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Mac has software?

Seriously, Wipe that thing and install Linux + WINE or Windows XP while waiting for Windows 7.

Now I'm not a proponent of "hacking" software, but I am missing my Army Builder v2 CD, I still have the case, but not the disc. I have been looking for either a free hacked copy (hey, I already paid for it, so morally I have no problem getting a hacked version now) or to buy a replacement cheap (nothing on eBay, which is surprising). Not suggesting anyone start throwing me links to such and such! Just saying.

now now kiddies
play nice !!!
tsk tsk

I still use versions 2 and 3. (Actually I use a version 1 disk that is upgraded to v2) Several older games don't have the best files in V3. i.e. Mordheim, Necromunda, etc. I too dislike some of the interface stuff with V3. I was at Gencon the year V3 rolled out and told one of the developers the things I didn't like when he showed me. Overall, its got some nice features though.

As far as the files, and their accuracy. I always double check my lists with the codex. AB has actually gotten me to buy codexes and armies to play once I saw some of the neat things I could do. Though I've given up on 40K and Fantasy due to a new ruleset coming out and codexes that take units out of existence. Oh that and the plastics replacing pewter and twice the cost... but I digress. Oh and the awful players in my area after the good gamestore shut down - shoot I digressed again sorry....

I have begun tinkering with editing files for the games I do still play. Fixing the errors myself. Its not that hard. Though apparently definitions files and their interactions with dat files can be tricky. The authoring kit instructions are not written well enough to make it that east to learn but I'm trying. Changing costs to be correct is pretty easy and making options available that should be available isn't that hard either, as long as that option exists somewhere. If you have to create a new option or weapon or something, well, I'd wait for the volunteer file monkeys.

The legal issues. I didn't know GW asked the file writers to wait for a month. Hmm, you learn something everyday. Since they do it for free, I'm not sure GW would have much of a case. As long as the file writers had a copy of the codex. They could probably ask LW to not link to the file site, since LW does make $$. The file writers could pretty easily thumb their nose at GW. Though the threat of legal action by a company against an individual would probably deter them since the file writers probably don't have the $$ to defend themselves in a civil trial.

I do think that GW and the other companies should approach LW to make their files. The GW program is just grabage and way behind the curve in codexes and rules. In fact, I'm positive that some of the problems with the GW program is because they can't copy AB too closely. LW set the standard and GW is playing catchup. I supose GW could want too much of the pie or insist tha LW charge ridiculous amounts for each codex and ruleset. It is GW after all.

FWIW, you can gt a copy of this program at "Art's Game Store" online for $30 + shipping.

You can get the same price at The Warstore if you provide them with the link to Art's.

Art's is a reputable seller, too. I've dealt with him numerous times and had NO issues.


Eric

Skinnattittar wrote:Now I'm not a proponent of "hacking" software, but I am missing my Army Builder v2 CD, I still have the case, but not the disc. I have been looking for either a free hacked copy (hey, I already paid for it, so morally I have no problem getting a hacked version now) or to buy a replacement cheap (nothing on eBay, which is surprising). Not suggesting anyone start throwing me links to such and such! Just saying.

Can't you just download the demonstration file and uncrack it with the code on your case?

I like Army Builder by Wolflair (have used it for years) and it works great for me.

It is not a substitute for the codex but an amazing tool for organizing, customizing, storing & printing your armies (for many game systems).

Anyone who complains that they (Wolflair) do not keep the data files up to date... do it yourself, the authoring software is open and included.

It works for me but I always use it side by side with the base rules & my codex.

malfred wrote:

Skinnattittar wrote:Now I'm not a proponent of "hacking" software, but I am missing my Army Builder v2 CD, I still have the case, but not the disc. I have been looking for either a free hacked copy (hey, I already paid for it, so morally I have no problem getting a hacked version now) or to buy a replacement cheap (nothing on eBay, which is surprising). Not suggesting anyone start throwing me links to such and such! Just saying.

Can't you just download the demonstration file and uncrack it with the code on your case?

I got my copy ages ago. I'm not even sure if they had option out for long, but I don't remember seeing a code on the case.

I download and tried the little bit it lets you and was pleased with it so I probably buy it.

That's the spirit. For the cost of a night out you get something that will give you so much more use. it is a very worthwhile investment.

I still run AB 2.2. I've written the Tau, IG (3/4th ed), Necron and Nid files myself for it (as the ones i could find were buggy). Its awesome.

I bought AB and list making is a lot easier and faster.

Trasvi wrote:I still run AB 2.2. I've written the Tau, IG (3/4th ed), Necron and Nid files myself for it (as the ones i could find were buggy). Its awesome.

I really recomend getting V3. Its so much better than V2, and come on, its $35, less than a night out at the Bar.

As someone who has used AB for almost 10 years.

Go and buy AB3.

I laid out the cash and find it difficult to do it any other way anymore, it is just too convenient.

I started with version 1.
Still use it (upgraded to 3 of course).

Best piece of wargaming software bar none.

The best part of owning this, is that you get a front row seat to watching all the idiots saying; "AB is full of errors and is often wrong".
Don't forget to ask these mouthbreathers to be specific. It is so much fun to make them realize that they haven't updated their files, haven't read the release-rules or are just plain stupid.

I've been using it and I like it quite a bit. It's a great tool for quick and easy lists, plus for a few of my buddies just getting into it, it allows me to help out in generating some basic lists to show them how it works. I personally like the added little notes here and there as I often forget page numbers in books on most stuff. It's been a great supplement for me.

So far I am happy with it.

My opinion: Won't play mini games without it.

Now I won't either. It only took me five minutes to make an army list as opposed to excel which I had make macros to add up my troop choices. And AB has rule sets so catch my mistakes.

Nevermind.

Ricter wrote:Random question, but how do you get the list to show unique characters, or are they not coded in?

Use the Little Clipboard

Edit: oops

Greatest gaming related invention since the tape measure. Makes armies easy to build and modify. It prints our legible army lists. The files are updated regularly and the 40k guys have a forum to post bugs on. It's great for keeping track of multiple games. I wouldn't make an army any other way.

I love AB. I use it all the time to make my own lists as well as validating list for local events. Heck, that ability alone is almost worth it.

I sit somewhere between the two groups. Personally for pick up games and friendly matches I prefer doing my lists from memory (I can probably think of, total, and double check a Space marine roster in my head faster than most people could load Army Builder!) I think AB takes something away from the game when making lists for everyday play. I also have seen numerous problems with AB allowing things that are illegal to be plaid by unsuspecting gamers. But when it comes to a tournament or some other situation where I would like to have a nice list printed out with cool graphics, AB is the King. I just think that $30 is waaay too much to spend on it!

Kroeger wrote:I sit somewhere between the two groups. Personally for pick up games and friendly matches I prefer doing my lists from memory (I can probably think of, total, and double check a Space marine roster in my head faster than most people could load Army Builder!) I think AB takes something away from the game when making lists for everyday play. I also have seen numerous problems with AB allowing things that are illegal to be plaid by unsuspecting gamers. But when it comes to a tournament or some other situation where I would like to have a nice list printed out with cool graphics, AB is the King. I just think that $30 is waaay too much to spend on it!

Yet you don't bat an eyelid on spending $40+ on a Leman Russ?

Gwar! wrote:

Kroeger wrote:I sit somewhere between the two groups. Personally for pick up games and friendly matches I prefer doing my lists from memory (I can probably think of, total, and double check a Space marine roster in my head faster than most people could load Army Builder!) I think AB takes something away from the game when making lists for everyday play. I also have seen numerous problems with AB allowing things that are illegal to be plaid by unsuspecting gamers. But when it comes to a tournament or some other situation where I would like to have a nice list printed out with cool graphics, AB is the King. I just think that $30 is waaay too much to spend on it!

Yet you don't bat an eyelid on spending $40+ on a Leman Russ?

Did he say that in a different thread? I don't see where he said it in this one.

I have been using Army Builder since version 2. I have built Access databases for 40K but prefer working with the templates provided in AB. I like Army Builder, especially when I figured out how to use the authoring tools. Now I don't have to wait for the updates or bug fixes to the different codices. I update them myself and add unit pop-up details so I don't have to refer back to my codex. It takes some front end time to do that but it is better than reinventing the wheel using MS Access. I say it is a great starting point for someone who wants to build list quickly to see what type of models to purchase.

I also use it for our local tournaments for ease of checking someone's list. Yes you can hack the software to say what you want it to say but you cannot hack my copy of it and that is what the list is being checked against. Anyone that knows me knows I'm a stickler to the rules so I do find the errors. Hope you enjoy it.

MagickalMemories wrote:

Gwar! wrote:

Kroeger wrote:I sit somewhere between the two groups. Personally for pick up games and friendly matches I prefer doing my lists from memory (I can probably think of, total, and double check a Space marine roster in my head faster than most people could load Army Builder!) I think AB takes something away from the game when making lists for everyday play. I also have seen numerous problems with AB allowing things that are illegal to be plaid by unsuspecting gamers. But when it comes to a tournament or some other situation where I would like to have a nice list printed out with cool graphics, AB is the King. I just think that $30 is waaay too much to spend on it!

Yet you don't bat an eyelid on spending $40+ on a Leman Russ?

Did he say that in a different thread? I don't see where he said it in this one.

It's called an Example. Most people I know balk at the thought of spending $35 on Army Builder, but then go and spend ridiculous ammounts of money on Warhammer that just ends up staying in the box for months

Gwar! wrote:

MagickalMemories wrote:

Gwar! wrote:

Kroeger wrote:I sit somewhere between the two groups. Personally for pick up games and friendly matches I prefer doing my lists from memory (I can probably think of, total, and double check a Space marine roster in my head faster than most people could load Army Builder!) I think AB takes something away from the game when making lists for everyday play. I also have seen numerous problems with AB allowing things that are illegal to be plaid by unsuspecting gamers. But when it comes to a tournament or some other situation where I would like to have a nice list printed out with cool graphics, AB is the King. I just think that $30 is waaay too much to spend on it!

Yet you don't bat an eyelid on spending $40+ on a Leman Russ?

Did he say that in a different thread? I don't see where he said it in this one.

It's called an Example. Most people I know balk at the thought of spending $35 on Army Builder, but then go and spend ridiculous ammounts of money on Warhammer that just ends up staying in the box for months

Warhammer stuff, particularly stuff still in box, holds it's value reasonably well. even if bought at full retail, a person can resell for 60% of retail without much difficulty.

I support Army Builder. But it is a convenience item. If you highly value your time and dislike making army lists, then buy Army Builder, it is worth it. If you do not highly value your time, and/or like adding up your lists, then don't. It is really that simple. Army Builder is a time saving tool, pretty much plain and simple.

As to Gwar about buying a $40 Russ over $35 Army Builder, I disagree. You can put your Russ on the table and play it, you can't put Army Builder on the table and play it, unless you want to proxy, but in that case a small child's shoe is a good enough proxy, and cheaper (once you steal it off the small child).