v0.14-alpha - [Godot] "Machine Battle" Game Dev Log 12/26/2021- Improve AI path performance (Link in Description)

Demo:

Summary: 

The first part of video is testing multiple player with large count of AI. The second part/third part is to test single player behavior. 

Solves the issue with AI path finding slows the game down in single/multiplayer network. The main idea is to use a queue mechanism with timer to spread the load of AI path requests across different frames instead of that exact frame. As AI moving at different pace, also create a more real player like behavior. 

Tested around 30 AIs all compete in same field at one moment without major slow down. Detail and analyze in https://github.com/danilko/topdown-2d-multiplayer/issues/25 

This also solves the network slow down issue. It is not due to number of AI need to sync, but rather more due to server is processing AI and slow down package sending 

Also introduce Spawn base (base on current captured base) during unit spawn count down for both player and AI to allow more flexible player. The map mode also has a big mode in addition to existing minimap mode.

Updates:

Update to Godot 3.4.2

Fix following issues

https://github.com/danilko/topdown-2d-multiplayer/issues/25: Improve slow down behaviors when AI are searching paths

https://github.com/danilko/topdown-2d-multiplayer/issues/24: Allow player and bots to select spawn base from available base instead of always fixed ones

https://github.com/danilko/topdown-2d-multiplayer/issues/21: Introduce setting screen (include exit option) in game

https://github.com/danilko/topdown-2d-multiplayer/issues/8: Improve network performance

Workaround:

There are some corner cases where nested Dialog (such as opening the in game option while the map mode is open, cause the mouse cursor to stay). 

The current workaround is to open inventory or open esc again to correct the setup.