The Caffeinated Penguin

Posted By matt on April 26, 2005

Okay, so now that my computer list has gotten shorter (and I'm getting bored with that), I'm back to focusing on gaming.

Specifically, I want to start playing Battletech. This is one of those games that requires a bunch of record sheets, and a way to generate them. Problem is, the software out there for generating these is a bit lacking, for one reason or another.

HeavyMetal Pro is the FASA/WizKids approved product for generating all kinds of sheets. Problem is, the sheets are ugly and the interface is kind of convoluted and overgrown (and badly in need of a redesign). I could handle the kludgey UI; it's the ugly sheets that get me (specifically, the “frankenstein” mech as opposed to the “pretty” anime-style mech that everyone else uses for their generators.

BattleMech Designer This one produces very nice sheets (though the font sizes for certain things could be larger). The problem with this one is that the progress stopped at Level 2 tech (current tech is level 3). The developer hasn't worked on it since 1999 and doesn't sell it or otherwise seem to derive revenue. However, he won't share the source code (I asked).

The problem here is that my immediate reaction is to write a .NET app in Mono using GTK# (winforms isn't there yet). That way, anyone can run it and all is good. Make sure the rules validation and equipment lists are in something easy for folks to modify (I'm thinking XML) and life is easy. However, that would represent a lot of time, and I want to game right now, not code.

I'll probably shelve this and use HeavyMetal until I get fed up with HeavyMetal or have an itch to code again. However, if someone else knows of someone who has a not-sucky mech design package looking for a code port / migration / maintainer, by all means let me know.

Category: LJ Import
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