More on Solar Conquest From: bgohari@wam.umd.edu (Babak Gohari) Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1993 03:32:12 +0000 OK, in the past day alone, I've received over 40 responses from people who want to play the game Solar Conquest. However, most people wanted some more information, so here it goes: Solar Conquest is a game that developed from an advanced computer project from several years ago. I took the basic premise (which was simply building an economy that can support you building a military to take over your enemies) and basically expanded it. I've taken the game through several full campaigns and various mini-campaigns to iron out all the bug (I won't lie, it had a lot of problems, especially the first two revisions, but the last game was very smooth, and all the bugs in that game have been fixed). Anyway, the game is played as follows: each turn, each player will receive four main things. 1) the general empire stats, which basically tell you the number of resources your empire has, the people, the money, etc., etc. It's VERY brief. Just an overview of 5 or 6 lines. 2) You then receive a more detailed report on all you territorial holdings. Basically, they tell you exactly what you have and where it is. 3) You then receive your military unit lits. This list tells you exactly where all the units of your empire are and in what condition they're in. 4) The last thing you receive as an individual each turn is basically a copy of your last turn, and any significant results, plus a startup for your current turn. Now, while this may seem complex (and it is), it's not as bad as it looks. The formatting techniques I use are very good. You can easily understand everything by just looking at it. It's hard to explain, but trust me, after two turns, it'll be second nature. It's difficult to describe the game because it's pretty large. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to send the instructions (they're about 36 pages of formatted text, plus another 10 or so pages of unit descriptions). As soon as I figure out how, I'll send the files to those that still want it. Basically, my only requirements are that you will firmly stick with the game (that is if you think it's fun, but I'm sure you will), 2) that you don't do anything overtly stupid. I know people will make mistakes, but I have found some people to be a mistake themselves :). Actually, by stupid, I don't mean in the sense of intelligence. Rather, I hate to receive "stupid" turns that don't tell me anything, kinda like the player expects me to be a mindreader. And 3) you get your turns in on time. Technicalities: Cost per turn: none. Just your time, I guess. Time between turns: I hope to get the early turns (probably until turn 10-15) done once every four or five days. Later on, as the turns become more complex themselves, it'll be once a week. Amount of Moderator "Interpretation": as little as possible (translates to "hopefully none"). Let me know if you're still interested. I'll try to reply to all the letters as soon as I can. Bob Gohari Up