STAR EMPIRE V1.0 by GameMaster (Tom Grady) Source: The Boondocks (518) 483-2138 (14.4 HST) (518) 483-3348 (2400) FidoNet 1:267/80 Clink 911:6140/3 TraderNet: 200:1100/0 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Disclaimer: This program is in the first release stage. No guarantees are offered as to the compatibility of this file to your system, however, I haven't seen much damage an Arexx program can do. You do use this program at your personal risk. - - - - - - Version 1.0 is a stable version implementing many features, but still lacking a couple of primary areas of access. Version 1.0 still is only a one quadrant game, but all versions (1.x)above this will contain Quadrant 2 - The Cephalid Empire as well. Over the years, I have enjoyed many online space games, but most did not reach the level to which I was truly hooked. I am a lover of strategy and tactics as much as Role-Playing, but few games offer both. This is my attempt to create a game which is open ended and completely expandable to what ever limits your mind can wander. Obviously, this is an early version and many, many ideas and features have yet to be implemented, but I did want to get something out in a form to get more feedback about the concepts I am trying to develop. I have played Deep Space & Tradewars regularly on my BBS, and enjoy both. I am sure that some of the concepts I use are reminiscent (primarily because trading is trading), but I am trying to avoid any conflict with those author's work. Certainly the code I am using is my own, even if there might be a similarity in some areas. I do salute those authors for some great work and ideas. One of the unique (I think) features of this game is the ability for some interactive play between online users using the file at the same time. I haven't seen this done in an Arexx program (altho it may very well be out there). Currently, the Radio system has it installed. I am working on the combat system between online players. You can read about gameplay in another txt file included in this archive. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INSTALLATION: In this version - very simple - Simply unarc the program into your pfiles: directory. It should set up all of the necessary files. However - here is the list anyway DIR Pfiles:UNI (dir) planets (dir) systems (dir) sectors (dir) players (dir) mail (dir) dox (dir) npc (dir) radio gamers list of players news Galactic News StarEmp main program StarEmp.txt notes & thoughts read.me this file ------------------------------------------------------- Yes - this is just the beginning ... In the next upgrade, I hope to have considerably more interactive multi-player routines in place. I also plan to improve the code in many areas as I continue to upgrade my understanding of Arexx. Version 1.x will also incorporate a text-adv. style movement inside space stations allowing for npc movement and interaction. In other words, you could die walking around a frontier station. At a later point, this will be implemented in planet adventure modules. I am working on a routine which constantly checks for incoming data from external sources (ie: other online players in StarEmp) to enhance game play. This will allow for the player-to-player combat routines as well as using a 'follow me' command structure for groups (both in station and in spacecraft). I am constantly working on the graphic presentation for the game and would happily accept artists designing ANSI files for several menus. V1.x will have more Ansi menus, thus less Arexx code. I have not decided on a design yet. Many ideas planned for the future include FSP police, Imperial troops and security forces, strange places, harvestships, quest options, and much more (as I think of it). IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS & UNIQUE CONCEPTS are solicited. I have a huge imagination - but I also like to hear from others about ideas that will make StarEmpire THE space game on every Cnet BBS. - - - - - - - If you want regular upgrades, register the game by sending $5 to: Tom Grady 10 Short Ave. Malone, NY, 12953 Or you can join The Boondocks (518) 483-2138 and get the current 'release' version online in the Cnet Support area ... Registered SysOps will get the latest 1.x version I am currently working on. Let me know if you are operating a Cnet BBS for special access privileges. BTW: (even tho this never really works) I reserve the rights to this program and all variations of it. While it is technically FreeWare - it is not free to change the code and release it without my permission. I will accept uploads of variations, and may give permission to release it to the public domain. I do not give permission to duplicate this program for any other BBS platform except Cnet. If I find * pirated versions * of this program on other platforms, I will attempt to prosecute the author to the fullest extent of the law. This program is copyrighted.