Matrix Games Forums

Dear friends,

I love Tos, and appreciate the work that goes into it's upkeep. Nothing speaks of generosity like the giving of such programs freely. Sadly, I came along to this game apparently much later than others. It reminds me of the role playing games I used to play, except that it requires far less paperwork!

One thing I wanted to support this game better is a way to explain who will go to battle out of my force. Who will be standing guard at HQ while they do?, and when do they make repairs after the battle? Do they run into opposition on the way back to the factory. Some of the other advocates of this game have mentioned similar thoughts.

I have created a very simple Excel sheet that helps a friend and I setup the battles, and define objectives for the battles. It is made to update when both files are opened on the same computer using the standard (F9) key to recalculate. Moves are made around the battles, so the campaign can last for a month easily. We have found it great to have around, and I offer it if you are interested.

Strategy A part: http://www.sendspace.com/file/39cyr1
Strategy B part: http://www.sendspace.com/file/2uwvli

I will upload rules if there is enough interest.
If the same idea were incorporated in the Tos that would be wonderful to me.

Would love to see your rules set. I always hoped ToS would continue on and have more of the RPG-like aspects developed.

Here are the rules:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/mwoyb9

These are certainly open to modification. I have only ran two campaigns so far. Clarifications are always necessary in this sort of thing.

I would really like to know if anyone out there has suggestions on how to run this on a network setup - because that is not in my field of knowledge.

Enjoy! Any questions, please post them!

how would you play single player? just make one of the team's computer controlled (in battle but not out of battle)?

That's not possible with an Excel sheet. I primarily made this for a friend and I to use our teams against each other in a constructive manner[:D]. I do see what you mean though, the computer's side would have to be input back into the sheet for it. The problem is the computer has no way of knowing where to move next, and it couldn't handle some battle scenarios. In Tos Hotseat, which is where this is entirely played, the computer just meets the opponent and tries to tear them apart. There isn't a way for it to run a Blockade scenario, or Headquarters scenario, or a Pursuit scenario. These are things we agree to as victory conditions before we play Tos Hotseat. I think what you're asking can't be done at present. It would be great to have a real programmer make that happen[8|]. The equations in this Excel sheet work, so that would save someone some time if they were to do it.

As an example to what happens: My friend and I started off another campaign recently.  He had 12 pilots and I had 13 pilots (my pilots are less experienced).  We assigned our cities and headquarters.  It took three game turns to meet in battle.  I had 5 titans and he had 4.  My team had to retreat back the way they came because his proved too superior.  I lost two titans in the conflict.  One pilot ejected and I picked him up.  The other ejected and is on his own in the wild until either he is found by the enemy, makes it back to base, or succumbs to the elements.  My opponent must choose whether he will pursue (no chance for repairs), or let me get away.  I must also request more titans and another pilot, but the request may not be approved.