 |
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
I'll start things off. I'd like to start off with the electronic help. I really like the three introductory help scenarios. Definitely would like to see these included, as well the walkthrus for things like the design workshop, city screen, etc which were incorporated into SMAC. I thought these were awsome for first time players, as well as us veterans who looked at SMAC and said 'what the heck did they do!' Since the interface had changed somewhat.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
How does everyone feel about a technology tree foldout? Or is it better to just have an electronic one?
Index cards (maybe 8x11 laminated) which show terrain improvements, SE choices, combat modifiers, breakdown of the civs bonuses/penalties?
|
|
| |
|
|
|
evil conquerer
|
|
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
May 1999
time: 05:14
|
|
Yes, keep the tech tree! That is probably the single biggest timesaver in the whole game. Once I know the game well, I find the tech tree more useful than the manual itself. Of course, Firaxis shouldn't skimp on either (and they sure don't! :-)).
Index cards would be cool; I'm not sure how much I would use them because I haven't had any experience there. My first impression is that it would be too hard to find the specific card you're looking for in that big stack. Still, the concept is out there -- Maybe there's a way to pull it off.
Also, I'd like to second the motion for an index. That was the one flaw in an otherwise superb manual.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of like 3 reference cards, each about 8x11 (the size of the box).
One would have terrain improvement breakdown, detailing the effects of each type of improvement on each type of land, as well as time frame; the back side could show combat modifiers, the various chasis, weapons and armor upgrades and unit special abilities.
The second card could list the various SE choices, since from reading some of the other posts, a lot of people want more options when it comes to this, so this card could show the combinations; on the back it could have the factions listed with a very brief bio on them (agression level, starting techs, goals, etc)
And a third which both sides would simply list all of the techs alphabetically, and the affects each one gives, similar to what pops up when you learn the tech (new city improvements, units, wonders, etc).
As far as the index for the manual, at this point I'd say there is no debate.
How does having a big foldout tech tree sound, possibly a map of Earth on the back? Or a seperate foldout for it, or no map?
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ralph
|
|
Stockholm - Sweden
Jan 1970
time: 05:14
|
|
In addition to a big colourful tech-tree/units/terrain-tile poster – also add a cheap small A4-sized black/white version of the tech-tree itself, so the player can use that to make Xerox-copies.
I did some A4-sized Xerox-copies of the tech-tree in CIV-2, and then used a fluorescent pen to more easily keep track on my science-progress.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
NotLikeTea
|
|
HRM, NS, Canada
Apr 1999
time: 05:14
|
|
I found that while the CIVII manual was bigger than the CIV manual, I disliked it more. Why?
The II manual was all techie, and boring. How to move a unit. How to change the production. However, the original manual was actually fun to read. It had little historical bits, which is a real necessity for a historical game. It gave context, and a sense of atmosphere to the game, more so than was present in the sequel.
I say bring back the enjoyable read while including the techie reference.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
I'd have to say I disagree with this, I kind of liked having the explanation of how to do everything in the CIV II manual. But then again, with all of the various walkthru's and learning scenarios in SMAC, maybe less of the manual could be dedicated to this, if these were developed for CIV III.
What is everyones feeling as far as the learning scenarios in SMAC, the Explore, Build, Conquer ones. Also, the walkthru's of the various screens (city screen, design workshop screen, etc).
Should these be included in CIV III?
Any changes? More info, less info?
Anyone think Firaxis should just do away with the hardcopy, and put it all on the disk? Maybe put it in .pdf format so that its easily printable and viewable. I'm sure this could definitely cut down on costs, and installation instructions would be included inside the jewel case.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Mo
|
|
I dislike the idea of putting all out on disk. That is what the in game help like the datalinks from alpha centauri is for. I really liked the Civ II poster. The 8X11 card are a good idea but they should still include a poster of all the techs.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
How about interactive help files integrated into a website.
I remember Starcraft's help files had solutions built in, but also had built in links to their website if you needed more info.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Sieve Too
|
|
New Hampshire, USA
Jan 1970
time: 05:14
|
|
Definitely need a printed manual. That way I can learn the game without having to sit in front of the computer. Online help is nice but is not a substitute for a decent manual. Let's face it. It's much easier to thumb and skip through a printed manual than click through an online one. And until the day we all have 42 inch monitors, the help screen just overlaps and clutters up the game.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
Does anybody want historical information about the civs included in the manual like in Age of Empires? I kind of thought the info was interesting, but if the number of civs gets too high, it could be just a short blip about em.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
They did include all of the scripting/scenario language for CivII but only in expansion pack Fantastic Worlds.
Is this something everyone thinks should be included in a seperate manual? Wait until a CivIII expansion?
I'm inclined to say have it wait until an expansion, simply because most people wont use those tools or build their own scenarios, and thats space which could be used for other things.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Travathian
|
|
Chandler, AZ, USA
May 1999
time: 21:14
|
|
350 pages? Is the game gonna be on a mini disc or in a seperate package?
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ecce Homo
|
|
Stockholm, Sweden
Apr 1999
time: 06:14
|
|
One should be able to learn the game from scratch with an on-line tutorial in two parts. Part 1 should be for understanding the interface, part 2 should be just like playing on Chief level but with even more advice.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
NotLikeTea
|
|
HRM, NS, Canada
Apr 1999
time: 05:14
|
|
As to a tutorial, I'd like to see one that is integrated into the game.
This was attempted with the tutorial help messages, but I don't think this was done too well.. I'd like to see an ingame tutorial, with it's own scenario, designed for the tutorial. Click here, change this, modify that, not the more generic tutorial messages used now.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Sieve Too
|
|
New Hampshire, USA
Jan 1970
time: 05:14
|
|
Taking a cue from Microsoft (Oh no!!!!), how about "Question mark help"? You know, the little question mark button on the toolbar that changes your cursor to a pointer/question mark. Whatever you click on with this cursor pops up specific help for the item. Very useful for busy screens like the city window.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ecce Homo
|
|
Stockholm, Sweden
Apr 1999
time: 06:14
|
|
Could the Civilopedia be compatible with MS Windows' help program?
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Kris Huysmans
|
|
Belgium
May 1999
time: 05:14
|
|
Scenario creation must be also included in the manual:
1)A description of rules.txt
2)How to change graphics
3)Tips to make balanced scenarios without errors
|
|
| |
All times are GMT. The time now is 05:14.
Apolyton Time is 00:14. |
top of page
|
| archivepost |
|
Forum Rules:
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
|
HTML code is ON
vB code is ON
Smilies are ON
[IMG] code is ON
|
|
|
|
|
|
22-05-1999 06:48
|