In traditional cases, the A* algorithm is simply the best it can be.
It allows the organization to carefully plan the optimal route.
And with each step it takes, it recalculates the route to ensure the plan is reliable.
This system has been running very well.
Until it encountered hundreds or thousands of units.
If thousands of units need to go to one location, then A* will have to run the pathfinding process for each unit.
Such a terrifying performance expenditure is definitely beyond the capacity of current processors.
The flow field algorithm was developed precisely for this kind of group pathfinding problem.
"One calculation – used by tens of thousands simultaneously?"
Alan repeated Lin Lixin's words, trying to understand his meaning.
"Yes, we don't calculate the path in real time while the game is running; instead, we calculate it for the player in advance."
Lin Lixin smiled.
Although this algorithm is a product of 2013, its value lies in its advanced ideas.
Even in today's context of weak hardware, it remains feasible.
"Once we've edited a game map, we use an algorithm to generate a heatmap based on its terrain."
"Then, starting from the target point, it spreads outwards like a flood to the surrounding grids, calculating the cost of reaching each grid in turn."
"In summary, we can obtain a complete set of data for the unit to use when navigating."
"Wait? That's all? Nothing else?"
Alan was still waiting for what would happen next, but when he realized that Lin Lixin had stopped talking, he suddenly woke up.
"Oh, what else?"
Lin Lixin shrugged.
Sometimes, algorithmic innovation is just that ingenious.
It doesn't depend on how sophisticated or complex the mathematical calculations are, nor on how advanced the hardware performance is.
Sometimes, all it takes is a single brilliant idea to increase efficiency many times over.
"Genius----"
Alan's lips twitched, and he finally realized just how vast the gap was between himself and a true master.
No wonder Lin Lixin told him to overturn the current achievements.
He had just been feeling sorry for the results of his hard work and iterations.
Now it seems----
My direction was wrong from the very beginning.
What's the point of putting in so much effort if you're heading in the wrong direction?
No matter how much he optimizes the pathfinding to the extreme, even doubling the speed, he still can't catch up with the corners of this new algorithm.
The new algorithm completely removes computation from the game itself.
Designers can even pre-calculate the corresponding flow patterns for the map and save them in the game files.
When the organization needs to find its way, it will only need to consult the table to obtain the corresponding direction.
This is a new idea that could only have emerged with the terrifying capacity of CDs in the CD-ROM era.
The iteration of pathfinding algorithms can bring far more than just improved performance.
It directly influences the designers' thinking in game design.
For example, in today's environment, the importance of an individual unit has decreased dramatically.
Because the game is now capable of supporting larger-scale team battles.
"In this way, when designing units, we should try to design them based on class-based units rather than powerful individual heroes."
In troop deployments and skirmishes, they relied on superb maneuvering techniques—such as maneuvering the enemy's head left and right—to achieve victory with fewer troops.
Winning through skill is part of the fun of the game.
"Therefore, the previous method of operation obviously won't work either."
Keyboard and mouse controls are fine, but most NX users are still used to playing while lying on the sofa with a controller.
This operating mode is obviously not as convenient as using a keyboard and mouse.
Special adaptation and optimization are necessary.
"First and foremost, selecting units is of paramount importance; without it, team fights in RTS games are impossible."
"Secondly, we can add simplified control schemes such as a joystick menu and D-pad grouping for gamepad players."
"So—we need to completely rewrite the operations module as well; the current one won't work."
"By the way, this grid system doesn't take into account potential needs like height differences; we can achieve that using visual occlusion."
In short—let's scrap and redo the map as well.
Thus, Blizzard Studio's first official attack ended in total failure.
Ultimately, no one could escape the fate of having to start all over again.
However, if you want to work with GAMENOVA, or rather, with Lin Lixin, you have to be prepared for this.
GAMENOVA will never need a work that's just passable.
The home console version of Rocksmith was released even earlier than Command & Conquer.
Also included is a 16-bit dedicated audio card for outputting high-quality audio signals and connecting a 6.35mm headphone jack.
Guitar and bass.
The importance of this item to players is self-evident.
Even without " Rocksmith," elevating the NovaXeno's sound quality to true CD level would still be a groundbreaking achievement.
It's worth noting that while the NovaXeno can play CDs, its sound quality is ultimately limited by the NX's own FM audio chip, preventing it from delivering truly stunning sound.
Before this, NovaXeno's CD playback function was just a gimmick.
It can play, but the sound quality is not guaranteed.
And now?
This gimmick has become a reality.
This game console now truly possesses the ability to play CD-quality audio.
Strangely, this move did not significantly boost the sales of those Gamenova records.
The reason, it seems, is obviously because of " Rocksmith," which has already sold over 500,000 copies and is still soaring.
By purchasing the corresponding booster pack, you can play the corresponding song in the game.
In a sense, this is the perfect meal replacement.
However, what's puzzling to everyone is...
For this device, GAMENOVA even launched a separate MIDI cable for sale.
This seems somewhat unnecessary.
However, this was quickly overshadowed by the joy of Rocksmith's official release on console platforms.
After all, who wouldn't want to bring this piano practice game to their own room to play?
It's worth noting that after this period of development, Rocksmith arcade machines have become a paradise for music lovers everywhere.
Groups of three or five would bring their instruments to the arcade, plug in the cables, and a fantastic live performance would begin.
This is definitely a good thing for the professional players and the onlookers who are happy to listen to music for free.
However, there is another group of people who are extremely unhappy about this.
That naturally applies to beginners with poor piano skills.
Who wouldn't want to play a couple of rounds of " Rocksmith " in their spare time and test their piano skills?
But the intensity of the scene made them reluctant to go on stage and embarrass themselves.
Please, it's really embarrassing to play the violin wrong in front of everyone.
Now, this problem has been officially solved.
You can play Rocksmith from the comfort of your own home!!!
Now I no longer have to worry about embarrassing myself in front of others because of my lack of skills.
Once I secretly practice a song to the highest difficulty level and reach the Full Combo, I can show off my skills at the arcade just like everyone else!