GameSpot's Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Game Guide

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appendices

Appendix A: Modifying Alpha Centauri Rules

Appendix B: Creating Custom Functions

Appendix C: Creating Maps and Scenarios

Integrating Custom Rules and Factions
Custom rules and factions can add a whole new dimension to your multiplayer map. As noted in Appendix A, you can make your map load and play with your customized files by placing it in a directory with a modified version of the rules file (alpha.txt) and a custom faction or two.

NOTE
Complement your custom factions with your map design. For instance, if you want to play with a custom faction based on the Roman Empire, design your map to look like the landscape of ancient Rome.

Be careful when adding custom rules, however. Even minor changes to the rules can create drastically different games and situations. Keep your custom rules and factions in mind when designing the map. The sign of a professional map is that everything works together to create an exciting and interesting gaming experience.

Test! Test! Test!
Just as designers test their games for months before the release date, you should take the time to test your map - then test it some more. Make sure that the starting points are unrestricted, that each player has an equivalent amount of resources, that your customized rules or factions don't unbalance the game, and, most of all, that the multiplayer map is fun!

Designing Scenarios
Another avenue for your creative genius might be creating single- or multiplayer scenarios. A scenario usually means a world or map that features a backstory with specific objectives. Typically, elements such as resources, units, and map layout all reflect the scenario. For instance, if your scenario revolves around a small faction building its power to battle an established, overbearing empire, you should adjust the building blocks accordingly. The small faction will need plenty of resources, so it can quickly build units to defend itself. Further, the smaller faction will need room to expand to compete with the larger foe.

This section will cover the basics of designing an objective-specific scenario. You'll see how to create the map, assign objectives, and even change in-game text and sound files to give your scenario a unique feel.