Need Testers For Duel Game (Centauria Map)

[Atuan]

I accept the gauntlet through good sir. May the desert heat run you dry.

Will we be receiving details on the map/squares... what is desert etc. I think its 4 regions but maybe its too. Basically Mike let us know what you want tested on this as well so we can give you the full depths you desire.

[Jumpingfist]

Map has a line down the middle about equal land squares on both sides. Same number squares that are in most regions currently.

[Jumpingfist]

I would play the Black Dragon against the Red Dragon. I have a pretty good idea of how that would go.

I am happy to swap if you like.

[IMPERIAL_TARK]

I would like to challenge Imperial_Tark to a head-to-head showdown, as long as he is prepared to face imminent defeat

I accept. I guess that makes me the Druids?! And I am prepared to face imminent defeat..... just not from you!

[Ry Vor]

What we are trying to do is transition to an introductory game, initially solo tutorial, then solo any kingdom, then any game 1 v 1, as a way to allow players to introduce players to  Alamaze.

[Atuan]

Map has a line down the middle about equal land squares on both sides. Same number squares that are in most regions currently.

I mean what is forest what is mountains. Just basic details to help determine movement speed, regions, etc.

[Mauler]

I will be happy to mix it up with the gray mouser (aka "the birthday boy") in a classic elves vs stumps throw down. We're just kicking the tires so should be good fun!

[unclemike]

Thanks for volunteering to test out this new scenario. Ry Vor sketched some basic concepts for the Solo game and mentioned that he would like a two-player version of it so I went ahead and developed Duel first since the Solo game is more complicated with its A.I. and Ready button (i.e. immediate turn processing).

The above kingdom layout of separating the kingdoms by region is only something that is required for the Solo game to ensure that a kingdom starts in a given region and to be separated from the other. We don't have to do that for the Duel game however if players would like a more random assortment of play.

So as a paying customer, which would you prefer:

A) Static kingdom placement by region
Pro: a kingdom is guaranteed to be in a region which makes it easier for players to get started
Con: kingdom choice is limited by region so you can never have two kingdoms of the same region dueling each other

B) Random kingdom placement (a kingdom's two towns and two villages are randomly placed on the map)
Pro: all 22 kingdoms may be matched up against each other for the greater possibility of play
Con: some games may have both kingdoms in the same region while the other is entirely human/neutral so it'll be more challenging to get started (and not for the squeamish)

Even though Centauria was originally meant for the Solo game, we could allow the Duel format to be more randomized for the greater possibility of kingdom matchups. I just need to know what everyone prefers for this new format since it will require some code changes either way.

Vote below which you prefer while considering that the change will be permanent for all Duel games thereafter though Ry Vor has veto power . I'm planning on creating these test games after Friday's processing (or early Saturday) with turn 1 being due on Monday so I need to know before then to make the code change.

So think about it and as a paying customer, which would you be more interested in: static or random kingdom placement?

BTW, I'm planning on getting some of the final The Choosing changes done before these games are started so the CI/RD will have their extra turn 0 brigades and such...

[Tomag Ironfist]

Dang! Both definitely have their pros and cons.

I am going to place my vote for Option B: Random Kingdom Placement.

While Option 'A' is a great choice, and I initially considered it, the randomness of option B will offer the most diversity and intricate strategy for the games. As a self-proclaimed 'hardcore gamer,' that is the most appealing

I thought that since we already have primeval games to let new players get used to Alamaze, I don't think it'd be appropriate to conform this head-to-head style of play to the needs of new players, since they likely won't engage in a game like this until they have a couple of primeval/regular games under their belt. I picture this head-to-head duel game an option for experienced players to duke it out and 'settle any prior acrimony.'

[Mauler]

I would argue that due to the regional nature of the terrain as well as kingdom balancing due to starting position, it would be problematic to just to drop a kingdom somewhere on the map. A kingdom with movement 8 in a predominant terrain in a region is going to have a tough time. Think of the dwarves in oakendell.

Likewise, you would have to revisit the "bonuses" that have been given to kingdoms for starting in more exposed positions. Most recently the RD?

For these reasons, I would say that static positions should be the standard until those potential pitfalls can be addressed.

My two cents