Re: [Rails-devel] Usability options for route awareness and revenue calculation

[John D. G. <jd...@di...>]

Stefan Frey (web.de) wrote:
> The idea is similar to  the current implementation that possible extensions 
> and token locations are highlighted. You suggest that it should be active 
> only after player requesting it: In that sense it would be something like 
> a "Hint" button. Is that something players would prefer to an always on/off 
> option?

I would suggest a choice that looks like this, under Options in the
game-start dialog:

Revenue calculation
* Automatic, forced
* Automatic, suggestion
* Manual

In all three cases the program should calculate the maximum possible run, but
it would then behave as follows:

Automatic/forced: Use that number as the revenue, with no opportunity to
change it.  (But let it be changed from the Moderator menu.)  (This setting
should not be allowed for games like 1853 and 1837, where the player can
legitimately choose, and may want, a less-than-maximum run in order to put
more money into the company treasury from a mail run or coal mine.)

Automatic/suggestion: Tell the player the calculated number, then allow him
to enter a value as before, which cannot exceed that number.  (Allow this
limit to be overridden from the Moderator menu.)

Manual: Don't tell the player anything.  Have him enter a value; then if it's
less than or equal to the calculated number, use the value entered.  If it's
more, give an error message and either have him try again or just tell him
the calculated number and use that.  (Again the limit can be overridden using
the Moderator menu.)

If you want to get fancy you might allow each player or company to use a
different one of these three choices, and/or to change them during the game.