Kongamato
11-29-2002, 22:21
(This may need to go to the Watchtower)
When a newbie needs to learn the basics of army composition, manoeuvre, and battlefield tactics, the MP replay proves indispensable.
It seems that most newbies are put off by the learning curve, so the logical way to assist them is by providing learning aids. A good replay, with a .txt file that tells the player the moves and strategies to look for can help the newbie identify his problems and develop new strengths.
In my opinion, the replay end of the site is somewhat lacking. It is a sub-section of downloads, and only contains eleven replays, plenty of them only SP. This is not enough to significantly help the frustrated newbie who is getting the crap kicked out of him. I have a few ideas on how to provide a more improved, extensive replay database.
Replays need their own section. They also need descriptions there, at the site, that provide things to look for in the replay, a rating, and a list of comments. This could be improvised upon by posting a poll in the Jousting Fields with a link to the replay. A section, however, would do the job better. I think that MP players would be motivated to send their replays in to the .org for the chance to be evaluated, praised, and chided for their efforts.
In my opinion, the Starcraft clan site for Team Areola has the most professional and intuitive replay database I have ever seen. I have posted a link below.
Team Areola (http://www.teamareola.com)
The database can be found easily from the site's opening menus, and you will see that it contains ratings, comments, and strategies to look for.
In conclusion, a picture tells a thousand words. I for one would prefer a replay of Naptha Throwers getting slaughtered over a thousand-word strategy guide telling me why Naptha Throwers suck. The frustrated newbie needs to be shown how it's done, not told how it's done. And finally, I would say that the best way to get an extended replay DB would be to make the existing one obsolete. The best way to do that is by clicking the "save replay" button, and e-mailing your replay, SP or MP, to the .org, and having it put up for download.
P.S. Note to CA, it would be nice if a digital timer would be added to the replay instead of the sun circle. Pointing out key moves and events would be much easier with a numerical clock.
When a newbie needs to learn the basics of army composition, manoeuvre, and battlefield tactics, the MP replay proves indispensable.
It seems that most newbies are put off by the learning curve, so the logical way to assist them is by providing learning aids. A good replay, with a .txt file that tells the player the moves and strategies to look for can help the newbie identify his problems and develop new strengths.
In my opinion, the replay end of the site is somewhat lacking. It is a sub-section of downloads, and only contains eleven replays, plenty of them only SP. This is not enough to significantly help the frustrated newbie who is getting the crap kicked out of him. I have a few ideas on how to provide a more improved, extensive replay database.
Replays need their own section. They also need descriptions there, at the site, that provide things to look for in the replay, a rating, and a list of comments. This could be improvised upon by posting a poll in the Jousting Fields with a link to the replay. A section, however, would do the job better. I think that MP players would be motivated to send their replays in to the .org for the chance to be evaluated, praised, and chided for their efforts.
In my opinion, the Starcraft clan site for Team Areola has the most professional and intuitive replay database I have ever seen. I have posted a link below.
Team Areola (http://www.teamareola.com)
The database can be found easily from the site's opening menus, and you will see that it contains ratings, comments, and strategies to look for.
In conclusion, a picture tells a thousand words. I for one would prefer a replay of Naptha Throwers getting slaughtered over a thousand-word strategy guide telling me why Naptha Throwers suck. The frustrated newbie needs to be shown how it's done, not told how it's done. And finally, I would say that the best way to get an extended replay DB would be to make the existing one obsolete. The best way to do that is by clicking the "save replay" button, and e-mailing your replay, SP or MP, to the .org, and having it put up for download.
P.S. Note to CA, it would be nice if a digital timer would be added to the replay instead of the sun circle. Pointing out key moves and events would be much easier with a numerical clock.