News and Announcements about PlanetsCentral

[Posting] Site Update - PCC2 Web
Thread opener
Posted Sun, 2020-03-29 11:41 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have finally updated PCC2 Web. Whereas the previous version was nothing more than a proof-of-concept, the new version is much more usable. It is still lacking much of the awesomeness of the desktop versions (PCC, PCC2), but can now do (almost) everything needed to play a complete turn. Key features:

  • similar structure and keybindings as PCC/PCC2. In particular, we have automatic supply sale and tech upgrade for ship building, and our favorite battle simulator.
  • data is live-streamed to and from the server.
  • tighter integration with the host: if you save a turn file, you will see the turn checker output.
  • limited responsiveness; it does adapt to different screen sizes, but isn't yet entirely usable on smartphones.

You can expect more updates in the near future.

To play a hosted game with PCC2 Web, click you race name on the game's page, and select "Set up & Play". You will be prompted for a folder name on the server (you can choose the default), and a VGAP key (you need to upload one if you haven't done so far). You will then find the game listed in the Play, under the "Hosted" tab. Alternatively, if you have a game not hosted here, you can upload your game files using the file manager.

Have fun,
Stefan

[Posting] Re: Site Update - PCC2 Web
Posted Wed, 2020-04-15 19:43 GMT

I've always loved VGAP, but have not played since Circus Maximus went down many years ago. I don't have any of my player software anymore. What's the best player client to use, and how do I access it?

Thanks!

[Posting] Re: Site Update - PCC2 Web
Thread opener
Posted Thu, 2020-04-16 16:25 GMT

I've always loved VGAP, but have not played since Circus Maximus went down many years ago. I don't have any of my player software anymore. What's the best player client to use, and how do I access it?

I cannot objectively tell you what's best because I wrote some, but I'd surely like to hear others' opinions on this topic.

If you're not a purist and are willing to take 3rd-party software, there's the PCC family and there's VPA which both have their fans. The best comparison I've read is that PCC is the Rolls Royce whereas VPA is the Ferrari - both have their use and neither is better.

Of the PCC's, one could argue that PCC2 (available for Windows and Linux) is best, but I also heard the opinion that PCC1 (available for DOS) still is better and, having unburied it recently, I can hardly disagree: it still does one or another bit better than PCC2, and if you have a DOS emulator on your phone you can use it there. PCC2 Web offers (almost) the same functionality as good ol' DOS planets.exe, so doing a turn still is tedious with it.

Thus:

  • PCC2 if you like it comfortable and want a native program
  • PCC1 (plus a DOS emulator) if you like it comfortable and want to use an emulator
  • VPA (plus a DOS emulator) if you like it lean
  • PCC2 Web if you're on an unexpected trip away from your computer

No matter what you choose, you need your VGAP key. It is contained in your original VGAP player software. If you don't have that anymore, I could help you extract it from old turn files. But if you don't have such a thing, you cannot get over Tech 6.


--Stefan

[Posting] Re: Site Update - PCC2 Web
Posted Thu, 2020-08-06 19:20 GMT

I've always loved VGAP, but have not played since Circus Maximus went down many years ago. I don't have any of my player software anymore. What's the best player client to use, and how do I access it?

Thanks!

Hi there. The same as you. I used to play on Circus Maximus. I am waiting now for a new game to join in. I always used to play with Vpa, a vga planets assistants, a very powerful client.

Greetings

[Posting] Re: Site Update - PCC2 Web
Posted Fri, 2020-08-07 03:20 GMT

Hi there. The same as you. I used to play on Circus Maximus. I am waiting now for a new game to join in. I always used to play with Vpa, a vga planets assistants, a very powerful client.

Greetings

There are some games open waiting for players to start.

I suggest this classic game: https://planetscentral.com/host/game.cgi/59-Titan-16