As a QMB is currently WiP, let's discuss what it needs to be successful

[Mysticpuma]

This is the QMB Pro created by the SAS team. Simply put, look at the menu options offered, add those to CloD

Done!

The following is from the SAS website:

 

"The QMB Pro now has a link to the F.M.B. too. It allows you to edit the Quick Mission that you are selecting:
 

 

The Big ComboBoxes as the one of Planes or this one of Missions, are Auto-Limited now to not exceed the height of the Screen. It is a problem derived from the stock code that in the past we have solved by setting the size of the auto-expansión. Nothing of that is required anymore.

 

 

Single Mission Pro v4.12.2m.
The Combo of the the Mission Pro allow us to change the conditions of missions, plus decide if the parachutes (a fps impacting feature) will be enabled or not. Now it remembers the last mission for Single Missions, Campaigns, Net Mission of every kind, etc. (this feature originally was only available for Single Missions and off-line campaigns).
Now you can invoke (only for Single Missions) the Full Mission Builder (F.M.B.) from the Single Mission Pro, and it opens the mission you were working on. This F.M.B. is based on FMBPlus, but the scrollwheel operation and some minor extra functions required to make it available for other modules (QMB and Briefing screens) were implemented:

 

Even a basic UI like this would be enough to carry the Single Player enjoyment forward.

Personally speaking, as there is no development deadline or end phase given, there would be time to cater to this once VR is done.

Please consider the 4x larger Single Player community when it comes to generating revenue, rather than the much smaller online experience.

 

A QMB like the above would be a huge step forward.

[FTC_Rostic]

If you run IL-2 1946 and run quick mission builder with same preset, you'll always end up in exactly same mission. So, that mission builder is in fact just a 'mission selector' that is capable of alternate appearance of air group in mission, number of AI in each air group, AI group skill, ordnance preset, fuel amount and some settings like weather, time, etc.

 

1) CloD already has Quick Mission game mode where you can select type of mission you would like to fly. There are just missing few options like AI skill adjustment and AI aircraft settings (like skins, markings, ordnance, etc.). So what a sense in creating new game mode from scratch if it is possible just to add few features to QMB?

 

 

2) Also, anyone can create their own 'AddIn' for CloD with custom mission generation UI and script. Example can be found there:

https://code.google.com/archive/p/il2dce/

 

To make that project work in BLITZ, all you need, is to download sources. Switch project from x86 to x64 CPU architecture... fix several references to game core DLLs and recompile.

Actually here is my build for BLITZ: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bNGCdQr5guJCQJuQxJft9rbtkf098ENk/view?usp=drive_link

And project adopted for BLITZ in VisualStudio2013: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B31Hy2GxebNcU1MafXNw3NQfrBsVraGZ/view?usp=drive_link

 

Using this project sources as an example any one with programming skills can create custom "single player mission/campaign builder" with custom Bells and Whistles

Edited January 4 by FTC_Rostic

[Mysticpuma]

Hmm, okay so in the CloD QMB, we can choose which map, what landscape (Summer/Winter map), whether we are being chased, head on or the chaser, what height our aircraft starts at and what height their aircraft starts?

[FTC_Rostic]

25 minutes ago, Mysticpuma said:

Hmm, okay so in the CloD QMB, we can choose which map, what landscape (Summer/Winter map), whether we are being chased, head on or the chaser, what height our aircraft starts at and what height their aircraft starts?

 

Just new mission templates have to be added for what ever scenarios needed.

I guess more advanced filter will be needed than only available map selection.

 

Any way what I mean. Current Quick mission is technically same thing as 1946 QMB. Just 100 times less mission scenario templates and few feature tweeks missing.

[Mysticpuma]

So with a few tweaks it should be possible to have a fully fledged QMB up and running pretty easily?

[deathmisser]

I mean isn't the FMB in Clod is just an updated version of the old IL-2 46 one? 

 

But yeah I really wish there was a CloD mod where the QMB is the same as tge old 46 one. 

[FTC_Rostic]

8 hours ago, Mysticpuma said:

So with a few tweaks it should be possible to have a fully fledged QMB up and running pretty easily?

"Tweaks" needed to provide abilities to adjust missing features by player:

1) AI skills

2) AI ordnance

3) presence, absence of AAA,

4) adjust altitude variation between air groups

5) setup player aircraft in QM page (just open same page from Options menu).

 

List of missions types already present. They are designed to specific number of air group but player can reduce number of aircraft in those groups.

Anyway, we can dream about what ever features we want. But I think most realistic scenario is to improve situation with existing quick missions. Just implement pt.1, pt.2, pt.4, pt.5 and add mission type "Free flight start on the ground".

[Mysticpuma]

There are still many features not available editing the quick missions, hence the request for a QMB interface like the first post. So, for example, in the current quick missions, can I change the landscape of the BoB map to Winter, Easily), if I am board with Summer (or Autumn)?

Edited January 5 by Mysticpuma
Typo

[Dagwoodyt]

I would prefer to see a  QMB selection on the main menu page, a real QMB that functions like the one in Il-2 GB or like the ME in DCS. If the thinking to simply add options to the current QM menu, that is a "bandaid". The QM system is outdated. So is the Training module that needs either a complete overhaul or deletion. In reality though, even if such game feature enhancements were possible, if contingent on TF 6.0 release, that release would likely not be seen this decade.

Edited January 5 by Dagwoodyt

[FTC_Rostic]

3 minutes ago, Dagwoodyt said:

I would prefer to see a  QMB selection on the main menu page, a real QMB that functions like the one in Il-2 GB or like the ME in DCS. If the thinking to simply add options to the current QM menu, that is a "bandaid". The QM system is outdated. So is the Training module that needs either a complete overhaul or deletion.

 

Oh, yeah. A training module really need a complete overhaul for new customers. I'd prioritize it over QMB. But to make proper training missions, TFS should extend mission script API with ability to read aircraft controls state (stick and pedal, magneto switches, fuel valve shutters, etc.). Also API to read controls settings. For that, as minimal solution, game just have to make sure settings flushed to disk after user hit apply. So, mission script can read all updated settings on the fly from "userConf.ini". I guess all of that is already there, just hidden from mission script API. Additional ability to show and hide highlighting "dimond/rect/circle" around control in cockpit to visually outline element player should interact next (like in DCS) will be a good thing.

 

[Avimimus]

I would say:

 

(1) QMB should be quick to fly (i.e. airstart near the action) as well as quick to create/edit.

 

(2) Being able to add additional templates. One of the expanded QMB for Il-2 1946 (not the one TD ended up going with) had an ability to add templates, and being able to modify the templates to produce specific and unique scenarios, to share templates as well as presets, was really great.

 

(3) Early war scenarios (plane-sets) can be doomed by excessively advanced anti-aircraft fire in templates. There should be settings for changing the intensity of Flak and the era for Flak. If one is flying a CR.32 vs. a Gloster Gladiator in a secondary front in 1939... then anti-aircraft fire should be mainly machine guns and light machine guns. If one is flying a 1943 then a flakvierling might be appropriate.

 

[Guest deleted@424816]

A commendable initiative that should act as a stepping stone to a career mode generating dynamic missions...

[FTC_Rostic]

5 hours ago, Cardolan said:

A commendable initiative that should act as a stepping stone to a career mode generating dynamic missions...

 

Dynamic campaign plugin for BLITZ ready to play right now. Last version was released in 2012. I just made it compatible with BLITZ.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bNGCdQr5guJCQJuQxJft9rbtkf098ENk/view?usp=drive_link

 

Just write over game installation folder in Steam Library...
No game files will be overwritten, just new ones will be added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though, briefings quite primitive...

But who bothers to read them at all???

[Dagwoodyt]

From August 14, 2020 TFS Note:

 

Creation of a Dynamic Campaign Generator.

 

We are currently working on this... not clear when it might be available.

 

AFAIK this project was never mentioned again.

[Mysticpuma]

1 hour ago, Dagwoodyt said:

From August 14, 2020 TFS Note:

 

Creation of a Dynamic Campaign Generator.

 

We are currently working on this... not clear when it might be available.

 

AFAIK this project was never mentioned again.

4 years should have progressed it a little one would hope. Even if we have to stick with the current quick missions, I would love an option to change the Seasons from Summer to Autumn then Winter.

[Dagwoodyt]

The initial reception of DWT may have prompted that rather grandiose laundry list of CloD new features to come. 🤔

[Guest deleted@424816]

On 1/6/2025 at 9:05 PM, FTC_Rostic said:

 

Dynamic campaign plugin for BLITZ ready to play right now. Last version was released in 2012. I just made it compatible with BLITZ.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bNGCdQr5guJCQJuQxJft9rbtkf098ENk/view?usp=drive_link

 

Just write over game installation folder in Steam Library...
No game files will be overwritten, just new ones will be added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though, briefings quite primitive...

But who bothers to read them at all???

 

 

Nice stuff!

 

Tell me, the entire span of the campaign covers all the phases of the battle or KanalKampf (the only option in the menu) covers just the the first phase, before Luftwaffe went after ground instalations in Britain proper?

 

Thanks for this anyway!

 

[FTC_Rostic]

23 hours ago, Cardolan said:

 

 

Nice stuff!

 

Tell me, the entire span of the campaign covers all the phases of the battle or KanalKampf (the only option in the menu) covers just the the first phase, before Luftwaffe went after ground instalations in Britain proper?

 

Thanks for this anyway!

 

 

I have no idea. I just shared this as an technical example of what can be done for CloD without access to game engine source code, just using publicly available API's. That is a Dynamic Campaign Engine (that is what DCE stand for in the name of AddIn). It has nothing in common with historical KanalKampf campaign

[Buffo002]

Hello, I copied the 2 files into the game, after starting it, "IL2DCE Single" appears on the single player panel, but when I click on it, nothing happens, it won't let me continue. Is there a problem with any dll files? 

[Cardolan]

3 hours ago, Buffo002 said:

Hello, I copied the 2 files into the game, after starting it, "IL2DCE Single" appears on the single player panel, but when I click on it, nothing happens, it won't let me continue. Is there a problem with any dll files? 

 

I installed and everything ran without a problem. Only shortcoming is there are only three squadrons available for the Britsh side. 1 for Spits, other for Hurries and yet another for Blenheims. Didn't try Luftwaffe...

Edited January 16 by Cardolan

[kraut1]

4 hours ago, Buffo002 said:

Hello, I copied the 2 files into the game, after starting it, "IL2DCE Single" appears on the single player panel, but when I click on it, nothing happens, it won't let me continue. Is there a problem with any dll files? 

Have the same issue.

It seems to me, that the "TheEnlightenedFlorist Dynamic Campaign" could be based on the same code?

But I am not a programmer, maybe I am wrong.

But this Campaign Mission Generator works on my computer.

And the "TheEnlightenedFlorist Dynamic Campaign" is intergrated in CLOD too.

 

[Mysticpuma]

If only there was a DCG and QMB included with the game?🫤

[kraut1]

1 hour ago, Mysticpuma said:

If only there was a DCG and QMB included with the game?🫤

I waited to buy CLOD until I read that the Team Fusion Mod was working really good.

This was in 2015.

And when I installed first time CLOD and the Team Fusion Mod the "TheEnlightenedFlorist Dynamic Campaign" was already included in the game!

 

 

[-343ku-silkysky]

Thank you for the great add-in information and the latest file.

However, unfortunately, it did not work well in my environment.

So, I downloaded the source files from GitHub and built them using Visual Studio 2022 Comunity edition on my PC, referring to each of the latest Blitz modules.

It works well in my environment.

 

Target Framework: .NET Framework 4.8

 

For reference, the source and the built set will be placed on the following site.

 

https://1drv.ms/f/c/538de3d97d257b91/EpEtEAkJxktPmIAhvdK2vLUBGo61x4IMdGbYWkPcSlxEvg?e=jITPD5

Target File: il2dce-master_BuildNET4.8.zip

 

Please use the modules in the release folder
 il2dce-master_BuildNET4.8\IL2DCE\Release

 

By the way, when I referred to the latest Blitz module using Visual Studio, it seemed to include CLI classes related to QuickMissionBuilder.

It's probably currently disabled due to development.
I look forward to future developments. Thanks.

Edited January 17 by silkysky

[Mysticpuma]

6 hours ago, silkysky said:

Thank you for the great add-in information and the latest file.

However, unfortunately, it did not work well in my environment.

So, I downloaded the source files from GitHub and built them using Visual Studio 2022 Comunity edition on my PC, referring to each of the latest Blitz modules.

It works well in my environment.

 

Target Framework: .NET Framework 4.8

 

For reference, the source and the built set will be placed on the following site.

 

https://1drv.ms/f/c/538de3d97d257b91/EpEtEAkJxktPmIAhvdK2vLUBGo61x4IMdGbYWkPcSlxEvg?e=jITPD5

Target File: il2dce-master_BuildNET4.8.zip

 

Please use the modules in the release folder
 il2dce-master_BuildNET4.8\IL2DCE\Release

 

By the way, when I referred to the latest Blitz module using Visual Studio, it seemed to include CLI classes related to QuickMissionBuilder.

It's probably currently disabled due to development.
I look forward to future developments. Thanks.

What exactly have you built?

Sorry, it's not clear from your post, cheers.

[Buffo002]

I would like some advice on where to copy which files or put them in the mod. It is clear where to copy the Release file. But where should I copy the other folders?  

 

It works!!!! If I copy the Release File (AddIns and parts) directly under the game it works, now I'm flying. But I haven't finished the mission yet. But what are the other folders where I should copy them? If I need them at all.  

 

Downloaded file :  il2dce-master_BuildNET4.8

 

I just want to ask, there are no statistics for the number and types of aircraft shot down, destroyed targets, ships, etc. Is that right? Too bad, it would be great.

 

Just in the old dynamic campaign IL2DCE-0.2.1.306.exe, there was a table on the left, which displayed the number of downed aircraft and their type. It would be great to restore this, at least one would have an overview of how many planes were shot down throughout the campaign.  

Edited January 19 by Buffo002

[FTC_Rostic]

14 hours ago, silkysky said:

.. I downloaded the source files from GitHub ...

Thanks. I did not knew there was new source code on GitHub

Added it to my CloD code base collection.