 Arena Annihilare
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 AUTHOR:  joshcomm1 (Jon C. Randall)
 E-MAIL:  joshcomm@aol.com
 ICQ:     81658469
 MAP NAME: Arena Annihilare
 PRI MAP TYPE: Atlantis
 SEC MAP TYPE: Evergreen
 SIZE OF MAP: 14.09mb unzipped, 17.06mb zipped, 128mb, 25 x 25
 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, Atlantis Features Custom_01.hpi, EGAddon-Anims.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.

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

NOTE:  If your system can't handle "Self Executing WinZip Files," or are a MAC user, go to: http://www.joshcomm.com/For_MACS/Arena_for_MAC.zip
to download the MAC (standard) version of this map - then place files according to the "ReadMe" under the "EXECUTE LOCATIONS."}
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 "To survive, you have to think like, and be, a cunning, savage warrior."

 MAP TOPOGRAPHY:
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     This battle map has a moderate variable winds, and some thermal vents for war.  Excellent and detailed "ore pathing" has been done with good metal resources.  Has a higher gravity level, and very shallow ponds.  Incredible detail has gone into the creation of it.  For example, the deep woods consist of 17 kinds of trees, etc., and a whole lot more.  Meticulous use of the "void height" tool has been used on the cliff faces, to keep the integrity of your base somewhat intact from the little critters (acting like Darby's Rangers), from scaling the cliffs from behind to trash your base.  They are forced to use the ramps.  This battle map is used in both Multiplayer and in Skirmish Mode.
  
 COMBINATION TILE SETS USED:
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     Mainly Atlantis tiles and features on this battle map, along with Evergreen Tiles and features.  Many other features are also used.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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 "Notice Commander, the ARENA.  It is there you will do mortal combat.  Many corpses lie there overshadowed by the monument of war.  Over time, their corpses have become residue in the desert ARENA floor, becoming Metal Zones (Max) in that center area.  You may not know where to find them, but your opponents will. Do your best Commander, or perish like all those before you.  If you battle well, you will earn a place in the special graveyard reserved only for the elite, when you meet your final demise.  Learn well the message in this battle map, Commander.  Learn it well."
 
 This battle map, "Arena Annihilare," is unusual for the graphics, gameplay, and subtle things incorporated into it.  It has near flawless quality.  Strategically, it is supurb.  Gameplay is a blast.  Much credit goes to Datanut and C_A_P for creating some outstanding tiles and programs used in "Arena Annihilare."  Enjoy the war gaming you can have on this one, either in multiplay, or by yourself against your computer foes.

 "Arena Annihilare" has multiple elevations for you to battle on.  It is possible to find yourself in the desert, two different lowlands, the highland area, and of course, the ARENA itself.  There are ten start positions on this 25 x 25 battle map.

 "Arena Annihilare" has 4 levels of play (Easy, Medium, Hard, Network 1), each with their own AI and Start Positions.  Do have your initial settings for computer/human metal and energy set for 1000 only on all levels (both Skirmish Mode and Online)! (EASY="McnTerra," MEDIUM="Air Land_SH," HARD & NETWORK 1="AiLaHo Advanced AI").  

 Note: I created the "AiLaHo Advanced AI" specifically for this battle map, as it was designed for balanced wargaming, and can be used on any land based battle maps with good resources (should also work well on metal ones).  It is non-cheating, and for original Cavedog units only.
 
 If you go with 9 computer AI's against you, better makes sure you have a good system to run it.  You'll learn what "Advanced" means with this AI over time.

 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. 
                                        
 I do recommend, that if you play in Skirmish Mode, that you start with with all 10 players to get the full enhancement of the AI on the Hard setting, true sight, unmapped.  If you are real gutsy, ally all nine of the computer ai's against you (a mix of Arm/Core recommended).  I did design this also to be played in Multiplayer/Online with up to 10 players for one fantastic bloodbath of a land/air/hoover battle.

 I further recommend using WinZip to extract this "Arena Annihilare.zip" file (and remember where you extracted it to): saving the "Arena Annihilare.jpg" for viewing, "Arena Annihilare ReadMe.txt" to read, and this unique battlemap "Arena Annihilare.ufo" to be placed directly in your C:\Cavedog\Totala directory (use the WinZip Self Extractor "Arena Annihilare.exe").  

 Further, read fully the included "AI Readme.txt" and the "TOTALA ReadMe.txt" files, then execute the WinZip Self Extracting file: ("AiLaHo Advanced AI.exe"). Extract the contents of the TOTALA file into your C:\Cavedog\Totala directory.

 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.  You had better be building one step ahead of the AI to survive, and use good skills and cunning.

 joshcomm1

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  Some Staff Positions held:

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

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

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   CONTACT INFORMATION:

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  Mail to joshcomm1 (Jon C. Randall):
joshcomm@aol.com

 