Other Editors
From Worms Knowledge Base
The Scheme Comparator
The Scheme Comparator is one of three ingenius solutions to a common problem with "over-customisation".
The problem is this: extensive customisability will make it very hard for players on WormNET to (a) find a scheme that doesn't use options they don't like, and (b) avoid being surprised by hidden and unexpected adjustments that the Host has made in the scheme.
It's a fair point. No one wants to play a game only to find out that the Longbow doesn't do the damage you thought it would, or that the mines are actually instant. And checking the scheme for these defects is tedious, even with the current extent of customisability. So if the editors in this section did exist, something would have to be done. It turns out that there are three solutions to this problem, and they can all be implemented simultaneously for maximum effect.
The first solution requires changes to the WormNET lobbies and how they operate. Back in the early days of WA, WormNET had a number of channels, some of which forced the scheme being used (the schemes available would be determined by WormNET admins). This meant that anyone entering these channels and playing a game would know exactly what to expect; as the host couldn't change anything. This is a solution in itself, but I see it as inspiration for a better solution - instead of seperate channels, players should have the ability to host "forced schemes" in any channel. WormNET would indicate this to all other players. Through this method, the host is effectively saying: "I'm hosting this, and you know exactly what it's going to be". No fuss necessary.
The second solution is the Scheme Comparator, perhaps a little more complicated. The Scheme Comparator is a feature devised by Deadcode, who works on the updates for Worms Armageddon and will eventually implement it into WA. When in the host-join lobby, it is often a good idea to check the scheme settings if you are not sure what to expect. The Scheme Comparator is a feature that does this checking for you. You will be required to select a scheme from your own list of schemes, and the Scheme Comparator will then compare it with the Host's scheme, and list all the differences between them.
Of course, the list of differences may be very extensive, but the Scheme Comparator will also be configurable, allowing the player to order the differences in a priority that the player finds most suitable. For example, you might want the fuse setting of mines to be listed at the top, and crate probability differences listed at the bottom.
This way there is no excuses for complaining once the game has started - you knew what was coming.
The third and final solution will not prevent you entering a game with dodgy settings, but it may help you if you forget what the scheme includes or prevent you messing up a turn. It is simply this: players will have the ability to view all scheme options while in game. So, if, for example, you've forgotten how much damage the Longbow will do, you will be able to check before you use it. This system will be designed with efficiency in mind - holding the cursor over a weapon in the weapons panel will not only provide you with its delay and ammunition, but every parameter, neatly organised in a box in the corner.
The Weapon Factory
The weapon factory is a supplement to the weapon editor, allowing players to throw in several different versions of the same weapon. For example, suppose you want one grenade that releases fire, and another that releases radiation. You could make one of them in the scheme, but then you wouldn't be able to have the other. That's where the weapon factory comes in. Simply choose a weapon, edit it as you would normally, give it a name, save it, and it will be immediately available for inclusion in the schemes you choose to edit thereafter. Simple as that.
Additionally, a more advanced version of the Weapon Factory would have options much like that of the Fiddler (a third-party program for Worms Armageddon), allowing far more customisability and even selection of sprites used.
