Possible New Scenario 2nd Cycle

[Ry Vor]

Since we came back in April, 2013 and started improving the game ("making changes"), we have been doubted most steps of the way by the old timers. Examples:
1. "Dragons won't have 600 archers, 800 cavalry, and 600 infantry?"
2. "Does this mean we can't use the Classic map anymore?"
3. "Now I can't print the turns with all this pdf stuff and graphics and how long the turns are."
4. "I can't build 12 fleets in a single turn in a sea that I have never seen?"
5. "How can this position compete without a HP at the start?"
6. "Why won't those guys drown? They used to drown."
7. "Now you don't want a P2 with a brigade to take a city with Diplomacy? Why do you hate magic?"
8. "How can the wizard kingdoms even compete with the "nerfed" Chaos?

We also added a forum, lots of support@alamaze.co, a website to signup.
Lately we've had tremendous pro-bono support from Uncle Mike for the tremendously important web order entry and order checking, and from Diamond for the incredible new Valhalla.

Not to leave out the most important piece, none of this would have started to begin with, or seen it to where we are now, without Cipher. He is the blood pulsing through Alamaze.

So, given the strong resistance at times to what we want to do to improve Alamaze, and that the 565's and some other ideas that bridge to 3rd Cycle will cause temporary heartburn with some players, Cipher has given a greenlight to making certain necessary (I get to choose on that) changes to 2nd Cycle as you know it, and putting the more avante garde changes into a new 2nd Cycle scenario. Then players can decide if they want to play in the game mostly as it exists now, or to jump a chasm into what will be closer to 3rd Cycle, which is the path to Kingdoms of Arcania. Third Cycle will be on a new map with some new kingdoms, redone spells, etc. = a ways off.

The new scenario may not be much more (like a week?) more time consuming to implement the 565's and other cool changes, but meanwhile the players that don't want the game to change can still play the game they know.

Oh, so that reminds me regarding the above and changes:
9. Now likely more than 10 possible game types.
10. Average about $2 a turn instead of $7.50.
11. Barring a weird game problem, turn around is in hours, not days.
12. Bringing on web order entry and order checking that is drawing raves.

But nostalgia is a part of all of us, so maybe the 4th Scenario is the way to go to allow players to choose. Red pill, or blue pill.

[Lord Diamond]

People resist changes because they fear that the game will stray too far away from its roots and no longer be the game they fell in love with. That is perfectly understandable considering the fact that this is a nostalgia game for many of us.

For myself, I enjoy change for its own sake. Within reason, of course, but that is what keeps me coming back for more. I like what you have done so far.

[The Usurper]

I've loved all the changes so far also, that's how the game grows, gets better. We push the panic button, but then figure out new ways of doing things. With out change, it just turns into a more complicated tic tac toe match, almost a cookie cutter strategy game.

I mean after the first few turns of the first game on the new map, I heard a player talk about how the DE was going to be the kingdom that was going to run roughshod over all of Alamaze because of the two cities in the region and resources he would have. Well that didn't happen and hasn't since that map was created.

I like to talk about new changes only to get the player base to discuss them, in the hopes that maybe something comes up the creator might not have seen and adjusts his design if needed, that's all. The more sides of a story, the more information you have to attack the issue

[Ry Vor]

I am serious - we can have two different branches here. The 170&171 will change for everyone, and we will likely implement the move prisoners, some kingdom setup changes, etc, for all.

Then the branch would split so one maintains the status quo at that point, and the other introduces the newer concepts that would carry forward into 3rd Cycle and beyond.

If everyone wants to go to the new branch, we don't need a new scenario. But if you want to (and that's fine - that's what Alamaze is presently, after all) play with the set of rules and kingdoms you know, we can keep the current setups and rules largely intact, and introduce the new scenario just for those that want to go there.

[Lord Diamond]

I am serious - we can have two different branches here. The 170&171 will change for everyone, and we will likely implement the move prisoners, some kingdom setup changes, etc, for all.

Then the branch would split so one maintains the status quo at that point, and the other introduces the newer concepts that would carry forward into 3rd Cycle and beyond.

If everyone wants to go to the new branch, we don't need a new scenario. But if you want to (and that's fine - that's what Alamaze is presently, after all) play with the set of rules and kingdoms you know, we can keep the current setups and rules largely intact, and introduce the new scenario just for those that want to go there.

That is great. I love having options. The more the better!

[The Usurper]

Interesting. I will always play the newest version, but I do see what you're saying. For example, I would love to go back and play a real Classic game of alamaze with the Westmen and Nomads, but I fear that is gone. So I do like the idea of stopping, calling 2nd cycle complete and moving forward.

[Hawk_]

Interesting. I will always play the newest version, but I do see what you're saying. For example, I would love to go back and play a real Classic game of alamaze with the Westmen and Nomads, but I fear that is gone. So I do like the idea of stopping, calling 2nd cycle complete and moving forward.

I support whatever helps Alamaze maintain and grow the player base. I do like wide menu of game formats that you currently offer and really enjoyed the Primeval game I just completed.

Sounds like your current line of thought should keep the game fresh and interesting for everyone.

[Kellenved]

I'll be the first to admit that I'm resistant to change--in all aspects of life--but it's your game, Rick, so whatever you decide is fine by me. I do like the idea of having old and new options, though,

[Kalrex]

I'd like to play original Alamaze as well but like Usurper said maybe there's 0 chance.

I'm not sure why having a new variant and current variant along side one another is bad but then a limited player base could create issues.

As long as the fundamental game exists I'll continue paying you.

I'd like to see work being done on KOA.

I still prefer the classic map. I think having Viperhead on the other side of the sea would have been better but asides that I think it's a great and truly classic gaming map.

[unclemike]

Count me in for the new crowd. Going back to a previous version would be like using software with known bugs that were never fixed. So I'm surfing the new wave, woohoo !!!