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Date: Nov 13 1999 15:49:13 EST
From: "Apolyton Announcements (Apolyton Civilization Site)"
Subject: Apolyton&Friends News 30/October-12/November/99


Greetings everyone,
these are the news of the last two weeks(30/October-12/November/99). Sorry
for missing the newsletter last week, a hardware isue on my pc kept me
from sending it.

News are generally slowing down, moving away from the SMAC-X release and
having no news about civ3 from Firaxis(we expect some announcement soon
though), and not hearing at all from Activision.
Still, there are some interesting stuff to check out. First of all, The
List (of civ3 suggestions) version 2 is here! An extra big, 479 pages long
document, by the fans, for Firaxis :)
Also, Firaxis is working on a smac-x patch, or rather two of them, since
the poll asking for people to vote for one big and delayed patch or two,
smaller, with the first coming sooner, resulted on the second choice.
A bug list is being created on our AC-Help forum, check it out

As for our hosted sites, GameLeague reached 300 Members, and the Spanish
site presented the Silver Fleece Medal for October

In the "Friends" part of the newsletter, news only from Dan 717's
Civilization II Page. If you have a civ2, ctp or smac site and want your
news included here, mail Dustin Dunn at dustind@home.com


And now, in detail
=========The news from Apolyton=========
----------------------------
**Civilization III Section

THE LIST V2 IS HERE!
(November 10th, 1999) Finally! It took almost four months(!), but version
2 of The List is done, mailed to Firaxis, and here on Apolyton. For now it
is only available in the original form, as it was sent to Firaxis, in .doc
format. It includes both the work of the apolyton and the official firaxis
forums, extending to a total of 479 pages! We hope to have a web
edition(not on 479 pages though :)) of version 2 in a few days...
By the way, we also have Version 1 in ziped doc format.

THE LIST: FIRAXIS INCLUDED
(October 30th, 1999) Yeap, The List is bit delayed, but the reason is
good. After the shutdown of the official Firaxis forums, the civ3
suggestions list which was organized there will be combined with version 2
of the list on Apolyton. So, it will take a few more days, but Yin speaks
of 400 pages(think about it for a minute :))!

FIRAXIS CIV3 FORUM ARCHIVE
(October 30th, 1999) A bit on the same topic with the above news item, wwe
are happy to have archived the "Suggestions for the Wish List" forum of
the official Firaxis forums, which are now closed. We will hopefully have
more archives(thanks to Firaxis webmaster Dan Magaha) of the Firaxis
forums


----------------------------
**Alpha Centauri Section

IGN Alien Crossfire Review
--November 12 1999-- Trent C. Ward, whose name Civ fans might recognize
from previously publicized reviews, has taken a stab at Alien Crossfire,
aka SMAC-X, the official expansion pack for Alpha Centauri. Needless to
say, he was impressed.
"Alien Crossfire is one of the most ambitious and entertaining expansion
products ever released, blending seamlessly with the original Alpha
Centauri package to give gamers and excellent reason to return to one of
the most popular gaming worlds ever created, Planet.".
How's that for an opening paragraph? There's more:
"These [new] factions, and the individual stories associated with each of
them are the real strength behind Alien Crossfire.".
And in conclusion, Ward writes that "while those who are looking for a
change in their multiplayer games will certainly have a few new options to
play with, you'll find that they won't make all that much difference in
the long run. Still, by adding seven entirely new factions, each with
their own rich storyline, Firaxis has given an amazing new life to their
original product which is certainly worth the cost of an expansion pack".
Click here to read the whole shabang!

Hidden SMAC-X Factions
--November 8 1999-- We got word from TechnoGeek of two hidden factions
within SMAC-X... well, maybe not anymore after this article, but anyway
... ... here's his account of his discovery:
"I was recently viewing the graphic files after installing SMACX to see
what graphics had been updated and found that there were some interesting
new files, namely: "sid", "sid2", "sid3", "brian", "brian2" and "brian3".
These graphics belong to two factions that are led by Sid Meier and Brian
Renyolds. You can use the Faction Editor to install them into the game".

Patch Poll
--November 5 1999-- Would you prefer:
A) To download a patch in the next few weeks that fixes all known major
problems and then download a second patch two months later that fixes any
additional reported bugs,
or
B) Download one big patch two or three months from now that fixes all
reported bugs?
This is the question Firaxis Games is posing to visitors in the latest in
a string of polls on its website. As of the time of the posting of this
article, the "smaller patches" camp holds a comanding 71% lead.

Pre-Order SMAC For The Mac
--November 4 1999-- Aspyr Media is now taking pre-orders for the Mac port
of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri at a cost of $49.95US plus shipping and
handling. Order within the next 72hrs., and while supplies last, and get a
free Aspyr T-Shirt with your purchase! The port is nearing the final phase
of conversion. Brad Oliver, of Westlake Interactive, has been hard at work
and a Beta version is fast approaching. Since his latest version of SMAC
was released (4.0), Oliver has been fine-tuning and de-bugging.
"The Draw Sprocket code is in and it's looking great," says Oliver. "I've
been concentrating on fixing some of the outstanding bugs and as a result,
SMAC is really looking solid now. I've started adding Net Sprocket
support, which should be followed shortly by Game Ranger support".
The Westlake crew will be tackling the networking next, and system
requirements will be made available soon!

International Versions Update
--November 2 1999-- Anxious for your localized version of SMAC-X? Expect
an official announcement anyday now on the heels of Tim Train's
confirmation that the French and German versions have been finalized, but
are not yet being mastered -- they still have to go through Electronic
Arts' Quality Assurance department.

What's That Name Again?
--November 2 1999-- With most SMACers engrossed in Alien Crossfire, and
Firaxis taking a well earned step back from the grindstone, it may seem to
most that SMAC-related news has come to a virtual halt... not a chance!
While we patiently wait for the gaming critics to pass their verdicts on
the recently released SMAC expansion, admist other things, below is a
rather heartwarming tale from a Mr. Kenneth Westerby of Oslo, Norway:
"When Firaxis first presented the new factions for SMAC-X, the Cyborgs
was lead by Aki Luttinen. Being Norwegian I responded to Firaxis regarding
the name. I've sent this e-mail:
To: webmaster@firaxis.com
Subject: Aki Luttinen of Hollingsdall - Very bad name for a Norwegian
(From SMAC-X)
Hi Firaxis,
Greetings from Oslo, Norway! As a Sid Meier games fan since the first
of the Civ series. I find Meiers' games to be of high quality and
personally my preferred games of choice. The reason for this mail is the
name chosen for the Norwegian caracter in the upcoming SMAC-X.
Aki Lutttinen is not a Nowegian name at all! It's Finnish! And second
the name Hollingsdall is nonexistent. There is however a canyon named
"Hallingdal". Hallingdal spans across the 2 largest cities in Norway and
would be a good place of birth.
As for the Name, I've would suggest a more Norwegian approach.
'Aki' is quite similar to 'Anki'. 'Anki' is short for 'Anne Katrine'
whom is very Norwegian. Luttinen is however not native to Norway. I would
suggest the name 'Hansen' as that origins from "Hallingdal".
Anki Hansen from Hallingdal (Anne Katrine) would be an excellent
choice! Keep up the good work!!!
Next time I checked the faction out it was changed! Now, the funny thing
about this is that the new name is exactly the same as my girlfirends'
nickname (she hates me playing SMAC)! So now I've got a great excuse! Shes
in the game and she's also blonde!
How many other fraction leaders are based one someone you know?"

SMAC/SMAC-X Bug List
--October 31 1999-- In case you didnt notice that in the chat
transcript(or during the chat of course), Tim Train said that a Patch 5 is
on the works. Here's the quote to be specific
[MarkG] Will we see a patch 5, and if so will there be one for non-SMAC-X
players?
[Tim] Yep, we'll be doing a patch 5 that incorporates some of the fixes we
did on SMACX...
[MarkG] oh, that's great news
[Tim] I don't have a sense of when it will be done.
[MarkG] do, you need a "patch 5" list? we dont have yin arround... :)
[Tim] You can send it to us, along with a SMACX compilation when one gets
assembled.
[Tim] And before anyone asks, we REALLY THINK we've got the infinite
missile range bug fixed ;-)
Well, tfs99 started a bug list thread on our AC-Help Forum and ACOL.
Please contribute to these threads and help to make a better SMAC! :)


----------------------------
**Civilization II Section

THE WORK NEVER ENDS
(November 8, 1999) Our multi-talented CivII database manager Sven has made
another exhaustive update of files now available for download. Here's the
list of what's new:
Great Northern War, Galaxy Patch, Hellas, Iowa, Ismael's Modpack, Israel,
Starsaga II: Where the Stars Meet, Feudalism and Justinian


THE COLUMN: #77 A CIVILIZATION 3 CHALLENGE
Connorkimbro sets up a challenge for Firaxis

THE COLUMN: #76 JOURNEY OF A GAMER
Martin pours his heart out over his affection for Civ.

THE COLUMN: #75 WE ARE NOT THE WORLD
Simon de Vet warns about taking Internet polls as absolute indicators.

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE


----------------------------
**Civilization: Call to Power Section

AUFMERKSAMKEIT DEUTSCHE CTP'ers
(November 11) Sind Sie ein Linux TCP'er, das nach einer deutschen Version
des demo sucht?
If you understood what was just asked, and your answer was yes, than you
will likely want to check out what 80MB(!) file Loki now has available in
regards to their Linux CTP demo on their website.

LOKI HACK PATCHES
(November 5) Loki Entertainment Software has posted the numerous patches
created the 48-hour frenzy known as "Loki Hack '99". The controversial
event produced some interesting modifications for the Linux port of C:CTP.
These work when applied to version 1.1 of the game, and only one may be in
affect at any given time.
To download the patches, get descriptions of the files, bios on the
authors and some photos of the two-day malay, click here to visit the
official site.

OFFICIAL SITE ADDRESS
(November 3) When Activision's talented Webteam recently launched version
4.0 of the site, they changed the location of the official C:CTP site ever
so slightly. Click here to access it now, and be sure to update your links
and/or bookmarks.

BeOS PROGRESS
(October 31) Wildcard Design Inc. reports that their BeOS port of C:CTP is
"rock solid" after merging and testing the Version 1.2 update sent to them
by Activision in the wake of the similarly modeled patch for the PC. In
addition, the recently added screenshots by Wildcard show that the look
and feel of this port, as is the case with the one for the Linux platform,
is similar to that of the PC.
When released (anticipated date still to be announced), it will be
playable for BeOS platforms v4.5 and later. Our thanks to Kevin for the
note.

MODIFYING AI, DIPLOMACY
(October 30) The last couple of weeks there has been a lot discussion on
what is possible to modify in the areas of AI behaviour in general, as
well as in diplomacy. Do check out the "Improved aidata files" thread in
the CTP-General forum and the "Diplomacy AI" and "AI & Diplomacy stuff..."
in the CTP-Creation forum.


----------------------------
**Alternative Civilizations Section

DEMO 4 PRGORESSING
(Nov. 6) Ron Hiller, Lead Programmer for RJ Cyberware, who is heading the
Manifest Destiny project, contacted us with an update on what's coming up
from the MD team.
"We are quite close to another release", Hiller said. "I realize it has
been quite a while since the last version posted. We've been busy working
out the kinks in map display, but things are progressing very quickly now,
and we'll very shortly have a new demo for people to play around with.
Unless I am mistaken, the upcoming version will be the final non-playable
demo, and the next after that will be our first Alpha".
Stay tuned to ACS for the latest on these and other developments in our
Alternate Civ. lineup.

M.D. TECH TREE TO DATE
(Nov. 2) At long last, RJ Cyberware has released a substantial portion of
the tech trees for Manifest Destiny. The document is well detailed with
everything from magic to propulsion, and well worth the read if this sort
of thing tickles your fancy! These are in no way the full list that will
be offered within the game when it is complete. In the final product, they
are anticipating somewhere between 500 and 800 techs(!!)
As for the project on the whole, how is it progressing? Demo v4 has been
in production since late March, and hopefully more news will come to light
shortly as to when one can expect it to be available.


----------------------------
**Spanish Civ II Site(hosted site)

--Nov 12-- New Saved Game in the Hall of Fame(Paul Hanson takes the #1
spot for Al-Andalus)

--Nov 6-- Two new Saved Games in the Hall of Fame(#1 and #2 under Spanish
Pride)

--Oct 30-- Silver Fleece Medal for October announced


----------------------------
**Civilization Scenario Collection(hosted site)

--Nov 5-- New scenario in XX Century: Whole World War 2 by B. Stein
(Scenario #21 in this section, #114 in the site)

--Nov 5-- New scenario in Fictional: Australian Civil War by Clifford
"Dracon" Smith (Scenario #14 in this section, #113 in the site)

--Nov 5-- New scenario in Fictional: Israel 2001 by Brian Gottesman
(Scenario #13 in this section, #112 in the site)

--Nov 5-- New scenario in XX Century: WW II in Europe by Guillermo Lopez
(Scenario #20 in this section, #111 in the site)

--Nov 5-- New scenario in Fictional: EU by Jamaica McCarthy (Scenario #12
in this section, #110 in the site)

--Oct 30-- New scenario in Fantasy: The Kraeikian Empire, by Matthias
K?ster (Scenario #12 in this section, #109 in the site)

--Oct 30-- New scenario in Fantasy: Firewall, by Paul Hanson (Scenario #11
in this section, #108 in the site)

--Oct 30-- New scenario in Middle Ages: Charlemagne, by Mr. Temba
(Scenario #23 in this section, #107 in the site)


----------------------------
**GameLeague(hosted site)

300 Members 11.06
In just a little over one month GameLeague now has over 300 members. Tell
everyone you play about GameLeague and help our community to grow even
more.

No News is Good News 10.31
We haven't posted any news but we want you to know we are still alive and
working. Just to prove it we will be having a "No Wonder" Tourney over
Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 26-27), and another event that will include all
of the Civ2 Community including, HAC and Apolyton Civ2. So stay in touch
and expect signups to begin within a week.


----------------------------
**Scenario League(hosted site)

--November 9, 1999-- New Reviews:
Operation Allied Force [Historical, 15/30]
Operation Allied Force [Historical, 20/30]

--November 5, 1999-- New Reviews Editor Sought(Again)
Thomas Sobieck doesn't seem to have done the job, unfortunately, as he
wasn't able to complete any work in the past few weeks. So, we're once
again hiring a reviews editor. The job entails formatting reviews as HTML,
taking screenshots, and a bit of glory. Apply to sleague@apolyton.net

--November 5, 1999-- New Review: Great Northern War [Historical, 17/30]

--November 4, 1999-- New Review: Australian Civil War: 1999 (Version 2.0)
[Fictional, 16/30]

--November 2, 1999-- New Review: The English Civil War [Historical, 24/30]

--November 1, 1999-- New Review: Second English Civil War [Fictional, 6/30]


=========Apolyton's Friends News=========
--------------------------
Dan 717's Civilization II Page

11/02/99
- Still no big news in the civ world, site news for today is the addition
of graphics for the navigation table, and fixed the back buttons(sorry,
they were still pointing at the old geocities site.


That was all for this week ladies and gentlemen,

Until next time
Markos Giannopoulos - markg@apolyton.net
Apolyton Civilization Site -