Switch Gem TD to Gem TD+

[nvs]

I have been working on an updated version of Gem TD, initially presenting my plan here in this topic. The version I am suggesting to adopt has only bug fixes and performance improvements. Gameplay/balance wise it is exactly the same as v3.1 (the last official version) or v4.0kn that is currently auto-hosted.

Map development is currently focused at a GitHub repository. For a full list of changes, see the Changelog. To sum up the changes quickly, I would mention HCL compatibility, the removal of all cheats (e.g. the `-kick` command) and ban lists, and the resolution of all known major bugs, including game ending ones.

For the foreseeable future Gem TD+ will deal with bug fixes and performance improvements. However, at some point, I hope address balance issues and try to increase the replay value of the map. Neither of those will be done without community involvement.

Load code: `jwmjg` (Gem TD+ 1.1)
Slot layout: The same as the current Gem TD (players 1-8 open).
Number of players: The same as the current Gem TD (4 players before autostart).
Problems with map: None, as far as I am aware.
Why the map should be autohosted: It is an improved, as well as maintained, version of Gem TD.
Special notes: Settings selection has been reworked (see Gem TD+ Settings for details). Using the HCL command string of '0' (a single zero) will guarantee the default difficulty (currently 'Extreme') is selected. That is my suggestion. As far as autoban, whatever the current setting for Gem TD is will suffice. I believe this is disabled?

@BeerLord

[HazarDous]

@nvs

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is no active developer for Gem TD map?

So you have recently taken on yourself to develop the map further? For my curiousity, why add an "+"?

Also,

Gameplay/balance wise it is exactly the same as v3.1 (the last official version) or v4.0kn that is currently auto-hosted.

Can you enlighten me on what you base your work off? Gem TD v3.1 and v4.0kn are the same thing or..?



Anyway, after a quick look at ur links, u seem to be organized and know what u are doing. @BeerLord can you test the map and give ur input, please.

[nvs]

@HazarDous

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is no active developer for Gem TD map?

There has been no active developer of Gem TD since Bryvx left. His last version was v3.1 (which was many years ago), and all other versions after are unofficial.

Can you enlighten me on what you base your work off? Gem TD v3.1 and v4.0kn are the same thing or..?

The original Gem TD versions by Bryvx are not obsfucated, so I based my work upon v3.1 itself. To be honest, I was rather surprised, but that did save me a bit of time. Regardless, I will end up having to rewrite the majority, if not all, of the code at some point or another (Bryvx used GUI triggers, and a number of key parts of the code are rather inefficient).

After looking at as many version of Gem as I could get my hands on, I quickly realized they were all just v3.1 clones. I was assuming at least a few would have some work I could pull from, but none of them fix any bugs whatsoever, and often just add more. The most common changes were adjusting the hit points of the Damage Test, or adding in additional cheats on top of what v3.1 already had. About the only useful contribution by any version was the `-zoom` command, which was simply part of a large cheat injection into the map.

As for v4.0kn, it is obsfucated (which does improve performance), but it is almost entirely v3.1. It has injected cheats, which is where the `-zoom` command comes from. Now, it does force players to select 'Race' and 'Extreme', but that was a relatively minor change. At this point I can spot a v3.1 clone, obsfucated or not, pretty quickly.

So you have recently taken on yourself to develop the map further? For my curiousity, why add an "+"?

Yes, I plan to work on the map further. I got fed up with the bugs, and opted to do something. To be honest, I almost started working on it a couple years ago, but I got sidetracked. Gem is one of my favorite games, period, and I see myself working on it for a good while. Regardless, even if I end up having to stop at some point in the future, the state of Gem is already much healthier, given anyone can clone the repository and continue updating the map.

As far as the "+", there was a point where I considered simply incrementing the version past v3.1, but that's already been done with unofficial ones trying to pose as an official release (up to v4.0, and in some cases further). Rather than pick an arbitrary number to release as, I opted to simply rebrand (hence the plus). I feel it indicates that the map, in a sense, is starting over and being actively maintained.

[aRt)Y]

Sounds great. We will await some community input.

If you need any help forum-wise to support the map development, let me know.

[BeerLord]

This looks very well done. NVS addresses every bug/issue/annoyance associated with gem td that I am aware of. Nice work.

[nvs]

If you need any help forum-wise to support the map development, let me know.

I'll consider your offer. I was originally planning not to use anything else but my repository. However, gaining exposure is a bit difficult. The best I can do currently is host my version of the map, or go into the autohosted games and try to inform people of my version. Most existing Gem players simply just /whois the bot hosting Gem, and bypass the hosting list entirely.

[bunnyjean]

Hello. I am long time GEM TD player and if you have played it regularly you probably have seen me around. I think you guys should try auto hosting his version because it addresses many of the bugs in the other one. It would also be great to have an active developer to make this game a better and improved version. I have played this new version by NVS and have even been along the journey with him in testing it out many times. He listens to people and takes their suggestions into his revised version. I am pretty sure no one else thinks about gem more than NVS. It is a good map and I support it. Please take this suggestion into account and have a great day!

[nvs]

Thank you to whoever sticked my thread in the 'Custom Games' forum. I went ahead and updated the first post to reflect more recent information.

[aRt)Y]

You are welcome. As I said, you will get help if it's possible.

Approved. I expect some backslash though, however, that's always the case when a new chapter begins. I will looking forward to seeing the community discuss it passionately on the forums.

[nvs]

Thank you for the decision, it means a lot. I'm excited at the prospect of being able to serve the Gem community.

[nvs]

Although it (Gem TD+ 1.0) is well tested, ready to go, and includes many fixes already, I would recommend waiting for the 1.1 release, which I should have ready in about a week.

I was planning to tackle more issues in the 1.1 release, however a set of fixes that I applied last night drastically improves performance, enough so that I feel it warrants its own release. I know everyone's setup is different, but with every setting on high my FPS in the late game used to be between 10-15 FPS. With the fix applied it stays pretty much the maximum, or 60 FPS.

A week would give me enough time to test things as thoroughly as I prefer. If that's okay, I'll make a new reply and provide updated information when I have it ready.

[HazarDous]

@nvs

Ok, moved back to suggestions for now.

Make sure to have 1.1 tested before release.

[nvs]

I have finished up Gem TD+ 1.1. The performance improvement is nice, and most people who have tried the map say it feels a lot smoother when compared to the older versions. I have gone ahead and updated the first post with details for the new release.

[aRt)Y]

Approved.

[uakf.b]

updated