Lost Eden development thread

[vyeh]

As for the Wikipedia article, I might as well reply here. I don't see any problems, looks good! I only read the gameplay section (from memory that was the one) but yeah, seems pretty good to me.

Thank you, did you look at the previous two sections: intro and plot.

Missing techs. The game tries to look for a tech which I have removed when scanning faction files and crashes.

It looks for the name?

Victory! Couldn't have done it without all of you guys!

Only a milestone. Victory is when the final version is released.

 

[Kilkakon]

Thank you, did you look at the previous two sections: intro and plot.

I did not, do you want me to?

It looks for the name?

No it looks for the abbrevation, but that is still something that is user defined and therefore has been removed. If you look at the readme, there is a picture of the error message.

Only a milestone. Victory is when the final version is released.

Of course.

 

[vyeh]

I did not, do you want me to?

I would appreciate it if you would read the whole article and give me your impression.

No it looks for the abbrevation, but that is still something that is user defined and therefore has been removed. If you look at the readme, there is a picture of the error message.

How would it have the info for angels.txt?

 

[Kilkakon]

I would appreciate it if you would read the whole article and give me your impression.

Comments!:

Spoiler :

The Plot, Setting is confusing. "Immediately prior to the start of the game, a reactor malfunction wakes the crew and colonists early and irreparably severs communications with Earth." Which ship? Which crew? The paragraph seems to start SMAX and then jump to SMAC without explaination.

Story also unfolds using interludes, and should be included in the little list there.

"it is suppose to be" should have a D in there.

The "Terraforming is a natural outgrowth..." to end seems like it should be its own paragraph, it doesn't really run from the previous sentence clearly.

"They were able to incorporate many suggestions into the retail version." Fits the paragraph but seems like it should be a part of the previous.

"Civilization V will include a new win condition, the completion of the Utopia project, which is reminiscent of the Ascent to Transcendence secret project." We should know this by now, right?

Overall pretty good though.

How would it have the info for angels.txt?

In Alpha Centauri.ini, there are a list of factions:

Faction 1=LIGHT
Faction 2=SEAFOAM
Faction 3=WILD
Faction 4=OBLIVION
Faction 5=CYNDATECH
Faction 6=DARRUS
Faction 7=RAKIS

When the game starts up, it parses these seven factions' text files to make sure they are valid. If one was ANGELS, then that'ld be how the game get info for angels.txt.

 

[vyeh]

In Alpha Centauri.ini, there are a list of factions:

Faction 1=LIGHT
Faction 2=SEAFOAM
Faction 3=WILD
Faction 4=OBLIVION
Faction 5=CYNDATECH
Faction 6=DARRUS
Faction 7=RAKIS

When the game starts up, it parses these seven factions' text files to make sure they are valid. If one was ANGELS, then that'ld be how the game get info for angels.txt.

So in your error screenshot in the readme, how would it have info for the angels? (Why would it have the faction bonuses and penalties?)

 

[Kilkakon]

So in your error screenshot in the readme, how would it have info for the angels? (Why would it have the faction bonuses and penalties?)

Oh that is just the line in the text file on which the error occured. It returns the whole line so the designer can find the problem easily.

I will aim to get that news item done today. I'm in a bit of a productive mood.

 

[vyeh]

Oh that is just the line in the text file on which the error occured. It returns the whole line so the designer can find the problem easily.

When you got the error message, was angels.txt in your directory?

I will aim to get that news item done today. I'm in a bit of a productive mood.

Good.

 

[Kilkakon]

When you got the error message, was angels.txt in your directory?

Yes, it's the file for Data Angels.

 

[vyeh]

Yes, it's the file for Data Angels.

So you would have gotten a different error message if the file wasn't there. Right?

Since the file was there, SMAX looked at your alphax.txt file and couldn't find the free tech for the angels. Is that the reason for the error?

 

[Kilkakon]

I haven't tried it without the faction being there, but yes, the process you described is correct.

EDIT: Are you able to give the game a go yourself?

EDIT2: Didn't get to the news item today! I'll make it a priority for tomorrow.

 

[vyeh]

I haven't tried it without the faction being there, but yes, the process you described is correct.

It might be worth trying without the faction being present.

EDIT: Are you able to give the game a go yourself?

No. The computer I am currently using is an Intel Mac. I have copies of the game here, but this computer only has Mac OS X and not Mac OS 9, which the installer on the Mac disk requires. There use to be a site, where someone who worked on the Mac port had some unofficial Carbonized (Mac OS 9) SMAC and SMAX which is stable (the official Carbonized SMAC and SMAX crashes on OS 10.3 and above). Unfortunately, the site no longer exists. And the computer on which I have SMAC/X no longer connects to the internet. I don't know if I need to purchase a new Airport card (unfortunately Apple no longer makes that Airport card so I would have to go to eBay or Amazon reseller) or if it is a problem with the inability of the computer to change configuration.

EDIT2: Didn't get to the news item today! I'll make it a priority for tomorrow.

Are you checking daily the three sites I placed the notices (there is a little controversy over at WP about infoboxes and I need to support Nolelover, who has been very supportive over the summer -- I have a similar relationship to him that I have to you)?

In addition to the news item, I think a priority is figuring out the best solution for the bug JH24 brought up.

Edit: I checked the three sites. You don't need to do so today.

 

[Kilkakon]

It might be worth trying without the faction being present.
...
In addition to the news item, I think a priority is figuring out the best solution for the bug JH24 brought up.

In that case, the game complains as there is no faction file. Then it gives an Abort, Retry, Ignore? error, after which it loads normally. As for a solution, I've already updated the readme with the editting fix which fixes the problem with minimal effort... are you okay with that?

No. The computer I am currently using is an Intel Mac. I have copies of the game here, but this computer only has Mac OS X and not Mac OS 9, which the installer on the Mac disk requires. There use to be a site, where someone who worked on the Mac port had some unofficial Carbonized (Mac OS 9) SMAC and SMAX which is stable (the official Carbonized SMAC and SMAX crashes on OS 10.3 and above). Unfortunately, the site no longer exists. And the computer on which I have SMAC/X no longer connects to the internet. I don't know if I need to purchase a new Airport card (unfortunately Apple no longer makes that Airport card so I would have to go to eBay or Amazon reseller) or if it is a problem with the inability of the computer to change configuration.

Awkward. :S One of my real life friends recently got a Mac for fun (and spite ) and managed to play SMAX under XP emulation fine enough -- I don't know if you have Windows versions though.

Are you checking daily the three sites I placed the notices (there is a little controversy over at WP about infoboxes and I need to support Nolelover, who has been very supportive over the summer -- I have a similar relationship to him that I have to you)?

I haven't been checking the websites, do you want me to do that?

And good luck supporting Nolelover! I feel a little bad that I couldn't do more for you earlier but hey it's all good now.

As for today's plans, I'm getting my car serviced and visiting a friend but I should have some time this morning to get some work done.

 

[vyeh]

In that case, the game complains as there is no faction file. Then it gives an Abort, Retry, Ignore? error, after which it loads normally. As for a solution, I've already updated the readme with the editting fix which fixes the problem with minimal effort... are you okay with that?

So if there is no faction file, the game complains, but then you can ignore it and it will load normally?

I'm trying to see if there is a simpler solution than asking someone to edit the .ini file.

I haven't been checking the websites, do you want me to do that?

Yes, thank you.

I should have some time this morning to get some work done.

My philosophy is that a little work every day is better than trying to get things done in bursts. It allows better focus.

 

[Kilkakon]

So if there is no faction file, the game complains, but then you can ignore it and it will load normally?

I'm trying to see if there is a simpler solution than asking someone to edit the .ini file.

Your statement is correct, at least I think that it is. What you are suggesting is that people should delete the original SMAC/SMAX factions instead of editting the INI?

Yes, thank you.

Alright I shall do that. I will say now that I can't post at "poly" as the admin never replied to my email for a password reset.

My philosophy is that a little work every day is better than trying to get things done in bursts. It allows better focus.

Sure makes sense. I tend to work better with very huge long days with breaks inbetween, although the last few days I have been a bit distracted. I've got focus back again though (got to love praying for things and God delivering) so don't worry!

In fact, I shall start work on that news item now while I wait for the mechanic to call.

EDIT: Here we go:

-
Kilkakon has developed a mod for Alien Crossfire entitled "Lost Eden" that turns the game into an unusual fantasy world. An alpha release is out now and he would appreciate any feedback that you can give in the feedback thread at CFC.
-

Any good?

EDIT2: Arko's shading is half done now too.

 

[JH24]

A quick update:


I've started a game as the Betrayed on a random small map. I plan to play this game to the end and write down my general first impressions on the way. I only have a limited time to play each day so it's possible I some times need a little while with my notes but I'll promise I'll really do my best. (Bookkeeping exam in January)


I must say though that I really like the diversity and artwork of the different factions. My favorites so far are the Realm of Light, the Fallen, the Betrayed and the Adventurers but I find each of them very interesting.


- The first thing I noticed was that (it's only my opinion, other players may see this differently) that the Charmander unit (with the little leaf in front, cool unit by the way. ) stands a bit out too much in the field. It's colors are very bright and it creates a bit of contrast with the IMHO more darker map and feel of Eden.

- I had to get used to the design of the villages on the ocean. Maybe they are placeholders but it took me a little while before I realized why there were so many improvements for energy on the ocean.


- I noticed that formers and colony pods now have more movement points, making expansion easier. I like the change but I was wondering what the reason behind it is.


===


By the way, I saw your post in the other thread. I'm a dude.

 

[Kilkakon]

I've started a game as the Betrayed on a random small map. I plan to play this game to the end and write down my general first impressions on the way. I only have a limited time to play each day so it's possible I some times need a little while with my notes but I'll promise I'll really do my best. (Bookkeeping exam in January)

Thanks for giving me the time that you have! I hope that you really enjoy the game hey. And good luck studying for your exam! I'm happily out of Uni for now as I'm southern hemisphere (HOT Christmas ). Take your time.

I must say though that I really like the diversity and artwork of the different factions. My favorites so far are the Realm of Light, the Fallen, the Betrayed and the Adventurers but I find each of them very interesting.

Haha you mention me and my natural enemy first. Thanks again.

- The first thing I noticed was that (it's only my opinion, other players may see this differently) that the Charmander unit (with the little leaf in front, cool unit by the way. ) stands a bit out too much in the field. It's colors are very bright and it creates a bit of contrast with the IMHO more darker map and feel of Eden.

I like the charmander myself. When some of the other brighter units come out hopefully it'll be a bit better for you. Being honest, I did try to make the grass brighter, but the game's palette wasn't being very helpful.

- I had to get used to the design of the villages on the ocean. Maybe they are placeholders but it took me a little while before I realized why there were so many improvements for energy on the ocean.

Ah good call there I suppose! I'll write that down as something to replace.

- I noticed that formers and colony pods now have more movement points, making expansion easier. I like the change but I was wondering what the reason behind it is.

Ah well that was my attempt at trying to weaken down ICS and give more standardised base expansion a bit of a better chance.

By the way, I saw your post in the other thread. I'm a dude.

Hehe alright. JH24 is a very gender neutral name so I wasn't sure.

Thanks again for the comments--let me know how you go!

EDIT: And Arko's pic is now done.

 

[vyeh]

Your statement is correct, at least I think that it is. What you are suggesting is that people should delete the original SMAC/SMAX factions instead of editting the INI?

My method for handling mods on my computer was to duplicate the directory and put the mod in the new directory. I'd like to give people the option of creating a new directory. In this case, the new directory has no need for the original SMAC/X factions. So I would like to see this alternative discussed in the readme.

EDIT: Here we go:

-
Kilkakon has developed a mod for Alien Crossfire entitled "Lost Eden" that turns the game into an unusual fantasy world. An alpha release is out now and he would appreciate any feedback that you can give in the feedback thread at CFC.
-

Any good?

I think it needs more description of the fantasy world, a sentence or a phrase, e.g. struggle between good and evil.

EDIT2: Arko's shading is half done now too.

Good.

- I noticed that formers and colony pods now have more movement points, making expansion easier. I like the change but I was wondering what the reason behind it is.

Isn't it enough that the game feels different with these changes?

EDIT: And Arko's pic is now done.

Very good! You can email it to me.

 

[Kilkakon]

My method for handling mods on my computer was to duplicate the directory and put the mod in the new directory. I'd like to give people the option of creating a new directory. In this case, the new directory has no need for the original SMAC/X factions. So I would like to see this alternative discussed in the readme.

Ah alright. It's just a poorer solution is all, but I can add it if you wish.

I think it needs more description of the fantasy world, a sentence or a phrase, e.g. struggle between good and evil.

Alright I'll get on it soon and edit this post (provided there's no later replies... )

Very good! You can email it to me.

Sure, I will!

And I have a free day! So lots of either art or quotes God willing. Once again, editting this post or replying, whichever comes first.

EDIT1: I've finally finished the title changes to script.txt. Such a minor thing but necessary, and it took ages!

EDIT2: Take two on the news item:
Kilkakon has developed a mod for Alien Crossfire entitled "Lost Eden" that turns the game into an unusual fantasy world. It's filled with all sorts of cutesy creatures embroiled in a struggle of good vs. evil on a planetary scale with interesting leaders and characters. An alpha release is out now and he would appreciate any feedback that you can give in the feedback thread at CFC.

 

[vyeh]

Ah alright. It's just a poorer solution is all, but I can add it if you wish.

I do.

Alright I'll get on it soon and edit this post (provided there's no later replies... )

I'll look at it later. I've got to go to sleep.

Sure, I will!

Thanks. I'll look at it later.

And I have a free day! So lots of either art or quotes God willing. Once again, editting this post or replying, whichever comes first.

Good.

EDIT1: I've finally finished the title changes to script.txt. Such a minor thing but necessary, and it took ages!

What do the titles do?

EDIT2: Take two on the news item:
Kilkakon has developed a mod for Alien Crossfire entitled "Lost Eden" that turns the game into an unusual fantasy world. It's filled with all sorts of cutesy creatures embroiled in a struggle of good vs. evil on a planetary scale with interesting leaders and characters. An alpha release is out now and he would appreciate any feedback that you can give in the feedback thread at CFC.

How about

The alpha for a new fantasy mod for Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri has been released at _____. It features cute creatures embroiled in a struggle of good vs. evil on a planetary scale.

 

[Kilkakon]

I do.

Alright I'll put it on the todo list for today vyeh.

I've got to go to sleep.

Sweet dreams!

What do the titles do?

Oh they would just sit on the top of a message popup. The most common was "Operations Director".

How about

The alpha for a new fantasy mod for Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri has been released at _____. It features cute creatures embroiled in a struggle of good vs. evil on a planetary scale.

Seems good to me!

I'm working on villages and a replacement graphic for the monolith now.