Messages

421

Discussion / Re: How did you find Ra2?

« on: May 15, 2018, 08:55:05 PM »

Kinda a chain reaction of things for me.  Found RA1 in a Hope Depot I think when I was stupid young, I think after I liked RA1 enough, I decided to do more research on things (which is probably a fancier way of saying I was looking for cheat codes when I was young), then I found then RA2 from there.  BBEANS also kinda helped me get back into the game as well when I was briefly searching for RA2 forums (I think).

422

DSL TC Showcases / Re: RedAce's DSL Network

« on: May 12, 2018, 08:52:17 PM »

Modular Cruiserweight that I kinda made on the spot:



Kinda have a few ideas for what bot type each interchangeable design could use, but it's kinda undecided for the most part.

423

Tournament Archives / Deathmatch 2 - Signups Closed

« on: May 12, 2018, 01:33:39 PM »

What, another already?  Well, I felt people weren't happy with certain aspects of how the first Deathmatch was handled and I'm at least hoping some much better results and much less angrier people yelling at me.  I'm not trying to sound rude, but I don't want to act like a pushover this time.  In the end, this is all supposed to be a fun project.  Please don't make this less fun for me this time.

GENERAL RULES:
- DSL 2.2 CW's
- IRL Building Style
- 36 (or 48/60/72) Entrants Maximum (See Battle Rules for more details)
- One bot per member.  In the event that signups are filling up slowly, then I will allow Secondary Signups.
- I'm willing to AI if you are not able to, but don't complain what I AI'd your bot or you will disqualified automatically (It will not change once the SBV thread is up.)
- Seeded builders will be allowed to have a reserved spot in the competition if they wish.
- Unseeded entrants will not be reserved, and I cannot allow reserving spots or placeholder bots for any reason
- Blatant Re-Entrants from the first Deathmatch are not allowed, at least update it enough to be different enough for a rebuild
- Any attempt to exploit a loophole will be rejected immediately
- You can send your entrant to me through a personal message through GTM or Discord (ThatRedAceGuy#0948 is my tag if you want to add me and/or just send through there)

BUILDING RULES:
- DSL 2.2 Bots only
- Cruiserweight bots only (399.1 - 600.0 KG)
- Build and enter a design that YOU built yourself  (Yes, I had to make this a rule as I got "placeholder" bots trying to abuse the update rule.  I can understand why, but it makes the 'first come, first serve' thing very scummy)
- I can allow custom AI .py files if you need your entrant to do something specific that would otherwise not be possible with a normal .py file.  However, if it that makes your bot overpowered or is pointless and/or just stupid memes, then the entrant along with the custom AI .py is banned.
- Very Strict IRL Rules Apply (But this time, I will much, MUCH more strict about this rule this time.  Simply put, Don't try and make tryhard bots this time)
- You must have a minimum of two wheels attached and must show controlled movement
- Shufflers will get an additional 200 KG, but that weight must be used for the mechanism itself (Pure Walkers are banned for the fact that I can't AI them.  However, If YOU can get them to work in RA2 and YOU are able to AI it, go for it.  The weight advantage is no different than for shufflers)
- Modular bots are banned this time (They just make things complicated for everyone, and I could probably get a stalemate somewhere if I have specific instructions, even if the builder is lenient.)
- Multibots are allowed, but the total weight limit must have have a at least a 70:30 weight difference (For example, both bots must have at least 180 kg used for a 600 kg total bot)
- The DSC IRL packs and Geice's AP mod for NPC's and batteries will be allowed (Even future releases)
- Weapon spam will not be tolerated.  With that said, I won't limit the number of specific parts for an entrant.  If there is a balance between weapon and it's power, then I can allow it.
- The Mechavore Disc & Minion Disc, However, are different.  You can attach one of them, but I will immediately remove it from your bot and you will compete without them.
- Flamethrower bots are allowed, but using that bot with EternalFlame.py or a similar AI .py is NOT.
- Extenderbots are allowed, but they might be havok bombs, so be careful.
- You can send your own component reskins as long as you provide the necessary files to me when you enter and the ONLY change to said component(s) is the skin.
- The only cheatbot2 Components allowed are the Flatmotor, Slow Flatmotor, and the Overkill/TTD Servo Motor.  Everything else is banned (This means the AS balance patch and any components not in vanilla RA2 are banned.  Do NOT try and dance around this rule this time.)
- BFE, AAM, OBJRA2 and Every Sergepatcher Component Freedom tool, except for the weight bonus one, will be allowed for IRL purposes
- Deliberately terrible bots or joke-bots will be rejected instantly.  Please make something with effort for this.  (Inappropriate names and skins also count)
- You can make an update once and only once (The only exception if it's a skin change or anything extremely minor), but I will stop allowing updates when signups close.
- If an updated bot is illegal, then I will use the original bot you sent me.

BATTLE RULES:
- 3 minute length matches
- The Robot Wars 2016 Arena (Reskinned) will be used for this tournament
- In the event of Secondary Signups, then I will make sure both of your bots do NOT compete in the same heat.
- If a Multibot has 70% of the total bot eliminated, then the whole entrant is considered eliminated, and the heaviest portion of said Multibot will compete in Melees
- Only VERY minor havoks will be shown in a main heat video (or ones that don't really affect any major outcomes), and bots will not be penalized for havoks.  However if a robot havoks more than enough times, then the robot will be eliminated and will be referenced to "technical issues"  (If the builder would like to see a video of the havoks for proof, then I will upload said video, and for the record, I'd say 20 havoks or crashes would be a tipping point for me to just forfeit it and move on).
- If my game crashes enough time for a specific match, then I will take the most salvageable take with the least amount of havoks and do a judge's decisions from the match before the crash.
- If a bot shows no controlled movement at all for about 20 seconds, then I will consider it immobile.  There will be a visible timer for when it becomes noticeable .
- There will be six heats released on a weekly format, with randomised draws for heats and battles.
- Seeded bots will have a decicated heat draw for them.  So Heat A will have Seed #1, Heat B will have Seed #3, Heat C will have Seed #5, etc.
- The Qualifiers will have two melees with three bots in each, the winning bot will advance to the Semi-Fianls, Loser's will go to 1-on-1 Redemption battles, winners of those will advance to the Semi-Finals, and the Semi-Finals and Final will be 1-on-1 fights. (Rematches will be avoided if possible)
- If there is no clear winner at the end, then I will be judging every bot fairly on based on Agression, Style, and Control.  Once a heat is posted, I will post my notes on why I made said decision inside a spoiler tag.  (For more controversial/tougher decisions, then i'll probably post the points in the tag to show my work, and explain why I made said decisions.)
- If I get 36 bots are entered, the Grand Final will be the same as the normal heats
- However, if this tournament is in high demand for it, then I will allow 48 bots to compete, where the Grand Final will have 8 bots will fight in a 1-on-1 classic single elimination bracket style draw.
- However, if this tournament is in very high demand for it, then I will allow 60 bots to compete, ten heat finalists, and four Heat Finalists as wildcards.  Two heats will be dedicated to the wildcards with a round robin style tournament, where the top 2 of their heat will advance back in the tournament.  Then, there will be two Semi-Finals where 8 bots will fight in a 1-on-1 classic single elimination bracket style draw, with the final four in the Grand Final Episode.
- However, if this tournament is in EXTREMELY high demand for it, then I will allow up to 72 bots to compete, where there will be two Semi-Finals that where bots will fight in the heat format, with the final four in the Grand Final episode.

Seeds:

1. Bildschirm
2. 090901
3. Dragonsteincole
4. Hoppin
5. Jammy Dodger
6. 8bean

My Entrant:

Prizes:
First place will earn the AI of all the entrants, the arena, and a Robots Designs folder with all the entries to play around with, including the rejected ones.  This assumes the winner would be okay with accepting it.

Signups:
1. RedAce - Catharsis
2. pokebro14 - Shark Attack
3. Hoppin (4) - Fusion
4. Guldenflame - Primodious
5. MrBK - Green Mean Machine II
6. NeonCalypso - Morphle, the Wrathful
7. 8bean (6) - Epilep-Z
8. Badger - Leviathan
9. Arcane - Contaminant Evo!
10. Ra2Winner999 - Unintentional Tombklone
11. Plerco - Solar Storm 2
12. Olister92 - Richter Revo
13. Bildschirm (1) Dualchrom Bones
14. Geese - LAVAStone
15. Mazakari - Erosion
16. Freeziez - Autistic Mechavore
17. Jammy Dodger (5) - Ampilo Despierto!
18. Tails.Inc - Raw Power
19. Xanosz - Black Bird
20. TheRoboteer - Shrike
21. Superbot13 - Shredder
22. PrimevalBrony - Pyrothere
23. TheOrcCorp - General Gwip
24. Qo-- - RedAce's Cute Little Pusher
25. Dragonsteincole (3) - inVasion
26. FOTEPX - Thanato
27. Billy5545 - Breaking Hammers CV1
28. Evil Toaster - Royalty .5
29. Doot - End Game
30. KillerTurtleG - Sherkarator
31. F1Krazy - Mighty Crab
32. Philippa - Executioner
33. FlamesOfIce - First Blood
34. 090901 (2) - MUD RUNNER
35. Badnik96 - Evil Art Project Mk3
36. Superbomb122 - Maelstrom

Black: Recieved
Green Accepted
Red: Problem/Rejected (Reason will be provided and you will be notified.)
Italics: Update Used

424

Tournament Archives / Re: Orc's Wars

« on: May 06, 2018, 05:45:27 PM »

Damn.  That's twice now that Radar got stuck on its side for loss.  Probably should consider that for a fix for the future for the rare events that might actually happen.

Still, impressed I managed to get that far in the challenge belt.

425

Discussion / Re: Did Advanced Stacking/Hax Mode/EXO slow the idea to further improve bots

« on: May 04, 2018, 06:18:51 PM »

Yeah, pretty much everything I can say has been said already.  Though on my side, as someone who has playing stock for years, I have to mention that I did try to build bots that could stand on their own, but sadly, the problem with stock for me is that pretty much everything that could be done has already been done better than I ever could do it.  It's why I tried to make as many hybrids as possible since it gave me a creative incentive while still proving my capabilities for stock.  It's also the reason I took that 2 1/2 year hiatus back in 2011.  I thought I could say it was just me not sure if I could find a style for me  that didn't sound like I can't make something original, but now I feel it's more lack of a reason to be creative or competitive.  That and my time and patience for the game has kinda died the more the years went on.  While I was a patient enough person when I was first around, I do remember some bots having some cheaty magic.  Nowadays, I tend to stay far away from that nowadays since the bots I may have made in 2011 probably aren't too viable anymore.   I could try to jump back into stick for one more bot for all times sake, but I know that the game is more and more brokken and I can't even say a legit stack for a bot is worth it now that all the tools are so easy to use and how broken they are.  Really, stock was the only fun competitive meta for me, but now it just feels cold and empty to do... anything really.

Also, if sound like this is off topic, then I apologize, cause it's not my intention.  I really am just trying to establish my end of the topic because I don't really think a simple "yeah what they said" could cut it for me anymore.

426

DSL TC Showcases / Re: RedAce's DSL Network

« on: May 04, 2018, 09:43:35 AM »

First actual bot in like a month and it's something I feel like I've built a thousand times before.  Good to see some things never change.

427

Off-Topic Discussion / Re: Hey

« on: April 12, 2018, 02:37:14 PM »

Oh hey, I remember you.  Welcome back man!

428

Tournament Archives / Re: Deathmatch - SBV

« on: April 08, 2018, 04:00:56 PM »

The Grand Final of Deathmatch is now up!



And with that, congrats to...

Bildschirm, with The Revenger!

If you would like the prize, then please send me a personal message and I will provide it as soon as possible.

So, with that, I guess I can call this tournament to a close.  I didn't really think of any awards since I feel some awards would just end up being the same and that I feel I might not getting a lot of votes anyway.  I guess to fill the gap, I could sum my thoughts of the tournament.  This is something I've been really trying to make for a long time.  A DSL-CW IRL tournament would probably not have been as popular or handled as well if I were to host this in say, 2014 for example.  I also got enough experience and tools to work with now to make something that not only shows my love for hosting RA2 tournaments, but also my editing side of making these.  Yes, the elephant in the room is pretty glaring if you are ones who have watched this tournament from the start, and I won't spoil that in case you haven't seen it all yet.  What I will say however, is that I can fix that mistake.  If enough people are down for a sequel to this with enhanced rules to fix all the errors, then I'll be ready when you are.  But for now, I hope everyone does enjoy what I've done for this tournament, and the future is to come.

Edit:  Whoops.

429

DSL TC Showcases / Re: RedAce's DSL Network

« on: April 07, 2018, 08:43:52 PM »

More things I made to spare the time.  Take a wild guess on what this is inspired by:

430

DSL TC Showcases / Re: RedAce's DSL Network

« on: April 04, 2018, 09:34:39 AM »

Made two bots using the round treads because why not.



LW that has slightly more AGOd issues but it doesn't go insane, but unfortunately, it can't drive straight.  Like, at all.



CW that is kinda a hybrid between Bite Force V1 and V2.  Doesn't have AGOD at all, but it still can't drive straight very well.

431

Tournament Archives / Re: Deathmatch - SBV

« on: April 01, 2018, 04:14:21 PM »

Heat F of Deathmatch is now up!

432

DSL TC Showcases / Re: RedAce's DSL Network

« on: March 30, 2018, 10:18:30 PM »

Still been kinda inactive (more for the Discord servers, but you know what I mean), cause I've been getting a lot of college priorities done and spent my fair share of time playing OneShot.  Which, if I can go slightly more off topic for more than I already have, is actually one of the best games I've ever played.  I went in knowing nothing, and after playing it, I absolutely adore pretty much everything about it.  Seriously, I really recommend you at least give it a shot.  Like, now.  Okay after you see what bots I made first.  There's a transition to go back on topic I guess.

So I guess now that Robogames 2 signups are now closed and to distract me from Deathmatch editing, I guess I can now show off what I did for that.  Well, it's not much, but I certainly hope they look alright for it.

So the idea behind this is that I went with a theme.  While it's kinda obvious, but I was looking at some Robogames 2017 fights when I was bored one day, and saw the Team Fast Electric Robot's highlight reel, and wanted to create a team idea with design being centered around mostly similar bots.  So yeah, didn't have nearly as much creativity unfortunately, but I just wanted to do something simple in case I didn't have time to do something stupid, and as a bonus, it scores for having a "Team" theme and not have random bot types from one builder to achieve more of an "IRL-esque" feel.  Ya know?

So onto discussing the actual bots:
AW: K4-ET: Taking a tad bit of notes from Tashic's Green Slash I think it was called, I had to try to squeeze a vertical saw on an AW it even with the slow flatmotor, it bounces.  Like, a lot.  Certainly gonna need a low range if this wants to do anything.
BW: Murphy: Basically K4-ET but with more blades, and If I remember, I think it uses the regular flatmotor, and it still has the bounce syndrome, so I guess it's just hereditary between the two.
LW: Bring it On! Wanna Go?  I certainly did.  This was the first bot I made for the team way back, but it had a more curved backside and now with a more box-like design to hopefully turn over less and have more hit points to tank some spinner hits.
MW: Greenback: This probably ain't gonna be scoring some cash in the competition, but damn it if it doesn't try.  Also the first one in the lineup to use four wheel drive so hopefully it earns some maneuverability.  Though if it gets flipped, it ain't coming back so easily.
CW: Agent Orange: Basically a rebuild from GTMRW, but with more defenses in the front and it can bounce back from a flip, if it isn't gonna get gut-ripped anyway.  It's also one in the family to use a Minion Disc, so watch out.
HW: Enroller: If the Minion Disc won't work, then I'll need to recruit some back-up.  Well, that would be the case if I knew how the hell I can use the SwitchDirWep.py anyway.  Well, it at least has some protection in the backside with the curved triangles to tank some hits when needed.
SHW: Blood Czar: What's this?  Two Minion Discs?  Well damn, there will certainly be blood from someone... if bots had blood anyway.  Well, it's a SHW, so it kinda draws a line with the weapon spam, but the weapon motors and weapon itself is like 28% of it's own weight, so I guess the rest makes up for it.

So yeah, I also wanted to make some awesome epic trailer to not only show these off, but also kinda promote RoboGames 2 in some way with my video editing skills.  As you can tell, that sure as hell didn't happen due to life issues again.  Hopefully my standards of bot building haven't looked like I downgraded once I show these things off.

433

DSL TC Showcases / Re: RedAce's DSL Network

« on: March 26, 2018, 09:12:19 PM »

Hot damn, I haven't posted here in a good month, and yet, I have built a few things to show off that people might've seen already, but not everyone is on the GTM Discord, so might as well get these archived in here.



One of the new bots I made for the Orc Wars 2 Side Events.  Kinda wanted a theme where the opponents would be caught in sights and would attack accordingly.  Other than that, nothing you haven't seen before really.  It would be impressive if I did get the entire body to have the rotation lights on an actual radar, but that would probably look awkward in RA2 anyway.



The thought process behind this?  Well, I wanted to make an homage to FireStorm, one of, if not, my all time favorite machines from Robot Wars.  So I decided to create SnowStorm for that reason, with enough changes to make sure it wasn't a carbon copy.  Well, in OW2, some of the big problems it had was it's own weapon strength and lack of vital organs and skin, to put it simply.  SnowStorm was great at puching and flipping things around, but if it gets turned over, then it's just a melting cause at that point.  Also the batteries were kinda limited and that's something I never thought would happen anyway.  So I went in a thought process of T-Minus.  Sacrifice some offense and raise the overall defense.  And thus, SnowStorm II.  While the wheels are much more exposed, it has some discs to protect it at least, and not many spinners tore off the sides if I recall seeing it's performance correctly, so yeah.  Should be much better for next time.



I don't even think I showed off my first Deathmatch entrant, did I?  Well, now I have.  Nothing too crazy with this Arena Cleaner/The Cat amalgamation thing.  Although I did have some trouble AI'ing this since I wasn't sure how to use that AI export thing apanx made, and not just because my computer's virus protection really didn't like it.  Also, but I think I'm one of the very few people who actually made an original custom skin for their entrant.  I know that doesn't mean much, but it is interesting trivia nonetheless.



I... wish I had more to say when I was making this one.  Although I think I just wanted to make a clean CW in the end, so I'm really hoping it came out as such to everyone.  It may look like it, but no.  The disc isn't clipping any wheels or inside parts in any way.  Even if this angle shot doesn't even make anyone think about that until I would mention it.  So... yeah.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  Also, uh... I guess the name came from an RW:AoD bot with the same name and weapon setup?  Yeah.  That's... a thing.  I guess.

Though this last bot, I do have some plans for.  What are they specifically?  Well, some may know... but I'll make it official later.

434

DSL TC Showcases / Re: Thyrus`Showcase

« on: March 26, 2018, 07:11:12 AM »

'Tis beautiful.     I also love how the sides have arrows like it's fast forwarding or something.

435

Tournament Archives / Re: Orc's Wars

« on: March 25, 2018, 10:36:05 AM »

inb4 ursula has stacked teeth

Nah, seriously congratulations Doodle.

Also, once I get home, I'll send a new HW and possibly a lighter bot or two if I can find one.  And if anyone is willing to tag up with SnowStorm, then hit me up.  I'm cool (heh, snow pun) with just about anyone.

436

Tournament Archives / Re: Deathmatch - SBV

« on: March 21, 2018, 03:31:08 PM »

And it was going so well... What activated the pit?

I watched through the replay multiple times after I recorded that, and I spotted a tooth from Bite Me get knocked on the button off camera from Witching Hour I think.  I can't really check at the moment on mobile.

Also that was yet another round where havoks were a plenty, so that was fun.

437

Tournament Archives / Re: Deathmatch - SBV

« on: March 21, 2018, 03:01:19 PM »

What's this, an early heat upload?  What madness is this?  Yes. I got an early treat for you guys.  I have the weekly schedule because of the events that are happening and this week is probably the most busiest I'm gonna have.  But that's not the only reason that this.  For I'm going to be heading out to Kentucky to do an interview on my cousin for a documentary and attend a concert in the process.  Pretty much taking my weekend away and I most likely wouldn't be able to upload the Heat in time, and I don't want to delay anything.  I know YouTube has this useful schedule function, but I don't feel like posting in this thread later than usual.  But anyway, now it's time for the part you probably care about more...

Heat E of Deathmatch is now up!

I.. still am not sure how to react to that Loser's Melee ending, and I was really disappointed by that heat final too.

438

Tournament Archives / Re: Deathmatch - SBV

« on: March 18, 2018, 04:02:49 PM »

Heat D of Deathmatch is now up!

*For Toaster's interchangeable weaponry, he asked specifically for bots that use wheelguards,r VS's or a coin toss.

Also I'm still shocked by that ending in the Loser's Melee.

439

Tournament Archives / Re: Orc's Wars

« on: March 17, 2018, 08:02:06 PM »

I guess this tells me that SnowStorm is gonna need some improvements for next series... if that happens anyway.  I'd at least join it in a heartbeat.

440

Tournament Archives / Re: Deathmatch - SBV

« on: March 11, 2018, 04:00:20 PM »

Heat C of Deathmatch is now up!

I don't exactly remember what happened in the Loser's Melee, but I remember getting a couple annoying havoks in that, and the one where DoS flipped over was the best take, unfortunately.  Even if it did go to a Judge's Decision, I still probably would've had DoS win from all categories looking back.