This is a list of the files modified by "gwillybj" for use in his solo-play of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri - A Brian Reynolds Design. All copyrights are acknowledged.

The changes were intended for use when playing on huge maps (256w x 208h) with tech stagnation. If you use these changes to play on standard-sized maps without tech stagnation, you will likely find your games ending very quickly, and your infantry will be swinging clubs while your artillery is throwing rocks.

These files are intended to be put in the [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri] folder and used with version 4.0 of SMAC. They WILL mess up your "Alien Crossfire" game if you put them in the [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire] folder! You can have both on one hard drive. Each ignores the other. My modification of that version is in progress and will include all of these changes, but I have to make some adjustments due to the new techs already added in SMAX.

I've lost track of the source of every little inspiration. Most of it is from the Apolyton forum.
Several of the changes were inspired by "Velocyrix" and others in "Torture Mod, Ongoing Discussions" at [http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22680].
Some were originated by "Mr. President" in "Free Facilities" at [http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59917].
Others are my own ideas. Most of it is detailed in "my alpha.txt changes" at [http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75187].

I have played several games with all of this and it works as intended. You will notice a minor oddity when you complete your research of each of the new technologies. Because there are no sound files for the quotes, the quote for the last tech you researched will likely replay. This does not affect how the game plays out in any way.

As always when using modified files, you are encouraged to backup the originals so you can return to the original game configuration without having to reinstall the whole thing. I made a folder [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\SMAC Original Files] and copied them there.

Four TXT FILES go in [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri]:
- alpha.txt
- Blurbs.txt
- TechLongs.txt
- TechShorts.txt

One WAV FILE goes in [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri\fx]:
- energy1.wav
This is a mix of the original "energy1.wav" with "projectile1.wav" and "projectile2.wav" which are two unused sounds. I think you'll like it.

Four PCX FILES go in [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri\techs]:
- tech078.pcx (Inspector Gadget)
- tech079.pcx (Advanced Rocketry)
- tech080.pcx (Basic Rocketry)
- tech081.pcx (Centauri Awareness)

Seven FACTION.TXT FILES go in [C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri].
- All seven of them were edited to include a free facility per the discussion with "Mr. President". When used in combination with all of the other modifications, this change does not affect the "balance" significantly. You can, of course, use the original unaltered factions or any other factions you have, not just these.

NOTE: I did all this for FUN, to enhance my own solitaire PLAY of this wonderful GAME, and did not anticipate any measurable interest, so I expect there will be some things with which you completely disagree. That's fine. Toss the whole batch of changes in the dumpster and play the game as it was originally written or try someone else's modifications. No harm, no foul. Please post any comments in the Apolyton forum at [http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75187].

Have A Nice Day :)
gwillybj
January 12, 2004