Custom Map #870: Play As Creeper is back!. By: WithersChat

[AutoPost]

This topic is for discussion of map #870: Play As Creeper is back!


Author: WithersChat
Size: 256x160

[PaulG]

I'm missing something here and I don't know what!

I have tried laying every item at my disposal just one at a time yet all that happens when the map starts is that the initial creeper pile just melts like ice cream and nothing happens. What am I doing wrong!

[BilboGCL]

From my understanding you have power for two units. The power you need is ERN. You have two and only two - so you can power either:
one emitter and one stash or
one stash and one crimsonator or
one emitter and one crimsonator or
two emmitter...
and so on,

Mesh is painted like units, so it won't draw mesh when you draw a diagonal line
new units must be sunk in creeper to start work

[PaulG]

So that makes kind of sense - but the inference is that you need to "apply" the ERN to the already existing emitter?

On PAC maps in CW3 the first emitter is already powered - so is this different? Does the first emitter not have any power automatically?

If I need to apply an ERN to the first emitter then this is what I don't get - how do I do that?

[Kaiden]

So that makes kind of sense - but the inference is that you need to "apply" the ERN to the already existing emitter?

On PAC maps in CW3 the first emitter is already powered - so is this different? Does the first emitter not have any power automatically?

If I need to apply an ERN to the first emitter then this is what I don't get - how do I do that?

No. ERNs are used to build units. however if you build a unit and don't have any ern power, all units will die except for the bases until you don't have negative ern  power

[PaulG]

I do have ERN power.

I start with 2, I build an emitter - I still have 2 but nothing happens?

[BilboGCL]

You got the part that new units have to be covered with creeper (for the exact values, look at A.D.A)?
If you build a 3rd unit, you have to destroy one of the first two

Greetings from The Shire!

[kishkumen]

Dealing with the same thing.  I understand how it all works, but I can't seem to get past the first couple units with the two ern power I start with.  Any suggestions on how to just move past that first corner?

[flamewolf393]

Its literally impossible. You cant get out of the starting corner cause there are too many defenses.

[Qople]

I think the biggest problem this map has is just the amount of choices. Don't get me wrong, I think the potential variety is really cool, and that PAC in CW4 has a lot of potential, but I don't think it makes much sense for the tutorial level to rely on knowing exactly what units are best in which situations. For people who have never played before (so, pretty much everyone) the only option left is to try every combination of units until you find what works. That's both a critique and the best advice I can give to people playing this unsure of what to do.

Also, the mesh. I'm not sure why you're penalized for using the 3x3 mesh. It's presented as a convenience method, but in the end it's almost always better to just use the 1x1 mesh, which is a little frustrating. Maybe a better solution would be to have the 3x3 option place the single cell mesh in a square? Some performance optimizations might be needed for that though, because man that mesh lags the game when you queue a lot, and it's almost impossible to cancel all the orders.

Overall, though, I'm looking forward to seeing how the next PAC levels go. Lots of cool concepts in here. Keep up the good work!

[PaulG]

Does CW4 have to be on a later version for this map to work properly?

I bought it from GOG and it is showing as v 1.0.0

[Metatroful]

Its literally impossible. You cant get out of the starting corner cause there are too many defenses.

So If you want to get started the way i got out of the corner was an emitter and a crimson, you must make sure the crimson is on the very corner of the emitter or else its uneffective to get the most crimson creeper, i wont go any further as the achievement of beating this level is rediculously satisfying

definitely focus on the big "pot holes" of the map as thats where youll make the most creeper with the stash and very important is to focus on the ERM enhanced defenses and never go negative ERM

[Qople]

Does CW4 have to be on a later version for this map to work properly?

I bought it from GOG and it is showing as v 1.0.0

You need to be on version 1.3.

[Karsten75]

Does CW4 have to be on a later version for this map to work properly?

I bought it from GOG and it is showing as v 1.0.0

The update to GOG was pushed yesterday. I'm not sure how GOG handles updates, though.

[WithersChat]

Ok, so I see that this map may be harder than it feeled when I made it. Coming with a few tips. (More detailed guide coming soon)
But for now...
1) This is NOT CW3, so, don't try to play it like CW3 PAC. Mesh is more of a precision tool than something you want to paint everywhere. It allows to push in the direction you want to.
2) Crimson is strong. Really.
3) Don't underestimate lures. Moreover, you can activate them remotely wih spores and blobs (assuming you manage to land a spore or blob)
4) Blobs go in straight lines. The can be used to destroy ERNed units, if they're not well enough defended with snipers. Gotta aim well tho.
4.5) The same applies with spores. If there aren't enough missiles, you can destroy ERNed units you can't reach with conventional ways.
5) ERN portal and Factory are both prime targets. If you destroy the ERN portal, you get 3 ERNs. If you destroy the factory, all shields, missiles and snipers are down.