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Author |
File Description |
The Pyromaniac |
Posted on 08/17/00 @ 12:00 AM
File Details |
Version: |
Age of Kings 1.0 |
Style: |
Mix |
Firstly could everyone forget the first submission I made of this scenario. I don't know what happened but I apologize anyway.
Well in this scenario the aim is simple. Whodunit?
You play a detectives apprentice that loses his job. He has a wild idea to go to the capital to set up his own detective agency. On the way there the plot thickens. When you get to the capital you have a murder to solve.
---Features---
Detailed map design.
Mix of styles, some RPG, some fixed force, something’s new!
No other scenario like it.
Actual murder for you to solve.
Weather e.g. rain.
Makes you think.
Lots of people to talk to.
Lots of plot twists and red herrings
Clues displayed on your objectives.
Numerous endings. |
Author | Reviews ( All | Comments Only | Reviews Only ) |
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Angel Jerusalem
Official Reviewer |
Posted on 09/22/00 @ 12:00 AM
I've always liked a good mystery. I really have. As a kid, I loved the Encyclopedia Brown and Nancy Drew book series. The thrill of finding out the pieces that add up to a complete puzzle is a really great feeling, and this scenario, "The Detective's Apprentice" most definately encompasses this thrill, and then some.
The story/instructions of this great Whodunit explain what happened and why the hero is dismissed from his job as a detective's apprentice in the beginning of the scenario. The hints are self-explanatory and memorable. The bitmap was a good job. Overall it was above average but didn't dazzle me, so I thought a 4 would be appropriate.
The map design was a great spot in this scenario. The "Map Copy" function, as well as elevation changes, cliffs and most importantly, lost units, are utilized in a sensible and beautiful way. Notable in this area was a burning town I really liked watching, horrid as it may sound. :)
The campaign was balanced properly, there are several ways to solve certain problems and there are numerous occasions where it is possible to lose the scenario. Confronting some guerrila warriors left me on my last hitpoint, and the final assault on the mafia headquarters was also winnable, but barely.
Creative victory conditions and objectives were used, most impressive was the jotting down of the hero's notes and impressions in the Objectives window, simulation of rainfall and a wee little cut-scene that reminded me of a certain scenario I once designed... ;)
However, it was playability that was the most thrilling part of this mystery. Both those who enjoy a great plot (RPG, if you insist) and those who like a good battle will definately enjoy "The Detective's Apprentice".
I definately reccomend downloading this scenario, it's a gem. :) |
Tanneur99
Official Reviewer |
Posted on 02/25/04 @ 12:00 AM
Detective's Apprentice is a mix of a RPG-like puzzle and FF, a murder case to solve, based on the board game "Cluedo". It was the first Pick of the Week on March 28th 2001, now the blacksmith feature. You play James Herefield a clumsy detective's apprentice who lost his job and teams up with his best friend Hargreaves to start his own business, this is when the trouble starts.
PLAYABILITY: Whodunit, the question kept me busy throughout the scenario, a great puzzle, fun to solve a variety of side quests and good humour, the perfect game play experience. On the downside, there were some trigger-problems. At the other side of the river, a not activated area trigger should tell the next objective, it says to go to the capital and find Michael who should sell you some premises. In addition, at the end, in most cases no matter whom I clicked as my main suspect, and then clicked the pavilion, I won and the murderer revealed. 4-
BALANCE: This was well above average, perfect for this RPG-type scenario. I had the obligatory number of reloads, used micromanagement, rethought strategy and gathered clues, a challenge for expert players. 5
CREATIVITY: Detective's Apprentice is original, creative idea, the first murder case puzzle at the blacksmith. Creative victory conditions, the multiple choices and a great taxi ride. The first appearance of the famous rain trick by The Pyromaniac, based on Rasher's template and by itself worth a five. 5+
MAP DESIGN: The design is above average with elevations, good use of cliffs, map copy features and the burning city was well done. Overall, the map design did not convince me. Clustered city/villages, an unrealistic mix of palm, oak, bamboo and pine replaced the lack of terrain mix as 'eye-candy' and Marlins and sea rocks in a moat are another misinterpretation of eye-candy features. The map was too green; mind you, that original AoK has grass/dirt 1, 2, 3 and leaves. 4
STORY/INSTRUCTIONS: The scenario starts with a well themed bmp; the humorous introduction brings you into the interesting story, which develops in game. A good job on this detective story and I wished there were more scenarios of this kind. I liked the objective window with the notes of James Herefield, the objectives are clear and the player gets enough hints. 5
OVERALL: Detective's Apprentice is unique, well balanced and highly creative.
OBSERVATION: The scenario includes a B-side, a B&D called “Cliff Hideout”. It is fun to play, a decent map, and a good balance against three enemies on the map with standard victory conditions.
SUGGESTIONS: You can edit the scenario. Trigger "Choice El Cid", place a new effect, effect list 'activate trigger', trigger list 'Pavilion El Cid'. Trigger "Pavilion El Cid" change effect 1 from trigger list 'victory' to 'defeat'. Trigger "Choice John the thief", place a new effect, effect list 'activate trigger', trigger list 'Pavilion John the thief'. Trigger "Pavilion John the thief" change starting state from 'on' to 'off'. Under Scene 4, Act 1, trigger "asparagus" change starting state from 'off' to 'on'. Save as The Detective's Apprentice v1.1.
IN CLOSING: Download this scenario, I also recommend the sequel campaign ID 726 The Detective's Apprentice 2, by AoK Dragon (The Pyromaniac). |
HGDL v0.8.2 |
Rating |
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4.6 | Breakdown |
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Playability | 4.5 | Balance | 5.0 | Creativity | 5.0 | Map Design | 4.0 | Story/Instructions | 4.5 |
Statistics |
Downloads: | 5,010 |
Favorites: [] | 1 |
Size: | 635.39 KB |
Added: | 08/17/00 |
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