need guide for SMAC

sboog · March 14, 2001, 17:16

I have just gotten SMAC. There is no manual except something on the CD that I can not print out.

I have heard Vel's strategy guide is good. But when I tried to download v3 at some web site, it said it was his SMAX guide. I don't have Alien Crossfire. I want one for SMAC!

I need to learn the basics. Where should I start?

sboog

mark13 · March 14, 2001, 17:52

The one in the second thread down is a SMAC (no x) guide, if memory serves. Be warned though, it is a strategy guide, and not a manual on how the game actually works.

sboog · March 14, 2001, 19:11

Is it the v2? And if it is just a strategy guide, what do I do about the way the game itself works?

I sent $5 to Electronic Arts ( or what ever) because my install guide said they would send me the manual. So far I have heard nothing.

What would you do if you wanted to play, with no manual and no guide? What would you choose to help you out?

sboog

WhiteElephants · March 14, 2001, 20:47

There is quite a lot of info in Vel's strategy guide that, I think, would give you a sense of what's going on in the game. If you've played any Civ games before you shouldn't have too much trouble getting into the basics of the game. When playing the game and confronted with an option you don't understand you can always consult the Datalinks that is in one of option menus on the left hand side of the screen. I say fire it up and give it a go. The only thing that can be damaged is your pride when the AI runs you over.

It's been so long since I started playing I've forgotten what it's like to not know how to play and there are several folks around here who've been at this longer than me. Have fun.

sboog · March 14, 2001, 20:59

So which of Vel's guides should I download?

The other strategy games I have played are Age of Empires,1 and 2.

I have not played Civ.2.

Should I play Civ before embarking on SMAC?

mark13 · March 14, 2001, 21:29

Yeah, I second WE - just play the game, and anything you are curious about, consult the datalinks.

Version 2.0 of the guide is SMAC-only, but v3.0 can be applied to SMAC as well as SMACX. Basically, it's up to you - you can't go wrong with either of them, it is top-quality stuff....

PS - Don't worry about playing Civ2 - I hadn't played before I picked SMAC up, and it doesn't take too much learning.

knowhow2 · March 15, 2001, 06:26

quote:

Originally posted by WhiteElephants on 03-14-2001 07:47 PM

It's been so long since I started playing I've forgotten what it's like to not know how to play and there are several folks around here who've been at this longer than me. Have fun.

I also agree with WE, just start playin and it will all work out. The first levels is fairly easy.

And WE, I still

"know how to"

play the game from start and it's no harder than any other games just much more fun!

[This message has been edited by knowhow2 (edited March 15, 2001).]

Fitz · March 15, 2001, 18:43

I have a zipped file of V3.0 in word 97 format on my webpage, that I reformatted to cut down some space. I can't remember how many pages it is though. It's good for both SMAC and SMACX realistically.

Vels Strat Guide

sboog · March 16, 2001, 01:32

Thanks everyone. I will plan to download it from this forum and then put it on a zip disk.

Any idea how many printed pages it will be? I will be taking it to a friend for him to print out for me on his printer.

sboog

gwillybj · March 17, 2001, 12:32

sboog: How long have you been waiting? Stuff like that can take six to ten weeks

This is not the Player's Manual, but there is also Prima's Official Strategy Guide, which is essentially a combination, compilation, and reformatting of most of the information in all of the .txt files.
ISBN 0761515844 cover price 19.99. I got mine at a discount bookstore for 3.99

The sections are: Hints, Tips, Facts & Formulas; Strategies; Technologies; Base Facilities; Secret Projects; Units; Appendices.
Each section is further divided, giving the basic information and some hints and tips specific to each Tech, Facility, Project, and Unit, including chassis, weapons, equipment, armor, reactors, and special abilities. In the appendices are helps about customizing.
[This message has been edited by gwillybj (edited March 17, 2001).]

sboog · March 17, 2001, 15:10

To answer your question: I have been waiting about 4 weeks!!!!

I tried reading the manual that is on the disk. Since I don't have a printer, this is just a disaster for me.

sboog

RedFred · March 17, 2001, 19:41

You always have the option of coming here and posting your questions if you run into any difficulty. There are generally a bunch of players who will try to help you out.