Topic: Taldren Appreciation Thread (Read 9402 times)

FPF_TraceyG · « **on:** February 07, 2003, 05:07:40 am »

Hello everyone,
I'd just like to say that for some weeks now, I've been giving myself a crash course in mission scripting for SFC2 (which is going quite well by the way). More importantly though, I have come to appreciate just how much of a gargantuan effort it has been to write a computer program that does everything that any of the SFC series games do. Taking a board game like Star Fleet Battles in all of its complexity and doing your best to recreate that on your desktops is no trivial effort.
Anyone familiar with Object Oriented Programming and has had a look at the Taldren API for either SFC2 or SFC3 will know what I mean. There is a huge amount of coding that has been done here just to set things up in order to even approach any of the things that might be expected from a SFC game.
Furthermore, the sheer complexity of the source code (which the API gives you some insight into) shows that undertaking such a task was not taken lightly and many man hours have been invested into its creation. Despite the criticisms you may read about on these boards, the coding foundation that Taldren have created is very solid and works. I can't help but think that for some of the criticism I have read here, it reminds me of someone buying a brand new car and looking it over. Yes, it has a nice big engine, ergonomically designed interior, state of the art sound system, etc. but wait.. the car seat covers are the wrong color... its a piece of crap.
I take my hat off to the programmers at Taldren for all the blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights away from loved ones that have been spent in creating what in my opinion is 'the' best Star Trek game to hit the market, if not the best game of its genre. The dedicated following (us, the players) it has, is testament to that and in a way, if this game didn't have the appeal it does, we wouldn't bother making any comments, good or bad about it.

P.S. I'm having quite a lot of fun with all the goodies in the mission scripting API <snicker>...

Thankyou Taldren.

KRolling · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2003, 06:49:03 am »

Yes, Tracey, it's about time someone explained all of that from the inside.

Thank you, Taldren!

James Bond · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2003, 07:02:57 am »

Yes I think Taldren have taken enough stick over these past few weeks, especially from people from certain other boards who don't even own or play the game.

Thanks Taldren.

I hope you get all the bugs sorted, I can't play the game just now untill I can get a new CD Rom.

NJAntman · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2003, 10:16:59 am »

Well put. Its good to see a positive amongst all our complaints.

I nominate Greenough MWR Officer

. Any seconding motion?

NCC2012 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2003, 11:02:08 am »

As a person who has frequented these forums for a while now, I've always been pro-Taldren when it came down to the arguments against them. Yeah, we'd all like to have a game that works perfectly right out of the box, but they don't make Atari 2600 games anymore.

It's not like David and Erik and the others are sitting around saying, "Okay, how can we purposely screw up this time to piss off our best customers?" Stuff happens that isn't always foreseen, plus you're bound by contacts and such that just make things all the more complicated for a team trying to put out the best they can under the circumstances. I think they have done a tremendous job and should be commended, not blasted apart whenever someone finds a fault with their work. Sometimes people just have to remember to be civilized, I guess.

I had my own 12th annual Trek party just last weekend. For 10 years the gang engaged in combat using the FASA Starship Tactical Combat Simulator. Then last year we took a giant step and got a network up to play OP. This year it was SFC3. We hardly ran into any bugs at all (for 6 different peoples' systems, I'd say that was pretty good!), and people were so impressed that they commented that they never care to go back to the FASA game again after the enjoyment they had with SFC3. That says a lot about Taldren and what they have given us. From everyone at the party, thanks Taldren!

LongTooth · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2003, 12:05:37 pm »

Hats off to taldren for SFC1,2'OP and 3

Komodo · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2003, 12:48:04 pm »

Here here!

It's made the last 3 years of my life interesting, educational, and has allowed me to meet many people I wouldn't have otherwise. Thanks!!!!

DiggityDank · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2003, 12:50:33 pm »

Karnak · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2003, 02:38:35 pm »

Being a professional software developer myself, I know a few programmers that work in the S/W gaming industry. It can be a very risky enterprise filled with long hours of programming toil, tight deadlines, and no sure way of knowing if your company will survive the next game release. Sometimes, the tight deadline requires a early release of the game because that is the reality of the gaming industry, today.

I could say a lot of nice things mixed in with some constructive criticism to Taldren, but I will probably say what they most want to hear:

I bought SFC2:EAW and SFC3 and I am a happy customer (ie. I will buy the next SFC title produced for the series, and I am still interested enough in your Co. to monitor these forums).

If I was not a happy customer, I would never have seen this post because I would not have been monitoring the Taldren forums.

BTW, since the forums have moved into the era of signature file poster ADs here one for everyone that sincerely appreciates Taldren for the S/W products they produced, with which we would not all be conversing on this forum:

Thanks Taldren for a Great Game.

If you feel the same sentiments, feel free to post in your signature file.

ChamadaIV · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2003, 03:13:21 pm »

Quote:

Being a professional software developer myself, I know a few programmers that work in the S/W gaming industry. It can be a very risky enterprise filled with long hours of programming toil, tight deadlines, and no sure way of knowing if your company will survive the next game release. Sometimes, the tight deadline requires a early release of the game because that is the reality of the gaming industry, today.

I used to live in Tempe, AZ none too long ago near the now defunct Cinematix buliding on Mill Ave. (makers of the PC game Revenant). Their fall was an all too common example of the uncertainty that exists in the game industry. Some of the people I met from there had bright minds and amazing creative talents. Sadly, lack of funding brought them down. Regrettable since they had two more upcoming, very original and promising PC games in the works...

Quote:

I bought SFC2:EAW and SFC3 and I am a happy customer (ie. I will buy the next SFC title produced for the series, and I am still interested enough in your Co. to monitor these forums).

If I was not a happy customer, I would never have seen this post because I would not have been monitoring the Taldren forums.

Ditto on that for me. I wished I had picked up SFC1 went it was out but was uncertain at that time. But since EAW, I too have been happy ever since. Great job Taldren! We're behind you all the way!

P.S. On a side note, speculation leads me to believe that Taldren had no choice to jump ship over to Activision since Interplay (now under ownership of Titus of France) was unwilling to publish another SFC due to financial problems. The same reason goes for why Bioware jumped ship to Infogrames/Atari becasue Interplay couldn't publish Neverwinter Nights....

Karnak · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2003, 04:52:49 pm »

Mentat Jon · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2003, 09:14:28 pm »

hey,wait women play trek games! ?

Hey il Liked the game!!

Dash Jones · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2003, 04:19:39 am »

WOW! cool picture...

I'm male...I'm stupid...sorry.

Anyways, on topic. Love the Taldren Games. They rank as my favorite games ever currently.

KATChuutRitt · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2003, 09:21:02 am »

While I do object to the non-reinstatement of certain individuals to the Taldren forums, I do not see this as preventing me from giving Taldren a big thumbs up for SFC II, which I have enjoyed more than any other computer game ever.

So in this particular respect, a big thumbs up to Taldren.

I'd also like to add an additional thumbs up to the non-Taldren script writers and admins and modelers who have gone even further in making this game even better.

wilfbrim · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2003, 03:01:07 am »

I have all of the games, but OP (as I have yet to ever finish SFC2 or 3, meaning my game time is very short, and thus valuable). I have enjoyed all of them, and never felt they were less than well executed endeavors. There are some games I have that have gone to the bit heap, Klingon Academy (which promised so much but irrtated me in the first scenario when I kept ketting kicked back the Kangs office and dismissed, and I could never find out why)being the cornerstone of the pile......

Taldren, keep it up guys! I have faith that any of your SFC products will be playable, enjoyable, fun, and worth the investment, and I do play them for years at a time (along with, yes, Wing Commander Prophecy!).

Scipio_66 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2003, 03:16:07 am »

It absolutely amazes me that two years later I still spend so much time playing and/or working on dyna campaigns for SFCII: EAW. I guess it shouldn't amaze me, however, as it was a great basis for a game and Taldren did a great job of making it come to life for us.

Yes, SFC3 leaves me cold. But it doesn't leave me cold about Taldren. Because I enjoy EAW so much, any game from Taldren will always get a close look from me. (And GAW will get my cash

) Nice job guys. Well done. I'm sure I'll always be pro-Taldren.

-S'Cipio

Daew Anahos · « **Reply #18 on:** February 10, 2003, 05:25:42 am »

Thanks for starting a positive thread. Tracey!

Three cheers to Taldren!

I'll never forget seeing Starfleet Command being adverstisted in Star Trek: Communicator and flipping out!

As already said, taking all those forty billion rules and translating them to a fantastic game, awesome!

Thanks for SFC 1, EAW, OP & 3!

Here's hoping for SFC3 expansions and GAW!

Lono · « **Reply #19 on:** February 10, 2003, 11:07:26 am »

Taldren - you rock !!!

Thanks for years of awesome, involving, gaming and here's to many more to come !!

Mucho gracias seniors !

- Lono

Alexander1701 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2003, 11:58:29 pm »

I also like taldren. They make, in my oppinion, the best games out there.

Alexander

Tao · « **Reply #21 on:** February 13, 2003, 12:58:34 am »

I'll add to this, I agree that this is the best game I've ever had. It was exactly what I wanted all the years playing SFB.(a computerized version) I do appreciate the effort they've put into the fixes as well. I've never heard of or seen a program of any sort that didn't have bugs, so I don't even think that's so bad. It's very easy to be negative about things, but you all have done a great job here.

Arcilte · « **Reply #22 on:** February 13, 2003, 01:04:54 am »

I love Taldren... Can't wait to play Black 9.

Alexander1701 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 19, 2003, 12:41:40 am »

One small bumb for a gamer,
One giant leap for gamer-kind

Alexander

Tulmahk · « **Reply #24 on:** February 19, 2003, 02:36:23 am »

I appreciate Taldren! They are a fine company.

And once the Tal Shiar roots out their Anti-Romulan Department once and for all, they'll be perfect!

DONOTDELETE · « **Reply #25 on:** February 19, 2003, 01:31:54 pm »

StarFleet Command II....50 dollars

MicroSoft sidewinder controller...50 dollars

SFC2 strategy guide.....20 dollars

Watching Jinn hit an asteroid....priceless

J'inn · « **Reply #26 on:** February 19, 2003, 02:17:00 pm »

Quote:

StarFleet Command II....50 dollars

MicroSoft sidewinder controller...50 dollars

SFC2 strategy guide.....20 dollars

Watching Jinn hit an asteroid....priceless

GRRRRRRRRRRRR!

It's priceless because it's so rare that it's never been seen. In fact it's never happened.

It's all an urban legend I tell ya!

Now, just a few days ago however it almost happened. I was in a GSA match with several guys. That darn Mog being one of them. I was flying a Hydran CHC. (There are several state laws against me flying a Hydran ship so don't tell)

Well . . . . .

I grossly overestimated the turning ability of that tank. I got to range .7 or so before the emergency stop took hold. Man was I scared.

Not of hittting the rock mind you. Just of the fact that I knew that within moments 8x10 glossys of me hitting the rock would be posted all over the forums. I know Mog had already started hitting F12 like mad given the way the screen was jumping. I'd never live it down.

To date no one has ever seen me hit a rock (and lived to talk about it).

Primus2003 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 19, 2003, 04:07:38 pm »

Thank you Taldren for the hours of entertainment you have given FOr the fines games that you have produced in the past . For taking care of them as well as games of the present with the patches. As to the future we look forward to your new games and VERY much hope for a GAW one day. Though perhaps a break might be a good idea. Especially given what had happened. That way it will hopefully allow you the time to relax, recharge your creative energies and more improtantly, become your own publisher/be the next blizzard we hope. It would also allow you to make the game that so many look forward to Galaxies at War. Thanks for a job well done and for doing what is right and having people like EriK who must have been a diplomat in a past life. To the future Taldren,w e wish you the best.

FPF_TraceyG · « **Reply #28 on:** February 07, 2003, 05:07:40 am »

Hello everyone,
I'd just like to say that for some weeks now, I've been giving myself a crash course in mission scripting for SFC2 (which is going quite well by the way). More importantly though, I have come to appreciate just how much of a gargantuan effort it has been to write a computer program that does everything that any of the SFC series games do. Taking a board game like Star Fleet Battles in all of its complexity and doing your best to recreate that on your desktops is no trivial effort.
Anyone familiar with Object Oriented Programming and has had a look at the Taldren API for either SFC2 or SFC3 will know what I mean. There is a huge amount of coding that has been done here just to set things up in order to even approach any of the things that might be expected from a SFC game.
Furthermore, the sheer complexity of the source code (which the API gives you some insight into) shows that undertaking such a task was not taken lightly and many man hours have been invested into its creation. Despite the criticisms you may read about on these boards, the coding foundation that Taldren have created is very solid and works. I can't help but think that for some of the criticism I have read here, it reminds me of someone buying a brand new car and looking it over. Yes, it has a nice big engine, ergonomically designed interior, state of the art sound system, etc. but wait.. the car seat covers are the wrong color... its a piece of crap.
I take my hat off to the programmers at Taldren for all the blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights away from loved ones that have been spent in creating what in my opinion is 'the' best Star Trek game to hit the market, if not the best game of its genre. The dedicated following (us, the players) it has, is testament to that and in a way, if this game didn't have the appeal it does, we wouldn't bother making any comments, good or bad about it.

P.S. I'm having quite a lot of fun with all the goodies in the mission scripting API <snicker>...

Thankyou Taldren.

KRolling · « **Reply #29 on:** February 07, 2003, 06:49:03 am »

Yes, Tracey, it's about time someone explained all of that from the inside.

Thank you, Taldren!

James Bond · « **Reply #30 on:** February 07, 2003, 07:02:57 am »

Yes I think Taldren have taken enough stick over these past few weeks, especially from people from certain other boards who don't even own or play the game.

Thanks Taldren.

I hope you get all the bugs sorted, I can't play the game just now untill I can get a new CD Rom.

NJAntman · « **Reply #31 on:** February 07, 2003, 10:16:59 am »

Well put. Its good to see a positive amongst all our complaints.

I nominate Greenough MWR Officer

. Any seconding motion?

NCC2012 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 07, 2003, 11:02:08 am »

As a person who has frequented these forums for a while now, I've always been pro-Taldren when it came down to the arguments against them. Yeah, we'd all like to have a game that works perfectly right out of the box, but they don't make Atari 2600 games anymore.

It's not like David and Erik and the others are sitting around saying, "Okay, how can we purposely screw up this time to piss off our best customers?" Stuff happens that isn't always foreseen, plus you're bound by contacts and such that just make things all the more complicated for a team trying to put out the best they can under the circumstances. I think they have done a tremendous job and should be commended, not blasted apart whenever someone finds a fault with their work. Sometimes people just have to remember to be civilized, I guess.

I had my own 12th annual Trek party just last weekend. For 10 years the gang engaged in combat using the FASA Starship Tactical Combat Simulator. Then last year we took a giant step and got a network up to play OP. This year it was SFC3. We hardly ran into any bugs at all (for 6 different peoples' systems, I'd say that was pretty good!), and people were so impressed that they commented that they never care to go back to the FASA game again after the enjoyment they had with SFC3. That says a lot about Taldren and what they have given us. From everyone at the party, thanks Taldren!

LongTooth · « **Reply #33 on:** February 07, 2003, 12:05:37 pm »

Hats off to taldren for SFC1,2'OP and 3

Komodo · « **Reply #34 on:** February 07, 2003, 12:48:04 pm »

Here here!

It's made the last 3 years of my life interesting, educational, and has allowed me to meet many people I wouldn't have otherwise. Thanks!!!!

DiggityDank · « **Reply #35 on:** February 07, 2003, 12:50:33 pm »

Karnak · « **Reply #36 on:** February 07, 2003, 02:38:35 pm »

Being a professional software developer myself, I know a few programmers that work in the S/W gaming industry. It can be a very risky enterprise filled with long hours of programming toil, tight deadlines, and no sure way of knowing if your company will survive the next game release. Sometimes, the tight deadline requires a early release of the game because that is the reality of the gaming industry, today.

I could say a lot of nice things mixed in with some constructive criticism to Taldren, but I will probably say what they most want to hear:

I bought SFC2:EAW and SFC3 and I am a happy customer (ie. I will buy the next SFC title produced for the series, and I am still interested enough in your Co. to monitor these forums).

If I was not a happy customer, I would never have seen this post because I would not have been monitoring the Taldren forums.

BTW, since the forums have moved into the era of signature file poster ADs here one for everyone that sincerely appreciates Taldren for the S/W products they produced, with which we would not all be conversing on this forum:

Thanks Taldren for a Great Game.

If you feel the same sentiments, feel free to post in your signature file.

Karnak · « **Reply #38 on:** February 07, 2003, 04:52:49 pm »

Mentat Jon · « **Reply #39 on:** February 07, 2003, 09:14:28 pm »

hey,wait women play trek games! ?

Hey il Liked the game!!

Dash Jones · « **Reply #40 on:** February 08, 2003, 04:19:39 am »

WOW! cool picture...

I'm male...I'm stupid...sorry.

Anyways, on topic. Love the Taldren Games. They rank as my favorite games ever currently.

KATChuutRitt · « **Reply #42 on:** February 08, 2003, 09:21:02 am »

While I do object to the non-reinstatement of certain individuals to the Taldren forums, I do not see this as preventing me from giving Taldren a big thumbs up for SFC II, which I have enjoyed more than any other computer game ever.

So in this particular respect, a big thumbs up to Taldren.

I'd also like to add an additional thumbs up to the non-Taldren script writers and admins and modelers who have gone even further in making this game even better.

wilfbrim · « **Reply #44 on:** February 10, 2003, 03:01:07 am »

I have all of the games, but OP (as I have yet to ever finish SFC2 or 3, meaning my game time is very short, and thus valuable). I have enjoyed all of them, and never felt they were less than well executed endeavors. There are some games I have that have gone to the bit heap, Klingon Academy (which promised so much but irrtated me in the first scenario when I kept ketting kicked back the Kangs office and dismissed, and I could never find out why)being the cornerstone of the pile......

Taldren, keep it up guys! I have faith that any of your SFC products will be playable, enjoyable, fun, and worth the investment, and I do play them for years at a time (along with, yes, Wing Commander Prophecy!).

Scipio_66 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 10, 2003, 03:16:07 am »

It absolutely amazes me that two years later I still spend so much time playing and/or working on dyna campaigns for SFCII: EAW. I guess it shouldn't amaze me, however, as it was a great basis for a game and Taldren did a great job of making it come to life for us.

Yes, SFC3 leaves me cold. But it doesn't leave me cold about Taldren. Because I enjoy EAW so much, any game from Taldren will always get a close look from me. (And GAW will get my cash

) Nice job guys. Well done. I'm sure I'll always be pro-Taldren.

-S'Cipio

Daew Anahos · « **Reply #46 on:** February 10, 2003, 05:25:42 am »

Thanks for starting a positive thread. Tracey!

Three cheers to Taldren!

I'll never forget seeing Starfleet Command being adverstisted in Star Trek: Communicator and flipping out!

As already said, taking all those forty billion rules and translating them to a fantastic game, awesome!

Thanks for SFC 1, EAW, OP & 3!

Here's hoping for SFC3 expansions and GAW!

Lono · « **Reply #47 on:** February 10, 2003, 11:07:26 am »

Taldren - you rock !!!

Thanks for years of awesome, involving, gaming and here's to many more to come !!

Mucho gracias seniors !

- Lono

Alexander1701 · « **Reply #48 on:** February 12, 2003, 11:58:29 pm »

I also like taldren. They make, in my oppinion, the best games out there.

Alexander

Tao · « **Reply #49 on:** February 13, 2003, 12:58:34 am »

I'll add to this, I agree that this is the best game I've ever had. It was exactly what I wanted all the years playing SFB.(a computerized version) I do appreciate the effort they've put into the fixes as well. I've never heard of or seen a program of any sort that didn't have bugs, so I don't even think that's so bad. It's very easy to be negative about things, but you all have done a great job here.

Arcilte · « **Reply #50 on:** February 13, 2003, 01:04:54 am »

I love Taldren... Can't wait to play Black 9.

Alexander1701 · « **Reply #51 on:** February 19, 2003, 12:41:40 am »

One small bumb for a gamer,
One giant leap for gamer-kind

Alexander

Tulmahk · « **Reply #52 on:** February 19, 2003, 02:36:23 am »

I appreciate Taldren! They are a fine company.

And once the Tal Shiar roots out their Anti-Romulan Department once and for all, they'll be perfect!

DONOTDELETE · « **Reply #53 on:** February 19, 2003, 01:31:54 pm »

StarFleet Command II....50 dollars

MicroSoft sidewinder controller...50 dollars

SFC2 strategy guide.....20 dollars

Watching Jinn hit an asteroid....priceless

J'inn · « **Reply #54 on:** February 19, 2003, 02:17:00 pm »

Quote:

StarFleet Command II....50 dollars

MicroSoft sidewinder controller...50 dollars

SFC2 strategy guide.....20 dollars

Watching Jinn hit an asteroid....priceless

GRRRRRRRRRRRR!

It's priceless because it's so rare that it's never been seen. In fact it's never happened.

It's all an urban legend I tell ya!

Now, just a few days ago however it almost happened. I was in a GSA match with several guys. That darn Mog being one of them. I was flying a Hydran CHC. (There are several state laws against me flying a Hydran ship so don't tell)

Well . . . . .

I grossly overestimated the turning ability of that tank. I got to range .7 or so before the emergency stop took hold. Man was I scared.

Not of hittting the rock mind you. Just of the fact that I knew that within moments 8x10 glossys of me hitting the rock would be posted all over the forums. I know Mog had already started hitting F12 like mad given the way the screen was jumping. I'd never live it down.

To date no one has ever seen me hit a rock (and lived to talk about it).

Primus2003 · « **Reply #55 on:** February 19, 2003, 04:07:38 pm »

Thank you Taldren for the hours of entertainment you have given FOr the fines games that you have produced in the past . For taking care of them as well as games of the present with the patches. As to the future we look forward to your new games and VERY much hope for a GAW one day. Though perhaps a break might be a good idea. Especially given what had happened. That way it will hopefully allow you the time to relax, recharge your creative energies and more improtantly, become your own publisher/be the next blizzard we hope. It would also allow you to make the game that so many look forward to Galaxies at War. Thanks for a job well done and for doing what is right and having people like EriK who must have been a diplomat in a past life. To the future Taldren,w e wish you the best.

News:

Topic: Taldren Appreciation Thread (Read 9402 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

FPF_TraceyG

KRolling

James Bond

NJAntman

NCC2012

LongTooth

Komodo

DiggityDank

Karnak

ChamadaIV

Karnak

Mentat Jon

Dash Jones

**DONOTDELETE**

KATChuutRitt

warsears

wilfbrim

Scipio_66

Daew Anahos

Lono

Alexander1701

Tao

Arcilte

Alexander1701

Tulmahk

**DONOTDELETE**

J'inn

Primus2003

FPF_TraceyG

KRolling

James Bond

NJAntman

NCC2012

LongTooth

Komodo

DiggityDank

Karnak

ChamadaIV

Karnak

Mentat Jon

Dash Jones

**DONOTDELETE**

KATChuutRitt

warsears

wilfbrim

Scipio_66

Daew Anahos

Lono

Alexander1701

Tao

Arcilte

Alexander1701

Tulmahk

**DONOTDELETE**

J'inn

Primus2003

Topic: Taldren Appreciation Thread (Read 9402 times)

DONOTDELETE

DONOTDELETE

DONOTDELETE

DONOTDELETE