VGA Planets Timeline

This timeline covers the following programs:

This timeline was initially prepared in early 2003, first published in April 2003, and since then updated by Stefan Reuther. Host999, SRACE and many VPA dates contributed by Andrew Andrienko in September 2005.

By Year: 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

1992
Host 2.15
1992/12/20
  • Original Host shipped with VGA Planets 2.2. This is the oldest Host version that can still be found on the net. Included here just for completeness, it can of course not host a version-3 game.
1993
Host 3.00
1993/03/28
  • Original Host shipped with VGA Planets 3.00
Host 3.00b
  • Fuelless ships can't attack planets
Host 3.00c
  • High-ASCII filter for messages and FCodes
  • Lizard ground combat ratios changed from 20:20 to 30:10
  • Defense posts affect ground combat
  • Fuelless ships can't colonize
Host 3.00d
Host 3.00e
  • Fuelless ships can't do any mission
Host 3.00f
1993/05/16
Host 3.1a
1993/08/16
  • Probably here: ATT/NUK (both also attack fuelless ships), NTP
  • Probably here: warp wells (2 ly squares)
  • Probably here: cloak can fail, damaged ships can't cloak, cloaking needs fuel
  • Probably here: minefields: mine sweep rate increased, mine decay, maximum radius, configurable hit rate, mines destroy mines; mines do no longer merge
  • Probably here: config: ground attack/defense, mining/tax collection rates, free fighters, cyborg assimilation rate, password disable
  • Probably here: planets: structure decay, new natives, defense protects from sensor sweep
  • Probably here: explosion messages (long range sensors)
  • Probably here: host.log
  • Probably here: you do no longer get a full PDATA record for enemy planets
  • FCBO: battle order is leading one-to-three digits of friendly code, aggressive ships fight first.
Host 3.1b
1993/08/17
  • Starbases unable to build fighters
Host 3.1c
1993/08/17
  • Crashed when ships used sensors on enemy planets
  • Mine sweep messages repeated way too many times
Host 3.1d
1993/08/18
  • Planets got plagued when empire reaches too many colonists
Host 3.1e
1993/08/20
  • TC attack when players sell supplies
Host 3.1f
1993/08/20
  • Ships not attacking each other
Host 3.1g
1993/08/23
  • TC attack when starbase built on T10-natives planet
  • Data Status messages
Host 3.1h
1993/08/26
  • Cyborgs colonize a planet, natives disappear
Host 3.11a
1993/08/27
  • Engine-Shield Bonus
  • Assimilation didn't work
  • hconfig.hst is 188 bytes
Host 3.11b
1993/09/13
  • Config: mine sweep rates, ESB, Hiss effect, rob fail odds, cloak fuel burn, cloaked mine hit odds, cloak damage limit
  • Fascists/Rebels immune to ATT/NUK
  • Terraforming
  • Meteors now generated by Host
  • Fuelless ships can't use transporters
  • Crystals/Siliconoids like it hot
  • Population: absolute limit 25M, rebels can have 200 clans on ice planets, Lizards/Fascists/Robots/Rebels/COM can have 60 clans on deserts
  • hconfig.hst is 288 bytes
Host 3.11c
1993/09/13
  • Massive increase in colonists when enemy does ground attack
Host 3.11d
1993/09/15
  • Crystals didn't grow
Host 3.12a
1993/10/11
  • Hyperdrive
  • Ship build queue
  • Probably here: Config: one-engine towing, Hyperdrive, CDR, gravity wells, crystals like it hot
  • Intercept math improved
  • Host now reports temperature not type
  • Ships need two engines to tow
  • hconfig.hst is 298 bytes
Host 3.12b
1993/10/12
Host 3.12c
1993/10/14
  • Hyperdrive makes all other ships not move
Host 3.12d
1993/10/18
  • Crash when >4096 messages in game
  • NAL disables alchemy
Host 3.13a
1993/10/27
  • No new ships being built when there is a ship #500
  • ATT only attacks ships with fuel
  • Climate Death Rate formulas (?)
  • Warp wells are 3 ly squares
Host 3.13b
1993/11/19
  • Minefields: scooping swept too few, web mines could not be added to, Robots and friend could make free torps (lay*4, scoop/1).
  • Hull storage got transformed after capturing a base
  • Config: mines destroy webs, climate limits population
  • hconfig.hst is 302 bytes
Host 3.13c
1993/12/04
  • ATT did also attack fuelless ships
  • Crystals didn't grow in deserts
  • Host crash when ground combat ratio is zero
Host 3.13d
1993/12/10
  • Intercepting ship could run on own mines
1994
Host 3.13e
1994/01/17
  • Intercepting ships moved too far
Host 3.14
1994/01/27
  • Version 3.14 is the same as 3.13e.
Host 3.15 NITRO
1994/02/24
  • TRN/RST processing much faster
Host 3.16
1994/04/06
  • OS/2-only version
Host 3.14a / 3.15b
1994/06/06
  • Lock up when too many ships intercept in a row
  • Crash when super spying a planet with >32k mc
Host 3.14b / 3.15b
1994/08/30
  • Crash in super refit
  • NAL did not work
  • Minimum fuel usage for cloaking is 5kt
1995
Host 3.2b1a
1995/02/25
  • FCBO: any digit counts (i.e. "x3x" = 3)
  • Hull functions: Glory device, Loki anti-cloak, Cobol ram scoop, bioscanners, Aries advanced alchemy, Lady Royale gambling, Imperial Assault, Firecloud chunnel
  • Super Spy Deluxe, Tow Capture, Towee breaks free, Ionic pulse
  • Minefield friendly codes
  • Ion storms
  • Cloning
  • gsX, bum, btt, btf, btm, bdm, dmp, con, lfm, mkt
  • auxhost1 and auxhost2 hooks
  • Cloaked ships can attack
  • Natives get unhappy when a planet is attacked
  • No high-ASCII FCodes
  • Force surrender happens before and after movement
  • PBPs, priority builds
  • Config: Maximum income per planet
  • Red error when building a base
  • This host version officially documents the "secret" registered-only friendly codes, which appear to exist since the early host versions (at least mdX/miX/msc are already in 3.00).
  • hconfig.hst is 326 bytes
PHost 1.0
1995/02/28
  • This version was intended to emulate Host 3.15.
Host 3.2b1c
1995/03/04
  • Information leakage to 3rd-party programs fixed
  • Defense protects from bioscanner
PHost 1.1
1995/03/05
  • unarmed Planet vs. Freighter fight got PHost into an infinite loop
  • planets with less than 100 colonists get unowned
  • Crystals should not grow if happiness is below 70
  • German language
  • Ground combat doesn't happen for allies
  • Allow for up to 20 weapons per ship. Damage limit relative to maximum number of weapons on hull, not to 10.
  • Some HOST compatibility issues
  • xtern command
PHost 1.1a
1995/03/09
PHost 1.2
1995/03/12
  • Ships with NTP lost their torps
  • Many HOST compatibility issues
  • Left/right randomisation for combat
  • md0 drops 100 mines
  • support up to 20 weapons on a ship
Host 3.2b1d
1995/03/12
  • Crashes on super spy, chunnel
  • Ram-scoop, cloning
  • Loki doesn't decloak Lizards/Feds
  • Hyperjumpers not affected by warpwells
  • Minehits can pop cloakers out of cloak
  • ESB not in effect against planets
  • Mine hits slow down ships
  • Messages to HOSTMESS.TXT
PHost 1.3
1995/03/26
  • Overflow when mining
  • Sensor sweep messages
  • Vision level forwards certain messages to allies
  • Alliance levels default to off, not on
  • Util record 7 (battle result) includes X,Y
  • confirmations for command messages
  • Some HOST compatibility issues
Host 3.2b1e
  • SSD immune to ATT/NUK
Host 3.2b2a
1995/03/27
  • Surrendering happens before movement
  • Probably here: Super spy delue immune to surrendering
  • "bum" didn't work when planet has more than 32k mc
  • Config: Cobol, Aries, Bioscanner
  • hconfig.hst is 334 bytes
PHost 1.4
1995/04/09
  • Can intercept/tow own/allied cloaked ships
  • Can't build high-tech ships in unregistered games
  • give command
  • Planets have twice as many tubes in combat
  • Privateers can rob cloaked thips
  • improved tech limit enforcement; downgrades don't give compensation
  • Util record for construction; surrendering records merged
PHost 1.5
1995/04/30
  • report complete queue, not just head of it
  • give sends a message
  • hyperwarp gravity wells are square
  • improved handling of planets that get unowned
  • Score blanker
  • Alliance status record in util.dat
  • report minefield type in messages
PHost 1.6
1995/05/14
  • Waypoint trimming
Host 3.2b2b
  • Ships that don't have enough fuel for cloaking will not cloak
  • Minefield FCs take effect when mines are laid
  • Minefield FC matching prevents web draining
  • Waypoint trimming for DOS clients
  • SSD must not be damaged for Imperial Assault
Host 3.2b3a
1995/05/15
  • Hyperjumpers didn't burn correct fuel
  • Interceptors burn standard fuel amount
  • Random seed generated differently
  • "dmp" changed: cancels build order, does not recycle torps
  • No more freighter/freighter VCRs
  • Warp wells are round (3 ly)
  • Prevents message spoofing
  • Mine sweeping doesn't sweep FC-matching fields
  • Chunnel also accepts foreign ships that don't move
Host 3.2b3b
1995/05/19
  • "HYP" now works. Warp wells now work (3.001 ly)
  • could not build ships with parts of higher tech than base has
  • Cloaked ships can chunnel
  • Ion storm math (directions)
  • Build queue not affected by priority builds
  • Ship being cloned must not move (to prevent simultaneous building and cloning)
PHost 1.7
1995/06/11
  • Waypoint trimming fixed
VPA 3.43
  • first version with English docs
VPA 3.44
  • starbase building
  • map scrolling without clicking
  • vpa.ini
  • can cycle through planets/ships using Ctrl-Left/Right
VPA 3.44a
1995/06/11
  • friendly code set on all ships/planets using Ctrl-F or Ctrl-R
VPA 3.44b
1995/06/26
  • can cycle through bases using Ctrl-Left/Right
Host 3.2b3c
1995/07/05
  • Ships drained empty by webmines decloak
  • auxbatt hook
  • md0 drops 100 mines
  • TONS.HST
  • Can use FC matching to enter a chunnel
PHost 1.8
1995/07/15
  • chain intercept
  • ammo on a ship is discarded and not recycled when colonizing, disabling "reverse alchemy"
PHost 2.6
1995/07/22
  • First public release of the 2.x series
  • Host 3.2x compatibility: accept Winplan turns, support Host 3.2 features
PHost 2.7
1995/08/07
  • do supply repair more often
  • Winplan players see their own mines
  • message command accepts "u" parameter
  • util.dat improved
  • add message type tags "(-p0123)"
  • process TRNs in random order
  • super refit can increase number of weapons but keep same type
  • "Unload freighters" also unloads cash
  • anonymouse messages
  • TRNs processed in random order
  • btm, btf, btt, bdm and terraformers send messages
  • "jettison" command removed
  • gravity wells match Host 3.2
Host 3.2b3e
  • "trg" with "Kill" no longer sets off when seing an own cloaked ship
  • Allows turn numbers >313 when Winplan is used
  • "nbr"
  • "Unload freighters" also unloads cash
  • Anonymous messages
Host 3.2b3f
1995/08/07
  • Anonymous messages come out in random order
PHost 2.8
1995/08/27
  • PVCR improved for program interoperation
  • when phasing was used, no 3.5 RSTs were made
  • cumulative pillage
  • utilX.ext
Host 3.2b3g
  • Hyperjumping
  • Bioscanners don't scan own planets
Host 3.2b3h
1995/08/28
  • Intercept Attack (for every interceptor)
  • Loki must be less than 20% damaged to de-cloak
  • Starbase gets destroyed when planet gets unowned
  • SSD can not attack planets and vice versa
  • Pawn bioscans all planets; EE jams bioscanners
  • Rebels can have 9M colonists on ice planets
Host 3.2b3j
1995/08/29
  • Only cloakers can do intercept attack
  • SSD can again attack normally
Host 3.20
1995/09/05
PHost 2.9
1995/10/01
  • report friendly code when ships orbit unowned planets
  • French language support
  • intercept attack
  • bioscanners follow Tim's rules: Pawn reports all planets, Empire can fake messages
  • Loki must be below 20% damage
  • exact hyperjumps
  • negative battle order
  • player-to-player message headers include sender race number
  • no waypoint trimming for Winplan clients
Host 3.21
1995/10/22
  • Meteors hit planets again and again
PCC
1995/11/16
  • starchart with minefields and storms
  • message receive/send
  • score statistics
PHost 2.10
1995/11/20
  • phasing didn't work on big-endian machines
  • Winplan players can cancel build orders (aka The Evil Bug Workaround)
  • PlayerRace
  • Spanish language support
  • command line switch -V (VPHost)
  • support additional visual contact file for Winplan
  • Glory device now ally-aware
  • new util.dat records, generic file transfer record
  • messages to host (hostmess.txt)
  • pconfig section delimiters (%)
  • Winplan status is remembered over turns
PHost 1.9
1995/11/23
  • cheat/consistency check improved
PCC
1995/12/12
  • first editing (building on planets)
1996
PHost 2.11
1996/01/06
  • anonymous messages didn't work
  • Italian language support
  • config: mine hit odds parameters, production rate
  • cloak fail reports
  • tons.hst, xtrfcode.txt
  • supports "alien marauder" things
  • only Winplan players get v3.5 RSTs
Host 3.21.SRACE beta 4
1996/01/08
  • Hosts from the SRACE branch allow to assign every race to every player slot.
Host 3.22
1996/01/15
  • Supports 1000 UFOs (RST Version 3.501)
  • Rebels support 9M colonists on ice planets
  • Starbase mission "none" now accepted
  • Universal minefield friendly code
  • "noc" friendly code
Host 3.22a
1996/01/19
  • Universal minefield friendly code and local code are active simultaneously
VPA 3.49
1996/02/21
  • database version 6 (=current file format)
  • read-only mode when only a database is available
  • message parsing using vpa.msg, ion storms on map
  • user-defined markers
  • builtin VCR
  • ship and ammo building on starbases
  • message sending
  • data transfers by message
  • help
  • read allied targets/planets from utilX.dat
PHost 2.12
1996/03/24
  • several assertion failures and cheat check issues
  • crystalline webs shown as such in Winplan
  • support Winplan shareware
  • extended missions introduced (20 to 28)
  • wormholes can be displayed as UFOs
  • forward VCRs to +scv allies
  • Dutch language support
  • client command
  • universal minefield friendly codes
  • Rebels support 9M colonists on ice planets
  • Ship building happens again after combat
VPA 3.50
1996/04/24
  • read pconfig.src, support utilX.dat file transfers
  • gravity well support
  • mission.ini, targetX.ext
  • "Move-or-Type" interface
  • passwords
  • sphere support
  • reads allied data
  • wormholes
VPA 3.50a
1996/04/28
Host 3.22b
  • Ships running into "ghost" web mines fixed
Host 3.22.001
Host 3.22.002
  • Intercept fuel burn
Host 3.22.003
  • New ships get random Ids
  • Powerful ion storms move faster
  • Intercept math
Host 3.22.004
Host 3.22.005
1996/05/03
  • auxbc.ini hook
  • Advanced cloaking devices
  • Onyx heats to 100, not 99
Host 3.22.006
1996/09/20
  • Ghosting ion storms in Winplan
  • ATT/NUK do not match in ship/planet fights
  • Build queue
Host 3.22.007
1996/09/27
  • Locking alliance friendly codes (prevent fights)
VPA 3.51
1996/10/09
  • Winplan message compatibility
  • hullfunc.dat support
  • improved multi-turn route computation
  • several undo features
  • map bookmarks
VPA 3.51a
1996/10/30
  • dynamic map / explore map support
  • many new config options
VPA 3.51b
1996/11/05
Host 3.22.008
1996/11/05
  • Alliances: you see allied mines, but can't sweep them
VPA 3.51c
1996/11/07
PHost 2.13
1996/11/14
  • several assertion failures and overflows
  • extmissions were not useable when phasing was used
  • allow build structures; then beam up; then transfer to enemy
  • tow capture only when ship can actually tow (AllowOneEngineTowing)
  • Russian, Estonian language support
  • Ramscoop also works when towing
VPA 3.51d
1996/11/16
Host 3.22.009
1996/11/22
  • Alliances: alliance prevents ship/planet fight
  • Alliances: allied ships don't trigger Glory Device
  • You don't get PBPs for capturing
1997
VPA 3.51e
1997/02/01
  • writes merged map
  • This was (and still is?) the most widely used version, because it is the last one officially released by Alex.
Host 3.22.010
1997/02/08
  • Ship #X could not beam down stuff to planet #X
  • Only ships with cloaking device are allowed to cloak
  • Alliances: ship/planet fights also handle unidirectional alliances
  • Alliances: "lfm" over allied planet
  • "unload ships" doesn't unload foreign ships when friendly code is "dmp" or "bum"
  • Super spy reports number of supplies; "X" friendly code to do only standard spy
Host 3.22.011
  • Priority builds (PBx fcodes, independant from normal queue)
  • Alliances: allied mines can overlap
Host 3.22.012
1997/03/12
  • Supports foreign languages via lang.pln
  • Low-Id ships do not block high-id ships from super spying
Host 3.22.012a
1997/03/14
Host 3.22.013
  • Uses only 15 file handles
Host 3.22.014
1997/03/27
  • Ship missions were reset to nothing sometimes
Host 3.22.012.SRACE.006
1997/05/14
  • The SRACE host does not use lang.pln
Host 3.22.012.SRACE.009
1997/05/23
Host 3.22.015
1997/07/27
  • You can't clone a ship that is being towed
  • Priority builds not used until there are 450 ships
  • range of Intercept limited to 200 ly
  • Super refit got free tech 1 engines
PCC
1997/08/08
  • all control screens done (except for taxes and SB commands)
  • cargo transfer
PCC
1997/08/30
  • VESA support
Host 3.22.016
1997/09/09
  • Cheat block: can't store colonists in transporter
  • Loki decloaks distant ships; movement math
PCC
1997/09/10
  • VCR implemented
PHost 3.0
  • Arrayisation for many options
  • portable file formats (no more pconvert)
  • read pconfig.src directly (no more pconfig)
  • build points (PAL queue)
  • pcontrol section and auxhost hooks replace phasing
  • custom hull functions (hullfunc.txt)
  • wraparound map included in host core
  • remote control
  • allied chunneling, starbase fix friends
  • alternative towing
  • alternative anti-cloak
  • new extended missions (Gather-build fighters, beam up, standard spy)
  • all players can sweep with fighters (configurable)
  • shipscan.ext
  • documentation now in HTML
  • HOST compatibility improved
  • message filtering
  • transmit hull number in vcr.dat files
PHost 3.1
1997/10/06
  • first public 3.x release
PHost 3.2
1997/10/06
  • changing build orders after ship limit didn't work
  • player modifications to pconfig.src didn't work when auxhost programs were used
  • "Lay Mines In" missions
  • AntiCloakImmunity
  • cloakc.hst
  • remote ... default command
PHost 3.2e
1997/10/06
  • some bogus cheat checks and crashes fixed
  • For a long time, this was the only PHost version there was.
PCC
1997/10/07
  • Maketurn implemented
  • Winplan unpack implemented
Host 3.22.017
1997/10/30
  • cloakc.hst
  • Error that prevented mines to be added to existing fields after the ship limit
Host 3.22.018
1997/11/18
  • Sensor sweep messages were broken
PCC
1997/11/19
  • ship building
Host 3.22.019
  • Waypoint trimming now happens after movement, to allow long waypoints to be set
Host 3.22.020
1997/11/26
  • Bug that caused ships sometimes not to fight
1998
Host 3.22.020.SRACE.012
1998/01/04
PCC 0.97
1998/02/04
  • first public release
PCC 0.98
1998/02/09
  • Undo (Alt-R)
Host 3.22.021
1998/02/20
  • "miX" didn't work with web mines
  • intercept distance limit didn't work
  • Loki doesn't decloak birds
Host 3.22.022
1998/02/21
  • HConfig switch for Loki decloaks birds
PCC 0.98.1
1998/03/07
  • support 256 color pictures
  • optimum tax, display numeric happiness
  • read and write hconfig.hst
  • small chart: visibility range (R)
  • messages: reply-with-quote (Ctrl-R), save to file
  • score chart crashes when maximum is 0
PCC 0.98.2
1998/03/29
  • new layout in player screen
PCC 0.98.3
1998/04/07
  • Unload (U) key
  • UFOs
  • Tip of the day
  • search function (F7)
  • help can be used with keyboard only
  • scanned unowned planets have dotted circle
PCC 0.98.4
1998/05/04
  • ship history
  • planet/ship labels
  • explore map support
  • XMS support
  • planets with more than 32k minerals
  • SWEEP/UNPACK renamed to CCSWEEP/CCUNPACK
Host 3.22.023
1998/05/26
  • When ship is destroyed, interceptors don't intercept whoever-get-that-ship-slot
  • Intercept distance limit when interceptee just goes out of range
PCC 0.98.5
1998/06/03
  • Winplan unpack/maketurn
  • messages: forward (F)
  • starship comments
  • Winplan message handling
PCC 0.99
1998/06/23
  • printing
  • hyperlinks in imperial stats
PCC 0.99.1
1998/07/08
  • see comments on control screens (F9)
  • message editor improved
  • tooltips on starchart
  • calculator
  • some printer drivers
  • font renderer corrupted memory
PCC 0.99.2
1998/09/05
  • VCR information window
  • optimum tax cares for Hissers
  • battle simulator
  • global actions
  • works on more graphics cards
  • Workaround for Dominion ship names
PCC 0.99.3
1998/10/03
  • Fleet management
  • auto build
  • simulator: write-back, load, save
  • search in message inbox
  • don't allow to sell more supplies than you have
Host 3.22.024
1998/10/11
  • Math error in mines-destroy-mines and Warp 1 movement
  • Cheat block: can't fix/recycle distant ships; can't build ships without engines; can't build ships with type 0 weapons; can't have more than 60 fighters on bases
  • New ships get proper friendly codes
  • When a player gets a priority build and does not use it, it doesn't block others from priority building
  • Firecloud with 50 kt fuel blocks cloning
Host 3.22.024.003 (Host999)
1998/10/14
Host 3.22.025
1998/10/19
  • Mines destroy mines
  • Enforces that waypoint of intercepting ship is interceptee (to prevent breaking a tow with long waypoints)
PCC 0.99.4
1998/11/01
  • planet in simulator
  • Shift-Tab undoes Tab on ship/chart/history screen
  • cloak fuel prediction
  • clear intercept/tow fields for host standard missions or THost will misunderstand them
  • friendly code randomizer
PCC 0.99.5
1998/11/25
  • left/right balancing in simulator
  • screen history (Backspace)
  • search for inverted condition
PCC 0.99.6
1998/12/17
  • ship specification sheet (S)
  • go to X/Y (G)
  • standalone simulator CCBSim
  • combat diagram
  • graphics driver should run on more cards
  • replies to anonymous messages sent as universal message
  • VCR bug emulation
1999
PCC 0.99.7
1999/01/27
  • maketurn from command line (cc /c)
  • starchart: markers, fuel calculator in distance meter
  • can delete minefields
  • screen history list (Alt-Backspace)
  • ship cost calculator on starbase (S), starbase commands on ship (B)
  • main screen with large background picture
  • reviewing a past turn vs. history
VPA 3.58a
  • uses DPMI
  • unpack, maketurn
VPA 3.58c
  • UFOs are displayed
  • ship movement prediction
  • ship name scrambling
  • screensaver
VPA 3.58f
1999/02/05
  • For a long time, this was the "secret unofficial beta".
Host 3.22.025.009 (Host999)
1999/02/08
PCC 0.99.8
1999/03/02
  • subject list for messages (Tab)
  • supports Sphere (starchart configuration (O))
  • add-on resource configuration (cc-res.cfg)
  • handle negative ion storm coordinates
PCC 0.99.9
1999/04/20
  • right-click on a word in a message to search for it using search function
  • message killfile
  • mine laying prediction, tow mission shown in ship scanner
  • PHost support (util.dat, messages, PVCR)
  • M.I.T. / extended mission support (mission.ini, mission.cc)
  • use koreX.dat instead of objX.cc
  • overflow in fuel computation
  • ship position guessing
  • one could jump to a non-existant ship with double click in chart
PCC 0.99.10
1999/05/19
  • pconfig.src parsing
  • double-buffering for map/VCR
  • PHost command processor support
  • alliance editor
  • new zoom level (50% )
PCC 1.0rc
1999/06/23
  • proxy transfer
  • planets can have torps in simulator
  • read targetX.ext
  • objects can be marked
  • can repair foreign ships
  • more utilX.dat records, wormholes
  • aggressiveness setting in simulator
  • simulator
PCC 1.0
1999/07/13
  • cancels transfers correctly
  • many minor fixes
Host 3.22.026
1999/07/15
  • Minefield info for Winplan was not sent correctly
  • Unloading all fuel to a planet does not cause the transfer to fail
  • Chunnelling: need 3-digit FCode, message fixed
  • Firecloud blocks cloning only if it has Warp 0
  • You don't get PBPs for colonizing
PCC 1.0.1
1999/08/18
  • imperial stat / score options
  • sell supplies during cargo transfer
  • xtrfcode.txt support
  • "/z" option
  • PVCR timeout introduced
  • messages to many are handled correctly in DOS format
  • Alt-R also removes PHost commands
PCC 1.0.2
1999/09/22
  • teams
  • "Ship details" tab in simulator evaluation
  • ship list in visual scanner
  • handle race restrictions ("/123") in mission.ini
  • 1.0.1 could not transfer Mark 7/Mark 8 torps
PCC 1.0.2.1
1999/10/12
  • send/receive VPA/EV/Informer alliance info
  • section dividers in ship list
  • MakeTurn triggered WinPlan bug workaround in PHost (see PHost 2.10)
  • allow scanning across the map border
Host 3.22.026.010 (Host999)
1999/12/26
2000
PCC 1.0.2.3
2000/03/08
  • complete new UI kernel
  • some graphical gimmicks, rprefix arguments
  • new global actions, quick report
  • sort order from visual scanner also used for Tab
  • VCR bug
  • scrolling/painting and "lock"ing in a wrapped map (Piotr)
PCC 1.0.3
2000/03/19
  • shared map file
  • can specify default command line options in setup
  • Shift-L (list ships here), Ctrl-H (find objects here)
  • can lock onto UFOs
  • improved help renderer for add-on documentation
PCC 1.0.4
2000/05/16
  • can load allied game data
  • multiple selection layers
  • expr/mission/fcodes.usr files
  • complete undo in structure build screen
  • decompiles PHost commands from TRNs resp. message files
Host 3.22.027
2000/07/01
  • Planet without defense can't NUK (prevents "NUK trap")
  • Lizard 150% bonus also active for glory devices
  • Priority building fixed
  • One ship per base
PCC 1.0.5
2000/07/02
  • command interpreter (one-line commands)
  • extended UFO database (RST version 01)
PCC 1.0.6
2000/09/13
  • scripting
  • mailbox files
  • improved formulas
PCC 1.0.7
2000/11/29
  • support protected mode
  • process manager
  • unpack from command line ("cc /uu", "cc /uc")
  • PHost commands now saved in message outbox
  • wormholes and UFOs are now merged
  • koreX.dat minefields override other minefield information.
PHost 3.3a
2000/12/30
  • intercept bug "fixed"
  • clan beamup could multiply clans
  • tow resolution
  • terraforming functions are not exclusive
  • changing a build order will not reduce its priority below the priority for new orders
  • cloakc.hst handling improved
  • up to 10000 minefields
  • PALShipMinekillPer10KT option
2001
PCC 1.0.8
2001/02/01
  • new history/starchart file format: history can now remember anything (ship names, arming, ...)
  • user-definable planet/ship properties
  • ship cost calculator on main screen
  • user planet colors (C) removed
  • scripting manual rewritten
PCC 1.0.9
2001/03/15
  • interpreter: user interface commands, hooks, "cc /k"
  • completely redone starchart: zooming, non-standard sized maps, mark range, "big window" option
  • "cc /r" now does exactly the same as loading/leaving a race
PCC 1.0.10
2001/04/22
  • unpacker can create targetX.ext
  • cargo transfer from scripts
  • can write core dumps for easier bug-hunting
PHost 3.3b
2001/05/06
  • PHost taken over by new developer team
  • you can no longer fix/recycle distant ships
  • Turn parser made more robust
  • config options: SBQBoostExpX100, AllowPriorityBuild
  • gsN, "give" and Beam Down Credits are no longer registered-only
  • Rob mission also robs transporters
  • you can't make more than 160 mc on a Lady. You can't transfer more than 10000 kt of something to a foreign ship.
  • Siliconoids like deserts
PCC 1.0.11
2001/06/05
  • support 999 ships, 10000 minefields
  • fleets can be split
  • tax prediction honors maximum planetary income
  • interpreter: name resolver improved, backtraces
  • interpreter: "s" flag to cargo transfer didn't work
Host 3.22.028
  • Fuelless privateer capital ships not immune to NUK
  • Interceptors are sucked into warp wells
  • You can intercept own, cloaked ships
  • Buildings over the limit are destroyed immediately
Host 3.22.029
  • Buildings over the limit are again destroyed using normal structure decay, like before
Host 3.22.030
  • Clans in transporters count towards the build limit on planets
  • Can only intercept ships that are visible
  • Cargo in transit must fit into cargo hold (i.e. "the full-featured client debate")
Host 3.22.031
  • Cheat block: can't build parts you don't have the tech for
  • The cheat block is bogus: it prevents unloading high-tech torps from a ship onto a low-tech base
Host 3.22.032
  • Can not transfer to cloaked foreign ships
Host 3.22.033
  • Ship/ship transports
Host 3.22.034
  • Fixes to .030 and .031 cheat blocks
  • Planet fcode only randomized after ship/planet combat
Host 3.22.035
2001/06/23
  • Tech upgrade didn't work
  • Does not allow to upload executable files to host
PCC 1.0.12
2001/07/09
  • user key bindings
  • VCR rounding errors
  • shipxy parser now much more robust
  • simulator much faster (incorporating Akseli's FBSim work)
  • auto-detect Winplan path
PCC2
2001/07/17
  • PCC2 project started. This is about my fifth attempt of a portable Planets client.
PCC 1.0.13
2001/07/29
  • standalone interpreter
  • interpreter: file I/O, assign to properties
  • handle rehosts better
Host 3.22.036
  • Q tankers now count as capital ships for combat
  • "VPA Extra Features" switch
Host 3.22.037
  • "Vision" alliances ("FF allies")
Host 3.22.038
2001/08/05
  • Contact data shall not be transitive
Host 3.22.039
2001/08/05
  • "FF allies" officially introduced
  • Interceptors at warp 0 have mission reset
Host 3.22.040
2001/08/06
Host 3.22.041
2001/08/06
Host 3.22.042
2001/08/17
PCC2
2001/09/04
  • basic UI kernel done
  • simple VCR
PCC 1.0.14
2001/09/05
  • support Host 3.22.036 (allied targets) and 3.22.030 (cargo transfer)
  • screen update improved
  • interpreter file I/O was broken
PHost 3.3c
2001/09/09
  • Enforces that waypoint of intercepting ship is interceptee (to prevent breaking a tow with long waypoints)
  • top-right borders of wrapped map are no longer inside the map
  • per-player minefield limits (MinefieldsPerPlayer)
  • new util.dat records
  • DamageLevelForChunnelFail, DamageLevelForAnticloakFail, DamageLevelForTerraformFail
  • optional PBP build queue
PHost 3.3d
2001/10/03
  • mine laying caused an assertion failure
PCC 1.0.15
2001/10/14
  • supports "FF alliances"
  • user keys from control screens are now also active in starchart
  • mouse driver, "/z" no longer needed
PCC2
2001/11/10
  • PVCR and Tim-VCR completed and polished
PHost 3.3e
2001/12/09
  • wormhole UFOs report correct sizes and ranges
  • some file handle leaks closed. These would prevent large pcontrol scripts from being used
  • support up to 1000 UFOs
  • improved comment handling in pconfig.src
PCC2
2001/12/16
  • added TRN access classes, un-trn
PCC 1.0.16
2001/12/17
  • auto tasks
  • simulator: custom ships, random fcode
  • SRace support now completely transparent
  • PHost VCR much faster
2002
Host 3.22.043
2002/01/05
PCC2
2002/01/16
  • added cross-platform support infrastructure
VPA 3.60
2002/02/01
  • VPA is now open-source
PCC2
2002/02/13
  • First limited alpha release, containing VCR and un-trn
PCC 1.0.17
2002/02/21
  • save game without exiting PCC
  • set waypoints from chart
  • config file and PHost commands stored in plain text
  • improved formulas a lot
  • warp well awareness (location names, X, Ctrl-F5, etc)
  • koreX.dat file format interpreted wrong
  • interpreter crashes in certain functions, e.g. EnqueueShip
PCC 1.0.18
2002/04/02
  • graphical auto task display/prediction
  • movement prediction with exact fuel consumption
  • can jettison ammo
  • Notify messages ("PCC-internal subspace messages")
  • happiness prediction was off by factor 100 for THost
PHost 3.4
2002/05/05
  • all-new-and-improved config reader
  • AllowShipNames option for anonymous games
  • ShipBuildOrders and TowResolution phases
  • PVCR made more robust
  • structure decay on unowned planets
  • xtrfcode.txt includes PHost's friendly codes
  • failure reports in utilX.dat
Host 3.22.046
2002/05/15
PCC 1.0.19
2002/06/09
  • hold Shift to lock waypoint at edge of warp well
  • include own DPMI server
  • fuel/cargo gauges on ship screen
  • auto tasks/movement prediction got confused in wrapped map
  • PlayerRace support was broken
  • UI input commands work in text mode
PHost 3.4a
2002/06/09
  • clone failure reports didn't work on Suns
  • removed AllowMeteorMessages
PCC2
2002/06/09
  • First public release: PlayVCR
PCC 1.1
2002/07/31
  • support "give" commands
  • allied (team) planets and mines are yellow
  • data transfer sync now only happens when teams change
  • prediction glitches
  • alliance editor crashed when used the second time in a turn
  • removed old configuration file format, UMB support
PCC 1.1.1
2002/09/15
  • multi-ship cargo transfer
  • simulator can print
  • planets in simulation now correct
PCC2
2002/09/15
  • Game selector in PlayVCR
  • Client can read and write TRN files
VPA 3.60a
  • "grave" and "cactus" marker
VPA 3.60d
  • marker filters
VPA 3.60f
  • PVCR works again
  • SVGA support
VPA 3.61
  • support many util.dat records, PConfig entries
  • show gravity wells
  • command messages
VPA 3.61a
2002/09/20
  • support remote-control for missions
  • variable-size circle message templates
PCC2
2002/10/07
  • supports wheel mouse, and "close-me" button on windows
  • character set translation
PHost 3.4b
2002/10/11
  • command processor supports arbitrarily long commands
  • clear mission after ship got tow-captured
  • new tow strength formula
  • intercept attack uses FCBO
  • "transfer" missions work between same-race ships
  • some new utilX.dat records
PCC 1.1.2
2002/11/06
  • reply-to-all (Ctrl-R)
  • $send-file command (PHost 4)
  • auto tasks can respect you and the other way around (Locks)
PCC 1.1.3
2002/11/27
  • VESA 2.0 support
PCC2
2002/12/02
  • added sound
  • Spanish language support
PHost 3.4c
2002/12/21
  • New language files
  • Many rule changes on the predictability front
2003
PCC 1.1.4
2003/02/10
  • cloning utility
  • minefield decay display
PCC2
2003/03/03
  • PHost 4.0 support for VCR
  • many new commands on control screens
PHost 3.4d
2003/03/05
  • Many rule changes on the predictability front
  • Configuration uses HOST-compatible defaults
PHost 4.0
2003/03/05
  • up to 999 ships
  • per-ship special abilities; new abilities: CloneOnce, Unclonable
  • Experience
  • sensor sweep also finds mines and wormholes
PHost 4.0a (+3.4e)
2003/05/22
  • per-player Id order for mine laying and various missions
PCC 1.1.5
2003/06/02
  • PHost 4 support
  • Auto tasks can be saved/loaded
VPA 3.61b
  • instant battle result for PHost
  • ship cost calculator
VPA 3.61c
  • Pillage updates database
  • Remote-controlled hissers
VPA 3.61d
2003/06/10
  • Message filter
  • PBP utility
  • replacement font for messages
VPA 3.61e
2003/08/01
Host 3.22.047
2003/08/07
  • additional Loki check after auxbc.ini to support Sphere
PHost 4.0b (+3.4f)
2003/08/16
  • extra MinesDestroyMines pass
PCC 1.1.6
2003/09/20
  • Growth prediction
  • Cargo transfer with Host .031 torp safety
  • History database got smarter
VPA 3.61f
2003/10/01
  • read and display PHost 4 experience levels
  • Many rounding problems solved
PHost 4.0d (+3.4g)
2003/10/23
  • Before and After actions for PControl
  • Various messages now forwarded to remote-control owner of a ship
VPA 3.61g
2003/12/10
  • "Actual list"
PCC 1.1.7
2003/12/17
  • Wormholes now remembered in database
  • Automatic distribution of cargo between ships
2004
PHost 4.0e (+3.4h)
2004/01/01
  • remote give command
  • Towed ships can cooperate, improved towing rules
  • Fuel usage modified to be predictable
PCC2 1.99.1
2004/01/16
  • first playable version
VPA 3.62
2004/02/22
  • economy simulation
  • can derive scores from RST when score blanker is in use
  • browse planets by location instead of by Id
PHost 4.0f (+3.4i)
2004/03/21
  • PVCR now includes a game selector
  • New experience training formula and parameters
  • Ships that break free of a tow can also intercept
  • Ramscoop also works while intercepting
PCC 1.1.8
2004/03/27
  • automatic warp factor selection
  • automatic chart database and VM backups
VPA 3.62a
2004/04/01
  • more prediction stuff
  • object notes
  • statistics functions
PHost 4.0h (+3.4j)
2004/07/10
  • New commands: enemies, transfer, unload, refit, show
  • New experience training formula
PCC 1.1.9
2004/07/24
  • support enemies command
  • correct fuel usage for THost
VPA 3.62b
2004/09/01
  • predictions improved, including correct fuel usage for THost
PCC 1.1.10
2004/12/27
  • can display util.dat as text
  • circular wrap support
2005
PHost 4.0i (+3.4k)
2005/01/23
  • many new hull functions
  • level-restricted hull functions
  • defined hull function combination rules
VPA 3.62c
2005/04/11
PCC 1.1.11
2005/04/31
  • graphical auto waypoint display on map
  • cyrillic character set support
  • beam-up-multi could trigger red alert
PHost 4.0j (+3.4l)
2005/10/22
  • ion storms
  • some new hull functions
PCC 1.1.12
2005/10/31
  • PHost 4.0j hullfunc support
2006
PCC 1.1.13
2006/03/05
  • simulator handles cloaked ships; can disable ships
  • more decision-making statements in scripting language, access to incoming messages
  • weapon effects window
PCC 1.1.14
2006/08/07
  • data export in DBF and CSV format
PHost 4.0k (+3.4m)
2006/09/04
  • freely-configurable starbase / fighter costs
  • Addon lines in PCONTROL
  • alchemy friendly codes accepted on refinery ships
  • cyclic intercept on wrapped map works better
PCC2
2006/12/02
  • PlayVCR now has a simulator
  • new installer
2007
PHost 4.1 (+3.5)
2007/01/09
  • optional exact experience reports
  • new language file format
  • some formulas improved, including mining
  • array-ized many options
  • per-player-Id order for Super Spy
VPA 3.63-beta1
2007/03/11
  • Support PHost 4.1 hull functions, and modified base/fighter costs
PCC 1.1.15
2007/03/24
  • supports configurable starbase / fighter costs
VPA 3.63-beta2
2007/07/22
PHost 4.1a (+3.5a)
2007/07/31
  • robustness improvements
PCC2
2007/08/12
  • supports new PHost hull functions, level restrictions, per-ship specials
PHost 4.1b
2007/10/28
PCC2
2007/11/18
  • message killfile can distinguish mine scan and mine sweep
  • screen history (Backspace)
  • cargo transfer options: supply sale, unload
PCC2
2007/12/31
  • can build parts on starbase
  • undo supply sale
  • can display map drawings
  • visual scan
2008
PCC 1.1.16
2008/01/27
  • cargo summary
  • message killfile can distinguish mine scan and mine sweep
  • several predictions improved
PCC2
2008/05/18
  • display warp wells in starchart
  • display Ufos
  • cmdX.txt handling
  • basic chart history handling
  • utilX.dat parsing
  • score history (score.cc)
  • autobuild
PHost 4.1c (+3.5c)
2008/09/20
  • prevented intercept-tracking of cloaking ships
  • Unclonable now works
  • robustness improvements
VPA 3.63-beta3
2008/10/25
  • Supports lesser chunneling abilities
PCC 1.1.17
2008/11/22
  • chunneling support
  • PHost "show" command support
  • simulator supports PlanetImmunity, Commander, FullWeaponry specials
PCC2 1.99.3
2008/12/16
  • new installer that supports installing the whole package, not just PlayVCR
  • simulator supports PlanetImmunity, Commander, FullWeaponry specials
  • rewinding a VCR now shows correct torpedo counts
2009
PHost 4.1d
2009/04/28
  • crash on complicated tow chains (limited bugfix release)
PCC2 1.99.4
2009/05/30
  • planet/ship comments
  • minefield/Ufo information
  • starchart drawings
  • command-line tools c2sweep, c2unpack
  • added chartX.cc support
  • capital ship building could cause red alert
PCC2 1.99.5
2009/07/04
  • ship position history
  • auto tax
  • command-line tool c2dump
PCC2 1.99.6
2009/11/15
  • team configuration
  • wrapped map (PHost only)
2010
PCC2 1.99.7
2010/01/01
  • sortable ship list view
  • ship specification view
  • PHost commands (give, remote)
PCC2 1.99.8
2010/03/14
  • expression evaluation: search function, ship/planet labels, console
PCC 1.1.18
2010/05/31
  • new config option support
  • some forward-compatibility to PCC2 in interpreter
PCC2 1.99.9
2010/06/01
  • command interpreter, user-definable keymaps
PCC2 1.99.10
2010/08/08
  • starchart information overlay
  • multiple selection layers
PCC2 1.99.11
2010/10/24
  • unpack and maketurn
  • improved registration key handling
PHost 4.1e
2010/12/03
  • random number seed control for add-ons
  • some new options
  • some new diagnostics
  • aggressiveness now affects battle-order for non-numeric FC
  • raised limit of modified ship functions from 64 to 256
2011
PCC2 1.99.12
2011/02/20
  • Unicode support
  • script interpreter: file I/O support
  • first version available as a Debian package
PCC2 1.99.13
2011/04/22
  • message parser
  • first version that has a server module (for a web browser application)
PCC2 1.99.14
2011/06/18
  • beam up multiple support
  • Detailed Bill for ship building
  • Imperial Statistics
  • simulator improvements
PCC2 1.99.15
2011/09/18
  • Help
  • Global Actions
  • ship history (F6)
PCC2 1.99.16
2011/11/25
  • Auto tasks
  • VCR warrior info
  • Starship cost calculator
2012
PCC2 1.99.17
2012/01/21
  • Fleets
  • Multi-ship cargo transfer
  • Data export
PCC2 1.99.18
2012/06/09
  • ExploreMap support
  • Search query history
PHost 4.1f
2012/11/04
  • some new options
  • several doc updates
PCC2 1.99.19
2012/12/17
  • Starchart configuration
  • Wrapped-map support
  • General configuration
  • Per-directory configuration file
2013
PCC2 1.99.20
2013/03/24
  • improved history storage to show more precise information
  • added several PCC 1.x abilities
PCC 1.1.19
2013/06/04
  • PHost "BaseTechCost" support
PCC2 1.99.21
2013/09/21
  • improved script interpreter
2014
PCC2 1.99.22
2014/02/16
  • simulator can simulate NuHost abilities
  • improved script interpreter
PHost 4.1g
2014/12/20
  • some new options
  • several doc updates
2015
PCC2 1.99.23
2015/01/23
  • reset location
  • minefield/ufo/ion/VCR details more accessible
  • new config options
PCC2 1.99.24
2015/03/01
  • game settings (password etc.)
PCC2 1.99.25
2015/05/02
  • plugins
PHost 4.1h
2015/05/31
  • upgrade (refit) to tech 1 from ship without weapons
PCC2 1.99.26
2015/07/20
  • remote control
  • movement and cargo prediction
  • show sensor ranges
  • stand-alone unpack
2016
PCC2 2.0
2016/03/05
  • end of beta
VPA 3.70
2016/06/25
  • planets.nu support
PCC2 2.0.1
2016/07/02
  • MapTruehullByPlayerRace and SRace
  • improved ship predictions
PCC2ng 2.40
2016/09/25
  • game browser (local, PlanetsCentral, Nu)
  • history turn loading
  • tools: c2export
2017
PCC2ng 2.40.1
2017/01/14
  • partial GUI
  • tools: c2plugin, c2script, c2sweep, c2untrn
PCC2 2.0.2
2017/01/15
  • improved planetary predictions
PCC2ng 2.40.2
2017/05/13
  • servers: c2file, c2format, c2talk
  • tools: c2rater
PCC2 2.0.3
2017/11/25
  • show a planet's/ship's messages, including markers on the map
2018
PCC2ng 2.40.3
2018/01/23
  • servers: c2host, c2mailout, c2monitor, c2nntp
  • tools: c2console, c2dbexport, c2mailin, c2configtool
  • procedurally-generated planet images
  • proxy support
PCC2ng 2.40.4
2018/04/06
  • folder configuration, VCR
PCC2 2.0.4
2018/05/01
  • potential crash on intercept cycle
  • potential rule violation when transferring supplies and also buying (undo sell) them
  • consider terraformers for taxation prediction
  • explain ship predictions
PCC2 2.0.5
2018/08/19
  • THost alliances did not work so far
  • potential crash on self-tow
  • plugins can provide help files
PCC2ng 2.40.5
2018/09/01
  • local game saving, unpack/maketurn
  • visual scan, alliances
2019
PCC2 2.0.6
2019/02/23
  • Listbox().Run() did not work so far
  • can simulate Saber Shield Generator, Red Wind Cloaked Bays (Nu abilities)
PCC2ng 2.40.6
2019/04/29
  • starchart, cargo transfer
  • servers: many new commands to reduce front-end logic
  • servers: c2user, c2play (ex c2server)
PCC2 2.0.7
2019/06/17
  • bunch of usability improvements
  • view util.dat
  • custom alliances in simulator
PCC2ng 2.40.7
2019/08/24
  • auto tasks, search, taxation
  • support THost pythagoras bug
PCC2 2.0.8
2019/11/24
  • planet prediction for THost
  • "what if" for planetary prediction
  • highlight currently-broken hull functions
  • support THost pythagoras bug
2020
PCC2ng 2.40.8
2020/02/01
  • build queue manager, planet info (F5), and more commands.
PCC 1.1.20
2020/04/18
  • highlight currently-broken hull functions
  • build queue manager
  • set up allied chunnels
  • explain ship predictions
  • script interpreter: some PCC2 compatiblity
PCC2 2.0.9
2020/04/19
  • build queue manager
  • set up allied chunnels
PCC2ng 2.40.9
2020/10/21
  • universe almanac
  • multi-threaded battle simulator (command line)
  • more commands (reset location, list ships next turn)
PCC2 2.0.10
2020/12/01
  • receive files from util.dat
  • show ship abilities as icons
2021
PCC2 2.0.11
2021/03/16
  • sell torpedoes/fighters
PCC2ng 2.40.10
2021/05/16
  • battle simulator
  • cargo transfer specialties (overload, multi-ship)
  • scores
  • notifications
PCC2ng 2.40.11
2021/09/29
  • FLAK viewer
  • multi-threaded battle simulator
  • send messages
  • revision history on Github
PCC2 2.0.12
2021/09/29
  • save-without-exit
  • build queue manager shows planned builds
  • correct aggressor/opponent handling in simulator
2022
PCC2 2.0.13
2022/04/11
  • show relative (percentage) growth
PCC2ng 2.40.12
2022/04/16
  • can upload turn files to PlanetsCentral
  • auto task editor
  • object labels
PCC2ng 2.40.13
2022/08/27
  • global actions
  • ship history screen, fleet screen
  • many improvements to starchart
PCC2 2.0.14
2022/12/18
  • show minefields after decay
  • when locking at a planet, consider time
  • allow wrapped map with gap
to be continued...
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This file is maintained by Stefan Reuther. It was generated automatically from XML input. Unlike those stupid Java things, a simple Perl script needed only 0.09 seconds to generate it.