Xref: utzoo comp.sys.mac.games:1058 rec.games.board:5417
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!mit-eddie!apollo!carlton
From: carlton@apollo.HP.COM (Carlton B. Hommel)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games,rec.games.board
Subject: Re: What would you like in a port from a boardgame?
Message-ID: <4c2f90e6.20b6d@apollo.HP.COM>
Date: 14 Aug 90 02:39:00 GMT
References: <106478@tiger.oxy.edu>
Sender: root@apollo.HP.COM
Reply-To: carlton@apollo.hp.com
Organization: Apollo Computer, Chelmsford, MA
Lines: 68

hammersslammers1@oxy.edu (David J. Harr) writes:
>I am considering doing a port to the Macintosh of a tactical simulation
>board game. What features would YOU like to see the computer handle for you
>in a game that was adapted from a board game?

What do I want in a tactical simulation board game?
First, comments on the simulation:

o First, I want to win.  But, I don't want a cakewalk.  There should
  be a range of settings, from blow-em-away, to nigh-impossible, to
  you-lose.  Make the computer opponent smarter, not faster.  This
  isn't an arcade game.

o I want to know what the rules are.  Sure, go ahead and make a
  continuous CRT, instead of the more standard 1-1 2-1 3-1 columns.
  Have the computer calculate morale, supply, and elan on the fly.
  But, I want to know the algorithms its using.

o I want a wide selection of starting unit types, with an option to
  create my own.

o I want to be able to make my own senarios.  (So I can see how my
  newly created unit types hold up against the standards...)

o They human will be observing the computer's tactics, for use in
  later games.  Clearly document any tactics the computer will use, but
  the player can't.  Describe what extra advantages the computer gets
  at the harder skill levels.

In conclusion, I would ask that you not make a "puzzle" game.  don't
make me guess what the rules are.
Second, comments on the user interface: 

o I want the counter to indicate the type of unit.  This was my major
  complaint with the Ancient Art of War.  Although you could
  differentiate your units with different formations, they all looked
  the same in the senario map.

o Yes, the Mac is a mouse machine.  But I want complete keyboard
  functionality.  All frequently-used menu options should have keyboard
  equivalents.  Individual units should be selectable by cycling
  through with the TAB or some other key.

o Let me make graphic decisions, like whether I have a hex grid, or
  want units to flash when killed.

o If you must copy protect, use a manual lookup.  KeyDisks break.
  Make the lookup interesting.  Be prepared to have it broken by
  someone with a disassembler, and the patch publicised.

o Don't use graphics that have no effect on game play.  If there is no
  terrain or combat difference between a river and a canal, have them
  look the same.

o Allow easy saving and restoring.

o Consider using standard Mac PICT and " snd" resources, to allow
  customization.

o Let me scale the map from individual units, to grand overview.

o Two-player would be nice, but not necessary.

I'd be able to make more comments, but I'd need more information about
what you're looking for.

Carl Hommel
carlton@apollo.hp.com