Lost Eden development thread

[Kilkakon]

I've got a plan for the last 3 interludes. Here's the first one. This is triggered after the beach one, when either a Vine Preserve is constructed or another vine explosion occurs. I'll edit this with the others as I complete them.

Spoiler :

^ That rather dangerous evening on the beach was not to be the last of these explosive vine growths. $BASENAME5 has reported nearby vines performing in a similar way and vine activity on the outskirts of your territory is also increasing. It's concerning--it's hard enough to manage domestic and interfactional affairs alone without having to worry about native life problems all the time.
^ Your thoughts are interrupted by a knock on your throne room door. "You may enter", you beckon frustratingly. That's the bad thing about being a $TITLE0: no time for thinking in this job! $ADVISOR9 enters... and she looks really tired. She doesn't look like she's slept for days.
^ "$TITLE0", she begins moaningly.
^ "Yes?", you respond compassionately. "What is it?"
^ "It's the carnivines... and the vines", she replies, sitting down upon a nearby stool. "Our relations with them are largely positive. We've even recruited some of them to use in our own armies. And yet... they are attacking us as well."
^ "I've been thinking about the same thing... what have you figured out $ADVISOR9?"
^ "Somebody else is using these creatures against us $TITLE0. I don't know who, I don't know why, but it's the only thing that makes sense... otherwise these carnvines wouldn't be so duplex...", her voice fades off. "Listen $TITLE0. Whoever is doing this must be very powerful. They have control of the one of base elements of this world, those vines and carnivines."
^ "Thank you for your thoughts, $ADVISOR9. You better to go to bed, you look really tired! I shall keep what you have said in mind."
^ "Thank you, $TITLE0." She walks off. Her words still ring in your mind. Who could wield such power as to control an entire planet?

EDIT: This next one occurs after the previous, when the next Vine Preserve is built.

Spoiler :

^ You exhale sharply as you dig in the last of the roots into the damp topsoil. It's been a huge job--transplanting an entire Vine Forest into the centre of this city. It's the start of what you have called "Vine Preserves"--an attempt to allow native life to live harmoniously with your faction. You slump down, exhausted, only realising after doing so that your bum's going to be really dirty with all the topsoil being so loose. Great. Nothing you can do about it now though!
^ You look up at the monstrosity of the Vine Forest. It's colossal... and strangely beautiful. It's fun to see all the cute little critters about the vine branches, playing and interacting peacefully. It's such a shame that these creatures have been manipulated and forced to become the engine of war. Whoever the monster is that is using these creatures for his own selfish needs must be brought to justice. But who is he?... What is he? And who knows the measure of his power. If he force the native species of Lost Eden to bend to his will then surely his strength must be impressive. And if they couldn't stop him, how could you?
^ It's not healthy to think such thoughts--you'll defeat yourself before you begin! You lie flat on your back and take in the sight of the Vine Forest. It's beautiful. How ever these creatures got here, you're thankful. And as for this unseen enemy... he can wait until after you've bathed.

One to go!

 

[vyeh]

I've got a plan for the last 3 interludes. Here's the first one. This is triggered after the beach one, when either a Vine Preserve is constructed or another vine explosion occurs. I'll edit this with the others as I complete them.

Good.

EDIT: This next one occurs after the previous, when the next Vine Preserve is built.

If he forces the native species of Lost Eden to bend to his will then surely his strength must be impressive. And if they couldn't stop him, how could you?

One to go!

Good.

 

[Kilkakon]

Corrections made.

I'm currently working on the next one--just making the post now in case you check back before I have finished.

EDIT: Here we go! Final interlude. This one occurs after the first interlude on post 781, when another vine explosion occurs.

Spoiler :

^ These carnivines don't let up. Vine explosions can trigger at any moment and often in the heart of densely populated areas. Investigation into the mastermind of these attacks has been... slow. Other than some strange warnings and shady characters, you have nothing at all. Sometimes you think that you'll never catch this villain. Sighing, you lean back against the pillar next to your bench. This is a nice quiet spot, and from here you can see a good part of the city. Most people have already gone to bed for the night, but the air is still warm and there is enough light to see.
^ "I understand you've been looking for me, $NAME3", says a voice behind you. You jump and then slowly turn. You can't make out anything in the shadows.
^ "Wh-who's there?", you reply nervously.
^ "Why it's me... don't you remember?", the voice replies. Upon seeing your confusion the stranger laughs. "Allow me to refresh your memory!" he continues. Then he lights a torch next to him; revealing his body. A purple and olive dragon, male and proud of it. Yes, you've seen this dragon before.
^ "Who are you?", you demand.
^ His body glows with pride and his voice resonates with ambition as he replies: "allow me to introduce myself. I am the Prince of Darkness, the Avatar of Selfishness. I am... Meora".
^ "And you're the one behind these attacks?!"
^ "Such accusations", Meora replies, "you really should look at the facts. It was I who alerted you about $ASSISTANT8 and I want to see your faction flourish. I'm helping you, behind the senses, $NAME3."
^ "I'm not so sure."
^ "You may believe whatever you want to believe $NAME3", Meora sharply responds. "Just remember that I'm the only one in this world you can really trust."
^ And with that the dragon is gone.

With that all out the way, perhaps it's time to start setting things into motion towards getting this game released. It's been a bit slow this week, development, and I would like to get it all done and sorted! There's some interface things I can play with still (all minor things at this stage) but what I would like to discuss is what I should do for Lost Eden, website wise. I recall you mentioning having all the characters on a page and being able to click them, as well as a full tech tree--anything else?

 

[vyeh]

EDIT: Here we go! Final interlude. This one occurs after the first interlude on post 781, when another vine explosion occurs.

^ "Such accusations", Meora replies, "you really should look at the facts. It was I who alerted you about $ASSISTANT8 and I want to see your faction flourish. I'm helping you, behind the sensesscenes, $NAME3."

With that all out the way, perhaps it's time to start setting things into motion towards getting this game released. It's been a bit slow this week, development, and I would like to get it all done and sorted! There's some interface things I can play with still (all minor things at this stage) but what I would like to discuss is what I should do for Lost Eden, website wise. I recall you mentioning having all the characters on a page and being able to click them, as well as a full tech tree--anything else?

Some type of teaser about the mystery of Meora.

 

[Kilkakon]

Corrections made! Interludes complete...

Today I have been almost exclusively working on the website. I've done the front page and the art pages so far! I will be sure to try and make the Lost Eden portal as good as possible. It'll be interesting to see how I will be able to have a G page that I'm allowed to link here--will do what I can.

How are things going on your end?

 

[vyeh]

Corrections made! Interludes complete...

Congratulations.

Today I have been almost exclusively working on the website. I've done the front page and the art pages so far! I will be sure to try and make the Lost Eden portal as good as possible. It'll be interesting to see how I will be able to have a G page that I'm allowed to link here--will do what I can.

Take a look at the original SMAC official site (unfortunately, Firaxis took it down, so this is an archive).

How are things going on your end?

I've been very busy. Except for this thread, I have very little contact with the computer or TV. New gym (I've relocated). Meeting new and interesting people. Buying local produce at a farmer's market. Cooking. Reading.

Returning to LE, has JH24 been able to finish a complete game?

 

[Kilkakon]

Take a look at the original SMAC official site (unfortunately, Firaxis took it down, so this is an archive).

Interesting read. I'ld probably have a smaller version of that as I don't have as much content as they did.

As for having a G version for this site I might have to make a page seperate from the rest of the site just for here. It's still too early to tell though.

I've been very busy. Except for this thread, I have very little contact with the computer or TV. New gym (I've relocated). Meeting new and interesting people. Buying local produce at a farmer's market. Cooking. Reading.

Alright. I have noticed a drop in your level of conversation--the "how are you going" was a deliberate ploy to get more than a few lines out of you. Admittably there hasn't been much to discuss at length but you get the idea.

I have poured a lot of work into trying to make this website the best I can--haven't got to the LE section yet, working on downloads at the moment. There'll be lots available, that's for sure.

Returning to LE, has JH24 been able to finish a complete game?

I haven't heard from him in a week or so. Worth a PM I think!

 

[vyeh]

Interesting read. I'ld probably have a smaller version of that as I don't have as much content as they did.

I hope it gives you some ideas!

Alright. I have noticed a drop in your level of conversation--the "how are you going" was a deliberate ploy to get more than a few lines out of you. Admittably there hasn't been much to discuss at length but you get the idea.

President's Day Weekend in the U.S. The weather has been unseasonably warm.

I have poured a lot of work into trying to make this website the best I can--haven't got to the LE section yet, working on downloads at the moment. There'll be lots available, that's for sure.

What downloads?

I haven't heard from him in a week or so. Worth a PM I think!

Just wondering what is his impression of LE.

 

[Kilkakon]

Ugh second time making this post after a browser crash. :|

I hope it gives you some ideas!

Yeah thanks! I was thinking of having all the characters lined up in a 7x2 rectangle and being able to click them to show their stats, quotes and so on.

President's Day Weekend in the U.S. The weather has been unseasonably warm.

Haha the first time I read that line I thought you said "unreasonably warm"! Haha abnormal weather not tolerated!

Haha carrying on, was it pleasantly warm?

What downloads?

I'm putting up anything for any game that I have done that people will enjoy using or could use in their own modding projects. For example, the Alpha Centauri faction templates, Doom sprites, C&C sprites, etc.

Just wondering what is his impression of LE.

Positive yeah! He has had pretty major PC troubles so his gameplay has been very fragmented, but yeah he's enjoying it.

 

[vyeh]

Ugh second time making this post after a browser crash. :|

For long replies, I copy into Notepad and compose my message there.

was it pleasantly warm?

Yes! Like an early spring.

I'm putting up anything for any game that I have done that people will enjoy using or could use in their own modding projects. For example, the Alpha Centauri faction templates, Doom sprites, C&C sprites, etc.

That's great.

Positive yeah! ... he's enjoying it.

Glad to heat that.

 

[Kilkakon]

Working away on website! Today I'm working on the projects, including Lost Eden. I'll post some screenshots when it's all done.

Haha perhaps I should play LE for a bit soon. With Jordan in Sydney I don't get the biweekly LE plays that I normally get.

Do you remember Tuga2112? He has reappeared and has been asking questions which I have done my best to answer. He has asked if his latest proposed faction is balanced or not--I was wondering if you would be able to comment there? You have more experience in the realms of SMAX than I do.

EDIT: I've realised that the annoucement, buried a few pages back, uses the word "clash" in two consective sentences. I'll reword "good and evil clash with epic proportions" to "wage war unlike ever before"

 

[vyeh]

Haha perhaps I should play LE for a bit soon. With Jordan in Sydney I don't get the biweekly LE plays that I normally get.

If you play it, try to stress test it. Is Jordan your cousin?

Do you remember Tuga2112? He has reappeared and has been asking questions which I have done my best to answer. He has asked if his latest proposed faction is balanced or not--I was wondering if you would be able to comment there? You have more experience in the realms of SMAX than I do.

I'll try to get to it later.

EDIT: I've realised that the annoucement, buried a few pages back, uses the word "clash" in two consective sentences. I'll reword "good and evil clash with epic proportions" to "wage war unlike ever before"

Could you post the revised announcement?

 

[Kilkakon]

If you play it, try to stress test it. Is Jordan your cousin?

I'd appericate if you could define what you think required stress testing.

Jordan is a brother in Christ, a friend from church.

I'll try to get to it later.

No rush personally, just thought I would mention it.

Could you post the revised announcement?

Sure, here you are:

Spoiler :

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, available <here>. It's a world in which good and evil clash wage war unlike ever before. A mysterious figure, Meora, has caused people and factions to clash. Can you gain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

What's different about Lost Eden?

• 14 new factions balanced with each other
• Units from many species: charmanders, squirtles, roses, humans and more
• New artwork for units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface
• Predesigned units present a wide range of tactical options and include cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence and very powerful irreparable units
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies
• Original quotes for technologies, facilities and factions

Lost Eden can be downloaded here<download link again here>.

EDIT: I've discovered that fitting the full technology tree within my website template is going to be tough. I'll see what I can do.

EDIT2: I've finished the "Meet the Leaders" section for the website now. It's pretty cool, I think so at least. I've heard from JH24 and he'll be able to playtest again shortly.

 

[vyeh]

I'd appericate if you could define what you think required stress testing.

Nothing in particular. Problems usually occur at the margins.

JSure, here you are:

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, available <here>. It's a world in which good and evil clash and wage war unlike ever before. A mysterious figure, Meora, has caused people and factions to clash. Can you gain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

What's different about Lost Eden?

• 14 new factions balanced with each other
• Units from many species: charmanders, squirtles, roses, humans and more
• New artwork for units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface
• Predesigned units present a wide range of tactical options and include cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence and very powerful irreparable units
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies
• Original quotes for technologies, facilities and factions

Lost Eden can be downloaded here<download link again here>.

I've heard from JH24 and he'll be able to playtest again shortly.

That's great!

 

[Kilkakon]

Nothing in particular. Problems usually occur at the margins.

Ah sure fair enough.

I usually spot things while playing. When things settle down website wise I'll be able to have a game. It's just prioritising really, making time, like how I don't do for art.

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, available <here>. It's a world in which good and evil clash and wage war unlike ever before. A mysterious figure, Meora, has caused people and factions to clash. Can you gain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

What's different about Lost Eden?

• 14 new factions balanced with each other
• Units from many species: charmanders, squirtles, roses, humans and more
• New artwork for units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface
• Predesigned units present a wide range of tactical options and include cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence and very powerful irreparable units
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies
• Original quotes for technologies, facilities and factions

Lost Eden can be downloaded here<download link again here>.

Gah oops! I made a mistake... sorry! The word "clash" was meant to be removed, like this:

Spoiler :

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, available <here>. It's a world in which good and evil wage war unlike ever before. A mysterious figure, Meora, has caused people and factions to clash. Can you gain control of Lost Eden and put an end to the madness once and for all?

What's different about Lost Eden?

• 14 new factions balanced with each other
• Units from many species: charmanders, squirtles, roses, humans and more
• New artwork for units, terrain, leaders, technologies and the user interface
• Predesigned units present a wide range of tactical options and include cheap amphibious spies, psionic units that lower enemy morale, fast attack units with low defence and very powerful irreparable units
• A redesigned technology tree and retooled facilities breathe life into previously ignored strategies
• Original quotes for technologies, facilities and factions

Lost Eden can be downloaded here<download link again here>.

That's great!

Yeah!

I'm timing the release of the beta with the website if possible.

 

[vyeh]

Gah oops! I made a mistake... sorry! The word "clash" was meant to be removed, like this:

That works.

I'm timing the release of the beta with the website if possible.

That sounds good.

EDIT:

It's just prioritising really, making time, like how I don't do for art.

How about making time for a progress report? If I didn't know how to check on your last visit, I'd be concerned about your computers or internet connection!

 

[Kilkakon]

Haha great minds think alike! I was thinking a progress report is in order as well. I did lose power a while back so that can account for a bit of inactivity haha.

Website: The website is proceeding well. The text for all pages has been done. I have yet to take some screenshots of some of the inactive projects. The Lost Eden page has got some work left to do as well though--there's the tech tree (still don't know how I will manage that one) and I've got to make/take a good picture of me. The latest one I have is like two years old!

Communications: I've recieved a nice PM from Petek who has been asking other forums for permission about if I'm allowed to post, which I replied to asking for slight classification as to what version(s) I'm allowed to post where, as well as the current version of the Lost Eden pages. JH24... I haven't heard from in a few days so I'll PM him again after I finish this message.

Art: Drew a sketch of my cute totodile dude powering up haha.

Lost Eden: No real progress for a little while as I've just been working on the website. I'm pretty happy with how it is at the moment though--perhaps doing a little bit of voice recording (which would take a few hours) and then I'm happy to release it for beta. This time is really the best time for people such as JH24 to get as much testing done as possible!

CFC: I've been trying to keep up with people's requests for help. When you get time, here's thread for you to check: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=413695 -- asking about which faction powers count against the 8 limit and which didn't. I tried to do my best to answer but I'm still a novice in the world of SMAX really. Any help you can give would be much appericated.

 

[vyeh]

When you get time, here's thread for you to check: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=413695 -- asking about which faction powers count against the 8 limit and which didn't. I tried to do my best to answer but I'm still a novice in the world of SMAX really. Any help you can give would be much appericated.

I may not have time. I believe the answer to the question is here. Let me know whether that answers your question.

 

[Kilkakon]

Yes it does--thanks!

Website progress is now progressing after a busy weekend. Working on the Lost Eden pages that you suggested: facilities list just completed, now working the unit list. Once that's done, then the site's pretty much ready--that's as early as tomorrow! With no word from JH24, I could just go and release it haha.

 

[vyeh]

Yes it does--thanks!

You're welcome.

Website progress is now progressing after a busy weekend. Working on the Lost Eden pages that you suggested: facilities list just completed, now working the unit list. Once that's done, then the site's pretty much ready--that's as early as tomorrow! With no word from JH24, I could just go and release it haha.

That's great. It is nice to get close to beta release.

Post #800!