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Stardraft 3.1 SE Alpha
This review is quite a bit different than Scum reviews, since this is a program. However, keep in mind that Stardraft is one of the reasons that this site is popular.
Installation:
Stardraft SE was a cinch to install. The new installshield wizard works well, and is easier to install than V3.0. Very quick, easy, and painless.
:-D
Execution:
Windows 98 or NT owners rejoice! You will finally get to enjoy the features of Stardraft. However, for the ones that already owned V3.0 there's absolutely nothing new for the patch loader, except the "SE" on the title screen. The CWAD manager, however, is quite a bit different. First, all *.dat files, instead of 8 separate plugins, are all handled by Arsenal II. Second, Camelot Systems has added graphics to the files, giving it a little flavor. Overall, the patch loader is the same, but also unfortunately still crashes the whole computer if any entries are invalid.
:-)
Plugins:
The plugin system in Stardraft SE is terrible. I hate to say this, since I love Stardraft, but it is. Installing Stardraft to d:\stardraft, I noticed that the files Arsenal was supposed to load wasn't loading. Looking at the plugin configuration, the path was set to G:\program files\stardraft\arsenal.exe. Hmmm. Adding a plugin (GRP converter) was pretty easy, but when I tried opening a grp file, the grp converter could not read the file. Hmmm.
I was disappointed with Arsenal. Very disappointed. First of all, It takes at least 7 seconds to load. 7 seconds doesn't seem like a long time, but actually it's almost as annoying as waiting for Netscape Communicator to load. Second, it automatically creates 10 dat files which isn't so bad, but did annoy some people; it becomes an issue when trying to combine CWADs, since no one knows which units.dat file Stardraft will load. Also, I noticed that Arsenal screwed up some default values for the marine. I don't think the marine has 25600 hps, and 0 sight and armor. This really scared me, and I'm afraid to edit any unit now. I noticed some cool sounding flags, but had no idea how to use them. Staredit availability? Sounds cool, but unfortunately, every single unit has the flag at 0. I'm afraid to edit that, too. Also, I received a complaint that stated that earlier versions of SCunit had spell editors. No such thing in Arsenal. Shame, Camelot, shame. You boys can do better than that.
:-(
Overall:
Stardraft SE is a must for 98/NT owners. I absolutely LOVE this program. However, this version is disappointing, even though Camelot Systems called it a "huge success." However, they have announced that they will release bugfixed versions soon. Until then, SD3 owners, SE is not worth the 2 meg download . . . yet.
:-I
Ratings:
(Note: These are weighted ratings)
INSTALLATION (*1) = 10
EXECUTION (*3) = 7
PLUGINS (*2) = 3
OVERALL (*6) = 6.2
-If you notice something in the program that could alter these ratings, email PK975 at
phk975@hotmail.com.
Product:
Stardraft 3.1 SE can be downloaded at
camelot.warzone.com,
homepage of King Arthur.
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