Thread idea: scenario game

Remove all ads!

How's this idea for a thread in the game forums on SP. Basically it's like the quote or riddle game threads, except it's not a question & answer... it's take this saved game file and accomplish something.

In detail, someone starts by creating a situation, or a challenging scenario. It could be anything, as long as it's achievable by the originator. But it has to be somewhat short, like one attempt takes no longer than 10-20 minutes of playing. So for example, beat this tough battle, or get from this place to this place without dying within ten minutes. But don't say beat the game in 20 hours or something like that. It could be cliche, like kill a dragon, or it could be something cool you did on your current run through the game, or it could be completely cheat-consoled up. But it's the originality of the situation that keeps things interesting, and the current status of your party coupled with the goal ahead that makes it difficult.

So the originator sets up the scenario, including spells memorized, equipment, experience of the party etc, and making sure he can beat it himself. Then he saves the game in a convenient location. On the boards here, he explains the challenge, along with any specific rules (like no resting, no changing spells, etc. ) or instructions. Then anyone interested in taking up the challenge sends him a PM with their emails. Then the originator sends them the saved games. Anyone who completes the challenge should then post how they beat it in detail, so their solution can be judged. If it's good, then next challenge is posted. If not, keep trying or give hints.

Some problems that could arise:

I never actually TRIED emailing saved game files and seeing if they still work... but I recall the moderators doing this, so it should be ok right?

mods - people install different mods and I'm not sure if a saved game would be compatible with all of them. Maybe get the originator to post what mods are necessary?

Some people who visit the forums regularly might not necessarily have the game installed anymore. This could affect the amount of interest in the idea.

Then there are some issues with cheesy solutions or spamming people's email with viruses and stuff... I'm sure we're all decent people who will deal with this reasonably.

So what do you think? Is it worth pursuing this idea? Anything overlooked?

 

You could simply submit it. I believe the site would accept savegames (though I can't say so with authority, of course), and that would allow many people to try it out, without taking up your bandwidth and time in e-mailing several people; you just go to Tal. "Challenge" savegames might even eventually have their own page if this takes off.

Would need a modder to speak on this, but it's possible that you would need the exact same mods in the exact same order, in order to get the savegame to work. Also possible (but more unlikely) that you couldn't have further mods after that list. This may mean that in order to play any challenge, someone would need a separate installation to do so.

This could possibly be solved by making a standard format for the challenges, using only one or two "core" mods, or possibly none at all. Though it's rather difficult to determine what consitutes a "core" mod without some disagreement. (UB is the only one I can think of at the moment, and even that may bring some nay-sayers.)

 

Yeah that's basicly the only problem to a well-thought-of-idea. I have no mods myself though, don't like them. I truly see this idea as something that could really take off, I'd love to have to fight a certain enemy in certain condition.

 

yeah... I guess it's a matter of people's willingness first. If there's enough interest, we could standardize the mods and start the ball rolling. If not, then oh well.

Since it seems that Sorcerous Sundries doesn't get browsed much, it might be better to post an interest poll in the game forums. I've only got BG2 myself, so I'm considering to put a poll there. But if others wish to apply this to other games, polling each game seems redundant... maybe it's better to use the site's bi-weekly poll on the front page for that case.