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After Action
This is the documentation of the Findings from Muzzle Flash Alpha #1 testing.
It serves as the foundation for future test plans and development of
the Muzzle Flash ACW interactive simulation.
Announced Test Objectives
1. Assess the software deployability.
Record any problems recorded during the setting up of the software by noting
such things as error messages and the like.
2. Read through the Player Guide and provide any feedback.
Remembering this is not a step by step booklet designed to tell you how to
fight the war but one that is designed to get players feet wet.
3. Once play begins note any software abnormities.
These may include graphics that appear in the wrong place or problems with
command buttons not being enabled.
Findings
1. Assess the software deployability.
| Team/player |
O/S used |
Installation results |
|
| CSA/Sweeney |
WIN98 |
successful; bandwidth issues on GeoCities |
| CSA/Hartley |
WIN98 / XP Home |
successful in both O/S; trouble on download from GeoCities |
| CSA/Harkama |
XP |
successful; downloaded from Studies Grp site |
| CSA/McGrath |
unk |
successful; some difficulty in file management |
| CSA/Placzek |
unk |
successful though had problems with downloading from the dis-sims site
(trouble with copying VB6STKIT.DLL) |
| CSA/J. Gordon |
XP Hm / WIN 98 |
XP Hm - download OK / did not
install (defaulted to looking for CD)
WIN 98 -
successful |
| |
|
|
| USA/Young |
WIN98 |
successful; bandwidth issues on GeoCities |
| USA/Gallatin |
WIN98 |
successful; bandwidth issues on GeoCities |
| USA/Whipple |
WIN Me |
unsuccessful; Muzzle Flash did not work on Me |
| USA/Hemer |
unk |
unk |
| USA/Sanders |
WIN2000 / XP Hm |
successful on both O/S after download moved to Studies site; WIN2000
developed problem corrected by new terrain.mdb file |
| USA/ Otis |
XP Pro |
successful download (though bandwidth problem on GeoCities) / install
successful (could not use the embedded email messaging) |
| USA/Collett |
unk |
successful; downloaded from the Studies site only |
NOTE: During the course of Alpha Test #1 there were
five software updates distributed as downloads from the HOLF Studies Group
site. There were zero reported problems with the download or installation of
these updates.
2. Read through the Player Guide and provide any feedback.
All players were able to download, open, and read the user's
guide, the Muzzle Flash Manual of Arms. There were no
reported problems in getting the file or being able to open and read it. The
critique of the manual focused in three areas:
3. Once play begins note any software abnormities.
The following comments were made about the Muzzle Flash
software:
 | One reported instance of the software locking up when the
player clicked "Yes" to issue orders. The email client was AOL. This glitch
was not able to be corrected and the player had to drop out of the test. |
| Some players reported errors on entering the State
Capitol Page. Since the software work in Alpha-1 did not include this part
of the program there was no resolution. |
| Some players had to re-set their initial setup to be able
to use Muzzle Flash - |
"When I unzipped this file into my MuzzleFlash folder and
went to the game I went thru and did orders. When asked if I wanted
to send I clicked "yes" and got RTE#439(think that was the number) I then went
to game setup and bulleted the proper email
program and sounds and hit the set,then went back inot game and redid the
orders and did not get the RTE message,so you all
may have to go reset your game setup as I did to avoid the RTE"
| Players requested a strategic map to aid in the direction
of their units and subordinates. This need was met by the "palm map"
addition. |
| Many players did not understand the following game
feature - |
"The problem with coordinating movements between players is
that the order of sequence that your emails are received in will
be the order that the computer moves the units in. This has been built in
purposely."
| Players want to be able to add more than one name on the
CC: using the embedded email system. |
| Glitches in the software noted during the test and
corrected: -
Players not familiar with the unit command interface
- Error on exiting
the UCS
- problems with
artillery commands
- problems with the
FIRE and CHARGE commands induced by the artillery fix
- confirmation
messages on the execution of FIRE and CHARGE commands
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Players are asked to
contact John Sanders if there are issues or corrective actions not listed as
part of this record.
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