I begin? It seems I've fixed the Multiplayer login not remembering my information. As I've told you before, I'm not a huge fan of Adobe products. I'm old school as far as computers go. I don't like anyone or anything messing with my system without my express permission, and Adobe treats computers like they are Adobe's exclusive property; they put what they want where they want without asking.
I know you make your living programming Adobe products, so I tackled the problem from that angle. I have a utility that removes LSOs (Local Shared Objects - in short LSO's, AKA Flash-cookies - are special cookies that are placed on your computer by a Flash plug-in) whenever I exit my browser. I changed my LSO utility to protect the LSOs from the Hero Mages WEB site. This fixed the Multiplayer login problem (so far anyway, but I'm almost positive this took care of it).
As far as my Avatar changing from my custom blue to the default red, I have not been able to figure this one out. So, I have to ask you, how and where do you store this custom information (weird that it remembers the avatar but not the custom color)? I think we will have to work on this together.
Now, back to Adobe and this time, it's Flash settings; what most people don't realize is that Flash
can use YOUR bandwidth for other people; Peer-to-Peer bandwidth sharing. If any of you want to change your Adobe Flash settings, including denying P2P bandwidth sharing, go here (https://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html) (https://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html (https://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html)) and review all Flash's settings - you'll be surprised what they use as defaults! Protect yourself and know what is going on with your computer. Just about now I bet, many of you are realizing your computer is not as secure as you thought it was - is it?
This may have nothing to do with my Avatar, but I also block all trackers by default. Again, if any of you think you are secure browsing the WEB because you browse anonymously, check out trackers! Basically trackers collect information about you and your browsing habits. Be afraid, be very afraid (<--EDITED - this was meant as a joke). You can read about them here in the Wall Street Journal: https://blogs.wsj.com/wtk/. (https://blogs.wsj.com/wtk/.)
I hope some of you not only find this post an eye-opener, but I also hope it helps others who may be having similar problems.
Trasd, you are correct- Hero Mages uses local shared object to store your multiplayer login information and game settings. If you were nuking it with utility, that would definately result in the behavior you described.
As for the avatar, I came up with a though about what might be happening here, since you are saying that it changes to red when you go into a game room.
The color of your user avatar and the color you are represented with within the game itself are distinct. By default, when you start a game as a new host, your unit color will be the first color in the list (red). Try the following: Once you've entered the game room, click on the button that says "Users" and see if your avatar appears blue like you set it within your account settings. Your in-game avatar matches your forum avatar, and it looks like you have the blue rogue.
WOOT!
Yes Ross, the avatar under the Users heading is blue, like it should be. But, why does it think I am starting a game because I went into another screen? Oh well.... not that big of a deal as it is using my custom avatar as it should.
BTW Ross, I will be flashing a new ROM on my Nook (the newest CM7 release candidate; I'm tired of certain bugs with the version I am currently using), this will change it's ID information, it will look like a different machine. This won't affect me on this site will it? I know there is one app I paid for where the guy lives in a country where it is illegal for him to charge money in Market. Because of this, he had to setup a donate system, so I have to let him know when I flash a new ROM so his server recognizes me. I hope this made sense!
Trasd,
I think you should be fine. Your multiplayer content is safe for sure, and I believe the app purchase data is tied to your Google Account so you should be able to redownload just fine. Hero Mages will also be available in the Nook marketplace once it's review has been approved.
Ross, yes, Market purchases are attached to Google accounts, you are correct there; apps can be installed on any machine that uses that account. I guess what I was asking is if you used device IDs for anything, but the point is moot. I was not thinking clearly, flashing a newer version of the same OS does not change this information.
Also, by the sound of your posts, I get the impression you believe my machine is still a Nook or at least retains some Nook functionality, it is not and does not. I just call it that for lack of a better term - at home I call it my Noodle (LOL, I won't go any further here with that). Think of what I did as comparable to changing the OS on a PC from Windows to Linux. Same hardware, but totally different abilities. That is basically what I did; this is no longer a Barnes and Noble Nook Color really, but a generic tablet without all the bells and whistles; GPS, 4 or 3G, etc. I cannot run B&N software. I also call it a poor man's tablet. There is a way to simply root a Nook Color so it is essentially a B&N reader still, but with the capability of running Android apps. I did it this way at first, but that system has too many problems.
IF you did think I could run Nook stuff, I hope this straightened you out. My intention was not to insult your intelligence, so I hope I didn't.
First, idk what was said previously, but some comments on the iphone version of the app, is that there is no link to purchase the extra units. So it confuses some people why they are greyed out. (as some don't realize they are extra purchasable units)
Secondly, a bug Trasd (I think) was saying is located in this picture [attachment] I took (yes I bought the iphone version, though I normally use website)
As you can see, my avatar (has always been the purple wizard since I beat Baker that one time) and yet it shows I have a yellow wizard up in the top left of the picture.
Quote from: diesbudt on April 15, 2012, 06:25:35 AM MT
First, idk what was said previously, but some comments on the iphone version of the app, is that there is no link to purchase the extra units. So it confuses some people why they are greyed out. (as some don't realize they are extra purchasable units)
Secondly, a bug Trasd (I think) was saying is located in this picture [attachment] I took (yes I bought the iphone version, though I normally use website)
As you can see, my avatar (has always been the purple wizard since I beat Baker that one time) and yet it shows I have a yellow wizard up in the top left of the picture.
Thanks for this info dies! First, the links to purchase expansion content are intentionally removed for the iOS version. This is because I can't use my existing, custom billing system- I need to use App Store In-App billing, which I haven't had time to program yet. Rather than delay the release of the game further, I removed these features to comply with App Store policies. I hope to have an iOS supported In-App billing solution implemented in the next couple weeks, with the Player-Rewards system to follow after.
The avatar deal is clearly a bug- thank you for illustrating. It's interesting that it shows purple correct in the user pane but orange in the main summary (must be off by 1 as this is the next color in the array).
Will fix, thanks!
Looks like the avatar bug is as follows:
If you change avatar while logged in, the color will default to orange in that upper left pannel of the chat lobby. If you log out/log back in, the color will be correct.
The fix needs to ensure that when you update color, it matches the color specified immediately (without needing to log out/log in).
Quote from: Ross Przybylski on April 15, 2012, 01:39:36 PM MT
Looks like the avatar bug is as follows:
If you change avatar while logged in, the color will default to orange in that upper left pannel of the chat lobby. If you log out/log back in, the color will be correct.
The fix needs to ensure that when you update color, it matches the color specified immediately (without needing to log out/log in).
So really Ross, this particular bug has nothing to do with what I originally reported as an avatar bug, right? Or does it?
Doesn't matter as far as functionality with me because you are fixing it anyway, I was just wondering for completeness; I like closure.
Hi,
Newcomer here, so bear with me. I'm playing 1.72 on Android, and I noticed an option statin "Show Team Markers", but can't understand what it does.
On the changelog I read "Improvement: Improved the visual appearance of team markers by making them gradiented squares that rest underneath the units vs. the subtle/hard to see reticle indicator.", so I wanted to ask if there was an option that somehow allowed these supposed team markers to be always present in the board, even in single player mode, all the time, since sometimes it's hard to keep track of which characters you control in the board, and which belong to which team.
I tried a single-player match with 2 and 3 teams, and watching an online match, and nothing showed up that allowed me to identify which character belongs to each team, unless I would click on them. :|
If I'm missing something really obvious, please let me know :)
Cheers,
Paulo (coming from Touch Arcade)
--------
EDIT:
Actually, after playing a bit more, I finally got it. It only shows up on Team matches - and I was playing Free for All.
I guess I kind of expected those markers to represent the colors of the player controlling them - i.e. in Free for All you'd have each player with each color.
Now I don't really know if it makes sense anymore, since it might get confusing... I was just looking for an easy way to spot my characters and the opponent's ones. Anyone care to share their thoughts - or do you usually have no problem keeping track of them?
Cheers,
Paulo
You get used to it. I never have had a problem myself, I cant speak for others though
There is 8 colors that you can use to represent your units. No color can be used twice a match, so all X color units are yours.
(red, orange, yellow, green, blue, cyan/turquoise, purple, pink?)
All team members of the same team have a color square underneath them. (All red squares = same team, etc)
Oh, I see. I guess that in the mobile screen the colors in the character outfits, from the top, aren't really that noticeable - but now that you pointed it out, I can vaguely distinguish them :)
Thanks!
Looking forward to learning the basics so that then I can play with some of you online!
The colors can be a little hard to notice on mobile screen; I'm planning to up the quality/resolution in a future update and see if this helps. Team colorization was a tricky design problem. On the one hand, you need to know which units are yours. On the other, good to see which units are allied with one and other on the same team. Maybe it would help to have an option to specifically identify your own units (with a selection reticle or something)?
Hey pjft - newb here too;
When I come into a new game, the first thing I do is select a card - that automatically focuses the green selector on my Mage, then I know where my team is located.
After playing a lot (mostly solo - against the AI), I can usually tell now. I wish I would have done what you did and jumped right into multiplayer. Now I have as much to unlearn as I have to learn. I thought it would be foolish (plus I have/had time restraints) to play against others without knowing what I was doing (bad MMO experience, I guess), now I know that was a mistake,
Thinks die! Now I know what to practice.