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Author |
File Description |
Great Emperor |
Posted on 02/07/04 @ 12:00 AM
File Details |
Version: |
The Conquerors 1.0c |
Style: |
Role Playing Strategy |
Vlad Dracula
Vlad Dracula
DESCRIPTION:
The 15th century was a violent time. Wars and famines were as usual as terrible
tortures. Constantinople, the last defence against Islam fell and the Ottomans
invaded Europe. On their way they fought against Serbia, Hungary and the little
kingdom of Wallachia. So it's not astonishing that such a bloody ruler reigned
during this brutal time.
In 1431 AD a son is born for the voivode (Wallachian ruler title) Vlad II and
gets the name Vlad as well. Vlad II is called Dracul, meaning "dragon"
in the Romanian language. For he is a member of the Order of the Dragon, a
secret organisation with the aim of protecting the christianity. Therefore his
son will be later called "Dracula", it means "son of the dragon".
But "Dracul" has another meaning, it's "devil"...
Dracula's childhood is hard. His father is murdered when he's 17, at the same
time his brother is blinded and buried alive. And when Dracula seizes the throne
much later he executes thousands of people, his popular method is the impaling.
This is when a dull stake is rammed into a person's backside and erected. The
stake destroys the inner organs and it takes often days until the victim dies.
It's because of this cruel punishment that Dracula was called Vlad Tepes (pronounciation:
Tsepesh), Vlad the Impaler.
One time he impales 20 000 Turkish prisoners in front of his capital and calls
it sarcastically "the impaled forest". When the Turkish sultan watches
this scene, he and his army turn around, in spite of a 3:1 advantage...
This scenario is an RPS game about the turbulent life of Vlad Dracula. There are
three possible outcomings, Dracula becomes a vampire in one of them.
I created this scenario originally in German. That's a translation (the sound
and trigger names are still German). So I apologize for all the mistakes that
surely have occured. You can find the original version at www.agearena.de
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Pages: « First « 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 » Last » | Author | Comments & Reviews ( All | Comments Only | Reviews Only ) |
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AnastasiaKafka
Official Reviewer |
Posted on 12/12/04 @ 12:00 AM
Vlad Dracula, by Great Emperor -- I'm convinced, almost everybody knows something about this nosferatu: through movies featuring Max Schreck, Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee or Gary Oldman; in several books, and among which is the recent Vampire Chronicles of Anne Rice. We all have an idea of who or what the vampire Count Dracula is. However, Vlad Tepes Dracula, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker's novel, is definitely less known. This RPS campaign masterpiece provides us with an amazing perspective of the life of this Machiavellian fifteenth century leader. There are many anecdotes about the philosophy of Vlad Tepes Dracula. He was for instance particularly known throughout his land for his fierce insistence on honesty and order. Almost any crime, from lying and stealing to killing, could be punished by impalement. Vlad became quite known for his brutal punishment techniques; he often ordered people to be skinned, boiled, decapitated, blinded, strangled, hanged, burned, roasted, hacked, nailed, buried alive, stabbed, etc. He also liked to cut off noses, ears, sexual organs and limbs. But his favorite method was impalement on stakes, hence the surname "Tepes" which means "The Impaler" in the Romanian language. Even the Turks referred to him as "Kaziglu Bey," meaning "The Impaler Prince." Vlad Dracula by Great Emperor is a chilling RPS adventure into the life of the historic prince, and the unique seven chapter scenario with three outcomes is phenomenal!
Playability:
Although several aspects and triggers seemed to depend too heavily upon a presumption of the players actions, none kept me from advancing or achieving victory. The one aspect that stands out most is with the burning of the sick and poor; The objective to garrison the eight villagers into the town center and bring Vlad to the torch between the Tarkans sometimes did not work. However, I was able to advance other times or by going back to an earlier save. So to advise players to save often is in order. This is not only one of the best historical campaigns I've played it is also one of the best stories I've encountered. Perhaps more fascinating is how incredibly disturbing the story of the historical Dracula is, and even more chilling was the sensation when I paused to think about the significance of the many objectives to the story. This is an excellent RPS portrayal of history, not to mention challenging and extremely fun to play, even if it might leave some players with nightmares. 5.0
Balance:
There are relatively easy objectives made with the purpose of telling the story and advancing the game plot. I played on moderate and found the strategic and tactical aspects and objectives very challenging to complete. They also required a fair amount of saving and restarting. Each time I failed or was confounded in some way, I was compelled to restart knowing that if I tried something a little different I would advance. Switching to Standard to experience if the balance of difficulty was dynamic I found the level easier and believe it suitable for less experienced player or an impatient one. I consider the balance to be superb. 5.0
Creativity:
From the description page to the aftermath the scenario design remains captivating and sensational. The historic aspect is excellent and told through a game plot that is detailed and creatively enhanced with original ideas. The cut-scenes are impressive, and the custom audio aspect is extraordinary. The many creative objectives with some remaining mere choices and not necessary for advancement. The replay value is exceptional as three outcomes for victory, the open map design and dynamic balance invite players to play again and again. If any new tricks are there they were overshadowed by the incredible seven chapter game-plot, and my determination to experience the outcome where our hero Vlad becomes a vampire. Another remarkable aspect of the creativity for me was the almost sympathetic portrayal of Dracula's early years, and even with later historic events the player is brought into the role of the sadistic prince, and to experience first hand Vlad Dracula's motivations. 5.0
Map Design:
The map is a dramatic sensory experience. All locations were made memorable and completely captured my imagination as I played. Technically there was plenty of strategic advantage points in the open map design, and although I noticed this freedom could leave players to devise some balance defeating strategies I imagine that like me most will be seduced into playing the game as intended. 5.0
Story and Instructions:
The story is the highlight of the campaign, as the history and the original story elements combine to enrich the player experience. I found the English translation of this originally German design, ultimately without the need for it's good nature'd disclaimer. In any event, all slight misgivings in regard to grammar were forgiven by virtue of the excellent theme and game plot. The instructions are precise and accurate, and the objectives, hints, and scout report, are easily understood and creatively written. The fabulous Blacksmith description page must be mentioned, and the instruction screen image was of considerable quality. Additionally two history supplements and a readme document completes the uncommon campaign experience. 5.0
Final Thought:
Haunting masterpiece! |
Gigel_26 |
Posted on 12/19/04 @ 12:00 AM
A great scenario. As a suggestion, according to Vlad's life... this campaign could have more scenarios... but a great map design, a good knowledge of Romanian history (ot at least, the 15th Century), a good knowledge of some specific Romanian denominations ("boyar" = boier (RO), "voivode" = voievod (RO)) made the scenario a very realistic one. They were few minor bugs, and destroying the 4 Turkish camps can be very easy. |
Stephen Richards
Official Reviewer |
Posted on 01/30/05 @ 12:00 AM
Everything about this is first-rate. Some lovely little touches like the priest blessing the condemned man, and the ammo-carrier. |
Lord Josten |
Posted on 03/06/05 @ 02:19 PM
One of the best thing in this Campaign is the Intro
The Intro music and dialog made is really exciting. I had to play through the whole Campaign because of that Intro!
The bad in this Campaign is the bug when you shall garrison the villagers in the Town Center.
I recommend to download Vlad Dracula.[Edited on 03/13/05 @ 07:37 PM]
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DocRobert (id: King Bob VI) |
Posted on 03/13/05 @ 07:36 PM
Great Job, Great Emporer. My personal favorite part was that Roman battle. Excellent Idea. |
AxE_MaN |
Posted on 05/27/05 @ 06:31 PM
I agree with Jagatai Khan in saying that this is hard... too hard which lowers the enjoyment of it. However, apart from that this is a great campaign with some awsome sound effects and creepy music. This is definitely one of the best levels I have played. Have you made anymore like this? If so plz tell me!!
Great work
AxE_MaN |
Great Emperor
File Author |
Posted on 07/01/05 @ 03:45 PM
>Have you made anymore like this?
Search for 'The Way of the Warrior I'. |
Nialo the Great (id: nialo the great) |
Posted on 07/26/05 @ 02:32 PM
Could you please tell me where those sound files came from?They really go well with the campaign.
Great Campaign!!! |
Cross fire (id: paladin_maker0) |
Posted on 07/27/05 @ 10:27 AM
It's a one cool and great campaign. Thanks for making this campaign,Great Emperor. Are you making a new campaign? |
Nialo the Great (id: nialo the great) |
Posted on 09/11/05 @ 03:12 PM
I've Downloaded the German version in agearena.de and I've noticed that some of the sound files in the German version are better than the English.For example in 'Mystik Musik 1' there is a better ending to it.Also there is a rain file that isn't in the English one.
Although I found no bugs and the campaign in general is fantastic.That Dracula is quite evil. |
Pages: « First « 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 » Last » |
HGDL v0.8.2 |
Rating |
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4.9 | Breakdown |
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Playability | 4.8 | Balance | 4.8 | Creativity | 5.0 | Map Design | 5.0 | Story/Instructions | 4.8 |
Statistics |
Downloads: | 17,071 |
Favorites: [] | 16 |
Size: | 2.85 MB |
Added: | 02/07/04 |
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