[ian-reeds-games] Re: where to start
- From: Richard Claridge <richard.claridge68@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: ian-reeds-games@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:04:09 +0000
Hi Al.
That was extremely helpful, thanks.
I'm a good way into my first map pack now,, I've created all my units,
skills etc, and am just about to test everything out on a test map.
Then it'll be creating the proper maps, testing everything through and
I'll be done and ready to share it.
I just have one question, for now anyway lol. Is there a way to have
an effect that causes damage after a certain number of turns rather
than at the beginning and end of every turn. Like having a skill that
has the effect of putting a timer on a tile so the effect occurs after
x turns?
I hope that makes sense.
Thanks Al and everyone else.
Richard
On 2/17/13, Allan Thompson <allan1.thompson@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Hi Richard,
> No problem and no worries. This is exactly the reason for a list int he
> first place.
>
> I think you should go to the user guide and follow the step by step
> instructions instructions on how to copy and rename the getting started map
> pack folder so you can do testing and experimentations without worrying
> about messing up a map pack that works.
> I did that myself and it was of incredibly huge value to me to be able to do
> that.
>
> units and structures are essentially the same thing. The only diffrences
> really, are that units are have seperate hot key scycle thru buttons then
> structures, and that structures are there to represent those objects that
> exist, but do not have a team that needs to take a turn and are , for the
> most part, inanimate.
> On the zombie map, for instance, the doors, and big window to the left side
> of the house are structures. So are the walls int eh shed and the fence bits
> that are destroyed by the zombies. As you play thru the map, you notice that
> the doors can do nothing without the interaction of a unit, and some are
> just "pretending" to be terrain. Terrain does not hold points, so they are
> not easily manipulated as a structure can be.
> Not alls tructures are inanimate objects. They can also represent a type of
> object that can produce units like spawn points. Or can be used for
> representing giagantic objects that don't get involved with other units in a
> combat oriented fashion. For example Craig's command and conquer map has the
> construction structure which can build other structures around it, which can
> also produce units. The structures do not fight themselves, but are able to
> be destroyed, so they are structures.
> For example, using star wars as an example...
> A jedi knight would be a unit, an x wing fighter can be a unit, the death
> starshuld probably be a structure. A door that blocks the units from going
> thru it should be a structure, if you want the player to get thru the door
> in some way involveing destroying it thru attacks of some sort. r2d2 should
> be a unit, as would a battledroid. Jabba the hutt I would make a structure
> since he isn't a fighter, doesn't do much of anything but lay there. See how
> that works? I hope that helps you .
>
> Skills and points are diffrent in that skills use points to perform an
> action or ability..
>
> Points in and of themselves do not do anything, except when their values are
> at zero, which a certain flag allows them to perform an effect. An example
> of that is the point file labeled health. It will have a at_zero=death
> flag.
>
> Skills are actual powers and abilities of a unit. Points are really just
> containers that hold a number value.
> Points are always found int he flag line of the object. A flag gives
> points, takes points away, holds a points current value, and are used for
> allowing a unit to perform skills.
> Some points are restored every turn, while some are static. It all depends
> ont he flags that manipulate points that you put into a unit's flag line, or
> what flags you put in the default unit flag text file.
>
> The default unit flag text file, includeing the structure and map default
> files hold flags that are used by all the objects within the folder it
> represents.
> So if you put in actions_max=20 into the default unit flags file, all units
> will now have that flag in it. It won't be in the individual units, but it
> will none the less be there in game.
> These are great to have cause alot of the same stuff everything uses can be
> placed in it and it would cover the entire folder. Flags that restore or
> inflict point values can also be placed within. Any flag would work in it. I
> sometimes wish there was a default unit skills text file sometimes, lol.
>
> Anyway, I hope all that helps. I don't know if I explained very well what
> information you are looking for.
>
> After you play around with the copy of the getting started maps, you can
> start to build your own. I did mine from the copy itself, but then, I
> decided to build them from scratch. I did that so that I could become more
> familiar with everything, which would help me to trouble shoot. I also made
> a lot of stupid mistakes but hey, I had to do that to get proficient.
>
> When you are ready to build your own map pack, remember that you need at
> least onedamage type as the default. You need at least two or three diffrent
> points int he points folder, and you will need at least one map file. Skills
> you will need are movement and one type of atttack, and at least one unit
> which you can flip teams on int he e map editor.
>
> Everyone builds their maps diffrently. I like to think about the points I
> am going to use, then jump to units and skills. Others map out the entire
> thing before working on anything else. Some work on units first, or sounds
> even. It is all good, however it works for you, is just fine.
>
> Do you know what your first map will be? I am really interested. Also, I
> would recommend checking out all the maps with the latest dev version of the
> game to see what the broad possiblities of this fantastic game. I really
> like star wars, and tomb robbers, while Kingdom of war is the trail blazer
> map pack that was a real source of inspiration and enjoyment. Austen does a
> really good job of balance, especially the first map of the series.
>
> Also one more thing. When you make your map pack, you might want to decide
> on how the units use actions/movement. The standard way is to have actions
> do both. I seperate actions and movement so that they are independant of
> each other. Either way is valid and just fine, but knowing how you will do
> that will affect everything else you make, since the classic method will
> require more points for actions since it can be used for two diffrent
> foundational skills. Seperating them uses less points, but if you plan on
> making skills that affect movement and actions in a positive or negative
> way, putting more points in and then adding or subtracting the cost might be
> useful. It all depends onwhat you like and what makes sense to you.
>
> Well, I hope that helps you out. I really am interested in what you want to
> make for a first map!
>
> al
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "The truth will set you free"
> Jesus Christ of Nazareth 33A.D.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Richard Claridge
> To: ian-reeds-games
> Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2013 1:25 PM
> Subject: [ian-reeds-games] where to start
>
>
> Hi all.
> I love this game already, and have played through a few different
> peoples maps. I love One Shot Wonders although I've not finished it
> yet, so complex and detailed, I think its great. I also love the Star
> Wars one, as a big Star Wars fan I was wondering if you are going to
> add more to this as I think its absolutely awsome.
> What I was wondering is if anyone can give me advice on how to start
> on doing my own maps and game. What should I do first and what do I do
> if theres something that I can't work out how to do.
> Theres a lot of detail in the user guide but I am still getting
> confused with some of the bits, like what exactly points are and how
> they differ from skills. and the difference between units and
> structures. there are other things but I hope to work some of them out
> myself as thats half the fun. But really, where do I start?
> Any advice from you experts would be much appreciated.
> Thanks
> Richard
>
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