Google Maps

[John Given]

Hey Hobbes, you mention google maps - have you downloaded google earth? I have, and it's downright creepy - it's like a computer game where nothing shoots at you, but the game world is the size of the real world. You can zoom in or out however much you wish.

When you're in 'flying' mode, you can set the altitude for the height you wish, and it's fantastic for giving you the 'lay of the land.' I've 'flown' all over my hometown, visited the deepest parts of the ocean, 'climbed' mount Everest, toured Miami and the Florida keys, and climbed Tycho crater's central peak on the moon with google Moon (it's a part of google earth).

Also, all the terrain is based on satellite photos, and it's in 3d. In cities, many buildings are also in 3d. Amazing program.

as far as improving the AI - don't hold your breath. I'm not expecting any changes to this engine. Once we've had the new 1.05 patch come out AND the graphics engine update (which I thought we were getting a few years ago) then I'll hold out hope for AI / game engine improvements. Till then, it's merely a game program based off of the old Panzerblitz series, and I'm ok with that. I have to be realistic about what this old game engine is capable of.

Btw, the computer player is a much better defender than attacker - if you find your self playing against the computer often, be the attacker. It's much more challenging.