Chronic Logic

Yeah! I'll second that..... On complex 4 and still going....

Great work guys. I think everyone would agree that it was worth the wait.

Thanks again & regards

Bob

Blimey! Anyone might have thought that this was a forum for IRC Client Software ;)

Hi Tyro,

Bear in mind, that making Pontifex 2 very difficult to start with might deter new users (those unfortunate enough not to have played Pontifex), and thus I think as example levels it is a good intro.

No doubt the hard mode on release will probably be a lot more difficult in later levels.

If you think back to Pontifex, and the first competitions, most users were pretty surprised at different techniques used to cut the budget spending to a minimum.

In short, I don't think CL will short change the 'accomplished' designers by making it too easy for us. Bear in mind also that Pontifex 2 will allow massive levels, something which is not implemented in the pre-order levels - I for one look forward to those http://www.pontifex2.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Regards

Bob

Hi Robt,

You have to keep 'j' held down on keyboard whilst clicking the joint where you want the bridge to split and lift. The pneumatic supports should be connected to this point and anchored to a solid structure.

Hint.....level 3 needs only to lift 2 deck sections to get ship through.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Bob

Bump!

Hi DaSucker,

In level editing mode, hold down the period (full stop) key and click where you want the anchor point to be.

Voila!!!

Another solution from the desk of Panther International Pontifex Rescue - lol

rgds - Bob

Oi !

The (checking mail) thing has been done. I claim full copyright and hereby hold witness all members of the forum to your breach of copyrighted posts and use of intellectual property in order to gain humourous applause - lol

(See Tyro's How long can you..... post)

Rgds.

Bob

(Edited by panther at 2:13 pm on Sep. 25, 2002)

OK, I have defended CL in past posts however I do have points to make, CL I hope you do not take offence, but I'm sure many on the forums would agree with these :-

1. Release & Betas

The object of the beta is to iron out as many possible problems and be sure that the product is stable enough to release. This follows Alpha testing which is usually far more intense.

Unless a beta is stable and release complete - NO announcement should be made that it is up for release.

2 Upgrading the release

I gotta ask the question, why? If the release works, add 'new' features not destined for or completed by the release date in a patch or upgrade download.

Holding back a product because of 'I got another idea for it!' can be very damaging. Unless of course you say it was to add extra features and it was in fact a bug-fix.

3. Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs

Every piece of software has them, nobody likes them, virtually everybody has them! (Hands up if you own an OS by Microsoft, Linux, Beos etc)

The issue here is how bad are they? If PFX2 is witheld due to bugs, then why place a release date? But if Gray's comments on the beta were anything to go by, the beta was nowhere near the complete game, and that would mean that the Beta Test was too close to the release date......be interested in an answer to this as I used to Beta Test for Electronic Arts in the UK, and currently co-author/Alpha/Beta Test PDA software.

4. Customer Confidence

It goes without saying that being proactive is the best way to deal with wavering faith in a product, patch, update etc.

If you are having problems, tell the customers, but not at the last minute. Post on the forum from time to time letting them know how its going - nobody can knock you if you do that.

Please CL listen to your forums, and at least respond to some of the issues.

Remember, these are the people buying the software and not ripping it off, give and take and you can have the best advertising in the world - Word of Mouth!

A little more info on what is happening would not go amiss....

Regards

Bob

Yes I agree self restraint is the key.........

(checks mail)

After all a watched kettle never boils.......

(checks mail)

Not to mention you could (checks mail) turn into (checks mail) an obsessive (checks mail) compu (checks mail) lsive.

;-) Bob

Just thought I'd make a quick post. Might be of use to those wishing to experiment http://www.pontifex2.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> Follow the links below :-

http://www.brantacan.co.uk/bridges.htm
(Excellent resource, built by a friend of mine) - may go offline shortly but will be back, heaps of info!!! Say hi to Derek for me http://www.pontifex2.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

http://www.matsuo-bridge.co.jp/english/bridges/index.shtm

http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dscd/transportation/bridge/bridge_types/bridge_types.html
http://www.bardaglea.org.uk/bridges/bridge-types/bridge-types-intro.html

http://www.nationalconcretebridge.org/bridgetypes.html

http://www.balsabridge.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bardaglea.org.uk/bridges....

http
(If you've never tried building one and then testing it to destruction - you don't know what you're missing, hehe!)

http://www.howstuffworks.com/bridge1.htm
(Ever popular HSW - good bridge explanations)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/pdf/2416_bridge.pdf
(Bridge building, Chinese takeaway style in a convenient PDF.)

http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/manual.htm
(Basic but useful PDF's here)

OK, I think that should keep you guys busy until PFX2.

Regards to the forum community and all at ChronicLogic.

Bob

Another thought Danny.....

Take a look here if you are interested in finding out about some of the 'off the shelf' software which is for the bridge building industry.

http://www.bridgesite.com/softwarelinks.htm

Regards

Bob

I'm not a bridge builder, but as a systems engineer I have helped several designers, companies etc who are.

In particular stress analysis programs are amazingly complex, with the ability to calculate a square foot of structure in any given environment - tension, torsion, compression etc...

I remember a certain gentleman from WS Atkins coming to see me when I was building 486's (oh those were the days! - NOT). He travelled 300 miles in order to run their customised piece of software, which analysed a 4m square piece of bridge under heavy wind conditions - He booked into a local hotel and came back the next day after starting the program running.

It took 24 hours to complete the calculation back then!!!! Even with only 256 colours, the resultant displays were pretty amazing to look at. Like something out of the Star Trek engineering displays!!

The software professionals use is generally proprietary, in other words custom built for them. After all, would you trust a bridge that had been built by Microsoft and not patched before crossing it? - LOL

Regds

Bob

I know I made a post earlier about waiting for Pontifex 2, but it was in jest and good humour. Some of the posts seem to be getting a little 'edgy'.

Lets give CL a bit of time to get things sorted, I know you're all excited about it, as am I, but if people start getting seriously impatient it ain't gonna help anyone.

Not all delays are caused by tech. problems, server issues, bugs etc. Sometimes just handling the logistics of getting out new software can be a nightmare - trust me I know a little about this having done it.

Hang in there and remember that CL are as eager to get the S/W out as we are to play with it!!! Give 'em a bit of space and don't rant (for those who are tempted to do so)

Rgds 2 All

Bob

Hi to all at the forum.

Returning here after a substantially long break and thought I'd camp out for Pontifex 2. Rather like a Harrods sale really, I've been by the pc all night in a chair with a sleeping bag to keep me warm http://www.pontifex2.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

So if I've drifted off, will the next person to arrive please wake me in time for the Pontifex 2 sale. ta.

Regards to the guys at Chronic Logic, Pontifex was ace, you have some high expectations to meet for Pontifex 2 - and I'm sure you'll more than exceed them.

Anyway, I'm not gonna rabbit on, I might miss the doors opening - and then I'll be caught in the rush to get to the download counter - hehe

Regards

Bob aka Panther

Ladies and Gentlemen, on your marks............

Got to correct you on that one, just in case it's misleading to newbies. God mode is not a 'game' in it's own right. It is a function unlocked after completion of levels......although it's not the same as what is being suggested (if it sounds a bit cryptic, it's because I don't want to spoil it if you are a newbie!)

I agree that a total conversion where financial and safety constraints were implemented, would be an excellent idea.

Attaching explosives to correct part of the structure and detonating them in correct sequence, wind factor etc.... all sounds like great fun. http://www.pontifex2.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>