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The creation of single player maps emerged at about the same time the creation of [[multiplayer]] maps did, although since back then people could only use the scripts the game came with in their maps and couldn't create their own, a good [[Single Player]] map was rare. Over the years, script edits have been released that allow us to create our own [[AI Script|AI scripts]] for our single player maps. Some of these programs include:
[[Image:Createsp.png|right|thumb|380px|Using Popedit to create SP level ]]
 
The creation of single player maps emerged at about the same time the creation of [[multiplayer]] maps did, although since back then people could only use the scripts the game came with in their maps and couldn't create their own, a good [[Single Player]] map was rare. Over the years, script edits have been released that allow us to create our own [[Tutorial:AI_Scripting|AI scripts]] for our single player maps. Some of these programs include:


*'''ALACN's Script Compiler / Decompiler'''
*'''ALACN's Script Compiler / Decompiler'''
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*'''Provide Objectives'''
*'''Provide Objectives'''


Just like in [[multiplayer]], [[Single Player]] maps should have more objectives other than to destroy your enemy. You should include [[Stone Heads]] and [[Vault of Knowledge]]s for more creative maps.
Just like in [[multiplayer]], [[Single Player]] maps should have more objectives other than to destroy your enemy. You should include [[Stone Head|Stone Heads]] and [[Vault of Knowledge]]s for more creative maps.


*'''Use a good script!'''
*'''Use a good script!'''
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The AI in these scripts will build and attack a bit.
The AI in these scripts will build and attack a bit.


These scripts are not suitable for a challenging level. Read the article below for a brief discussion on how to create good [[AI Script]]s for your [[Single Player]] maps.
These scripts are not suitable for a challenging level. Read the article below for a brief discussion on how to create good [[Tutorial:AI_Scripting|AI Script]]s for your [[Single Player]] maps.


==AI Scripts==
==AI Scripts==


If you want a good [[Single Player]] map, you need a good [[AI Script]] to go along with it. This can be achieved by using an AI scripter or simply creating one using notepad and compiling it with [[Script Compiler|ALACN's AI script compiler]].
If you want a good [[Single Player]] map, you need a good [[Tutorial:AI_Scripting|AI Script]] to go along with it. This can be achieved by using an AI scripter or simply creating one using notepad and compiling it with [[Script Compiler|ALACN's AI script compiler]].


Read this [http://www.seedwiki.com/wiki/populous_the_beginning_-/populous_the_beginning_-?wpid=254459/ site]. You will find all kinds of information about scripting put together by a player named Megafont. There are many tutorials around which give lots of information about scripting and if you are unsure about something feel free to ask about in the [http://populous.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/forums/ Populous: Reincarnated forums].
There are many tutorials around which give lots of information about scripting and if you are unsure about something feel free to ask about in the [http://popre.net/forum/ Populous: Reincarnated forums].


==Script Standards==
==Script Standards==


Your script must give a player a challenge. You should make it as human-like as possible, because if not, it will be easy to beat.
Your script must give a player a challenge. You should make it as human-like as possible, because if not, it will be easy to beat (usually). Try not to make your script so hard that it is impossible to beat.  
 
Try not to make your script ''too'' hard, though. If it's too hard then nobody will want to play the map because it will be impossible to beat. [[Populous: Age Of Chaos]] is a good example of this. King Warg and his team made the levels far too hard and King Warg even admitted that the levels were pretty tough, and they are. Don't make an [[Populous: Age Of Chaos]].


So here is a list of things you should have in your script.
So here is a list of things you should have in your script.


*If you have a level with [[boat]]s and/or [[balloon]s in it, make them use them.
*If you have a level with [[boat]]s and/or [[balloon]]s in it, make them use them. Avoid triggers that create vehicles, as they tend to cause bugs.


*Make the AI attack each other. Most people enjoy levels where the AI attack each other such as everyone fighting over the [[Stone Head]] in [[Middle Ground]] or the [[Dakini]] tribe killing off the [[Chumara]] tribe in [[An Easy Target]].
*Make the AI attack each other. Most people enjoy levels where the AI attack each other such as everyone fighting over the [[Stone Head]] in [[Middle Ground]] or the [[Dakini]] tribe killing off the [[Chumara]] tribe in [[An Easy Target]].
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*Timed levels are always fun. Objectives such as preying to a certain [[Stone Head]] or killing a certain amount of [[follower]]s or escaping from a [[prison]] all in a given amount of time will increase the excitment in the level.
*Timed levels are always fun. Objectives such as preying to a certain [[Stone Head]] or killing a certain amount of [[follower]]s or escaping from a [[prison]] all in a given amount of time will increase the excitment in the level.


Using these tips and the tutorial on Megafont's website, you should be able to create excellent AI scripts.
==Scripting Guides==
 
You can learn more about scripting in some of this threads:
 
https://wiki.popre.net/Tutorial:AI_Scripting
 
https://www.popre.net/forum/ai-scripting-guide-t11190s0.html
 
https://www.popre.net/forum/a-detailed-techniques-tutorial-for-making-a-sp-level-t6717.html
 
https://www.popre.net/forum/sulivan-s-pop3-modding-manual-t11203.html
 
Syntax Sites:
 
https://ts.popre.net/archive/Downloads/Docs/PopScript_Wiki_HTML_Help_File.htm
 
http://cdplayer.popre.net/resources/populous_scripthelp_1-10.htm
 
Populous Scripting 101 video(s) guide:


==Writers==
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdUEBtF3t3OMTZIJJcOYjhEulo9kX_yLo


This tutorial article was written by [[Suleiman|DakiniShaman]].


{{Nav_Tutorials}}
{{Nav_Tutorials}}


[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Modification]]
[[Category:Mods]]
[[Category:Scripting]]
[[Category:Mapping]]

Latest revision as of 20:14, 4 April 2020

Using Popedit to create SP level

The creation of single player maps emerged at about the same time the creation of multiplayer maps did, although since back then people could only use the scripts the game came with in their maps and couldn't create their own, a good Single Player map was rare. Over the years, script edits have been released that allow us to create our own AI scripts for our single player maps. Some of these programs include:

  • ALACN's Script Compiler / Decompiler
  • CD Player's Notetab librarys
  • Wildman Productions Script Editor
  • Nexus' Auto Scripter
  • Khickman's Syntax Coloured Text Editor
  • TedTycoon's Script Editor

Some talented people have been helping out with the community greatly and writing tutorials such as the ones you'll find in this article to help people who don't know how to create scripts get better at doing so.

Concepts

The concepts in making Single Player maps are alike in some ways and different in some ways from making multiplayer maps. Here is a list of things you should remember when making your Single Player map:

  • The maps don't have to be fair!

Unlike multiplayer maps, it's actually a good thing if Single Player maps aren't fair. Normally the player should have a big disadvantage to pose as a challenge.

You should have the AI start out with a set base. It makes the level harder because there are many ways you could rush the AI if they had to build a base. You should never give the player a full base unless it is set to be destoryed early similar to the start of From The Depths. Otherwise it would make the level far too easy and nobody would get a challenge out of it. You should also consider giving the player smaller land then the computer. It makes the map more challenging.

  • Provide Objectives

Just like in multiplayer, Single Player maps should have more objectives other than to destroy your enemy. You should include Stone Heads and Vault of Knowledges for more creative maps.

  • Use a good script!

If you want to test your map, you can use one of these scripts:

For Red, use script cpscr053.dat
For Yellow, use script cpscr054.dat
For Green, use script cpscr055.dat

The AI in these scripts will build and attack a bit.

These scripts are not suitable for a challenging level. Read the article below for a brief discussion on how to create good AI Scripts for your Single Player maps.

AI Scripts

If you want a good Single Player map, you need a good AI Script to go along with it. This can be achieved by using an AI scripter or simply creating one using notepad and compiling it with ALACN's AI script compiler.

There are many tutorials around which give lots of information about scripting and if you are unsure about something feel free to ask about in the Populous: Reincarnated forums.

Script Standards

Your script must give a player a challenge. You should make it as human-like as possible, because if not, it will be easy to beat (usually). Try not to make your script so hard that it is impossible to beat.

So here is a list of things you should have in your script.

  • If you have a level with boats and/or balloons in it, make them use them. Avoid triggers that create vehicles, as they tend to cause bugs.
  • Let the AI cheat. Give them spells the player doesn't have. Give them mana at the beginning of the game. Start them out with a nice base with a lot of followers and buildings. It makes the AI cooperate better and makes the level harder, too.
  • Some things that have to do with the player go in the script. Player doesn't start out with a Reincarnation Site? Goes in the script. Player gets one shot of lightning at the beginning of the game? In the script as well.
  • Timed levels are always fun. Objectives such as preying to a certain Stone Head or killing a certain amount of followers or escaping from a prison all in a given amount of time will increase the excitment in the level.

Scripting Guides

You can learn more about scripting in some of this threads:

https://wiki.popre.net/Tutorial:AI_Scripting

https://www.popre.net/forum/ai-scripting-guide-t11190s0.html

https://www.popre.net/forum/a-detailed-techniques-tutorial-for-making-a-sp-level-t6717.html

https://www.popre.net/forum/sulivan-s-pop3-modding-manual-t11203.html

Syntax Sites:

https://ts.popre.net/archive/Downloads/Docs/PopScript_Wiki_HTML_Help_File.htm

http://cdplayer.popre.net/resources/populous_scripthelp_1-10.htm

Populous Scripting 101 video(s) guide:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdUEBtF3t3OMTZIJJcOYjhEulo9kX_yLo


Tutorials
Matchmaker: MatchmakerEnabling BetaCoop vs AISubmitting MapsUltimate Populous Guide
Map Making: Creating a SP LevelCreating a MP LevelMaking a Map
AI Scripting: AI ScriptingCreating a SP Level
Mod Making: Sprite EditingTexture EditorTox Sprite Editor
Misc: Installing a CampaignSupport