Re: ARENA: Critique

From: sjc@mcs.kent.EDU (Steve Chapin)

Date: Fri, 11 Feb 1994 01:25:41 +0000

}} In article <2jf74l$adp@phakt.usc.edu> equils@phakt.usc.edu (The Equilizer) writes:
}}
}} 	I know that what you are saying is "If you don't like it then
}} don't play it."  Well what I'm upset about is I spent alot of time
}} on this game before the problems started to surface and I just want
}} to let others know of this waste of time PBEM.

While it is true that it is not at all obvious from the description
what the optimal stat/weapon/attack style/armor combinations are, you
are wrong in your sweeping generalizations.

In the prior incarnation of ARENA, I had a guy who was strong but not
overly quick, wore armor, and carried a big weapon.  It took me a few
fights to figure out how to take advantage of what he had, but once I
did, he was able to win consistently.

Note that your warrior didn't have any speed or agility.  I found that
investing in a point of agility is well worth it.  You also didn't say
what attack style you tried.  It is possible that your attack style
was ill-suited to your fighter, or the weapon you had.

The possible variables for each of the stats, armor, weapon, and
fighting style choices sets up a HUGE combinatorial space.  It sounds
like you're condemning the whole game based on your experience with
just a few data points from that space.

}} And wouldn't it be even marginally better if the remaining warriors
}} that did not post succesful challenges, be matched up with one
}} another.  Ingenious!

Now that sounds like a reasonable suggestion to me.

If you don't like the way points are accumulated, suggest an
alternative.  Perhaps a Fibonacci sequence with a cap (new stat point
after 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 13, 13... new wins).

Scott is quite willing to incorporate well-reasoned changes to ARENA.
Braying lets you vent your frustration, but doesn't help to improve
the game.

Steve Chapin         sjc@cs.kent.edu          `The juvenile sea squirt wanders
through the sea searching for a suitable rock or hunk of coral to cling to and
make its home for life.  For this task it has a rudimentary nervous system.
When it finds its spot and takes root, it doesn't need its brain anymore so it
eats it.  It's rather like getting tenure.' -- YSN digest

References

ARENA: Critique
equils@phakt.usc.edu (The Equilizer)
Fri, 11 Feb 1994 06:04:05 +0000

Referenced By

ARENA: Critique
equils@phakt.usc.edu (The Equilizer)
Fri, 11 Feb 1994 06:04:05 +0000