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This Month's Review: Usurper V.0.13c
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<<<SIGH>>> Only February.. seems like April up here in Ottawa, Canada! All
the snow's melting and you can even see the grass in some places.. Of course,
whether or not this is going to last, is up to our top weather forecasters -
the groundhogs! And I'll make a prediction for the 2nd too! It's going to be
a short winter! That's what I say, and that's what the groundhog will say too!
And what if I'm wrong you say? Well, we'll address that when it comes time to
write an article for March's Door World release. Anyway.. Oh ya, as my 16th
Birthday has just passed as of the time you read this, I'd just like to
remind everyone that I *AM* a (so-called) licensed driver now! Therefore,
I advise everyone to stay off the roads unless it is an absolute emergency.
Otherwise, you run the risk of meeting me, and, well, things might happen, if
you catch my drift! Of course, you're not reading this article for my
autobiography, are you? NO! You're here to read all about Usurper! Well then,
read on!

Opening Comments:
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Usurper V.0.13c can be described very simply - a complex LORD. Usurper
succeeds in getting away from the "pound enter" game play LORD offers
(although not completely), and instead offers variety and more in-depth
game play. Usurper was also one of the first non-North American doors (it's
Swedish) to make a rather large impact on the door game industry. However,
fan support of Usurper seems to have leveled off over the past year or two,
and it's just another one in the crowd now, having lost it's brainless
players to LORD, and the skilled ones to Exitilus. The defections to LORD are
very sad in my perspective. After all, it's probably safe to say Usurper
offers four to five times more options and things to do then LORD. As for the
defections over to Exitilus, well, I can't comment on them at this time, as
my knowledge and experience with the game is currently quite limited. Either
way though, Usurper is a solid game and is destined to continue growing.

SysOp's Point Of View:
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Installing Usurper is fairly basic stuff, and any SysOps that's installed a
door before should have no problems with it. If you bring it write down to
the basics, it's simply setting up the configuration file, creating a batch
file, and, optionally, tinkering with the game settings. Usurper uses DDSETUP
- a small program created by Scott Baker (author of LOD) and Derrick
Parkhurst. This program seems to be catching on as I've seen it used in many
a door game lately. Anyway, what DDSETUP does is automatically create
"standard" control files for door game. Upon entry to the program, you'll
notice that it asks you all the basic information - SysOp's name, BBS Name,
comport, dropfile, etc. If your frightened by this program or something,
never fear. The CTL file it creates is all in plain text, so you can still use
your EDIT program and tinker with the file yourself. After that, you've got to
set up a batch file for Usurper. The docs give you exactly what you need to
put in it - both for multinode systems and single node ones. A fully listing
of command line switches is also provided in case you need them. Finally, enter
the Usurper editor and reset the game! Voila! Of course, it might be wise to
go into the configuration editor and mess with some things, just so your users
know that their really IS a SysOp managing the board! :)

As for the SysOp documentation for the game, well, frankly, it's nothing
special. It's not garbage either, mind you. It covers the basics - brief game
outline, installation, command line options, trouble shooting, and some
credits. You don't get much more then that though, but chances are you won't
need more either.

If you've got $20 U.S. ($26 Can) laying around, and you'd rather register
Usurper with it, instead of giving it to me, then you'll receive access to a
multitude of editors Usurper comes with. Listing them all, you'll get a
player editor, a monster editor, a level editor, doorgaurd editor, object
editor, and NPC editor. Of course, now that I've listed all those goodies,
you want me to talk about them now, EH? Well, since I'm such a nice guy,
I'll do just that!

The player editor for Usurper is definitely no joke. With 3 pages of stats per
player for you to tinker with, this is probably one of the best written
player editors out there for this time of game.  Form diseases to magic
spells, to experience and health, you can do it in this editor. It also lets
you fry players, and even add them if you want! The built in search feature
allows you to quickly access the player your looking for instead of sifting
through up to 250 user files looking for that "John Doe" that you want to do
whatever to. The NPC editor is pretty much exactly the same as this editor,
except, as the name states, it edits NPCs. Other then that though, there's no
difference.

The Monster Editor, however, is different. However, this editor can probably
take credit for the worst one supplied by Usurper. This is because it lacks
certain things, such as where the monster will appear in the dungeons, and an
oddity that all monsters listed in the editor have 0 hitpoints. Why this is
isn't explained, but it makes it that much more difficult to tinker with.
Personally, I'd boycott this editor since it's hard to tell how your actions
in it will affect the game.

On a more positive note though, the level editor fulfills it's duties. It gives
you a listing of all current experience levels required to reach X level, and
then allows you to modify them. Furthermore, when you go to edit the value, it
tells you the current one so you're not playing guessing games as to what to
set the new value at. The doorgaurd editor is fairly good too. It gives you a
chart comparison to compare all the guards with one another.

Finally, there's the device editor. This is where you make those super weapons
and other goodies that'll make the game no fun for the players. Seriously
though, you really should pay close attention to what you are creating. Too
weak an object, and no one will use it. To strong an object, and you'll ruin
the game. Of course, "too weak" and "too strong" are all relative. If you
place a rock (a normal rock, not some magical one with super powers) at level
90, no one will appreciate your efforts. Likewise, the same can happen if you
place something strong at level 2. Also, try and have a purpose when you
create something. Play the game for a little, and find something that NEEDS
to be made. That way, it will benefit everyone. Creating items can become
repetitive and boring, so that's why I feel it is important to have a goal in
mind when fooling around with this editor.

The last thing to note is this: Usurper, ever since about version 0.09, seems
to have a bug in it that make maintenance freeze when it runs, on occasion. (I
forgot to mention earlier that Usurper does maint. on it's own, unless you
specify otherwise.) I'm fairly certain this bug is not solely related to
myself, as I've heard reference to it in the FidoNet Echos. Therefore, make
sure that you stick around home for a week or two after you install Usurper
just to assure that everything is working fine. (If this sounds severe, it's
not that.. it only seems to happen about once every 2 weeks or so..)

And of course, now is the time we've ALL been waiting for! Unfortunately,
there'll be a short delay before we reach that point as I must write from
the player's perspective first.. :)

Player's Point Of View:
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Usurper is a game of "sex, drugs, and violence", as the opening title game
states. Fortunately, the game isn't based solely on those, rather, it
incorporates teamwork, gangs, player interaction, etc. This combination makes
for a solid game, one that, in my opinion, deserves more support then it is
currently getting.

Usurper is equipped with an arsenal of player races and occupations.  You get
to choose between races such as orcs, humans, elves, mutants, gnolls and more.
Between the occupations, you can dabble in magic (mage, cleric, etc.), be
SuperMan (fighter, warrior), or a weirdo (jester, ranger, etc.). From my
experience playing, I've found that generally speaking, your occupation is of
more concern then your race. The only race I've noticed that has any
significant advantage is the gnoll, which has a poison bite that helps kill
your opponent. Other than that, they seem to be generally even. Occupation,
on the other hand, can let you live or die. It may give you magic that can
help you in your travels, special moves (Assassin's backstab), or other
goodies (Alchemist's poison). My advice would be to go with the best in a
certain category. For instance, if you want brute force, try going with the
barbarian, rather then the warrior. "Middle men" like a ranger or warrior
don't get as many advantages with them (although, the docs claim they get
less penalties against them too..) Choose wisely here! Otherwise, you'll end
up committing suicide and losing valuable time when you're forced to start
from the beginning.

The equipment you carry is crucial to your success. You always want the
best attack/armor power available to you. In my own opinion, when starting
out, it's better to get a bunch of cheap armors, rather then 1 good one.
Since Usurper allows you to wear multiple pieces of equipment, outfit
yourself at first with the cheapest stuff in each category. After that,
when you have enough cash to upgrade your armor, buy the best stuff available.
As for weapons, needless to say, use the best at all times. An interesting
thing to note here however, is that, since Usurper allows you to have 2
weapons (one in each hand), you can have two weapons, thus doubling your
attack strength. I've heard mention that you hit with more damage when you
only have one weapon equipped though. Keep in mind though, that I haven't
tested that theory myself, and it could very well be a rumor. Decide for
yourself...

You should also notice a choice between level masters when you decide to go
to the next level. Unfortunately, the cost money to change. Therefore, read the
descriptions carefully, and make your pick. I recommend changing from your
first master to someone else, as they can give you more "points" in the areas
you require. My own favorites were 5-7 (I won't say their names 'cause
they'll probably mess up any spell checkers that look over this document).
Speaking of attributes though, I really couldn't tell the difference when I
improved vastly in certain areas. The ones I did notice had an affect were
hitpoints, strength, and mana. The rest seemed to just be "there", not really
doing much. I never dodged an attack due to high agility, and never missed an
attack due to low dexterity. Therefore, keep this in mind when choosing a
master, as to maximize your development in the areas that matter.

The dungeon aspect (or monster fighting) is relatively dull in Usurper, and
mainly consist of entering the attack, and "fighting until death". Those
scared to use this option need not fear. It automatically heals you during
battle. Speaking of healing, always have a full complement of healing potions.
Buy them whenever possible, and if you're severely short, go to the magic
shop to buy them. Back to the dungeons though, you may occasionally come
across an "event". Always say yes to it, as it'll either turn out as nothing,
or you'll receive a reward. Any weapon you come across in the dungeons
should be picked up, as with armor. Most of the stuff found is pretty useless,
however, it's your major source of cash. Sell it off whenever all your
inventory slots are full. You should never have a need for keeping anything
with you, unless you've equipped it. In fact, the only weapon that can be
found in the dungeons of any value (unless your SysOp has fiddled with things)
is the Cobra Dagger (found around dungeon level 50 or so I believe). Although
not especially strong for the level you'll be at, it does give you 100
hitpoints, and could make the difference in battle. The armor is pretty
shabby too, although the Ring Of Life is worth keeping should you find it.
Lastly, always fight on the deepest dungeon level possible. You'll get more
cash, more experience, and "better" stuff from those levels, and that might
just give you the edge you need over another player.

Speaking of other players, don't forget that they're available for slaughter!
The player vs. player aspect of Usurper is well developed. Besides the old
basic do or die attacks, you have the option to murder them in the dormitory,
take 'em out at the beggar's wall, or wake them from a pleasant night's stay
at the inn, depending on where they logged out of the game last. Usurper also
includes the option of bounty hunting! Those nasty NPCs will periodically
place a bounty on your head, and if another player kills you, they get the
cash! Of course, if you've got a buck or two, you can place a bounty also!
Keep in mind that the person you place it on won't be too impressed when he
sees his allies turn on him for a few dollars. Lastly, there is the element
of gang fights. Most games allow you to team up with 4 other people, and
slaughter other gangs. Best of all, you can challenge other gangs for
control of the "city". When you have control of the city, you receive an
extra $200,000 or so a day (amount varies). This cash can be VERY helpful,
especially in the later levels when new equipment costs more. Unfortunately,
the side effect of this is that every other gang notices you and gangs up on
you to wrestle the city from your hands. Of course, if you're up to this kind
of pressure, then by all means, go for the gold!

Unfortunately, there's so much more to cover in Usurper that it would take
many more pages to type it all in. Frankly, since my hands are starting to
develop cramps, and the fact that I've recently developed the habit of
leveling these articles to the last minute, I'm afraid I'm going to have to
move onto the scores now..

Scores:
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(All scores based on 10 - 10 being the best.)

DOCUMENTATION: 5

The documentation for Usurper is very basic. It covers what it needs to,
but nothing more. Don't expect any in-depth reading material and count on
figuring most "advanced" things out for yourself.

INTERFACE: 8

The layout and presentation are straight forward and simple. A bit more
color in places might be beneficial, and some ANSI pictures here and there
would help too.

FUN FACTOR: 8

There's enough to do in Usurper to prevent you from feeling like it's "just
another day" as in LORD. There's enough options and stuff to keep you
interested and coming back for more. Unfortunately, it does rely a bit on
other players to keep things interesting after a while.

UNIQUENESS: 9

Coming out before all those LORD and Ursurper clones, this is the most
in-depth version of this type of game I've seen. It comprises many different
aspects such as beer drinking contests, guarding the bank, bar brawls,
and NPC stuff that were born with this game.

LONGTERM PLAYABILITY: 8

You'll get a good couple of games in before you grow tired of this one.
Of course, the more players that play the game, the longer you'll like it,
and vice versa.

OVERALL SCORE: 7.6

Documentation is the main weakness of Usurper. Fortunately, it gains ground
with all its features. Expect it to stick it's head out of the crowd
periodically and get noticed, for I'm sure our good friends out in Sweden
will continue to work on this game for years to come.

Closing Remarks:
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For those of you that read my January article, and those of you observant
enough while read this one, you probably already know what I'm going to say.
Usurper, in my opinion, definitely deserves better (then it's current getting).
It's really a shame, I think, that a good chunk of players defected over to
LORD, when this is clearly a superior game. There's more options and tasks to
perform, plus you can't finish it in 2 weeks like it's "nefew". Not to say
that Usurper is the best game of all time, mind you. It don't stand out
enough in my mind to be a "classic", or whatever, such as LOD or Tradewars
2002. However, it is still, clearly, a superior game that deserves more
recognition and support then it's currently getting. Hopefully, users
everywhere will notice it and give it a fair chance, less we all become
brainless zombies playing doors as simplistic as tic-tac-toe.

Stay tuned! Next month, I review: Exitilus V.2.05 (or later)

And, as an added bonus, I should be submitting an article on the "guide to
online gaming", aimed at authors, SysOps, and players! (The exact idea
hasn't been carved in stone yet) ***>>>Don't miss them!<<<***

Miscellaneous:
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This door was tested by the writer using the following:
Maximus V.3.01 (BBS)                  DORINFO1.DEF (Dropfile)
X00 V.1.53a (Fossil)                  Front Door V.2.12 (Front End)
486DX4/100Mhz                         8Megs RAM
Qemm V.7.52 (Memory Manager)          Windows 95

Comments? Suggestions? Want to compliment the author on an astonishing
article, or complain about a piece of crap he wrote? Here's how to contact
him:

InterNet Address: LBUNBURY@OTTAWA.NET
FidoNet Address: 1:163/114
Trans-Canada Net (TCN) Address: 201:935/104
Myles' Games Extraviganza (BBS): (613) 825-9016

And don't forget to join up with BRE League 116! If you're a SysOp, just
write me and I'll sign you up, or FREQ "116" from my BBS for more
information! If you're a user, why not bother some local SysOps and convince
them to join? All BBSs are welcome, just let me know you want to join!

Until next month, this is Myles Bunbury, saying TTYL!

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                Myles Bunbury
     SysOp Of Myles' Games Extraviganza!
>>>Where the best of the best come to play!<<<

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