Island Survival. (Adventure Scenario)

[tiger]

Here is another Scenanio. This Scenario is sort of based on a Scenario I made quite awhile ago called "Stranded" All the Models have been updated and a complete new story added. I Haven't finished it completely yet, but it is still fun and very playable.
Let me know what you think of it.
WARNING. This Scenario will only run in Megaglest.

Version 1.2
http://download945.mediafire.com/6zuww79vjyog/q8lueb7kajjr27n/island_survival%283%29.7z

Version 1.1
http://www.mediafire.com/download/efgghtj9vw3jj64/island_survival(2).7z

Version 1
http://www.mediafire.com/download/mdz2x29mn1gxm8x/island_survival.7z

[titi]

Very nice mod! All people in the #megaglest irc channel play it at the moment.

What should really be improved is ... the start.
When the scenario starts up its gives a horrible noise because the ( very nice ) background music starts. The screen is black and you just see you and some chest boxes. This happens because the game is instantly set to pause mode and has not yet faded in the world. ( I really thought my MG build would have a bug when I frist startet it! )

In the beginning the gameplay is a bit boring, but it gets better and better. 

As he already stated there are still some things that need to be improved, but its already a lot of fun to play it. Thank you for this!
I hope we see an improved version soon ?

[atze]

This scenario is really good, great done  . 

I see it as titi,

... ( I really thought my MG build would have a bug when I frist startet it! ) ...

'I thought exactly the same.  '
 
Be a clue to something like "press p now and have fun!" or so.

Nonetheless, really well done.

[tomreyn]

I played this scenario for many hours yesterday, and I have to say I love it! It's the best story line / RPG style scenario I've seen so far.

What I like so much:

• You have a consistent base story for why you start small, and you guide the player along while s/he grows.
• You are free in how and where you set up your initial and later settlements and many but not all ways will work well.
• There is a lot to discover. People really should NOT look at this map manually (since it will spoil much of the fun) but discover it as they go.
• There are plenty of different resources (not all of them being in use currently), which should allow for additional quests in the future.

What could be improved (some of this are really just ideas):

• I agree it would be very good to add a hint on how to start the game after you read the initial messages (the "Game paused" note will have faded by then).
• Early in the game it is difficult to survive when you respawn since you are short of both food and water. If you have not previously located a source of clear water then it is hardly possible to survive, especially for novices. Maybe you could respawn wit a low water (and maybe also food) reserve, like 5 or 3.
• Especially (but not only) early in the game it is very hard to defeat the wolves, since when you get attacked by one, most of the time 2 more will follow up and you can't kill more than one at a time. Plus they will also attack your chests, which can put you in a position where you are unable to recover (I had them destroy all the boxes near the beach which only left me with my shelter - unable to store 100 wood or leaves).
• Since the map is so large, it can be difficult to remember the location of the water source. Maybe it could morph into a structure you own once you discover it, so that you can find it easily later on. Or the game could set a marker automatically as it is discovered (or give a hint that the player may want to do so).
• There is a currently a bit too much hunting for resources, especially wood (and harvesting wood seems slower than for other resources). Much of the time is spent watching "you" walk around with resources on your back while you carry them home (this is mostly a problem early in the game since later you can easily build new storage boxes).
• Too much stress on boxes/chests. Think of other storages, such as a a rat hole, a (former?) fox's den, or some net attached to (non destructible) trees.
• A couple more positive ;-) surprises while you discover the island such as meeting a friend from your expedition who also made it to the island (or a survivor of a much older failed ship), but ended up on the other end of it. You don't have to gain a lot of resources this way, a nice chat spinning the overall story further, or the occasional food supply in a more distant edge of the island can be fine.
• More quests which are about locations / involve discovering the island but do not always focus too much on resources. Maybe make one resource mandatory but really hard to fine (only in two or three spots on the map)
• Currently, unless I missed something, a large part of the map is completely unused (you can not go there). Maybe have a secret passage (covered by wood or palm trees) to this part of the island and hint on it (quest characters talking about the "lost island", resources or blocking objects forming arrows, increased wildlife etc.)
• The "You" model could change more during course of the game, starting with just rags, then developing better clothes (leaves, fur etc.) with different properties (armor, bonus to sight and regeneration) as the character advances. Maybe allow to choose from male or female model (or make the model a bit more androgynous, or have a male and a female variant) so more players can identify with "you".
• Being able to develop some weapons like a club (and more advanced ones as you advance) or even a simple weapon which allows you to attack from a distance (a simple bow or throwing arrows) would be great.

I'm very much looking forward to the next version (but patiently, too).

[tiger]

Hello!

Thanks for the feedback. As you all know this Scenario is in the "creation" process so there will always be a few bugs. If you ever find these out please let me know (as Tomreyn has)

Features Planned for the next Release.

-New Units. (wheat garden, animal trap, shack ect.)
-New Quests (continuation of the storyline)
-Bug Fixes (such as the unability to build advanded defence tower)
-Weapon Upgrade (knife)

There is more coming as well but I don't want to spoil it for you! 
Also in the version you are playing right now there is a hidden easter egg. (I'm not sure if anyone found it)
---HINT--- (there is a boss battle you can be in! EXPLORE THE ISLAND!!!!)

[tomreyn]

I did run into it As if the regular martian invasions weren't bad enough! Luckily tonight I made my way to the "north pole" which is, for the most part, a much more relaxed environment.

[tiger]

Cool. In each release (I hope) there will be a Easter Egg hidden that players can find.
I'm working on the Easter Egg for the next release right now. 

[titi_son]

I really like the scenario 
I nearly dont explored the island until now and just did what the msgs say 
but now i am finished. It says i have to build a advanced tower... but you can't build it.
i looked in the techtree and there is a advanced tower. Is it on purpose that you can't build the advanced tower until now?

Today i dont have time to play anymore... tomorrow i will explore the map i think 

[tiger]

Yes you are supposed to be able to build the advanced tower. In the newest version that bug is fixed. To fix it you must open the "you" unit and add in a build command for the tower.
The Newest Release should be out soon as well.

[tomreyn]

Quoting our IRC chat on this:

Code: [Select]

<tigerndv> To fix the file go to /scenarios/island_survival/stranded/factions/tech/units/you
<tigerndv> then edit the "you" xml
<tigerndv> Then Scroll down to line  414
<tigerndv> Change the building name from "simple" to "advanced", any one of them.
<tomreyn> what about the other two, are there more defense tower types?
<tigerndv> The extra lines are just place holders
<tigerndv> They are unfinished towers
<tigerndv> They do nothing "yet".

If you want to restore a savegame, you will need a current snapshot build. It will restore savegames created on earlier game versions fine, too.
3.8.0-beta1, however, will fail to restore any savegames created for this scenario.

[tiger]

Here is a Preview of the new icons let me know what you think.

[tomreyn]

Since it's a preview, I won't comment on quality or colors.
I have no idea what the top right and bottom left icons indicate. Also in the second row, the second icon from the left, can maybe be mistaken as a hand. I assume it is meant to be grass?Other then that the icons seem good / self-explanatory to me.

[tiger]

The second icon in the second row "IS" a hand. 
Here is a list of what each icon stands for. starting from top left going to top right ect.

1-Stop
2-Move
3-Punch
4-Build Utility
5-Repair
6-Hold
7-Build Housing
8-Build Decoration
9-Build defence
10-Harvest Wheat
11-Harvest Wood
12-Mine

[titi]

"build defense" does not look so good and "harvest wood" can maybe be improved with an axe in the wood ?

[tomreyn]

I second Titi's suggestions, other than that:

For build utility I would depict the chest / crate from a different angle like this:    

The hand in hold looked like grass to me. Make sure the lower end of the palm is a horizontal line, maybe also put the thumb a bit lower, I think this would help.

Using the fence to depict build decoration while there are also all kinds of walls in "build defence" is maybe a bit ambiguous. For decoration, I would rather expect something like a simple flower.

[tiger]

Ok I'll give it a whirl. Also The Next Release should be coming out within the next few days!

More stuff I have added
-Higher Spawn rate for forest Animals (more animals)
-Ducks (a new kind of animal you can find if you explore)
-Lanterns (gives off light at night)
-A HUD that will be a huge help (especially for beginners)
-A Spooky Surprise! (Wait till the release to find this one out!)
-A Companion
-New Defence tower.
MORE ON THE WAY!!!!

Also when you download the Scenario, in the main folder (named survival_island) there will be a file called "Change Log" it will show ALL the new stuff. But be warned it is a SPOILER.

[tiger]

More New Updates!

-Bee Hive
-Bees
-New Boss to find
-You can now have unlimited chests (no limits)
-Updated textures (on some units)
-Fixed "build utility" icon

Release coming very soon. (just bug fixing left)

[titi]

hm, I am a bit concerned about 2 new things:

-Higher Spawn rate for forest Animals (more animals)
I loved it to search animals so this is maybe not really a feature. Before you needed to run around in the wild to find something to eat and this was already too easy in my opinion.
Spawning animals in general: This should not happpen next to the player ( better out of his view )

- You can now have unlimited chests (no limits)
Problem is you can store really lots of resources then. I am a bit undecided here

[tiger]

For the Spawn Rate I didn't make "more" animals spawn near the player. They will spawn in different locations on the map. (before nothing could spawn deep in the island) Now Animals will spawn.

And the new addition will not make it easier. Some of the new animals are hostile.
Such as.
-Bees
-Bear
-Field Creature (boss)
-******** (surprise)

And I don't Know about the chest max unit count. Keep it? Remove it?
You guys let me know.
Also I added a new command that won't allow players to change the ingame speed. (2x 3x ect) (Thanks to Softcoder)
To help balance that I shortened the building time for most units.

[tiger]

Version 1.1 is Complete!
I'm going to do a test, then release. (maybe tomorrow)

To see a list of the entire change-log, click the spoiler. (Warning Spoiler Alert)

(click to show/hide)

-Added Wheat Gardens
-Added Wooden Shack
-Added Small Animal Trap
-Added Workbench
-Added Tent
-Added Feild Creature (boss)
-Added Bees and Bee Hive
-Added Ducks
-Added Dog
-Added Bears
-Added Rabbits
-Added Lantern
-Added New Defence Tower
-Added HUD
-Added Weapon Upgrade (knife)
-Added New Objectives
-Added New Icons (for some units)
-Updated Map
-Updated "Iron chest" texture
-Updated "you" walk speed
-Updated Most Units build speed
-Fixed Music Bitrate
-Fixed/Added Ability to build advanced defence tower

WARNING SPOILER

(click to show/hide)

WARNING SPOILER!!!!!!!

(click to show/hide)

-Added Skeletons

-Removed unused resource types and Factions

[tomreyn]

For the Spawn Rate I didn't make "more" animals spawn near the player. They will spawn in different locations on the map. (before nothing could spawn deep in the island) Now Animals will spawn.

And the new addition will not make it easier. Some of the new animals are hostile.
Such as.
-Bees
-Bear
-Field Creature (boss)
-******** (surprise)

To me this sounds very good, mostly that animals will now spawn elsewhere, too. Including hostiles can be fun, but since it's already hard to survive when you respawn they should be more like annoying but not be able to kill you too easily.

And I don't Know about the chest max unit count. Keep it? Remove it?
You guys let me know.

I would need to play the latest version to form an opinion on this. If you limit it, you should know what the purpose is for doing so.

Also I added a new command that won't allow players to change the ingame speed. (2x 3x ect) (Thanks to Softcoder)
To help balance that I shortened the building time for most units.

What takes really long and can get boring if, like me, you want to discover the entire world, is not the time it takes to construct buildings (I don't remember that being annoying) is walking back and forth long ways, and gathering resources. I guess you would have to walk less if you were to cnostruct more than a single base. But I did not do so for most of the time since it just takes so long to gather all the resources you need to do so. So maybe harvesting resources could be faster later in the game (faster walking speed), and for moving from one place of the island and maybe also beyond water, you could have teleporters (magical mirrors / waterfalls, ...). I'm not sure the engine can actually do this, yet, though.

[tiger]

In the current Version each chest unit has a max unit count of 3. I have changed it to 5 just to help the player a bit.
The New units:

Bees are very easy to kill. (10 hit points) but when they group together it can get dangerous.
So usually it's a good idea to stay away from their hive.
Bears can land heavy blows but can be killed with a knife quite easy. Or you can just run away.
Remember you can now use a knife this allows you to take on much harder creatures.
The Field Creature will only spawn once and when killed you will get a good amount of loot.
He is very good at fighting and can 1 hit kill you. The best way to kill him is to drag him to a heavily defended base and have defence towers take him down while he is fighting walls.

I guess I'll leave the ability to change speed up to the player. (for now)
And see how it works out.

Right now there is no way to make teleports. But I'm thinking about adding a "Run" command that will allow you to run for a short time until your ep drains to 0.

[tiger]

A few things I fixed that Tomreyn originally posted. (select text to read)

    I agree it would be very good to add a hint on how to start the game after you read the initial messages (the "Game paused" note will have faded by then).
    Early in the game it is difficult to survive when you respawn since you are short of both food and water. If you have not previously located a source of clear water then it is hardly possible to survive, especially for novices. Maybe you could respawn wit a low water (and maybe also food) reserve, like 5 or 3.
    Especially (but not only) early in the game it is very hard to defeat the wolves, since when you get attacked by one, most of the time 2 more will follow up and you can't kill more than one at a time. Plus they will also attack your chests, which can put you in a position where you are unable to recover (I had them destroy all the boxes near the beach which only left me with my shelter - unable to store 100 wood or leaves). (you now give more dammage)
    Since the map is so large, it can be difficult to remember the location of the water source. Maybe it could morph into a structure you own once you discover it, so that you can find it easily later on. Or the game could set a marker automatically as it is discovered (or give a hint that the player may want to do so).
    There is a currently a bit too much hunting for resources, especially wood (and harvesting wood seems slower than for other resources). Much of the time is spent watching "you" walk around with resources on your back while you carry them home (this is mostly a problem early in the game since later you can easily build new storage boxes).
    Too much stress on boxes/chests. Think of other storages, such as a a rat hole, a (former?) fox's den, or some net attached to (non destructible) trees.
    A couple more positive ;-) surprises while you discover the island such as meeting a friend from your expedition who also made it to the island (or a survivor of a much older failed ship), but ended up on the other end of it. You don't have to gain a lot of resources this way, a nice chat spinning the overall story further, or the occasional food supply in a more distant edge of the island can be fine.
    More quests which are about locations / involve discovering the island but do not always focus too much on resources. Maybe make one resource mandatory but really hard to fine (only in two or three spots on the map)
    Currently, unless I missed something, a large part of the map is completely unused (you can not go there). Maybe have a secret passage (covered by wood or palm trees) to this part of the island and hint on it (quest characters talking about the "lost island", resources or blocking objects forming arrows, increased wildlife etc.)
    The "You" model could change more during course of the game, starting with just rags, then developing better clothes (leaves, fur etc.) with different properties (armor, bonus to sight and regeneration) as the character advances. Maybe allow to choose from male or female model (or make the model a bit more androgynous, or have a male and a female variant) so more players can identify with "you".
    Being able to develop some weapons like a club (and more advanced ones as you advance) or even a simple weapon which allows you to attack from a distance (a simple bow or throwing arrows) would be great.

And There is still more to come! (bow, new units, ect)

Edit (tomreyn): Removed extra BBcode. Please use the quote feature to quote original content in the future.

[tiger]

Check first post for the newest version.
 

[tiger]

Has anyone tried the newest version yet? If so feedback would be great.