Tips for the Newb...

[Obsolete]

Hey guys, after having the CD collect dust here for years, I decided to give it another go. I never got far into this in the past, but would like to finally get more into details. Of all the hexgames I had, this one definitely seemed to be different in many ways from the norm. But this is why I seem to have so much trouble with it.

I understand the TIME issue seems to be a big fundamental issue. Running takes up less than walking, etc. Everything takes up a bit of time. But then I just don't quite grasp how the WAIT feature all comes together. I sort of do, but it just all doesn't come together for me. I even have problems trying to figure out how to LOCK a target again. Often right clicking or left clicking doesn't seem to register, so maybe I'm doing something wrong even when trying to follow ABC instructions. Or it could just be a Vista issue again.

Maybe someone needs to write a manuscript : ToS for Dummies, vol II.

Any pointers here?

[LarkinVB]

If the turn system quick guide wasn't helpfull I'm a bit clueless what to say. Read it, then ask specific questions is my advice.

Locking is straightforward : Your titan has to be in attack mode and a target must be in sight. you click 'lock target', move your mouse over the target hex, the curses will turn into a cross and you right click. If there are multiple targets on the hex you left click and skip through the popup window to select the desired target with those tiny little buttons, explained in the manual.

[oldmanmimo]

The first day learning curve is steep, but once you get over that, it smooths out rapidly. I too had a lot of trouble following the guide, but trial and error finally taught me what to do. Here is my quick and dirty explanation:

You have two decision trees (for lack of a better term) running concurrently. The first decision tree is movement based and the second is combat based. You must make a decision in both trees for time to elapse. And after a choice is executed, you will get to choose again.

For example, in the movement decision tree, you decide to walk forward which takes 27 seconds. In the combat tree you do whatever you want while walking for the next 27 seconds. If you can see an opponent, scanning them is a good option that often uses up most of the 27 second walking period. Or waiting until an enemy is sighted is a good choice to start a scenario, as is performing a scanner link to an ally. Anytime an action on either tree is completed, you are given the option to execute a new action in that tree. And you can cancel the action on the other tree at that time also. But beware, try not to accidentally cancel a jump or run in the movement tree while deciding what to do with your combat tree decision! And don't set both decisions trees to wait unless you're reloading ammo or in a repair bay.

And sort of graphically:

Time ---->
Move: Running-------------------Stop-----Jumpup-Jumpforward-Jumpforward-Jumpdown-Crouch--WaitforReload---WaitforEnemyMove-------------------------------
Combat:Scanning-------------Wait-Shooting-Scan---------------------WaitingforMove------Shoot-WaitforReload---Shoot-WaitforReload-----Shoot-WaitforReload-----

Overall, a great game with a really good combat system. Punishes you for simultaneous actions and rewards you for using terrain and fire properly. Rookies are all about close combat and the vets try to shoot 'em down before they get close. And always beware the Tesla equipped enemy!

Now I've got to go play again after a 4 month hiatus. This is one of the few games I come back to over and over and over.

[gazra]

This is one of the few games I come back to over and over and over.

I'm extremely curious, oldmanmimo! What are the other games that you come back to over and over again?

LarkinVB, please excuse my going off topic in this forum.

[oldmanmimo]

Continuing off-topic;

Heroes of Might and Magic (not #5)
Warlords

Pretty much anything that is a cross between RPG and top-down strategy which incorporates a pause or turn function while playing. We old geezers don't do so well at RTS! I am looking forward to trying out the spreadsheet/campaign mod that somebody posted on the forum a few days ago...

Do you have a suggestion or six to make? I'd like to try more of the Matrix Games pantheon, but prefer to see in-game unit development. Even if it's just novice to veteran ala Wesnoth or Panzer General. And not in this genre, Masters of Orion, NWN1 and Baldur's Gate are always worth permanent space on the hard drive!

[namad]

anyone have any idea what "spreadsheet/campaign mod" oldmanmimo was referring to?

[jureidinim]

@namad:
I think he was referring to the home rules GhstBear created to make a somewhat semidynamic campaign.

You can find it here:
tm.asp?m=2114231

His first post has the spreadsheet. His next post (#3) has the rules.