 H A L 's Shadow
 ============
 
 
 AUTHOR:  joshcomm1 (Jon C. Randall)
 E-MAIL:  joshcomm@earthlink.net
 ICQ:     81658469
 MAP NAME: H A L 's Shadow
 PRI MAP TYPE: Metal
 SEC MAP TYPE: Water
 SIZE OF MAP: 1.74mb unzipped, 2.3mb zipped, 128mb, 56x56 Epic Map
 MAX NO. PLAYERS: 10
 TESTED: Yes
 TOOLS USED: Annihilator 1.6 beta, HPI View, HPI Pack, AIProfiler 2.5a, Paint Plus Pro 7.0, Notepad.
 REQUIRED FILES: TA:CC, Oxianims_1.HPI, Creon Feature Files, TA:K Feature for TA 

 (you can get from TAMEC - Their Utilities Section @ http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~tamec/Utilities/TA/Utilities/Features.htm).

 If you load this battle map and get a "Missing File" message, it is probably because you don't have all these and others installed in your C:\Cavedog\Totala system.  You need to then make a raid at TAMEC and download what you need.  It is NOT because I forgot to put something in there, but YOU not having the all the right files in your system.  I use a LOT of different tile sets in creating my battle maps.  I suggest you get everything they have there.  It will help you to become more creative in creating good, quality battle maps, like this one you now have.

 If perhaps you get a missing or corrupted Vera.lamp file message, reinstall your "TA:K Features for TA," and that should clear up the problem.

 You'll also need Tamechpi2000.hpi, TAMEChpi2000b.hpi (and those files I have included with this battle map under "TOTALA.exe" and "AI.exe").
 ============

 "To observe the subtle things, and be able to laugh, marks a good Commander."

 MAP TOPOGRAPHY:
 ============
 This battle map has a moderate variable winds, and many thermal vents for war.  Because of the massive number of thermal vents on this epic battle map, the northern 1/8 area (top of battle map) may not "steam," but they do work.  Go ahead and build on them for energy.  I have noticed on some of my other large battle maps that this has occurred on them as well, those with large number of thermal vents.

 Incredible detail has gone into the creation of it.  For example, meticulous use of the "void height" tool has been used on the platform, seawall, and track facings.  They are forced to use the ramps.  Everything on this battlemap has been gone over and re-checked for accuracy and quality.  There is a lot of diversity in it, enjoy what you see and experience.

 Since I had to modify the ramps for hovers (they are finicky), don't be surprised to see some units standing knee deep in water at these shallow water boat ramps, or some construction units build on the shallow ramp.  They are akin to the Archipelago tiles that have the same thing.

 This battle map is used in both Multiplayer and in Skirmish Mode.  Has a higher gravity level.  You can have any type of battle option available to you on this battle map, whether it be naval, air, or land battles.  Everyone can have a full and complete base to operate out of.  This is a battle map you can thoroughly enjoy for learning the strategic and fine art of war.  You are challenged for logistics, supplies, planning, and skillful combat.  It was designed for the classic and full scale game of warfare.
  
 COMBINATION TILE SETS USED:
 ============

 I do not believe that Total Annihilation has reached its fullness or its greatest potential as of yet.  I know it's a bold statement, but I believe my analysis is correct.  I think, with what you are about to see, is one additional step up to the TA Community.  Hopefully, this will encourage them to do more, and create more, for all to enjoy.  For an example, this features C_A_P's new, highly exceptional quality, never released and unpublished "MC_MetalWorld_Water.hpi".

 You can obtain these outstanding creations by C_A_P for the following:

Water sections for the MetalWorld tileset:

http://www.fileplanet.com/dl/dl.asp?planetannihilation/mercilesscreations/ta /mc_metalworld_water.zip

or at: http://www.joshcomm.com/map_patch/MC_MetalWorld_Water.hpi

MetalWorld Tileset:

http://www.fileplanet.com/dl/dl.asp?planetannihilation/mercilesscreations/ta /metalworld.zip

or at: http://www.joshcomm.com/map_patch/MC_MetalWorld.ccx

"Sample" Map: Crosslink 8x8 1-vs-1 by C_A_P to show use of the Water tiles:

http://www.fileplanet.com/dl/dl.asp?planetannihilation/mercilesscreations/ta /crosslink.zip

 From C_A_P:

"Here are some links ...feel free to distribute them to whoever might want
them.... As always, with the metal tiles ...every edge MUST be
voided...otherwise units will be able to climb up the 'walls' and
stuff...."

 C_A_P states that the sea level must be set to "0" in his zip file.  You can't do water battles if you use that setting, but is good for land based (black first level) battle maps.  If you want to make a naval map, then go with 55' sea level (as on this one), and adjust heights according on other tiles used.

 I have included C_A_P's "MC_MetalWorldAnims.ccx" in the "TOTALA.exe" package listed below and included in this .zip file.

 C_A_P has set a standard showing that if you create quality tile sets, you can have a quality battle map with them.  He, along with Datanut (and a few others), have created outstanding tiles for use by the TA Community for creating quality pieces if the time and patience is used to do so.  I'm grateful to C_A_P, Datanut, and the others for giving us map creators the tools to use, so you in the TA Community can enjoy what we present.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 ============

 For starts, I suggest you open with two players and look around in game play, just to see the poetry in motion, especially at sea side.  Then, if you have a good system (384mb ram and 500mhz or better), go with 9 computer ai's.  For those with slower systems, perhaps go with 4 or 6 computer ai's in Skirmish Mode.  For a special treat, go "Permament View," and if you want a long game, go non-nuclear.  Check out the strategic value of this battle map, and keep an eye on the radar screen.  Even if your system lags a bit, go ahead and play, and watch the intricate beauty of war as you attack a base, watching what you do in slower motion.  See the unique and subtle themes placed throughout.

 This was designed for Multiplay Mode, and for future, advanced, faster computer systems as well.  It is strategically balanced and enhanced.

 Start Positions are as follows:

	1    5    9    3
	8              7
	4    10   6    2

 Also, meet H A L, who moniters H A L 's Shadow.  H A L is a true triadic AI, with a mind of its own.  It is a non-cheating AI for Cavedog Units only.  The "H A L - Multiversal War AI" is Hard And Lethal.  It is very methodical and progressive.  You will see what Chris Taylor meant in his quote: "I dream about throwing hundreds of units into battle.  Crashing smoldering hulks of metal, explosions, mayhem, and victory!"  Go ahead and "flash rush."  See what happens.  You better have a tight defensive posture.

 Ever notice how the Commanders or units get confused, or have problems with where to go?  I have installed some special markings as aids (especially for Core Units and Commander), for their benefit on this battle map to help them out.  It is A.D.A compliant.

 Four bases have "Class 1" Airpads.  Four Bases have "Class 2" Airpads.  Two Bases have "Class 3" Airpads.  Look very closely at them to see the distinctive difference.  You'll be surprised as to the detail involved, and is Government Sanctioned.

 You must have "Oxianims_1.HPI" in your Totala file.  If you don't have, you can access it from TAMEC, or download from my site at the following URL:

http://www.joshcomm.com/map_patch/Oxianims_1.HPI

It is not in .zip format, but the straight file.  Make sure you have the Creon Features and TA-TAK Features (also at TAMEC).

 1.  Put "H A L 's Shadow.ufo" into your C:\Cavedog\Totala file:

 2.  Execute the "AI.zip" and extract to your C:\Cavedog\Totala\AI file the following AI's:

H A L - Multiversal War AI.txt
AiLaHo Advanced AI.txt
Naval Air AI_v2b.txt

These are for the Hard/Network1 - Medium - and Easy settings in Skirmish Mode.

 3.  Execute the "TOTALA.zip" and extract to your C:\Cavedog\Totala the following files:

Swi_Nuke.ufo
MC_Graveyard.ccx
MC_MetalWorldAnims.ccx

 I do recommend you get the 500 unit patch at TAMEC, and the 5k patch.  One note concerning the 5k patch, when installed, do click on the "patch.bat" found in your your C:\Cavedog\Totala directory.  I have discovered the the 500 unit patch works well with the NO CD program (found at TAMEC), but the 5k patch does require you to use the Total Annihilation CD for use.  You will push the limits of the 500 unit patch to annihilate your opponents.  The 5k patch with 5000 units is for exceptionally fast systems. 

 You must have, in your C:\Cavedog\Totala directory, either The Core Contingency or Battle Tactics expansion packs installed in order to use this battle map.

 Final Note and piece of advice.   Be aware of subtle booby traps.  They can be devastating.  Enjoy both H A L, and H A L 's Shadow.

 joshcomm1

 ============
  Some Staff Positions held:

 Staff - TA-Power 
http://www.planetannihilation.com/tapower/index.htm
 Map and AI creations.

 Staff - TAMEC 
http://www.tamec.net
 Team Manager and Senior Map Reviewer
 Map and AI creations.

 ============

   CONTACT INFORMATION:

 ============

  Mail to joshcomm1 (Jon C. Randall):
joshcomm@earthlink.net

  joshcomm1's Main Total Annihilation Web Section:     http://www.joshcomm.com/subhtml/totalanni.html

  To get more quality Battle Maps & AI downloads by joshcomm1:      http://www.joshcomm.com/subhtml/totalanni7.html

  Main Website:
http://www.joshcomm.com