Wild Bill
Posts: 6821
Joined: 4/7/2000 From: Smyrna, Ga, 30080 Status: offline
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Don't go anywhere, Kirk! Let me speak first. I've designed over 1,000 scenarios for all the versions of Steel Panthers and had a lot to do with a lot of projects for the game since the very beginning with SSI in 1993. My gosh! That was 10 years ago! And SP is still alive and well! Don't be too harsh on yourself because of the draws. Don't be too harsh on the game either. If there is a finger of blame to be pointed, it might (I SAID "MIGHT") be blamed at some scenario designers. I've reviewed more scenarios from others than I can remember and one flaw that many designers have is making it nearly impossible to win. I think the guys who worked with me on Mega Campaign Watchtower remember my haggling and reminding them of how important it was to make each battle winnable. Now those who have done such a thing (made a scenario victory declaration out of reach )meant well when they do this. But it does not eas the frustration of the player. Now we are into the subject of scenario balance, the key to winning. Balance not only comes from the choice of forces, the ground on which they do battle, or the skills of the player, but how the objectives are figured. The scenario designer must figure out a way by juggling objectives and points to assure that a major or decisive victory is possible. He can ONLY do this by testing and re-testing the scenario. Then and ONLY then can he be really sure that it is indeed possible. Now this requires time, patience and some skill mixed with experience. He may not always get it right but it should be in the ball park. Now if the designer does intentionally set up a scenario so that a win is not possible, he should advise the player of that fact in the intro text. To not do so is quite unfair to the player. If he is aware of that fact and still chooses to play, then accept the consequences. Finally, don't let the computer tell you how well you have done. You should have yourself a gut feeling of how well you've done. IF... 1. You have taken the objectives 2. Kicked the enemy's butt soundly 3. Kept your losses to a reasonable minimum THEN You have resounding triumph, Kirk. Pat yourself on the back. You don't need a computer to tell that you have really won. You know it. So don't allow the computer's bland resume, "draw" upset you. Evaluate your skills as a commander and if in your heart you know you did well, who cares what it says! You are a winner and you can be proud of it. Wild Bill
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In Arduis Fidelis Wild Bill Wilder Independent Game Consultant
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