Crossing the Rubicon...

[KhanMan]

After having gazed with envy upon the verdant fields of ToT and CtP lands, I finally entered them for th first time, after purchasing both last night (with ToT coming bundled w/Axis and Allies, for a measly $20

I have started brainstorming and work on a scenario (which will be my first ever release), hopefully covering a 4-map struggle across time between four races. Tenatively entitled "Snake-Gore-Time" (an off-color pun for ye Greek fans), it will start in the 22nd century, as mankind discovers time travel, and four men secretly jump to ancient times, to influence the course of history.

Instead of fighting this time change, you will take the part of one of the four, and try to lead your tribe to unite the world.

I have some questions, though:

1) what is the best way to create a four-map set-up for a scenario (if this is possible?)
2) how does creating a scenario in ToT differ from FFW/MGE? (which I have a fairly good grasp of)
3) and, finally, are there any good tutorials about starting up in ToT or CtP? I'm especially interested in this for scenarios, but also for gameplay too...maybe apolyton could host a FAQ/guide to ToT and/or CtP as part of their section(s)?

Thanks in Advance for all help!
-KhanMan of Sayen

[Cam]

quote: Originally posted by KhanMan on 09-14-2000 03:12 AM as mankind discovers time travel, and four men secretly jump to ancient times, to influence the course of history.

This is not identical, but quite similar to the official Time Threat Paradox scenario - apolyton.net/cgi-bin/civ2files/file.pl?id=336

quote: Originally posted by KhanMan on 09-14-2000 03:12 AM 1) what is the best way to create a four-map set-up for a scenario (if this is possible?) 2) how does creating a scenario in ToT differ from FFW/MGE? (which I have a fairly good grasp of) 3) and, finally, are there any good tutorials about starting up in ToT or CtP? I'm especially interested in this for scenarios, but also for gameplay too...maybe apolyton could host a FAQ/guide to ToT and/or CtP as part of their section(s)?

(1) The maps must be the same size. Use the Map > Import Map feature. Explore the Design Tip on Map Transport Relationships at sleague.apolyton.net/Guides/sldt_tot_worlds.shtml and be aware of animated sprites.

(2) Aside from extra maps, there are new features like 'flags and masks' as well as an extension to the events macro language, with several new triggers and actions. See the Scenario League's Design Tips for some extra information - sleague.apolyton.net/Guides/tips_main.shtml where the ToT tips are at the end of the list.

(3) Not many tips have been written on Test of Time Scenarios. With a dash of self-promotion, I've done a review of Time Threat Paradox at sleague.apolyton.net/Reviews/ch_time.shtml which isn't technically a strategy guide, but does give some strategic opinion. Strategies for the official games including Midgard are in John P's Guide - apolyton.net/cgi-bin/links/review.cgi?ID=95

Hope these very brief answers address some of your queries.

[tobyr]

KhanMan,
I have one bit of strong advice about 4-map play. Try playing the fantasy game for awhile, to get a feel for how multi-map play affects civ. The differences and exciting advantages it offers are not all obvious.

You will design better scenarios after you discover what the feel of 4-map play is like.

If you plan to make scenarios in which the maps are not tightly coupled, you might want to try out the sci-fi game instead.

You also need to get a feel for the opportunities available to you in restricting som etechs and units to certain tribes. These ARE pretty obvious, but you will have a better git feel for how this works after you've experienced it in the ToT 4-map games.

- toby


------------------
toby robison
criticalpaths@mindspring.com

[KhanMan]

Cam-"This is not identical, but quite similar to the official Time Threat Paradox scenario - apolyton.net/cgi-bin/civ2files/file.pl?id=336 "

Actually, it's going to be something rather different, if I can pull this off...the time thing will be the same, but with different goals, paths, and oponents...in this one, no one cares a pickled submarine whether history turns out how "it's supposed to"

The basic premise is similar, but, at the moment, I'm thinking the follow maps/times/places:

1. The future, where this starts
2. Ancient Times (around the start of Julius Caesar's campaigns)
3. The Battle of Alesia (the turning point in JC's conquest of Gaul, to be MUCH more important in this one)
4. The aftermath, or "How things turn out after 3, based on how the other maps have been handled"

I'm wondering if it's possible to use events to create units in specific maps at certain times, to make for more control over the sequence...if not it'll be unit abilities and gift units...

Thank you for the pointers and advice, they really help. I have been an eager reader of the Design Tips for quite some time now, since they are both helpful and concise.

Tobyr-I've been playing the Midgaard Scenario a lot lately, and, IMHO, it really blows the pants off the MGE/FW version.

The sci-fi game is next on my list...

-KhanMan