Lost Eden development thread

[vyeh]

I could download FileZilla and remember my password and upload those files if you want me to though.

No. Might as well wait for computer repair. Maybe JH24 will have a chance to play the alpha.

Otherwise, all I can do is chat, email and draw.

So what remains for the beta package? I gather that you still have to record some of the quotes on the main PC.

 

[Kilkakon]

Quotes do have to be recorded, although I set those to be done after the beta deadline. Really it's pretty close to done other than any promotional material you want me to make, as well as updating the website and so on. I don't have access to my todo list at the moment but that's all I can think of at this time.

EDIT: I will go and drop off my machines at the shop today instead. My friend as kindly offered to let me borrow his Windows 7 machine for the duration, which is very nice, and will allow me to do a little more (not a whole lot more as I don't have the data available, but a bit) than before.

EDIT2: Primarily stratch that one. I've got his machine but I use a VGA monitor, not one of these new fangled HDMI connection things so I can't use it!

 

[vyeh]

Quotes do have to be recorded, although I set those to be done after the beta deadline. Really it's pretty close to done other than any promotional material you want me to make, as well as updating the website and so on. I don't have access to my todo list at the moment but that's all I can think of at this time.

I suppose we could work on the announcement. There may be a draft in this thread. We should try to (1) cover how extensive the modification is; (2) give something on the premise of Lost Eden; and (3) highlight how play is different from vanilla SMAX.

 

[Kilkakon]

Sounds like a plan! I'll post my thoughts about what we can add tomorrow evening (next free time slot).

 

[vyeh]

What was the source of inspiration for the squirtles, charmanders, etc.?

 

[Kilkakon]

Hehe 4.12 hours on public transport today! I'm really tired... even after having a rest evening. I'll try to make this post as constructive as possible though.

I suppose we could work on the announcement. There may be a draft in this thread. We should try to (1) cover how extensive the modification is; (2) give something on the premise of Lost Eden; and (3) highlight how play is different from vanilla SMAX.

I don't recall me posting a draft here, although I do remember you asking for one. Some of the content you suggested could be drawn from the introduction, although it'ld be ideally rewritten to be something more exciting... urgh my brain isn't cooperating, sorry! I'ld think that the main body of the annoucement should be 1 or 2 paragraphs, with lots of links to pretty screenshots and pictures. I've tried releasing mods before (for other games) without any pictures and everybody ignored me! Do you have anything else you could suggest vyeh? I'll try to make a proper body tomorrow as I'll have time, energy and spiritual power then too.

What was the source of inspiration for the squirtles, charmanders, etc.?

Well I just added things to the game that I liked and thought they were cool. Story built itself around them to make them what they are. If you don't know, they are Pokémon. I think that answers your question!

 

[vyeh]

I don't recall me posting a draft here, although I do remember you asking for one.

It was only a couple of sentences, saying that Lost Eden was a fantasy mod based on good and evil.

Some of the content you suggested could be drawn from the introduction, although it'ld be ideally rewritten to be something more exciting...

We need to cover the positives, which should be where a lot of time went in:

(1) art (leaderheads, units)
(2) a set of completely new balanced factions
(3) new tech tree
(4) text quotes
(5) voices
(6) new specialists

What else?

I'd think that the main body of the annoucement should be 1 or 2 paragraphs, with lots of links to pretty screenshots and pictures.

And one picture in the announcement. I believe a paragraph should be devoted to the premise, mentioning the two main characters and their background.

Do you have anything else you could suggest vyeh?

Maybe the significant differences from vanilla, e.g. no unit workshop.

Well I just added things to the game that I liked and thought they were cool. Story built itself around them to make them what they are. If you don't know, they are Pokémon. I think that answers your question!

Maybe you could say that two of the races were inspired by Pokémon.

 

[Kilkakon]

It was only a couple of sentences, saying that Lost Eden was a fantasy mod based on good and evil.

Alright sure.

We need to cover the positives, which should be where a lot of time went in:

(1) art (leaderheads, units)
(2) a set of completely new balanced factions
(3) new tech tree
(4) text quotes
(5) voices
(6) new specialists

What else?

Maybe the significant differences from vanilla, e.g. no unit workshop.

These statements seem to answer each other. The big things that change Lost Eden from Alpha Centuari are the predesigned units and the lack of secret projects, crawlers and advanced terraforming. It makes the game different, which is the idea.

Art and other assets like audio would sell the game to potential players. Even if it does play well, it needs to look good on the outside for people to play, so showing off as much art as possible would probably be an idea.

And one picture in the announcement. I believe a paragraph should be devoted to the premise, mentioning the two main characters and their background.

Alright sure! I would feel a bit ego-centric to go over me for a whole paragraph though.

Being honest, I'm typing this at 10:36 PM... and am really tired already! So I'll put what I'm thinking into dot points for now and then go all out tomorrow and polish it all up.

• Lost eden's a TC for Alien Crossfire
• It's about the struggle of good vs. evil on epic proportions
• It's somewhat fantasy themed with a variety of species (perhaps mention pokemon)
• Key differences (perhaps as its own paragraph)
  
• Basic Storyline
  
• Download links and pictures

Maybe you could say that two of the races were inspired by Pokémon.

Sure, people who were familiar with the series would spot that straight away.

 

[vyeh]

The big things that change Lost Eden from Alpha Centuari are the predesigned units and the lack of secret projects, crawlers and advanced terraforming. It makes the game different, which is the idea.

Being different isn't enough. It also has to be fun.

Art and other assets like audio would sell the game to potential players. Even if it does play well, it needs to look good on the outside for people to play, so showing off as much art as possible would probably be an idea.

Eye (and ear) candy is important. I'm thinking a screenshot along with a link to additional screenshots, other art and possibly audio samples. Maybe a page introducing the 14 faction leaders with pictures and datalink entries (and possibly a link to the audio quote introducing the faction if that is technologically feasible). And maybe the tech tree and list of facilities.

Being honest, I'm typing this at 10:36 PM... and am really tired already! So I'll put what I'm thinking into dot points for now and then go all out tomorrow and polish it all up.

• Lost eden's a TC for Alien Crossfire
• It's about the struggle of good vs. evil on epic proportions
• It's somewhat fantasy themed with a variety of species (perhaps mention pokemon)
• Key differences (perhaps as its own paragraph)
  
• Basic Storyline
  
• Download links and pictures

I think the fantasy theme needs to be mentioned first and I think the extensive artwork and audio quotes needs to be highlighted near the top.

Edit: There is a PM for you at CGN.

 

[Kilkakon]

Being different isn't enough. It also has to be fun.

Oh of course! Well... it is fun.

Eye (and ear) candy is important. I'm thinking a screenshot along with a link to additional screenshots, other art and possibly audio samples. Maybe a page introducing the 14 faction leaders with pictures and datalink entries (and possibly a link to the audio quote introducing the faction if that is technologically feasible). And maybe the tech tree and list of facilities.

I could do all that actually... great idea vyeh! I sadly would have to wait on the main PC to do most of it though. What I'm thinking is having a lineup of pics on a website (a proper website for this is going to have to happen eventually) which people could click and a bigger picture would appear with the quote, datalink entries and so on. Of course I don't have lots of audio done yet (none so far) which doesn't help. I've already done a Tech Tree, but could make it prettier and more informative (it's pretty basic, just pic + title), and could make a list of facilities too. All good ideas really!

I think the fantasy theme needs to be mentioned first and I think the extensive artwork and audio quotes needs to be highlighted near the top.

Yeah good point there. So something like this?

Big title
Download links and pictures

Lost eden's a TC for Alien Crossfire. It's about a somewhat fantasy themed struggle of good vs. evil on epic proportions, with a variety of species (perhaps mention pokemon). One 1-2 sentences on main charcters.

Key differences (perhaps as its own paragraph)

EDIT: Reply to PM as this machine would take too long to login and all that. Oops; fixed now.

 

[vyeh]

Yeah good point there. So something like this?

Big title
Download links and pictures

Lost eden's a TC for Alien Crossfire. It's about a somewhat fantasy themed struggle of good vs. evil on epic proportions, with a variety of species (perhaps mention pokemon). One 1-2 sentences on main charcters.

Key differences (perhaps as its own paragraph)

I think that is a good start. Did you see the edit in my previous post?

 

[Kilkakon]

I did yeah. I hope my machines come back from the shop soon. :S

 

[vyeh]

I hope my machines come back from the shop soon. :S

So do I, but the promotional text can be composed without them. Thanks for taking care of the PM. Petek is at CGN, so I know he is at his keyboard.

Maybe you should send a PM to him via CFC asking him for his thoughts on our current discussion. He might have some valuable suggestions about what the promotional announcement should cover.

 

[Kilkakon]

Alright sure! I'm currently multitasking hence not diving straight into writing, although it shouldn't take long to get one of the videos converting on Dad's laptop.

I'll PM Petek right away.

EDIT: Let's write a draft... for the second time as the first one was accidently taken over by a file opening! Grr!

And to anybody reading this... this is just a draft, the game isn't out yet.

Lost Eden Beta
<download link and pictures>

Lost Eden, an exciting new total conversion for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta! So now you have your own chance to experience the world that is Lost Eden for yourself! It's a weird and wonderful 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 with often fatal consquences. 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. Discover new cultures unlike anything you've seen before!
• 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 and that's just the start.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• ... any more?

 

[Petek]

Kilkakon asked for my thoughts about publicizing the open Beta of his mod.

1. I've already received permission to post a news item that will appear on CFCs front page.

2. I'll contact the mods/admins/owners at 'poly and WPC to make sure they are cool about posting a link to CFC on their forums. I'll also ask about an announcement on their front pages.

3. The Civilization Webring forum has an Alpha Centauri subforum. One of the CFC moderators is German and posts there. I'll ask him to translate an announcement and post it there. I'll also ask him about how the site feels about other sites "advertising" there.

4. There is also a Polish-language Alpha Centauri forum. The owner, LoD, used to post on 'poly. I'll contact him about the posting and "advertising" issues.

5. vyeh, of course, can handle the publicity on CGN.

6 Does anyone know of any other active SMACX forums?

 

[vyeh]

3. The Civilization Webring forum has an Alpha Centauri subforum. One of the CFC moderators is German and posts there. I'll ask him to translate an announcement and post it there. I'll also ask him about how the site feels about other sites "advertising" there.

4. There is also a Polish-language Alpha Centauri forum. The owner, LoD, used to post on 'poly. I'll contact him about the posting and "advertising" issues.

These two go to the same place. For the second one, did you mean civ.org.pl?

Lost Eden, an exciting new total conversion for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta! So now you have your own chance to experience the world that is Lost Eden for yourself! It's a weird and wonderful 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 with often fatal consquences. 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. Discover new cultures unlike anything you've seen before!
• 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 and that's just the start.
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
• ... any more?

Personally, I would prefer a paragraph that has less undertones of marketing hype. I have to wake up early, so I'll go through whatever is the current draft at another time.

 

[Petek]

These two go to the same place. For the second one, did you mean civ.org.pl?

Yes, that's right.

 

[Kilkakon]

@Petek: Thanks for all the links and assistance Petek... let us know how the replies go!

@vyeh: I can tone it down a bit, I was trying to sell it across of course. Let me know your thoughts when you have an in-depth look at it after your early start.

 

[vyeh]

First cut.

Lost Eden, an exciting new total conversion for Alien Crossfire, has just been released as a public beta!. So now you have your own chance to experience the world that is Lost Eden for yourself! It's a weird and wonderful 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 with often fatal consquences. 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. Discover new cultures unlike anything you've seen before!
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 and that's just the start.
A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies, as well as adding to the uniqueness of the game.
... any more?

Got to get up early tomorrow, so I just want to see your initial reaction.

 

[Kilkakon]

Very brief response: Mostly okay, although probably took a little too much off for my liking, making it seem as if I'm only remoted interested in the thing being released. I'ld leave in about 20% of the stuff you removed, mainly the last sentence of the first paragraph.

The PC shop just rang... I'll edit later with more info there