Will the game have any support for expansion packs, so that more units and maps can be added later? (like Red Alert)

I understand there is to be a level editor supplied with the game. Will it allow for creation of actual missions or just skirmish maps? Also will it be possible to create new graphics for use in the level editor?

I might get a cheap RiscStation with the intention of playing TEK over a network with people at home. What is the maximum number of players that TEK can support in a network game?

The screen shots show the high quality of graphics and I trust Artex will give it great game play to match. I wish Artex every success with this game.

Cheers,

Mike

I am really looking forward to TEK. The latest screen shot is looking fantastic and from what I've seen the graphics are looking great.

Thanks!

Will the game have any support for expansion packs, so that more units and maps can be added later? (like Red Alert)

Yes, additional maps and possibly also units can be added later.

I understand there is to be a level editor supplied with the game. Will it allow for creation of actual missions or just skirmish maps? Also will it be possible to create new graphics for use in the level editor?

It is not sure yet whether the editor will be supplied together with the game, or shortly afterwards via the website. Creation of additional missions is possible, as there is a simple scripting language supplied. The editor pack will possibly also include a graphics converter tool to add own graphics.

I might get a cheap RiscStation with the intention of playing TEK over a network with people at home. What is the maximum number of players that TEK can support in a network game?

Technically, eight players are possible, but the speed of the machines will limit this number. We haven't run comprehensive tests yet, but I would guess that three RiscStation players might be possible, maybe even four. SA machines would then allow some more players. But that's just a guess.

The screen shots show the high quality of graphics and I trust Artex will give it great game play to match. I wish Artex every success with this game.

Thanks very much! We're doing our best to make the gameplay at least as interesting as the screenshots :-)

Cheers,
Jan Klose
Artex Software

Andrew

Internet play is still on top of the multiplayer list. It is especially important as it's more likely for RISC OS users to live far away from each other, so they'll like to play via Internet instead of travelling to the next town and bring their computer along :-)

By the way, both Internet play and local network play are using exactly the same technology, it's just that Internet play requires that you only send a small amount of data, because the connection is much slower.

Cheers,
Jan

By the way, both Internet play and local network play are using exactly the same technology, it's just that Internet play requires that you only send a small amount of data, because the connection is much slower.

...and the latency (how long it takes messages to get from A to B) is much higher - hence why Quake players are told to connect to servers with a minimum recommended ping time.

Personally I reckon that choosing one of the players to act as a server is a fairly reasonable compromise.

That's good to know :-)
Networking TEK must be fiendish work but it should be worth it even for two player games over the internet.

Andrew

Yes, additional maps and possibly also units can be added later.

Cool. I know that individual units can't actually see over hills, but can they fire missiles over them?

Also are there any sea or water units? I thought there was going to be a few but I can't see any mention of them on your site.

Cheers,
Mike

So far missiles cannot fire over hills, but the idea is good. If we find the time, and it fits into gameplay, we will possibly still implement it.

Water units were originally planned, but they will not appear in the game. They were a victim of the "OK, nice ideas but now we have to reduce the elements" phase that is found in all game development cycles at some point :-)

Cheers,
Jan

I was wondering will there be any units that move underground like the 'Devils Tongue' off C&C Tiberian Sun? This is
great for planning ambushes as the tank only comes above ground to attack enemy units.

Such a unit had also been planned, and we are still thinking about it, and we'll include it if it fits into the concept. (If not, it will surely appear in some add-on :-)

Cheers,
Jan

You said in csag that you'd be releasing TEK at the
RISCOS 2001 show in October. So when will those of
us who aren't going to this show be able to get it?

ie via (I Presume) RCI?

Cheers, Rob.

Yes, we are in negotiations with RCI, and it is quite likely that the game will be distributed by them. That means, of course, that as soon as it is available (e.g. on the RISC OS Show), RCI will sell copies.

By the way, there might also be a very nice bonus on the TEK CD, but I'm not allowed to say more yet.

Cheers,
Jan