Too many people are unwilling to take the plunge into the madness that is DF2012, so I'm planning on turning this into a gif or illustrated comic and posting it to memebase where the attention it garners may or may not help get Dwarf Fortress out there and known. Please, if you see anything that you think should be altered, let me know. ____ represents a new frame.
Good day, denizens of the net, trolls, bronies, gamers, mods, spammers, etc.
These last few years have been great for the world of video games. Developers have been trying new things. Classics have gotten sequels. Great new franchises have sprung up. Creativity in the industry is high and the future of our hobby looks bright.
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I'm on my soapbox here to tell you about one man and his contribution.
This man is Tarn (Toady One) Adams. His passion is programming. His masterpiece. . .
(image)
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It's probably not a stretch to say you've at least heard Dwarf Fortress mentioned, or that you've heard a little about it. In the spirit of keeping things interesting, however, I'll just cut to the chase.
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Dwarf Fortress has been in production since 2002. Beta 0.34.07 was recently released and there has never been a better time to jump into the madness that is the most comprehensive, detailed, and beautiful game to have graced my eyes.
(pic of combat log, character descripts, etc)
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Dwarf Fortress, hereafter referred to as DF2012, is, at its core, two games.
(pic of title screen)
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The first, the aptly named Dwarf Fortress, or as fans call it: "Dorf Mode"
(Pic of a fort)
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The second is called Adventure Mode.
(pic of adventure mode)
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Okay. So. I'm sure you've noticed the lack of graphics. The use of ASCII throws up a considerable barrier to new players. You're either unwilling to proceed after that first look or too confused to continue.
(insert ASCII overload, complete with microsoft paint legend)
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You'll be pleased to know that there are graphic packs available, though don't expect them to get any better than a few bits.
(Pic w/tileset)
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The second barrier to new players is: Complexity.
(crafting chart)
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Or, as some like to call it "difficulty."
(pic)
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But what could make this game so great?
(rageface of thinking dude)
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The answer is: Detail
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Over 200 types of rock and minerals. All accurately placed within their proper geological environment.
(pic)
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Realism in all things.
(combat log)
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Dynamic weather, tracking wind, humidity, air masses. These create fronts, clouds, rain, and blizzards.
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That crossbow bolt that you just took in the arm in adventure mode?
(pic)
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Rip it out.
(pic)
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And kill the guy who shot you by biting out his throat.
(pic)
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Or stabbing him in the front left tooth.
(pic)
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Or by nailing him with his own bolt!
(pic)
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Your squad of swordsdwarves fend off a wave of goblin invaders in fortress mode.
(pic)
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One of them sustains a deep cut to the leg, severing some nerves and fracturing the bone.
(pic)
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Your carefully prepared medical team rushes to save him. They disinfect the wound. Suture the cut.
(pic)
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This draft is currently incomplete.
I'll post a WIP gif when I've got something tangible.