Lost Eden development thread

[vyeh]

the last sentence of the first paragraph.

That would be fine.

Edit: Reply = 700.

 

[Kilkakon]

Okay great! And yeah, post 700! Thanks team.

You have a good sleep hey vyeh.

 

[vyeh]

• ... any more?

No where is there mention of the extensive artwork and quotes.

 

[Kilkakon]

I'll write another draft tonight for you, including all the points you have raised.

As far as my computers are concerned, I should be back in action on Friday (Wednesday afternoon now)! My laptop had only a minor issue but the PC had multiple parts fail and need replacing (half the machine ) so that's a bit annoying. And thanks to Dad for paying!

EDIT: Here's the latest draft:
Lost Eden Beta
<download link and pictures>

Lost Eden, a new total conversion for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta! It's a world in which good and evil clash with epic proportions. A mysterious figure known as Meora has manipulated the events of Lost Eden behind the scenes causing all sorts of peoples and factions to clash-- Can you regain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

So what's so different about Lost Eden?

• Take control of one of 14 entirely new factions.
• Use units from a wide range of species. From charmanders to squirtles to roses to humans and more.
• Units are predesigned and present a wide range of tactical options, from cheap amphibious spies, Psi units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence, very powerful units that cannot be repaired.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• Extensive new artwork gives units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface a fresh new look.
• All technologies, facilities and factions have their original quotes specially written for the game.

How's that one?

 

[vyeh]

How's that one?

Lost Eden Total Conversion Mod for Alien Crossfire (Beta)
<download link and pictures>

Lost Eden, a new total conversion mod for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta!. It's a world in which good and evil clash with epic proportions. A mysterious figure, Meora, known as Meora has manipulated the events of Lost Eden behind the scenes causing all sorts of peoples and factions to clash. -- Can you regain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

So wWhat's so different about Lost Eden?

• Take control of one of 14 entirely new factions.
• Use units from a wide range of species. From charmanders to squirtles to roses to humans and more.
• Units are predesigned and present a wide range of tactical options, from cheap amphibious spies, Ppsi units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence, very powerful units that cannot be repaired.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• Extensive new artwork gives units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface a fresh new look.
• All technologies, facilities and factions have their original quotes specially written for the game.

 

[Kilkakon]

Well I am relatively happy with that -- can't find much to complain about. Hehe you're like an editor or something!

So if that's done I can start preparing a beta package on late Friday/early Saturday. It'ld probably take a day or so to make considering all the cool web ideas you have given me.

 

[vyeh]

Well I am relatively happy with that -- can't find much to complain about. Hehe you're like an editor or something!

Generally, shorter is better as longer tends to discourage people from reading. We need to make sure that all the features are covered.

So if that's done I can start preparing a beta package on late Friday/early Saturday. It'ld probably take a day or so to make considering all the cool web ideas you have given me.

Good.

Edit: Kilkakon, 36 hours since you checked in. I hope you aren't having a problem with the internet!

 

[Kilkakon]

Hey! I didn't have any problems with my net; I just didn't have anything to say to your last post! My PC is still at the shop at the moment--if they don't finish it today (it's 12:18 PM Saturday so unlikely) I won't have it until Monday at the earliest.

I did have one thought yesterday though - interludes. Currently, we get Chiron and unrelated text from Alpha Centauri, but this could be changed to reflect Lost Eden a bit more. Sadly, most of the events which are caused by the game would really have little impact to the story of Lost Eden (the only ones I have seen are the one you get for training a Carnivine, causing a fungal pop and sometimes the later one, I once saw the one where that talent chick gets the axe, and of course the conquest victory). But there's the potential to do at least something about the story there. What do you think?

 

[vyeh]

I just didn't have anything to say to your last post!

Find something to say (related to LE, of course). Even to say you haven't heard from JH24 (shouldn't his finals have been finished?)

I did have one thought yesterday though - interludes. Currently, we get Chiron and unrelated text from Alpha Centauri, but this could be changed to reflect Lost Eden a bit more. Sadly, most of the events which are caused by the game would really have little impact to the story of Lost Eden (the only ones I have seen are the one you get for training a Carnivine, causing a fungal pop and sometimes the later one, I once saw the one where that talent chick gets the axe, and of course the conquest victory). But there's the potential to do at least something about the story there. What do you think?

That is an excellent idea! At least the distraction of unrelated text could be deleted. PM Petek. I recall a thread where the interlude triggers were categorized.

Instead of trying to add to the story like vanilla SMAX, how about using the interludes that are triggered for humor or some kind of break? (E.g. science of Carnivores, a lecture on pollution) This might be a great place to put in a biblical passage related to the triggering event. It would add to the good v. evil atmosphere.

Could you produce another draft of the promo? I have time this coming week to devote more time than usual to LE.

 

[Kilkakon]

Find something to say (related to LE, of course). Even to say you haven't heard from JH24 (shouldn't his finals have been finished?)

Speaking of JH24, I got a PM from his this afternoon, saying that his second final was actually on the 25th, so he'll be available in 5-7 days.

That is an excellent idea! At least the distraction of unrelated text could be deleted. PM Petek. I recall a thread where the interlude triggers were categorized.

I'll PM Petek in a few minutes!

EDIT: Consider it done.

Instead of trying to add to the story like vanilla SMAX, how about using the interludes that are triggered for humor or some kind of break? (E.g. science of Carnivores, a lecture on pollution) This might be a great place to put in a biblical passage related to the triggering event. It would add to the good v. evil atmosphere.

That... could be an idea! Considering how most of the triggers wouldn't be that relevant, alternating between biblical or homourous passages sounds great.

I have a great idea for the victory one though. Meeting Meora.

Could you produce another draft of the promo? I have time this coming week to devote more time than usual to LE.

Okay here we go:
Lost Eden Total Conversion Mod for Alien Crossfire (Beta)
<download link and pictures>

Lost Eden, a new total conversion (mod) for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta. It's a world in which good and evil clash with epic proportions. A mysterious figure, Meora, manipulated the events of Lost Eden causing people and factions to clash. Can you regain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

What's so different about Lost Eden?

• 14 entirely new factions.
• Units from a wide range of species. From charmanders to squirtles to roses to humans and more.
• Units are predesigned and present a wide range of tactical options, from cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence, very powerful units that cannot be repaired.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• Extensive new artwork gives units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface a new look.
• All technologies, facilities and factions have original quotes written for the game.

 

[vyeh]

Speaking of JH24, I got a PM from his this afternoon, saying that his second final was actually on the 25th, so he'll be available in 5-7 days.

We might as well wait for him to run through a game before releasing the beta.

That... could be an idea! Considering how most of the triggers wouldn't be that relevant, alternating between biblical or homourous passages sounds great.

Or it could be information about Meora. It would be a way of filling in background. Or combine the approaches. I think starting each interlude with a medium relevant biblical passage, perhaps from Genesis would add to the "Eden" motif.

I have a great idea for the victory one though. Meeting Meora.

Outstanding!

Okay here we go:

Lost Eden Total Conversion Mod for Alien Crossfire (Beta)
<download link and pictures>

<Screenshot of game, showing off unit and base artwork>

Lost Eden, a new total conversion (mod) for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta. It's a world in which good and evil clash with epic proportions. A mysterious figure, Meora, has manipulated the events of Lost Eden causinged people and factions to clash. Can you regain control of Lost Eden, and putting an end to the madness once and for all?

What's so different about Lost Eden?

• 14 entirely new factions balanced with each other.
• Units from a wide range of many species.: From charmanders to, squirtles to, roses to, humans and more.
• Predesigned uUnits are predesigned and present a wide range of tactical options, from and include cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence, and very powerful unrepairable units that cannot be repaired.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• Extensive nNew artwork givesfor units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface a new look.
• Original quotes for All technologies, facilities and factions have original quotes written for the game.

 

[Kilkakon]

We might as well wait for him to run through a game before releasing the beta.
Okay sounds like a plan! That also gives me a few days to get as many of those quotes recorded as possible, and the online content made, as well as working on the interludes.

I'll be sure to PM him a secret link to the beta so he gets to test the latest version rather than report old bugs.

Or it could be information about Meora. It would be a way of filling in background. Or combine the approaches. I think starting each interlude with a medium relevant biblical passage, perhaps from Genesis would add to the "Eden" motif.

Okay I'll keep that in mind! I haven't planned what I will do tomorrow as of yet -- to be honest I'm still not 100% how it's going to pan out with the whole picking up computer thing (God willing it's fixed by then!) as well as recordings for YouTube (which I haven't done for ages, thank God I randomly decided to do three weeks worth of Terror From The Deep when I started it).

Outstanding!

Yeah! I can't go too far with it of course as it doesn't alter itself based on the player's alignment but I can still have fun with it.

Lost Eden Total Conversion Mod for Alien Crossfire (Beta)
<download link and pictures>

<Screenshot of game, showing off unit and base artwork>

Lost Eden, a new total conversion (mod) for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta. It's a world in which good and evil clash with epic proportions. A mysterious figure, Meora, has manipulated the events of Lost Eden causinged people and factions to clash. Can you regain control of Lost Eden, and putting an end to the madness once and for all?

What's so different about Lost Eden?

• 14 entirely new factions balanced with each other.
• Units from a wide range of many species.: From charmanders to, squirtles to, roses to, humans and more.
• Predesigned uUnits are predesigned and present a wide range of tactical options, from and include cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence, and very powerful unrepairable units that cannot be repaired.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• Extensive nNew artwork givesfor units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface a new look.
• Original quotes for All technologies, facilities and factions have original quotes written for the game.

That's a lot of editting! And I like it! From memory, unrepairable is spelt irrepairable, although I'ld need to check. I would like to keep the "once and for all?" at the end of the introductory paragraph, but all other changes work for me.

 

[vyeh]

That also gives me a few days to get as many of those quotes recorded as possible, and the online content made, as well as working on the interludes.

No reason not to improve the beta.

Yeah! I can't go too far with it of course as it doesn't alter itself based on the player's alignment but I can still have fun with it.

It would be interesting to resolve the mystery of Meora.

That's a lot of editting! And I like it!

Glad to hear that.

From memory, unrepairable is spelt irrepairable, although I'ld need to check.

Spellcheck said irreparable and I would prefer it over unrepairable.

I would like to keep the "once and for all?" at the end of the introductory paragraph, but all other changes work for me.

Once and for all is fine.

 

[Kilkakon]

No reason not to improve the beta.

Yeah that's right.

It would be interesting to resolve the mystery of Meora.

Yeah it would, and I'm happy to hint about him. I'm more referring to how he would relate to each character, which would vary dramatically depending on who the player was playing.

Spellcheck said irreparable and I would prefer it over unrepairable.

Okay good to get that sorted.

Once and for all is fine.

Okay thanks.

 

[vyeh]

Yeah it would, and I'm happy to hint about him. I'm more referring to how he would relate to each character, which would vary dramatically depending on who the player was playing.

How much personalization does vanilla SMAC allow? (E.g. fill in the name)

 

[Kilkakon]

There's the name and title, as well as the names of the two assistants.

Petek doesn't know about the event triggers but will contact another admin who might.

And still no PC yet.

 

[vyeh]

Petek doesn't know about the event triggers but will contact another admin who might.

You might try PMing either bdanv or chuft. The GOTM group looked into the interludes.

 

[Kilkakon]

If Petek doesn't find it out for me by tomorrow I will do just that!

 

[vyeh]

In the meantime, what are you doing LE-wise?

What would you like me to help you with?

Note the following sites (actually, I am just reminding myself):

Octopus Overlords - Alpha Centauri thread
Vintage Gaming Club - did a SMAC run through a year and a half ago
Gamespot - small SMAC forum
Civlegacy.com - other Civ related games

It might be interesting to browse the recent threads in the Other Civ-Related Sites and see if there are any other sites to post the announcement.

 

[Kilkakon]

In the meantime, what are you doing LE-wise?

Well I haven't been doing much at all. It's been pretty frustating really -- I can draw, I can email, I can MSN, I can play C&C and I can play my DS. Can't do anything productive!

I can have a go at starting to write some of the interludes -- I got a reply from Petek and the person he contacted doesn't know about the event triggers so I have PMed bdanv and chuft.

What would you like me to help you with?

...to take over the world?

Haha at the moment there isn't a lot I can think of off the top of my head, forum-wise, that can be done. If I just go for it as far as interludes go soon then you can enjoy some proofreading.

Secondarily, if you can try and get a working copy of Alien Crossfire going at some stage that would be great! I'ld love to get your opinion on the game you have helped make for about six months but haven't played. I can send you what has been done so far at any time as it's still on my USB. I remember there being problems with you and a working copy... something like Alien Crossfire doesn't work on OS X but does on OS 9. If you have Windows copies and Windows version of the games sitting around, perhaps sitting up a virtual machine is a possiblity. I've played games using my XP machine with my friend's emulated XP. Just thinking of solutions out loud here.

Is there anything else you can suggest? Thanks for giving me your time hey, I appericate it.

Note the following sites (actually, I am just reminding myself):

Octopus Overlords - Alpha Centauri thread
Vintage Gaming Club - did a SMAC run through a year and a half ago
Gamespot - small SMAC forum
Civlegacy.com - other Civ related games

It might be interesting to browse the recent threads in the Other Civ-Related Sites and see if there are any other sites to post the announcement.

Is these websites the ones that Petek gave us?

Still no PC! I'll probably ring them tomorrow morning to see how it's going. God's definitely teaching me patience, that's for sure!

EDIT: Worse still... tomorrow's Australia Day, a public holiday! It's the day our states signed and united into our country. So that means no PC until Thursday! XD