Update 1.2 brings new scenarios and AIs

[Peter_TSS]

Hello forum dwellers,

Our new update for Battle of the Bulge should be available on the App Store, and you're going to want to update as soon as possible to see what we've been working on.

There's a brand new scenario, "End Game," which throws you right into the action on the 21st, using history as your starting point. By then, the battlefield was fractured. Sure, the Axis have Bastogne surrounded, but the Allied reinforcements are right around the corner. It is available as an in-app purchase for $3.99.

There are also two twists on the Battle of the Bulge scenario. "Luck of the Draw" keeps players on their toes by randomizing each sides' starting positions and reinforcements. "Bitter End" always lasts until the 28th, which allows for more dramatic comebacks as well as more drastic routs. Each of these scenarios are free with the update.

There are also two new AI opponents, one for each side. Hasso Von Manteuffel is the new Axis AI. He has a different idea of how to marshall the Axis forces. If you're able to adapt, you might be able to foil his plan. The Allies get Omar Bradley. He is careful, methodical and relentless. If you don't pay attention, he'll cut off your supply lines and neutralize your forces without a fight. Each personality is available as an in-app purchase for $1.99.

And finally, there are also new Game Center Achievements, new biographies, and new bug fixes.

Let us know what you think about the new stuff!

[jarg1]

I'm downloading it now and very excited to try the out the new goodies!

[wargamer11]

Are there any conflicts in online play if one player is using 1.1.1 and another is using 1.2?

I'd hate to be bitten by that bug again during tournament play.

[Meridian99]

Great update! Was there any work done on the original AI?

[Miguel_TSS]

Great update! Was there any work done on the original AI?

Yes, we addressed several reported issues with the original AIs and focused on a few areas we know we could improve. I find Patton a bit more interesting than he used to be, but I'll let you be the judge. The real trick with the AIs is making sure all the personalities and strategies felt different enough, especially since the original 4 play ALL the scenarios.

I hope experts will find the games fun and reasonable, and newer to intermediate players will feel pressure, but also the opportunity to succeed against an AI that does not cheat.

[daviddunham]

Are there any conflicts in online play if one player is using 1.1.1 and another is using 1.2?

Not that we know of! And this was certainly part of our testing.

It’s always a good idea for everyone to update though.

[Peter_TSS]

There is a pretty major conflict if you, using 1.2, invite someone using 1.1.1 to play one of the new scenarios, the other person's Bulge will crash upon opening that invitation. But that won't affect current games.

[Meridian99]

Are there any conflicts in online play if one player is using 1.1.1 and another is using 1.2?

Not that we know of! And this was certainly part of our testing.

It’s always a good idea for everyone to update though.

Great! I just played a game with the new random scenario against the axis and the AI did some very interesting moves (in a good way). I had fun playing it. Keep up the great work!

[How Kola]

After buying all the IAP, I seriously regret paying for the new AI personalities. While BoB is the best two-player game on the iPad (balance issues notwithstanding) and a brilliant design, the AI it shipped with is terrible. I had high hopes that the new AI would be better, especially since each personality is charged for separately, but if anything they are worse than the original bots. They still constantly abandon strong positions and fail to exploit obvious advantages, only now their overall strategies would be hopeless even if they played perfectly.

I'm not unhappy that Shenandoah got more of my money, as BoB overall is a tremendous value. I am unhappy that the studio is wasting time and resources making bad AI and charging for it. It obviously isn't a trivial programming challenge, and your talents would be better applied elsewhere.

[Miguel_TSS]

Thanks for your continued support in 1.2! Please remember to send a Bug report when you encounter unexpected / poor behavior. That is the best way we can track down and hopefully improve your experience.

[ERA101]

After 1.2 update, I try to bought the IAPs. But cannot, i can download free IAP but the not the paid ones.
(All three, it's said I've already bought and will download but it,s still not appear in game.) restore purchase didn't help though.
I don't know what happen and how to fix, try to redownload once but still have problem.

Sent a topic once but it's still waiting for approve, i think.

[s_nkarp]

Sorry you're having difficulties. The IAPs are definitely up there and people are downloading them.

Suggest trying again (perhaps remove the whole app and re-download).

Any unusual situation (very tight memory, unusual version of iOS, hardware with other issues)? What version of iOS and model iPad?

Several of us at the office had something happen where we upgraded, but the downloaded version was 1.1.1...we had to upgrade again. But other people had no issues. Our best guess at this point is that there is some flakiness associated with the specific iTunes server, but we're continuing to try to pin it down.

[s_MesaDon]

Almost $20.00 for everything, that is crazy since what you added finally made the game worth (maybe) the original ten dollars. I keep hoping that value and replayability will be their for North Africa battle. The maps are good looking (still not sure about the "Risk" type areas), I like the unit icons etc. but I feel that there should be fog of war, without it the game is lacking. I really wish to like the game but ......