The Last Tower v1.12

[Caedrus]

[*]Items don't stack if all 8 slots are filled (States inventory is full)

I looked through the item stacking systems on this site and didn't find one that *didn't* have this issue. How do you suggest I fix it?

 

[N1ghthawk]

This map review set-up is based on that created and used by Tank Commander,

I review maps that look interesting or promising. If you wish for me to review your map, or if notable changes have occured to a map I have already reviewed, then you may message me with a link to your map and I will review it within the next week.

(5 marks) - Terraining/Environment
(5 marks) - Triggering
(15 marks) - Gameplay
(10 marks) - Innovation/Originality
(5 marks) - Interface/Object Editor Work

1-7 marks = (1) Poor quality map, unfit for the Hive (usually a beginners map)

8-14 marks = (2) The beginnings of a map are there, but it still needs work and is likely unfinished.

15-21 marks = (3) An adequate map, is fun for a game or two and functions.

22-28 marks = (4) Shows promise and has some interesting features; playability is high.

29-35 marks = (5) A fine example of Hive-quality; will keep you entertained for several games at least and updates are looked forward to.

35+ marks = (6) A simply brilliant warcraft map. Features are flawlessly implemented, code is legit, game is fun, and the constraints of
Warcraft 3 are challenged.

Terraining (1/5) - Plain, unimaginate, and uninteresting. Could have been thrown together in minutes.

Triggering (N/A) - Map is protected thus I will discount this category in my final score.

Gameplay (5/15) - The fact that you only have one tower to manipulate is further devastated by the fact that this tower cannot be manually upgraded and only has a handful of abilities. Additionally, balance between items is horrible in this game. A smart player will do nothing but purchase the burning towers and spam them all over the available spaces. The ONLY thing that keeps this map afloat is the funny tooltips and comedic opening cinematic. While this game does produce some interesting features, it is best described as a one-time play mini-game and nothing more.

Innovation/Originality (3/10) - Regardless of the fact you just use one tower, this map brings nothing new or innovative to the tower defense genre. The only thing that I can really give you credit for besides the lone-tower idea is the comedic aspect of the game.

Interface/Object Editor Work (2/5) - Tooltips are adequate but vague and lack detail. Loading screen is the a basic Warcraft 3 one is fine. Icons are un-imported and thus have their necessary counter-parts. UI text is not appropriately modified.

- Change the tooltip gold icon to the gold icon you use for the top UI bar.
- Add more abilities to the tower and more items as well.
- Implementing the ability to upgrade the tower would go a long way.
- Custom triggered spells with cool effects would also go a long way towards improving gameplay.

-

Items don't stack if all 8 slots are filled (States inventory is full)

I looked through the item stacking systems on this site and didn't find one that *didn't* have this issue. How do you suggest I fix it?

This isn't a problem with the stacking system, it's just how the base programming functions. When you buy an item, regardless of if it has a charge or not, it will not run through the necessary triggers if your inventory is full. The easiest way to solve this problem is to create a unit for each item and have the item store sell units instead. When that specific unit is purchase then immediately remove it from the game and create the item for the tower. This allows you to run through the necessary triggers before you manually give the item.

Final Marking - (16/40)
Rating - (3)
Voted for - Approval
Rep Given? - No, aside from the comedy theres nothing to this take on tower defense

 

[Caedrus]

Nighthawk, you claim that the Towers of Vengeance are unbalanced, yet I have heard the opposite complaint from other players (that they're underpowered). I disagree with those people (I was actually worried that they might be massable, and hoped to strike a balance there by making them vulnerable to the many siege/area attacks in the game), but anyways... Would you mind showing a replay demonstrating your point? Out of all the testing that was done for this game, I've never actually seen a successful use of massing Towers of Vengeance demonstrated, so I'd need to see it. Anyways, I'm always interested in bettering balance and I could certainly make some changes. Otherwise I can't even tell if you actually even bothered to *try* this theory or not before posting it (especially since nothing in your review indicates that you've gotten past the first few minutes of the game). Regardless, this won't be an issue in the next version anyways since I'm going to do a food cap for ToV (though again, I've never seen someone successfully use a massing strategy anyways).

As to the gameplay point, I think you missed the point of what I was going for entirely. The gameplay isn't about character customization or RPG elements or building an army... it's about frenetic action and technical skill in using a small enough number of actions for chunking (if you're not familiar with the term, look up game design theory), but I digress. I suppose some people never really appreciated games like coin op scrollers where you don't get a ton of new abilities or increasing stats or whatever, just need to learn to use your existing resources better.

As for tooltips lacking detail, could you tell me what details you felt were lacking? I mean, I put in basically every field in the object editor and then some. Also, in what instance is UI text "not appropriately modified?" Because it's modified in a lot of places.

Also, your rating system shows a rather obvious and glaring flaw: You effectively gave me a 0/5 in one category because my map was protected (as you said "N/A" in the triggering field yet gave a 16/40 when it's actually 16/35). Really, what kind of ratings system would downrate a map for being protected (and then, to add insult to injury, fail at math)? It seems exceedingly strange that any game rating system would have any field that was based on something that was not part of the player's experience.

As to your suggestions

- Change the tooltip gold icon to the gold icon you use for the top UI bar.

Yeah, I wanted to do that, just didn't know how. I would have to create a new icon for that, and, well, I can't draw worth a damn. Icon art is not my thing.

- Add more abilities to the tower and more items as well.
- Implementing the ability to upgrade the tower would go a long way.

These aren't going to happen. This is not a game about amassing upgrades, new weapons, and stat boosts. See my response to your gameplay comment. This is not a Tower Defense map, though you seem to have confused it for one.

Custom triggered spells with cool effects would also go a long way towards improving gameplay.

Actually, more than half of the Last Tower's abilities are custom triggered, and most of the boss abilities are triggered. Also, all of the AI's behavior and strategies are triggered. Not quite sure how flashy effects would significantly add to *gameplay* though. Eye candy, yes. Gameplay, though?

Nonetheless, you'll be happier with my upcoming release if that's what you want out of a game. It has somewhere around 70 original and distinct fully triggered custom abilities that don't skimp on the eye candy.

This isn't a problem with the stacking system, it's just how the base programming functions. When you buy an item, regardless of if it has a charge or not, it will not run through the necessary triggers if your inventory is full. The easiest way to solve this problem is to create a unit for each item and have the item store sell units instead. When that specific unit is purchase then immediately remove it from the game and create the item for the tower. This allows you to run through the necessary triggers before you manually give the item.

Interesting. I'll do it when I get around to it. Thanks

 

[N1ghthawk]

I apologize for taking time out of my day and giving you a detailed and constructive review. I'll be sure to avoid any maps made by you in the future so as to prevent such a blatant and unwarranted overreaction.

Oh and btw, you might want to check your math.

 

[Renegade Paladin]

I apologize for taking time out of my day and giving you a detailed and constructive review. I'll be sure to avoid any maps made by you in the future so as to prevent such a blatant and unwarranted overreaction.

Oh and btw, you might want to check your math.

Out of curiosity, how is his math wrong? Discounting the N/A, your points should be out of 35 (5+15+10+5=35), but you scored it 16/40 (and said there's nothing to this take on tower defense, when the map... isn't a TD map).

 

[Caedrus]

I apologize for taking time out of my day and giving you a detailed and constructive review. I'll be sure to avoid any maps made by you in the future so as to prevent such a blatant and unwarranted overreaction.

Seeing as your post got heavily edited, it seems the mods agree that you were the one acting inappropriately, not me

In any case, I'm not sure why you feel it is a blatant overreaction to simply ask for you to provide supporting details for your opinions and expand on your points, such that the review might actually be considered more constructive. For example, I asked you what tooltips you felt were vague and why, or for you to maybe send me a replay of the alleged balance abuse you claimed existed, and you answered not with supporting details but rather with... this self-victimization of yours.

Oh and btw, you might want to check your math.

My math is correct, yours is wrong. 5+15+10+5+N/A is 35, not 40. There is no uncertainty here. Punch it into a calculator if you don't believe me. And then if you don't believe the calculator... then I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Wolfe]

I have to disagree with you, n1ghthawk.

Firstly, you rated this map thinking it was a tower defense. Sure, it features a tower, but it isn't a tower defense. I suggest you rate it again, this time being fully aware that it isn't a tower defense. Secondly, the terrain isn't the focus of the map, so why give such strict rating for it when the gameplay makes up for it. Thirdly, why did you include code/script in the overall total, especially when you couldn't even access it.

Tsk, tsk.

Anyway, I believe that this map is unique in its own right and very difficult to play. I'm still trying to get past the very last wave and finish off the boss. xD I give it 4.5/5 and look forward to your future creations.

 

[Kino]

I have to disagree with you, n1ghthawk.

Firstly, you rated this map thinking it was a tower defense. Sure, it features a tower, but it isn't a tower defense. I suggest you rate it again, this time being fully aware that it isn't a tower defense. Secondly, the terrain isn't the focus of the map, so why give such strict rating for it when the gameplay makes up for it. Thirdly, why did you include code/script in the overall total, especially when you couldn't even access it.

Tsk, tsk.

Anyway, I believe that this map is unique in its own right and very difficult to play. I'm still trying to get past the very last wave and finish off the boss. xD I give it 4.5/5 and look forward to your future creations.

Agreed.

When it comes to mini games, users usually brush off such maps due to their sheer simplicity and otherwise lack of content.

Most of the time not realising how fun and entertaining such a simple concept can be.
If you dont believe me, check out any of Ace Hearts creations at the helper.

 

[Reyvincent]

This map rocks...but its a challenging map also.

 

[vAnKaTa_G.G.]

I just loved the map.
[+] Challenging
[+] Many creeps
[+] Funny Cinematics
[+] Songs are very cool

[=] I have to remember to turn my volume up
[=] Not many items but they still make the game nice

[-] I had to think 30 minutes what to put in the negative part

So It's a complete 5/5 from me

 

[ArnaudB]

I looked through the item stacking systems on this site and didn't find one that *didn't* have this issue. How do you suggest I fix it?

There is the way I used in Heroes and Empires, the items to buy are bonus and depending if the hero (here tower) has an item of type X when he buy the bonus Y when it'll add the charge to item hold, otherwise it'll add items to the inventory.

I can send you the triggers I made after six long hours, now it works without trouble in my own map.

 

[Miss_Foxy]

I love the concept, such an adorable imagination...

 

[Dragonson]

This map is fantastic.
Maybe it needs a few upgrades, which i may or may not post about here when i have time, but it's a good map nonetheless.

If for nothing else, for the idea.
The humor is great, the gameplay is something you do NOT see anywhere else.
A fully enjoyable map!

I agree with everyone that rated it 5/5, and i'm gonna' do so myself.
+Rep dude! Keep it up!

Oh and...
If you wan't a loading screen or a preveiw image made, i might be able to squeeze you in between the requests in my Photoshopping Request thread.
I spend loads of time waiting for them guys to reply to my posts there anyway. :S

 

[Caedrus]

Oh and...
If you wan't a loading screen or a preveiw image made, i might be able to squeeze you in between the requests in my Photoshopping Request thread.
I spend loads of time waiting for them guys to reply to my posts there anyway. :S

Sweet! I definitely need artsy types to help me with my future projects; I couldn't draw a stick man to save my life. I'm honored.

Also, glad you liked the map. I hope to be putting out another one (this time, an online hero arena) by the beginning of next month (though that is an optimistic estimate).

 

[Dragonson]

Coolio.
Just call me when you need my skillz.

 

[TastyBamboo]

If its made by Caedrus I have to give it a try... Although I'm scared- it sounds hard. xD

 

[Dragonson]

'tis.
But it's a great map nonetheless.

It would though be cooler if there were more abilities and buyable towers.
Maybe some permanent items with stat bonuses too, idunno.
Kinda needs abit more content.

 

[Caedrus]

If its made by Caedrus I have to give it a try... Although I'm scared- it sounds hard. xD

Practice makes perfect. You can totally get through the first 60-odd waves without getting hurt or using items.

But yes, this game does not allow you to not pay attention. It is a very active game and it's designed to get people "in the zone;" really concentrating on the action at hand and reacting smoothly and appropriately to each and every enemy movement.

Maybe some permanent items with stat bonuses too, idunno.

There's a very intentional reason that there aren't any permanent items or stat bonuses in there. Quite simply, The Last Tower is not a game about building your character's stats in order to numerically overpower your foes without thinking much during the battle. It is about actually getting in there and having better tactics, better reflexes, better combat skills. Indeed, you'll notice that the enemies don't scale much numerically (heck, the Ogres in wave 11-15 have some of the highest stats in the game); instead, they just start using better AI strategies and using better combinations of abilities. The Cavaliers that were pitifully easy to take out in droves when they first showed up 60 waves ago will slaughter most players when they start combining with necromancers and shadowmen after a front wave of tanks breaks down your back door defenses, for example. The Cavaliers didn't get stronger, they just started being *deployed better.*

You can expect something of the same philosophy from my upcoming arena. It will most certainly not be about who can feed their hero tomes faster, it will be about who can outfight the other player in an actual bout of movement, positioning, comboing, and timing, much like a fighting game.

 

[TastyBamboo]

You can expect something of the same philosophy from my upcoming arena. It will most certainly not be about who can feed their hero tomes faster, it will be about who can outfight the other player in an actual bout of movement, positioning, comboing, and timing, much like a fighting game.

Hm... sounds interesting... would you be interested in any kind of help? I am really good with ideas, making things (terrain/abilities) pretty, and balancing. (as well as other stuff)

 

[Ardnived]

Great Work Caedrus Very fun

Though I kind of felt I didn't really have enough time to look at all my abilities and the things in the shop.

From these comments I don't think I really got very far. Not even the first boss. Should of used some Nukes

Rated, and +rep

 

[Caedrus]

Great Work Caedrus Very fun

Though I kind of felt I didn't really have enough time to look at all my abilities and the things in the shop.

You can always pause and browse through all of that information. Also, all the items, enemies, abilities and so forth have descriptions in the quest menu (which of course pauses the game when you look at it).

 

[deepstrasz]

You should set the Tower Defense tag for this one.
Terrain is simplistic.
Towers of Vengeance can be built right on top of the main tower.
Ogre Legions message came two times first right on the wave before theirs.
So, you can't get past 100 gold?
There's a problem with revived units by necromancers that don't come to the tower. At least, the waves continue without them needing to die.
The Repair icons looks as if it can be autocast.
Skip cinematic scene would be really nice.
Not a fan of the random crazy music and sounds.

Overall, a good map.