Planetary Annihilation Disappointingly Buggy

Discussion in 'Support!' started by shrapmaelite, November 9, 2014.

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Do you agree? What has your experience been with PA so far? [24+ hours of gameplay or above, please]

Poll closed November 30, 2014.
  1. Flawless (I'm special)

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. Pretty good overall; I've had bugs here and there

    68.6%
  3. There have been bugs here and there along with some crashes for me

    20.0%
  4. The experience has been bad overall; I love the game but it needs much more work.

    11.4%
  1. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    *2020 Update*
    I still enjoy playing PA. This game has become fairly solid-running and bug-free. Thank you so much to Uber, and thanks to every person who also contributed to PA!

    For best playing experience, have a graphics card of NVidia GTX 970 or higher, and a CPU of Intel 5600k or higher. If you’re building new, stick with 7600k or higher. While the AMD 760k was playable, I wouldn’t dream of using it ever again.

    PA is now a very well-polished game, and you don’t need to deal with a bug every two minutes.
    ————————

    I have been playing Planetary Annihilation since late Alpha and I have to say, there is no where near the completion to consider this a full release. PA should still be in Beta with the countless upsetting bugs and minor things that have either caused the game to crash or can be considered "lack of optimization" parts. PA runs substantially smoother compared to the early release but it still feels like an early release of any ordinary game with the graphical bugs and crashing (alongside with the missing and supposedly awesome graphical things we were promised with collisions and other various things).

    The bug that set me off to rage about this:
    I was simply playing single player and placed two Advanced Energy Plants next to each other and had a Flak Cannon on each side of the Advanced Power Plants. The aircraft constructing them died with the first one after 5 seconds of progress. The Flak Cannons had already been fully constructed by now except one (by several units, obviously) and I decided to attempt to replace the Advanced Power Plants within the Flak Cannons. While placing, I clearly knew there was a Flak Cannon queued on the right side and was just guessing the distance I needed to be from it. Construction started on the first Advanced Power Plant and when I hit shift, the game froze completely. I believe this is because two queued structures were overlapping and clearly the game doesn't allow for this.

    I am so tired of dealing with minor little game-crashing bugs that waste so much time. I am grateful to see that achievements were added and offline single player was as well, but it shouldn't have brought the game into an official release. There are too many visual glitches that randomly occur such as the attack button circles (from dragging) getting stuck as a small circle not where I put it and so on. My computer easily runs PA even as optimized as it is, yet the experience is terrible. There are often times when the menu or something simple is slow and visual things load one thing at a time when it should much faster just like in any other game. I am even more upset that Uber decided to start another project when PA isn't (notice I didn't say "wasn't") even finished. I feel like the core ideas behind PA were great and the community really helped it become enjoyable, but the end result was rushed. I honestly wouldn't mind micro-transactions for DLC if that could keep Uber working on the vast amount of bugs.

    Uber, Planetary Annihilation is not nearly finished enough and you know it. You should be ashamed for trying to start a new game, even if it was mostly a separate team working on the Human Resources.

    PC Specs:
    AMD 760k (Overclocked)
    Gigabyte GTX 660 OC (Overclocked)
    4GB RAM (Overclocked)
    600 watt PSU
    1440p display (I am running PA in 1440p and get 50 to 60fps)

    I have almost two days' worth of gameplay and seen more bugs than I should within this timeframe. (I should expect to see a one or two minor bugs within 80 hours usually compared to most other games.)
    I am able to run all other games just fine - BF4, MW3, Black Ops 2, Borderlands 2, Just Cause 2, Crysis 2, Crysis 3 etc. Of course Watch Dogs runs decent and has less problems compared to Planetary Annihilation.

    To top this all off, if PA isn't really an official release right now then please tell me. Otherwise, I am utterly disappointed and will relieve all hate if I see more effort put into this game. Surely my expectations aren't as high for Uber as for a much bigger developer, but it mostly upsets me that you can call this an official release. An official release scares me into believing that less major updates will come and bugs will no longer be fixed as often, if ever.
    Last edited: December 21, 2020
  2. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    Something I forgot to add: I love this game so far despite the annoyance I've had with bugs and crashes in the "Official Release". I thank Uber for coming out and croudfunding Planetary Annihilation so much, even if Uber is just going to kind of ditch PA and give partial support.
  3. stuart98

    stuart98 Post Master General

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    The crash when showing order queues isn't something that I've seen before. If a building is built over the space another building in queue would occupy that building is simply removed from the queue. Could you provide a log file? (%localappdata%\uber entertainment\planetary annihilation\log)

    Human Resources failed. If they were planning on doing that then I don't know where they intend to get any revenue from.
  4. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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  5. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    [18:16:30.672] INFO ClientPlanet::finishPlanet - Nav/Physics: 11.694872
    [18:16:30.672] INFO ClientPlanet::finishPlanet - Nav/Physics: 11.469469
    [18:16:30.688] INFO ClientPlanet::finishPlanet - Cost stamps: 0.000557
    [18:16:30.703] INFO ClientPlanet::finishPlanet - Cost stamps: 0.000360
    [18:16:32.641] INFO ClientPlanet::finishPlanet - Nav/Physics: 13.545767
    [18:16:32.657] INFO ClientPlanet::finishPlanet - Cost stamps: 0.000221
    [18:16:34.844] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.844] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.844] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.844] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.844] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.844] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.000] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.016] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.016] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.016] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:34.016] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:35.063] INFO client::ClientGame::createHolodeck 0 {"noFocus":false,"left":0,"top":0,"width":1,"height":1,"zIndex":-1000,"view":{"id":0}}
    [18:16:35.078] INFO client::ClientGame::createHolodeck 1 {"visible":false,"noFocus":false,"left":0,"top":0,"width":0,"height":0,"zIndex":-1,"view":{"id":0}}
    [18:16:35.078] INFO client::ClientGame::createHolodeck 2 {"visible":false,"noFocus":true,"left":0,"top":0,"width":0,"height":0,"zIndex":-1,"view":{"id":0}}
    [18:16:35.078] INFO Mouse constraint pushed: 1
    [18:16:38.969] INFO TwitchTV::flushStreamingEvents Twitch state changed
    [18:16:39.328] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_Planet_Load_Earth
    [18:16:40.110] INFO client::ClientGame::processUICommand
    [18:16:40.110] INFO client::ClientGame::processUICommand
    [18:16:40.110] INFO client::ClientGame::handleLandingZones
    [18:16:40.110] INFO {"landing_zones":[{"position":[403,359,-57],"planet_index":0,"radius":79.315193176269531},{"position":[-403,357,69],"planet_index":0,"radius":79.315193176269531},{"position":[-300,-513,187],"planet_index":1,"radius":101.08799743652344},{"position":[92,-558,-260],"planet_index":1,"radius":101.08799743652344}]}
    [18:16:40.125] INFO ClientInterface::updateObservableArmySet - NO WORLD!!!
    [18:16:42.547] INFO CoherentUI::loadUrl ForceSoftwareRendering : 0
    [18:16:44.094] INFO TwitchTV::flushStreamingEvents Twitch state changed
    [18:16:59.016] INFO ClientWorld::updateObservability - Updating [3112]
    [18:16:59.016] INFO ClientInterface::updateObservableArmySet - Updating [3112] entities
    [18:17:28.094] INFO client::ClientGame::sendLandingLocationSelected
    [18:17:29.297] INFO client::ClientGame::handleLaunchSuccess
    [18:17:33.391] INFO client::ClientGame::processUICommand
    [18:17:33.391] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_Launch_Commander
    [18:17:33.391] INFO client::ClientGame::handleLaunchSuccess
    [18:17:33.391] INFO client::ClientGame::processUICommand
    [18:17:33.391] INFO client::ClientGame::handleAllLandingsSelected
    [18:17:33.391] INFO ClientInterface::updateObservableArmySet - Updating [3112] entities
    [18:17:38.516] ERROR client::HolodeckCoherentBinder::cameraLookAt malformed message.
    [18:21:05.610] INFO client::HolodeckCoherentBinder::holodeckUnitBeginCommand patrol
    [18:21:05.625] INFO client::HolodeckCoherentBinder::holodeckUnitBeginCommand patrol
    [18:25:40.500] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_battle
    [18:27:48.563] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_Base
    [18:28:28.610] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_battle
    [18:30:34.485] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_Base
    [18:32:14.485] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_battle
    [18:34:19.797] INFO client::ClientGame::setMusic /Music/Music_Base

    Human Resources failed. If they were planning on doing that then I don't know where they intend to get any revenue from.[/QUOTE]
    As I said, maybe they should add microtransactions for DLC. The DLC wouldn't have to be anything major for me to buy it; just maybe a new planet type or unit skins/types. If PA were something that everyone could run without problems then I don't see why more revenue wouldn't come in. The only actual evidence I have for this is in what my friends are saying (they haven't bought the game) but I still believe that PA can grow either way (in the fanbase).
  6. stuart98

    stuart98 Post Master General

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    That's unlikely to be the whole log. Just paste it all into pastebin and link it here.
  7. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    Yep, it's the entire log file and the most recent log file. To satisfy your request, here you go:
    http://pastebin.com/raU3p32X

    Oh and I'm using control + A to ensure everything is selected.

    Also, crashes don't tend to occur when I'm not doing something. I also have a similar rig with 8GB of RAM that I sometimes play on, but I often use this one because it runs PA just as well and uses less power along with having more of my often-used programs/files. I've had crashes just as often with PA on my rig with 8 gigs and a Haswell i5. I am not able to replicate crashes without expecting it, as it seems.
  8. SXX

    SXX Post Master General

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    If you find out any bug that can be reproduced please post it on bug tracker.
  9. stuart98

    stuart98 Post Master General

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    That's... very abrupt...
  10. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    Oh yay thanks; I'll be there next time PA crashes or I have a weird bug. Although it's extremely hard to reproduce the many things I've seen.
  11. SXX

    SXX Post Master General

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    This why it's extremely hard to fix them. ;)

    Though if you don't have reproduction post them anyway. Obviously with no reproduction they can't be reported to devs, but at least we'll see who else affected and it's just easier to understand if certain bug only affect some subset of OS/hardware.
    shrapmaelite likes this.
  12. thetrophysystem

    thetrophysystem Post Master General

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    1) your main rant listed comparing games with 5th generation existing engines. Nearly all of them. ALL OF THEM. This game is running off a 2 year old engine, first gen game on the engine and all.

    2) Games have bugs. Indie games have bugs. Minecraft is anciently older and still has vanilla bugs sometime.

    3) Making another game doesn't abandon the prior one, in this case it is a parallel project using the same engine. You listed like 5 5th gen games, they abandoned a game to make a new game with the engine, that is how they got there, so you are saying that is what Uber should do? Besides, it would have been nice for them to work on the engine, and apply the work to PA. Sort of like how Valve did with Source?

    4) All that aside, we are all passionate about improving the game, fixing bugs, fixing gameplay, and adding features. That being said, we are getting offline play, ladders, mapmaker, stuff is getting done...
  13. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    Yeah, nearly all of them but I play older games with older engines as well. I was just comparing PA to games that low-end systems tend to run with difficult so someone couldn't just say that my computer wasn't "fast enough" or anything of the like.

    Do consider that Minecraft constantly has new additions to the game; there are always bugs whether you realize it or not. These bugs aren't as game-ruining as many in PA though :/

    Either way, Human Resources didn't seem like Uber. Maybe Uber should keep bringing older games back to life, xD. I would like to see C&C Generals Zero Hour more than anything. I don't see how it would pose as many difficulties as they were having with Human Resources, too.

    True, and it's something to be glad for. I feel like it should be a big deal to consider a game completed, and calling it an official release when it still needs work is only going to drive people away from PA and show that Uber is ready to move on. Never the less, I'm grateful for Planetary Annihilation ^_^
    Don't take my rant as being too negative because I really don't intend it to be. I'm just putting my truthful perspective out there. After doe sens and dozens of crashes and annoying things happening, I decided it was time to see what others saw in the "completion" of PA as well.
  14. SXX

    SXX Post Master General

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    Unfortunately fact that you only have 4GB RAM alone make your computer "not fast enough" for this game. E.g if game crashed/freezed/stuck or you see some glitch it's likely result of game running out of RAM.

    I suppose it's exactly what @tHeTrOpHySyStEm was saying: PA get new features constantly and continue to get new features for future months. It's mean new stuff added might be buggy, incomplete or bring regressions.
    shrapmaelite and FSN1977 like this.
  15. thetrophysystem

    thetrophysystem Post Master General

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    No, that works the other way around. This game is running on a newer engine, so it isn't optimized to run faster than a certain point. People with 16g ram, a quad core, and a titan gpu are probably going to get the cap out of this. Thousands of dollars more, and you still run the same. In comparison, I have 8g ram, dual core, and 1g 9500gt, and I run fluidly on low settings with no additional noticable bugs or issues.
  16. jacemacleod

    jacemacleod New Member

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    As SXX said, 4GB of RAM is not enough memory to reliably play Planetary Annihilation. If you're experiencing frequent crashes to desktop there's a sizable chance the game is simply running at out of available memory. Are you sure your other rig with 8GB of RAM doesn't run PA better? ;)
  17. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    As I said, my 8GB system runs PA with enough crashes as well. I experience crashes not just on big worlds and universes, but even something extremely small. I also have RAM usage monitored and nothing tops out. PA seems to handle 4GB perfectly fine, along with 8GB. The crashes don't constantly happen but after nearly two days' worth of gameplay it's something I've enough to get me a little upset. I'll start playing on my 8GB system more instead and see how much better it works out. hhmm.... Now that I think about it, I've had less crashes while playing with a friend than alone. I don't see a vast majority of people having this issue so maybe I'll go for a reinstall even though that shouldn't really mean anything. Thanks for the contribution, everyone!

    One more thing: I've played games with multiple worlds including four players including me with so many units that the game actually slows down; the entire surface of a planet could be covered with units and then some it seems like. I've played plenty of games that you would think require tons of RAM without any issues. Some bugs are also nearly pixel/time perfect but we'll see if I have a replicatable bug in the near future ^_^
    Last edited: November 9, 2014
  18. DeathByDenim

    DeathByDenim Post Master General

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    By the way, nobody seems to have mentioned this yet, but could you post your DxDiag.txt (instructions in SXX's signature above)? We may be able to reduce your crashes and glitches. By the way, use the "Upload a File" button. Much handier than the spoiler tag. :)
    shrapmaelite likes this.
  19. shrapmaelite

    shrapmaelite Member

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    You have a good point. I figured an official release meant they're done and bugs would be gone, but it's too controversial to argue completely. As DeathByDenim suggested, here's my DxDiag.txt file uploaded.

    Attached Files:

  20. SXX

    SXX Post Master General

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    Uber never meant official release as their finish point on PA and they never stated anything like that. They always talked about PA as game in constant development as long as it's remain profitable.

    I see you have SSDs in your PC configuration. What I would suggest first it's go to Windows settings and check that your page file / virtual memory on HDD is large enough: good initial size of page file is 12GB.

    Same for your PC with 8GB RAM.

    Basically disabled or too small page file it's likely #1 reason of random crashes on Windows.
    shrapmaelite likes this.

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