This scenario is about Charlemagne's second invasion of Spain in 795. Charlemagne is now the supreme ruler of both Lombardy and Saxony. However, the frontiers of the Frankish Empire along the Mediterranean Sea are still threatened by the Muslim Moors. To eliminate this threat, Charlemagne has ordered you invade Northern Spain and capture the port city of Barcelona, which is controlled by the Moors.
Why is this the only Mark Stoker scenario that is not rated?
*long pause*
I guess I’ll have to do it then.
Playability: 5
The Spanish March is Mark Stoker’s entry the Ensemble Studios Charlemagne contest in 2000. (a long time ago). Mark Stoker has based his scenario on Charlemagne’s second invasion of Spain. I thoroughly enjoyed this scenario. It is mainly B&D, but has a small bit or RPG/FF at the beginning. The main objective is to destroy the Castle in Barcelona, which means you have to gather resources and then build an army.
Balance: 4
I played this scenario on Standard and I found it quite difficult. The first part was easy. But when I got to the Objective of destroying the Barcelona Castle, I started to struggle. The enemy were coming at me really fast. I finely did it with an army of trebuchets.
Creativity: 5
I .liked the idea of tributing gold to your allies for help and I also like the idea of taking over the town of Pamplona, only to find that they will take it back later on in the game. I like the Guard on the bridge that attacked you. There were also some great uses of trigger tricks.
Map Design: 5
Perfect. Great use of GAIA Objects and terrain Mixing. Elevation was used very well and the towns were spaced out evenly. The rivers looked nice, with the fish spaced out evenly, the frozen bit look gorgeous.
Story/Instructions: 5
The Story is very entertaining and interesting, but Mark Stoker has still kept it historically accurate. The Instructions were very clear and had some useful hints. I knew what to do at all points.
Possidon
cmeb4uleave
Posted on 02/24/14 @ 05:53 PM
I thought it was reasonable to get the first city and then impossible to build up forces for the next conquest. I found myself needing rock but little was available making the task up building up very difficult.
The map was very well done and was pleasing. By the time I got my forces increased the other towns were 50 years ahead of me--frustrating would be the word. I suppose this was clever enough but beyond my ken and liking.
Posted on 06/29/00 @ 12:00 AM 
