Newbie frustration.

Elowan · #1 July 11th, 2002, 04:33 PM

I have come to realize that part of SEIV's 'charm' stems from having to scrounge up basic game information. I suppose that situation improves one's intelligence gathering skills.

Be that as it may - here's my quandary:

I am totally unable to discover any complete (or partial) description of the zillions of techs available in the game and what they do!

I looked at tree.txt - which is a listing (albeit missing a few things) of the Tech Tree. But that doesn't reveal anything about what the particular tech does.

Is there someplace (under some rock perhaps) where this acolyte might apprise himself of these 'Mysteries'?

geoschmo · #2 July 11th, 2002, 04:43 PM

Well, you can go to the source, and just read the data files. Components.txt, techarea.txt, abilities.txt, and so on. A lot of it is rather cryptic, but once you get familier with the format and sytax, all the information you seek is contained therein.

Geo

Baron Munchausen · #3 July 11th, 2002, 04:55 PM

I hardly call the lack of documentation a 'charm' of the game. Yes, the lack of explanation for many of the features is a problem. That's why this board thrives so well. People experiment for themselves and then share the information here.

So, other than reading the data files directly as Geo suggests, you have to post your questions.

Ed Kolis · #4 July 11th, 2002, 07:45 PM

Or, start a game on high tech level - then you start with all the techs to play with!

Gryphin · #5 July 11th, 2002, 08:45 PM

Ellowan,
From a practical point of view:
How much would you pay for Better Documentation?
What should it include?
What should it leave out?
How many items are in the game?
How much space should be used to describe them?

Consider the size of this forum. Subtract 70 percent, (pulling a number out of thin air) to remove redundancy of information. Subtract the “Phongs Head Cantinna” (I thought that was the reason this board thrived).

How big a manual would the remaining content of this forum create?

My point is:
I personally would rather not pay someone to provide better documentation when there is this forum and the many tools provided by the members of this community.
Anybody else feel this way, (or am I wacked as usual).

Elowan · #6 July 12th, 2002, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The High Gryphin:
...
From a practical point of view:
How much would you pay for Better Documentation?
What should it include?
What should it leave out?
How many items are in the game?
How much space should be used to describe them?
...

You seem to be saying that a few extra pages oulining the techs in table form; ditto the research tree (ala Master of Orion II) would be terribly expensive? Not! I've published manuals and know what they cost.

I'm sure that it would have been a ball-buster to at least put it in the Online manual. Again - not!

Frankly - some of the drivel in the modding section could have been editted out and left for this forum. That would have provided plenty of room for what I miss.

Hence - I needs must go to the time and effort of compiling such a document myself. Sigh!

[ July 11, 2002, 23:26: Message edited by: Elowan ]

Atrocities · #7 July 12th, 2002, 12:48 AM

You know he is right. We really should post a detailed description and capability -pros-cons of each of the Tech and Facility items.

Since I suck at such things, I would hope that those who know will take the time to create a post or tutorial about Component and Facilities.

In the mean time, go to the MUST SEE SEIV SITES thread, it is a sticky second from the top of the Thread list. At the bottom of the post (By me) is a link to the Dubious Guide. Download it. Read it, and learn.

[ July 11, 2002, 23:51: Message edited by: Atrocities ]

Fyron · #8 July 12th, 2002, 02:06 AM

What? Read a tutorial? Fah! Write, maybe.

j/k

Elowan · #9 July 12th, 2002, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Atrocities:
You know he is right. We really should post a detailed description and capability -pros-cons of each of the Tech and Facility items.

...

In the mean time, go to the ... Dubious Guide. Download it. Read it, and learn.

1) I'm compiling at document on Techs/Facilities, etc. at the moment out of desperation.

2) viz: Dubious - been there, done that.

Gryphin · #10 July 12th, 2002, 09:17 PM

Elowan ,
I don't know what they cost, that is why I asked.
For the most part you answered my question. Any My understanding is that MM is a one person -company. How many were involved in the development of MOO II or CIV II? I loved the Tech Tree poster provided in CIV II. I had it mounted over my wall till I found SE.

I do have to admit I like the "charm" of discovering things on my own. It is part of the pleasure. then agin, I also enjoy hiking 6 hours up hill to see what is on the otherside.

Full disclosure: I do use the Tech Tree Viewer to aid in recalling what leads to what. I do ask for help. VIA IRC chat Fyron's advice saved my homeworld. I was in the middle of a game and in chat when the Rage showed up. Hm, The advantage of WP over Sats? Those WP's toated a DD and asorbed the 3 CSMs that hit Home.
I do read the forum every day for ideas and informaion. SJ's solution to players that colonize your systems was priceless.

Without these forums I would be very frustrated by the lack of a better manual. Indeed, I would have been up a creek without a manual and Tech Tree in CIV II.

Conclusion:
Yes, I would have been very pleased if the Online Manual had included the informaiton you want. It would have reduced the learning curve dramaticaly.
My question stands: How much would it have cost for Arron Hall to have included what you are asking for?

BTW: I think it is great if you would do up such a manual or if a team here would do so. I do agree it would allow more time focused on the playing the game and less time on How to Play the game.