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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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Author | Reviews ( All | Comments Only | Reviews Only ) |
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Jagatai Khan |
Posted on 02/08/04 @ 12:00 AM
-----PLAYABILITY---------
Playability is perfect.I am also interested in Vlad's life,so I had great fun while playing it.If you place the sound files,the game becomes a thrilling movie!I got the shivers!
-----BALANCE---------
Although the instructions are good enough,the scenario is a bit hard.Maybe Vlad's life was hard,but sometimes,the game becomes impossible to pass.Also I didn't play it in hardest level.I don't want to think how will the game be like in hardest level!
------CREATIVITY-----
What can I say?In this campaign there are 7(yes,seven) parts is one scenario!It is a professional work as you see.However,I think if there would be seven separated scenarios,the game could be a legend,like Tamerlane campaign.This is a subjective opinion,maybe someone likes one-scenario campaign.
------MAP DESIGN-------
I liked the map design,there were not any unnecessary areas or big spaces.The map is suitable for triggers too.But because a one scenario campaign,Moldavia-Prag-Romania is too close to each other.
--------STORY INSTRUCTIONS--------
This is the most perfect part of the game.Vlad's story takes you to an another world,you will certainly fell in the magic.Vlad's story is amazing,but the sceanario has an amazing story too.A lumberjack is telling to Vlad's story to you and you are in the part of the story.There are very amazing parts,like "cleaning" in the city,Civil War in Moldavia,Great Turkish Invasion,childhood of Vlad etc.The historywas used correctly with the clear an understandable instructions.
My idea is:This campaign allows you to pass entertaining hours.Other Vlad campaigns I played were not good like this.This will be one of the best campaigns you will play.
DON'T WAIT,DOWNLOAD IT,IT IS GREAT FUN TO PLAY!!! |
Shadow667 |
Posted on 02/19/04 @ 12:00 AM
Playablility: Extremely well thought out and done to the perfect centimeter. You could go to many places and sometimes go to places you weren't suppose to be at yet, but only a cliff would block your way instead of a wall or something like that. Well Done, 5.0 all the way!
Balance: The level was difficult, but also very funny at the same time, which eased my pain. Also, I'd like you to know I am horrible at these type of games, so I'm sure it is completely evened out. Plus, I like when there are hard spots to finish. 5.0 is your score in this.
Creativity: I'd give it a 63984639.0 if I could, but sadly, I can't. It was great! Eye candy everywhere you look, as far as your eye can see. I also love the opening castle and buildings with all of the trees that look dark and evil. It adds a great touch to the game and makes you feel like your there. I love that feeling. You get a 5.0!
Map Design: This subject went with the crearivity of this map. It was a custom map made beautifuly right down to the last block of it, even if you never were never going to be there. Plus, even if you used marco and polo to cheat, it would STILL be hard to find your way around! Once again, challenge is good and that is what gets you to the Best Of AOK...believe me...I know ;). 5.0...well done!
Story/Instructions: Ok...this is where I start to feel odd. The story was great! It had a ton of detail in every sentence and you could talk to many people who needed help. I love that because it's an extra "to do" thing on your list of objectives. However, the instructions were basic at points, which I don't really care about, but I HAVE to rate you on. A bit more info and you would have gotten a 5.0. If I could, I'd give you a 4.5 just to tell you. But 4.0 is what you get...sorry!
OVERALL: A wonderful map that you can play over and over and not get angry about it! I think your the real true scenario maker that I have seen in a while. I must say, there are only a few corrections to be made before it gets into AOK. I don't blame you on spelling, I mess it up all the time too, but it would be good to fix that before trying to get it anymore popular. The instructions are just a bit dull. Touch them up and I'd give you a 5.0 overall. Don't give up making scenarios! They rock, especailly from you and I'm not just saying that. Your the best I have seen in a LONG time. Have fun and continue your great work!
Nice job
-Shadow667 |
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! |
Possidon
Official Reviewer |
Posted on 01/22/10 @ 04:58 PM
Playability: 5
I loved this scenario. It tells the story of Vlad Dracula very well. If you place the sound files, the game becomes a thrilling movie! I loved the bit in the yellows city trying to do mini quests.
Balance: 5
There are some easy missions to keep the story going. These contrast with the harder levels very well. The scenario was quite challenging and I found myself saving and restarting at points.
Creativity: 5
I'd give this a 10 if I could, but unfortunately I can't. There was Eye candy everywhere. I also love the opening castle and buildings with all of the trees and impaled bodies that look dark and evil. It adds a great touch to the game and makes you feel like your there. The Inn in the Yellows city was clever.
Map Design: 5
A very large custom map, made perfectly down the last square. There was lots of eye candy and very good use of GAIA Objects. I really like the look of the Inn in the Yellow's city.
Story/Instructions: 5
This is the most perfect part of the game. Vlad's story takes you to another world. Vlad's story is amazing, but the scenario has an amazing story too. A lumberjack is telling to Vlad's story to you and you are in the part of the story. The instructions were very clear and I knew what I was doing at all points.
Edited for typos[Edited on 02/03/11 @ 02:36 PM]
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RladalFatih |
Posted on 02/06/11 @ 02:40 PM
Playability: 4+
The gameplay of this wonderfull scenario is almost perfect: there is, during the seven parts of the scenario, a lot of diversified objectives that did that all these parts are different and more enjoyable one than another. But something affect terribly the gameplay of this masterpiece of creativity: triggers bugs. They are only two or three, but they can block the player in his progression (like the problem to did the town center burn with all the poor people in it). Or the one that defeat me automaticaly after I assassinated Dracula... So I cannot give a 5.
Balance: 5
I have nothing to say about the balance: this scenario is challenging, but not impossible. It can be played by beginers like veterans of AoK (my little brother, who is 9 years old, tried it and he was able to without a lot of difficulties, on Easy level. Yes, I helped him a little bit, but...)
Creativity: 5+
This historical scenario is a masterpiece of creativity: there is a lot of original objectives to acomplish in it, and many details that did it very interesting. I loved in particular the idea of three possible ends,the inventory system, and the secret passage in the castle to flee if the ennemy is to numerous to been defeated. Also, the idea to kill at the end our hero is very good: I never seen a RPG where you need, to win, to assassinate the character that you follow during all the scenario. And one of the most wonderfull thing in all of this, is that most of what is presnted is historically-accurate. In one word: wow!
Map Design: 5
The map is very detailled, with many eye-candies, like the impaled corpses (I really like them). I must said too that it give to the scenario an kind of dark atmosphere that fit really well with the subject: there is not an abundance of clear colors, and it is good like this. I truly had the impression to be in the misterious country of Vallachia, surrounded by deep forests full of big bad wolves, and all of this.
Story/Instructions: 5
Instructions are clear, hints, usefull when we need them, history, very detailed. So, it is almost perfect: principaly one the historical aspect. I liked the way of which you introduce the player, with your little instruction text, and, in a second time, with the first cinematic. It give a good idea of who was Vlad Dracula, and of his first realisations.
Additional Comments:
It is a magnificent historical scenario, and, if I forget its two or three bugs, one of the best. Ausgezeichnete werk (I am not German, but I am one of the member of HG who have english for second language. So I know how much work translante a file like this can represent...) |
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: | 17,070 |
Favorites: [] | 16 |
Size: | 2.85 MB |
Added: | 02/07/04 |
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