New features in Saved Game Manager 2.0
There are a number of new features in Saved Game Manager 2.0. Not all of them are "visible", but they do all make a difference.
- Manager completely rewritten
The Manager has been completely rewritten from scratch due to the loss of the original source code. This means that the Manager is now easier to extend (e.g., it's easier to add a new file type), is more efficient, and it's generally better.
- New help file
Perhaps the most noticeable new feature is the addition of a help file. This has been written to make it as easy as possible for you to use the Manager. Most functions are self-explanatory, but this help file will help new users or users that want more information. It also provides detailed technical information on various things.
- Status bar help
I have implemented help in the status bar, so when you are browsing the menus, a small description appears in the status bar. (I'd just like to thank Microsoft for making a nice complicated menu API - the function that does the status bar help is one of the longest in the program)
- All TT and TTD file types supported
All of the file types used by both Transport Tycoon games are now supported.
- More detailed game information available
There is now a new Game Information dialog which provides detailed information on a saved game or scenario, including date, the amount of cash player 1 (and, in multiplayer games, player 2) has, and more. Also, the game version, date and time and file size are all displayed in the main listing.
- Improved menus
The menus have been reorganised a bit and are now easier-to-use.
- Rename feature
The Rename feature is now working properly.
- Compressed Saved Game v2 support
Version 2.0 of the Manager supports the new Compressed Saved Game (CSG) version 2. This provides more detail on games. It uses a format that can easily be extended too. You don't have to decompress the games beforehand to use the Get Information dialog.
Please note that you must decompress CSG v1 files (files compressed with older versions of the Manager) before you can get detailed information on them.
- Improved integration with Explorer
The Saved Game Manager adds an entry to the File and right-click menus for folders in Explorer that loads up the Manager with the Source directory set as this folder. This allows you to quickly go to a game folder and, for example, copy games to your main TT folder. You can also optionally associate all of the formats supported by the Manager with the Saved Game Manager, so you can double-click on a file and be taken to a listing for that folder, and have the Get Information dialog appear automatically.
- Improved plug-in system
The plug-in API is improved. Click here for more information.
- New TTDIR utility
I have created a small DOS application named TTDIR to display a listing of files and display the game name for TT games. This is currently very buggy and incomplete. Type TTDIR /? at the command prompt for information on using it.
- Many bug fixes and other improvements
Transport Tycoon Saved Game Manage 2.0 is the best version yet. There are so many improvements I simply cannot list them all here!
The Download Games from the Internet features has been removed from this version of the Manager. The main reason for doing this is due to the launch of The Ultimate Transport Tycoon Game Repository, a web site with over 250 Transport Tycoon saved games, scenarios and utilities. This contains all the games in the Download Games from the Internet list. Each game can now have a much longer description, and more details. You can search the Repository easily, and you can rate and comment on games.
If you are using an older version of the Manager, then the Download Games from the Internet feature will still work, but it will not be updated any more. I have created a Saved Game Manager plug-in that provides an interface to the Repository similar to the Download Games from the Internet feature for those who want it, but it is preferred that you access the Repository via the web site. The address is www.gamearchive.uk.tt. Hint: You can directly search for games in the Repository by using the little search box in the top right hand corner of the Manager window.