Re: New Standard Game?

[Stan Shebs <shebs@cygnus.com>]

   From: bob@fla.fujitsu.com (Bob Carragher)
   Date: Mon, 28 Jun 1999 00:50:17 -0700

   [Leaving lurk mode ....]

   I agree with Keir and Hans that there should be a standard game
   that works as an introduction for novices.  Although it's nice
   if many of the features can be thrown in, it's better if they
   don't get in the way of learning the mechanics of the game.

That brings to mind one of the brilliant bits of design in Civ-type
games.  You start out primitive, and have only a few types of units
and a few types of actions possible.  Only later, after you've played
the game for awhile, do you get to fool around with the complicated
stuff.

   A nice touch, if possible, would be to throw in a message.  For
   example, when the game ends successfully for the novice player,
   you could add a message like, "Now that you've beaten the computer
   in the Standard game, why not try something a little harder by
   playing <insert-game-name>?"  This could be a way to introduce
   more complex scenarios and features at the beginner's own pace,
   while not requiring them to read through the manual to figure
   out what games to play.  Plus, the series of games could work as
   a standard set of benchmarks for tuning purposes.

That's a good idea!  I've been thinking in general about how to set up
campaigns in Xconq - it wouldn't be that hard I think, and it would be
more involving than the current "I won a game, now what" that is what
players experience now.

								Stan