RB Player - Version 3.1

Version 3.1 was first released July 2007; it is a significant update. As is usual, this new version is upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps.

Registered users of versions of RBP 3.1.x can upgrade free by downloading RBPUP.ZIP. UnZip it to replace your prior version of RBP. NOTE: this download contains only the file(s) that have changed. If you are upgrading from version 2.x, or 3.0.x, or otherwise need a complete copy, download RBP.ZIP instead.

Here are some of the features:

• The mouse wheel can zoom the map. To turn this off, or reverse the wheel's zoom direction, change the setting in the File, Display Settings window.
• If your Windows Internet drivers are missing or not working, RBP will offer to install them for you.
• Repaired some problems in Web matches with more than 2 human players.
• Increased Windows Vista cooperation
• RBP's help is available in a Windows .CHM compiled-HTML file. RBP switches to it automatically if Windows reports that it cannot handle the older-style .HLP help file. If you want to force RBP to switch to the .CHM help file, either manually delete or rename the RBP.HLP file.
• RBPEdit has been similarly enhanced, and users of prior versions can upgrade it for the small fee as shown on an order form.
• Version 3.1.1 fixes a herald display problem on the US2 map
• Version 3.1.2 fixes a problem displaying JPG files as map backgrounds
• Version 3.1.3 improves registration information when running under Vista

RB Player - Version 3.0

Version 3.0 was first released November 2006; it is a significant update. As is usual, this new version is upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps.

Here are some of the features:

• RBP is now a 32-bit application. Microsoft's removal of support for 16-bit applications within Windows was finally a compelling reason to make the switch to 32 bits.
• Support for longer file names for saved games.
• Minor cosmetic changes such as some new graphics.
• Execution speed is about 2 or 3 times faster than version 2.x.
• Note that RBP version 3.0 cannot properly connect for Web matches with prior versions of RBP. All participants in an online match should upgrade to the same RBP version.
• If you receive no response or get run-time error 372 or 339 when attempting to start a Web match, it is likely because your Windows internet drivers need updating. See the instructions in the FAQ.
• If you get error 52 upon entering your registration passcode, download the latest version that fixes this problem.
• If the city images do not appear, download the latest version (3.0.2) that fixes this problem.

RB Player - Version 2.10.1

Version 2.10.1 was first released March 2006; it is a minor update. As is usual, this new version is upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps.

Registered users of prior versions of RBP 2.x can upgrade free by downloading RBP2AUP.ZIP. UnZip it to replace your prior version of RBP. NOTE: this download contains only the files that have changed. This is the final 16-bit update.

Here are some of the features:

• Slightly faster AI speed of play
• Updated Web links
• Version 2.10.1a (Sep 2006) allows for public RRs to be connected to more other RRs

RB Player - Version 2.10

Version 2.10 ("two point ten") was first released July 2004; it is a moderate update. As is usual, this new version is upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps.

Here are some of the features:

• Improved AI end game set-up-win decisions
• Improved AI end game self-undeclare decisions
• Regions now expressed by abbreviation (NE, SW, etc.) rather than number for easier viewing
• Upon initial program use, IA Newby has taken over for Jay Gould as one of the four default players (to make it easier for human to win)
• New: highlights Yes or No button to recommend to the human player whether or not to declare
• Fixed a bug if player clicked OK(done) before his turn during round 1
• Fixed a bug that could allow a player to move twice if he had become undeclared in his alternate destination
• Other minor tweaks to display and performance
• The RBPEdit map editor has been updated as well; previous purchasers can upgrade for $6
  • Regions now expressed by abbreviation (NE, SW, etc.) rather than number for easier viewing
  • Dot number display now includes region abbreviation
  • Printer parameters now expressed in % of paper size (easier to position output)
  • New "Save BMP as BMZ" feature (compresses bgnd image to save space)
  • Added more verifications to the Check Map feature
  • Added brief help / guidance to the text editor
  • Fixed some assorted minor bugs
  • Updated accompanying help file
• Version 2.10a fixes a few things we missed earlier

RB Player - Version 2.9.1

Version 2.9.1 was first released March 2004; it is a minor update. As is usual, this new version is upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps.

Here are some of the features:

• Improved AI end game declaration decisions
• Improved trip generation when "ride your own RRs free" is enabled
• Used path Xs now shifted slightly so they do not overprint those of another player
• Other minor cosmetic changes
• Repaired an end-game "Unable to find trip" problem
• Repaired a problem with rovering multiple declared players in one turn
• Think we've fixed the GM re-roll problem during a Web match
• All repeatable bugs that users reported have been fixed
• The RBPEdit map editor has been updated as well

RB Player - Version 2.9

Version 2.9 was first released July 2003; it is a significant update. Here are some of the features:

• Before starting a game, to learn about a map's RRs and cities, slide your mouse around and hover at dots. Then, on a dot served by one RR, click for RR info (displayed above the map), or Ctrl+click to assemble trial networks.
• More map zooming and scrolling features: to zoom, left click and drag to select an area; to scroll hold down the Alt key, then left click and drag. Ctrl+E replots the entire map.
• New: press the Spacebar to use the suggested route (marked by tunnel symbols).
• During play, a small "trip tip" box with data about your roll and rail use fees floats over the map while you mark a route for your engine.
• The tunnel symbols now display an extra line for bonus roll dots. This is a visual indication that you'll be using at least some of your bonus.
• Substantial enhancements to the AI's handling of the end game. The AI is much better at chasing declared player(s), as well as shadowing a player who might declare soon.
• The trip finders are better at creating trips that bounce out of unfriendly destinations on the bonus roll. This reduces the average amount of money spent on RR use fees.
• The RR purchasing AI now better evaluates RRs that get close to underserved areas of the map. This results in better networks.
• The Program Settings and Game Options windows have been combined into one.
• Many user interface tweaks. Note that some menu items and shortcut keys have changed.
• Items on the Levels pull-down menu have been renamed, and a super tough "Robber Baron" level added. Choosing Robber Baron enables revenge mode in which the AI players gang up on the human. It's VERY tough to beat them.
• Improved appearance of city name drop shadow, maps dots, and map squares
• More coding improvements make this the fastest-playing version ever
• Many other assorted minor bug fixes and improvements
• As usual, upwardly compatible with maps and saved games
• Europe 1914 game map released
• The RBPEdit map editor has been updated as well (previous purchasers can upgrade for $6)

RB Player - Version 2.8

Version 2.8 was first released March 2003; it is a significant update.

Here are some of the features:

• NEW! Boardgame Conductor window does all the table lookups for you when you play the boardgame, also has a timer and dice roller
• Big improvements to the AI's end game intelligence: knows to hover near players who might declare, better at following players who are declared, better at knowing when it's safe to declare, and more
• The Player Information window has been eliminated, and its data combined into the Game Status window. The new "Max Info" selection on its Display pull-down menu shows you the data.
• Experienced players can disable the display of the arrival and opponent purchase message boxes in order to speed up the game (and reduce wear and tear on their mouse). See the new checkboxes in the Display Settings window.
• Asterisks (*) to indicate unfriendly destinations are now displayed in more places, such as in the History Box.
• Many improvements to AI's RR purchasing, for example, now knows to take risk a buy an important (but expensive) RR if it already owns a lesser RR to auction should it run out of cash
• The AI is smarter about when to home swap, and now offers its recommendation to you by highlighting either the Yes or No home swap response button
• The Game Status window's Net Worth graph now displays a solid vertical line to mark when the railroads sell out.
• The AI's "revenge mode" is even tougher to beat now
• The game's help file has been correspondingly updated
• The WINRR.LOG file now includes the networks of the losers (in order of player's net worth), separated from each other by a semicolon.
• During a Web match, if the GM went bankrupt after auctioning all his railroads, prior versions would continue to prompt him to auction or sell more railroads. This has been fixed.
• Many other minor bug fixes and assorted improvements to AI
• Upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps
• The RBPEdit map editor has been updated as well

RB Player - Version 2.7

Version 2.7 was first released July 2002; it is a minor update. Here are some of the features:

• Added Region data to via the City Visits display.
• When cash levels are secret, cash box now shows multiple $ signs to indicate approximate cash level of players.
• Worked around Windows quirk that prevented players from joining a Web game while the GM was viewing his computer's dot address.
• Arranges the map window better when oversized fonts are selected,
• Provides easier install from CD, and recognizes .RBM associated files upon startup.
• Fixes: a small bug in the scenario editor, the "Copy to Clipboard" feature, a RR display quirk, an "Overflow" error, miscounting of unsold RRs and wrong use fees charged during Web play.
• Other minor bug fixes and assorted improvements to AI.
• Upwardly compatible with prior saved games and maps.

RB Player - Version 2.6

Version 2.6 was initially released October 2001. Here are some of the new features:

• Hall of Fame improvements: expanded from 10 to 16 entries, added map name, added notification at end of game when your score qualifies for the HOF.
• Various improvements to AI's railroad purchasing decisions. Better at assembling a network with good map coverage. Better at knowing when to NOT purchase a RR.
• Improved AI trip finders to favor riding on own RRs rather than unowned. This helps the AI reduce the trip fees it pays when the "Ride free on own RRs" variant option is employed.
• Each non-city map dot can now have a name or other information associated with it. Zoom extra close to view, or right click on the dot and choose Information. Names are supplied via an optional xxxDOTI.RBP file for the map. Availability of this file depends on the efforts of the map's designer. Check the RB Fanatics Web site for possible downloads.
• Right clicking on a city / destination and requesting Information will show you a picture of and/or sound effect for that destination (if the map's designer provides the multimedia).
• Added option to override restriction against making a trip that would prevent you from subsequently getting to your destination via a legal route. Considered "cheating" if you use it.
• Added support for associated .RBZ saved game files (RBP can recognize when you double click an .RBZ file in Windows, and will load that saved game).
• Assorted other improvements to AI.
• Fixed bug that caused multimedia files (such as RR heralds/logos) to not be displayed after you switched from the USA map to US2 or USR.
• Fixed bug that caused full rail use fee to be charged again when departing a destination on a bonus roll if automove feature was used.
• Fixed bug that would allow a human player to bid in an auction even if he had been bankrupted previously.
• Assorted other minor bug fixes.

RB Player - Version 2.5

Version 2.5, released May 2001, is a significant update. Upgrades are free!

Here are some of the new features:

• Support for "free travel on own RRs" variant
• Scenario editor: create a game situation, then run/play it
• Cheat window: change destination, cash, RR owned, etc.
• Improved AI end game:
  • More aggressive about declaring (match now averages 10% shorter than before!)
  • Knows when opponents have no legal routes to give rover chase
  • Knows safest dots to at which to hide if can't reach home on current roll
  • Knows to drop below $200,000 if can't reach home, and in danger of being rovered
  • Better able to find and make rover plays
• Choose the font and font size you prefer for the information boxes around map
• Destination window can show a picture of your next destination (if map supplies one)
• Option to spy on the routes the AI is considering for travel
• Game Rules summary added to on-line help
• Improvements to AI play
• Minor display enhancements
• version 2.5.1 fixes minor problems with 2.5 (such as background image error 102)

RB Player Version 2.2 - New Features

Version 2.2.x of RBP is a minor update.

• Added support for free Superchief upgrades for players that have an Express. This variant will be used at the WBC Rail Baron tournament.
• Improvements to RR color on USA map for 256-color systems.
• Speedier map display with less flicker (noticeable on older, slower computers).
• In Game Configuration window, click on Skill label to advance the skill level of all players one notch.
• In the Game Configuration window, click on Name label to change all player names to match the color selected.
• Start Game menu option can be used to restart the game even if another game is already in progress.
• If a home city is unfriendly, it is marked with an asterisk in the Player info area.
• Assorted improvements to AI.
• Fixed problem with Home Swapping option on maps containing public railroads.
• Fixed other minor bugs.

RB Player Version 2.1 - New Features

Version 2.1 of RBP is a minor update.

• Added support for Home Swapping variant (enable on Game Options window).
• Added support for "minimal reuse" aspect of otherwise impossible trip to alternate destination. It's not 100% foolproof, but will work most of the time.
• Assorted improvements to AI's handling of end game.
• After being rovered in alternate destination, RBP now allows for instant arrival (and purchase opportunity) at start of next turn.
• Assorted bug fixes and speed improvements.

RB Player Version 2 - New Features

Version 2 of RBP is a major update. Below is a list of the most significant changes. If you are a registered user of RBP 1.x, you can upgrade for free. You will need to re-register the new version, but doing so is free. Instructions are in the on-line help.

• Web support: play the game live vs. other users via the Internet
• To play over the Web, simply choose a "GameMaster" and enter that person's dot address (i.e. no special Web server needed)
• A new built-in intermediate level AI opponent: George Pullman
• Support for much more complex game maps (more regions, dots and RRs)
• A challenging, new USA-style game map (named US2) with 140 railroads. Takes skill, not luck, to win!
• Printable "Game Summary" sheet (great for recordkeeping)
• Faster and smarter AI (twice as fast on average)
• Slick-looking animated map zooming
• User selectable map text font
• Many ease-of-use improvements
• Assorted bug fixes (including the notorious, rare "divide by zero")
• The program will remain a small, efficient .EXE (no mega-code bloat)
• Upwardly compatible with existing maps and saved games

Do you like details? Here's even more new stuff:

• Web matches can contain up to 6 human players all at different locations
• Instant message feature lets you banter with your opponents during Web match
• Spectator feature lets you watch a Web match without actually playing
• OK (done) button blinks to remind you when you need to click it to continue
• Auction window contains "Drop Out" button so you can cease bidding in an auction
• Auction window contains "Show stats" box so you can learn how useful the auctioned RR will be to an opponent
• Purchase window contains option to sort available RRs by name or price
• Purchase window accumulates stats as you highlight a RR (so you can compare Access and Monopoly stats)
• Purchase window initially auto-locates itself out of way of map
• Purchase window made smaller to obscure less of map
• To select a RR to consider for purchase, you can simply click on it on the map
• Click on a RR in list at left of map to zoom into that RR on map
• In City/Property Information window, click button to zoom into a RR on map
• Click a player's name in the Player stats box to easily view his network plus remaining unowned RRs
• The same click also provides Access and Monopoly stats for the player
• Map automatically re-zooms if suggested route extends off viewable area
• Suggested route stats shows "+" when you'll pay extra for a bonus roll
• Cash box underlines the name of the current (turn) player
• Cash box text is bolded for easier viewing
• Game Status Summary shows total and average Payoffs Collected
• Game Status Summary shows number of turns and average trip length
• Game Status window lets you adjust font size
• Replay feature lets you specify a round to which to replay
• RR dot name labels can also be positioned above the dot
• Max number of regions allowed on map increased from 14 to 31
• Max number of dots allowed in a region increased from 200 to 999
• Max number of RRs allowed on map increased from 50 to 999
• Monochrome versions of color images created on fly when needed for low-color systems (makes for smaller map files)
• Add-on sounds and images can be remapped (produces smaller multimedia files)
• Files window gives brief info about saved games when you click on them

RB Player Version 1.6.1 - New Features

Version 1.6.1 of RBP is a minor update. Below is a list of the most significant changes.

• Clicking a RR in the list at left of the map now displays that RRs herald/image (if available) in the lower-left corner
• Status line at top now shows "(+bonus out)" if the suggested route arrives at the destination quickly enough for you to use the bonus die for immediate departure
• Tiny improvements in AI's region selection and declaration
• The program now warns you if you attempt to start another copy while one is already running
• Minor display changes and fixes to the Ownership window

RB Player Version 1.6 - New Features

Version 1.6 of RBP is a relatively minor update. Below is a list of the most significant changes.

• Now supports text labels on a map (handy for displaying region names)
• The AI is smarter in several areas: handling bonus rolls, purchasing RRs that an opponent needs, auctions, rover chases, and more
• Spacebar, Y and N keys accepted in message boxes (easier to move past them without using the mouse)
• Some separate message windows have been grouped into a single window (makes for fewer message interruptions)
• Automove turns itself off if it is about to waste a few dots in order to position you for a declaration
• Map window now employs Arial font by default (smoother text at different zoom levels)
• Alternate maps can now employ a different font for the map window
• Internal errors detected during execution are logged to the history window
• Several assorted bugs, particularly in the game replay feature, have been fixed

RB Player Version 1.5 - New Features

Version 1.5 of RBP started out as a minor update, but evolved into a major one. There are many new and improved features. Here is a list of the most significant ones (you can download the new version from the main RBP page):

• RR heralds/logos/images: attractive images add visual appeal to the game (available for most maps; download add-ons from here)
• sound effects: engine and other RR sounds (requires sound capability; not available with all maps)
• Automove option: moves your train for you when on friendly RRs; helps quicken game play
• Replay feature: watch the game be replayed step-by-step from start to finish
• Suggest a region: when you can choose a region, you can now obtain RBP's suggestion
• RR service labels: shows RRs that serve certain dots (varies based on map)
• compressed game saves: new .RBZ storage format is 90% smaller than before
• compress old feature: compresses all your old game saves into the new format (for example, it reduced our disk space use from 50M to just 5M)
• compressed map images: background .BMP files now stored in a compressed format to save disk space
• improved graphics: better color handling on 256-color computers
• faster AI: overall 10% faster, plus much faster during early stages of the game
• smarter AI: improved everywhere, but especially for auctions and region selection
• a Round counter: RBP counts and displays the number of rounds in the game
• upwardly compatible with old game saves

• auction window shows stats for your network before and after adding RR
• sell/auction window opens automatically for human player
• click within Player Stats to easily show RR network, zoom to engine, cities, etc.
• unfriendly destinations are marked by an asterisk in the Player Stats
• Region Prob button of Destination window shows the average distance to friendly cities in each region, via friendly routes
• better at finding good routes
• better at "desparation declaration" (make risky declare when an opponent is near victory)
• Game Setup/Configuration window allows easy access to Randomize Probabilities and Credit/Edit Custom AI features
• Black added to the list of built-in color choices
• Game Status window can be made to stay on top of other windows
• additional items added to AI Stats (rounds per game, longest/shortest game, most/least RRs
• message boxes improved to reduce Windows beeps and alert sound effects
• most windows now rescale their contents if you resize them
• "xxx wins!" message at end of game now animated
• background color of cash window can be reversed (to improve readability)
• maximum unfriendly RR use fee setting increased to $100,000 (previous limit was $32,000)
• more on-line help topics
• assorted other minor features and bug fixes