Beginner and Standard Modes?

[rommager]

This isn't really feedback, but more of a question.  Not sure if this question is addressed elsewhere, but if so, then feel free to point me in the right direction.  I searched for it, but didn't find it in the forum.

The original game had Beginner, Standard, and Tournament rules, but Planet M.U.L.E. seems to only follow Tournament rules, even in "Training" games.  It's not a big deal for me, but having the beginner and standard rules helps to acclimate newbie players to the game a little easier.

Beginner - 6 rounds, no land auction, no assay, no Cyrstite, and Pirates stole Smithore, etc.  
Standard - 12 rounds, no Crystite, assay, Pirates took Smithore, etc.

Full details are at:
http://strategywiki.org/wiki/M.U.L.E./Getting_Started

Did I miss the setting in Planet M.U.L.E., or is it something not yet released?

[Big Head Zach]

Right now, the priority is to get the Tournament mode functioning as close to spec as possible. There hasn't been any mention of intent to re-establish the Beginner and Standard modes; with the way video games are presented these days, it might be assumed people are more willing to dive right in, even at the risk of discomfort the first time around.

That, and there's more opportunity for helping newbies out than there was before the intarwebs.

[data2008]

One can use the 'training mode' for 6 or 9 rounds...
Although even in training crystite is 'always on', you could learn quickly how things go by watching the AI full rounds...

[Lomgren]

I think reinstating the different modes after Tournament mode is finished/perfected may help the crystite/smithore debate, and the game length debate.  People who want smithore to be important can play a Standard game, people who prefer crystite can play a Tournament game.  And people who want a short game instead of playing for an hour or two can play a Beginner game.

Just a thought.

[data2008]

yep, we could hardwire those initial settings into original three modes again.
Any opinions?

[Intergalactic Mole]

I don't see the harm of it. Perhaps even have a separate high score list for each mode.

[rommager]

Agreed!