Nice post,

Thank you.

I love this game, have since I first played it AGES ago.
Thank you for making it :bows:
However I think the editor could be a bit better. Still confused why I cannot copy and paste a trigger action or name a new one. Perhaps there is a way to do it but I do not know how...
I'm also quite confused why there's so much room for other skills when we don't actually have time to get them...
Very happy about the forum Q & A though, I found out how to actually see the whole screen when it went, all by its little lonesome, out of full-screen mode.

It would be ever so helpful if you would include a quick note in your introductory comments as to whether a game will play on the standard netbook screen or not (1024 x 600) Most of your recent offerings while downloading and opening without any problems extend their game window and controls beyond the edge of th screen without any way to scroll the window. The 'mysterious city' games scaled their windows as did treasure of persia btu that's really been all. Of all the rake in grass games only one - archibald's adventures - worked on this screensize. Of course I'm not asking anyone to change their coding or complaining - a headsup would just be nice to save the time in downloading and activating and opening and removing ....

Thanks1

None of the alternatives are like this game.
I visited all and i can say that this one is better...
I played some games like this, but i can remember the name, they aren't better anyway.
I don't like when people compare games that are not the same type, just why they are RPG.
Oblivion can't be compared with this game, even teh first one. If you want to compare Oblivion with Betrayl at Krondor, for example, you can.
Sorry about my english and too bad that i coudnt visit the site yesterday to get this game :(

WR, thanks much for the links and new Death Rally. It will take me some time to learn all the ropes (e.g. regular and black markets?), but it is definitely a keeper. I'll also check out Zombie Driver. By the way, Rockstar has an old freeware game called Wild Metal that I'm trying out, which seems to be a vechilar combat game. The controls are a bit weird on laptops though.

#29 Joy, I suspect you used browser download on a slow connection, which is prone to interruptions. If you can't upgrade the connection, try a download helper such as FlashGet or OrbitDownloader. This should allow you to complete the download. Most also help with downloading streaming videos, e.g. Youtube. If you are already on highspeed connections, try closing other network apps during download.

#25 Laurence, it sounds like your data was corrupted and locked afterwards. In addition to WR's suggestions, you may also want to do anti-malware scans, make sure it's not due to a virus.

Downloaded this got the finished downloading message but cannot get it to run the unzip files. In C: downloads it says it is unfinished, not sure what has happened here, not time to start again...sigh...........

Just what I need, an RPG with a tutorial! And female heroes! Maybe I'll finally figure out how to play these things now. Thanks, WR and GGOTD.

Rake In Grass is one of my favorite developers, and I never miss a chance to pick up one of their games when I get a chance. These guys know how to bottle "fun." Thanks much.

I downloaded this when it was offered previously. I found the learning curve a bit too steep, and the game itself unpolished.

My son played it once and loved it. After quitting it the first time it will not run anymore. Tried reinstalling but that didn't help. It still won't run.


.....MODERATOR COMMENT.......



Hi Laurence, firstly delete the installed game then clear out your internet cache then re download the game. Install. If you still get the same problem, try updating your graphics drivers. Also install OpenGL, which is the graphics engine that Styrateg uses as default. I've posted a link to a download site (version tracker) below. If none of those work try changing your screen resolution. Some of the Rake in Grass games seem to have been susceptible to screen res’ changes. If none of those don't work try a long shot. defrag’ your drive. If it's badly de-fragmented, the game may be spread around all over your hard drive. Badly de-fragmented programs are susceptible to crash or not work at all. As I said the last one is a long shot. The game should be registered, so if the defrag is taking a long time (if you use windows defrag it usually does take quite some time). The game should still be okay. If you still can't get it to work I'd back the game up for now as other fixes may come along. You may find doing a full reinstall of your OS may fix the problem, but that one is a bit drastic and you'd lose a lot of giveaway programs.

However, sometimes a format is a good thing, just make sure when you do one of those all your essential programs are backed up. Most of the game giveaways are free standing so they don't require registration entries in the registry, so they are good candidates for backing up. Even some of the giveaway programs may still work, but most wont as registry entries have been made.

Please let us know if you manage to get the game working :)


I must write up a FAQ's post over in the forums sometime soon. I never seem to have the time though.

A relaxing game today with some strategies involved. Reminds me of the Heroes of Might and Magic series.

#13 buyerbeware, if you like Japanese style RPGs, try Final Fantasy and Grandia series; if you like western style RPGs, try Elder Scroll and Ultima series. These are all available on PCs, with some available as abandonware.


.....MODERATOR COMMENT.....

You can find links to a couple of the Ultina series (Ultima VII and VIII) and Final Fantasy: Endless Nova via the following links. All the games are free downloads. Excellent games:

Ultina 7:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/6525#post-67607

Ultima 8:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/6112#post-63534

You'll also find Necropolis Rising via the second link.


Final Fantasy: Endless Nova:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4275#post-45926

by the way, not sure whether I mentioned the latest Death Rally version that was released recently. It's basically the original Death Rally, but you can play it on a windows system..... I remember you asking about it. :). Here's a link to it:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/6503#post-67460


You may also be interested in another excellent game called Zombie Driver available on Steam. Gorgeous graphics and excellent gameplay. You can read deatails, see screenshots and a video via the link below (as well as see the price. :)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/31410/

How would I go about uninstalling it?


.....MODERATOR COMMENT....

Just delete the installed folder

Ok Win 7 Ultimate x32. Clean, fast install. Rake uses that Engine s/w design. Had tried this earlier and couldn't get hang of wandering around. Better now, mainly placing pieces couple times on a city or place to trigger info needed to do missions. Easy save system helps since it beginning best to work a group attack. Going alone can get a
buddy killed unless healer nearby. Have to exit play field to load but no biggie, just odd no Load choice in menu.
Funny for a rainy NYC day. Thanks guys & Rake.

Upon installation and running styrateg.exe, I got this message, "Spybot - Search & Destroy has encountered and terminated a process that is listed as part of a malicious software." and it was identified as "Smitfraud-C" malware/ virus. This is a nasty malware program. I would recommend not running or using this program.

....MODERATOR COMMENT.....

All the software given away from this site is rigorously tested. No one else has reported this problen so its more likely that you've picked up the problem from somewhere else and its trying to hide where it originated from. Thasnks for the warning though.

This software is absolutely fine, no virii, spyware or adware.

When open screen is full but it show half left screen so have to set no full screen on Vista Home Edition. Cannot see right side and bottom when it is full screen.

Yes, I know that Windows 7 is not listed as a platform but I tried it anyway. And it doesn't work, at least in enterprise x64. And it locks up my computer. It isn't even listed in installed programs so I'm going to hope that just deleting all the files will rid my machine of it.

On a more positive note, it does however install and run on my old XP SP3 machine with 1.8gh P4 and 768 megs ram and it's unlikely that you have a machine less powerful than this :)

I got this last time it was offered and enjoyed it but if you want a much more engrossing, larger game, try Battle Of Wesnoth, also free. :~)
If you've never played B.O.W., then this game serves as a good introduction to the style of gameplay.
I'll still give it another thumbs up, though.


........MODERATOR COMMENT.......

Yeah I'd forgotten about Wesnoth. You can find a link to the main website for Battle for Wesnoth in the one minute review I posted on this game Styrateg over a year ago. The link is near the bottom of the review:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/3479

I HATE this type of game. I didn't vote as it wouldn't be fair
it sounds like lots of people enjoy it,
So gl have fun and enjoy the game. I'll be playing yesterdays game.
see ya next week.

Very nice is Game. Also, all games of Rake In Grass are very nice.


Thank you, gamegiveawayoftheday.


[]'s!

Quote:
The music fits in with the theme of the game. I checked the games folder and couldn’t find any files that would enable you to change the music.

WR, have a look at
C:\Games\Styrateg (GGOTD)\Styrateg\game.zip\client\music\

In that zip you'll find the music as .ogg files.

Thanks for the game, GGOTD and Rake InGrass and thanks for your review Stephen :)


.....Moderator Comment....


Thanks Greylox, was rather tired after a very hectic week for me. Sometimes I miss the obvious. :)

okay, so i checked out albion, using the link above. not free, as one is required to create an account and submit to someone else's will before downloading the game. i will not submit. that's why i play the older games. i found game.giveawayoftheday by searching for a free game, and i found one. remember, free isn't always free, given the hoops required prior to getting something free. game.giveaway is free and i like the concept. just wish the premise would turn more to playtesting, bug and feature reporting in return for a free unlimited license. sign me up.

Thanks for the game. Internet Explorer downloaded successfully. My problem must have been caused by Google Chrome.

....MODERATOR COMMENT....

glad you sorted it.

this looks like a keeper. just downloaded and installed it. it has a customization option... interesting. i'll also check out the rpgs you mentioned and see if i can get them to run. i usually end up with old sega and nintendo roms to play because i can't find any decent rpgs. the old games were great in their day, and still fun to play now, but i'd like to come up with the times. new again to computing and lots to catch up on. thanx for another good game!

Question : Will this function on Vista ? Thank you !

I played this game to the conclusion. While not all that difficult, the game required some strategic thinking and was a relaxing alternative to some commercial games that I've played. I'd rate it at around 7 out of 10.

Game Review:
"...You’ll also find a link to an online help document that shows you how to create a level from scratch. You can access the help menu via the following link:

http://styrateg.rakeingrass.com/editor_tutorial.html
...
"

Tried the link and get 404. Went to home page on RakeInGrass and found this in the forums:
http://styrateg.rakeingrass.com/editor/

....moderator comment...

thanks for letting me know, I've probably left a space in the coding. that will mess with the link. will fix.

Thanks for your prompt response. I downloaded from the mirror site. Still the same. No install file

Looks far too similar to Battle For Wesnoth.

When I download, the zipped file only contains "Read Me". No install file.

......MODERATOR COMMENT.....

Try redownloading the game from the mirror site.

This game is SWEET! I downloaded it when it was offered before. Great fun turn based strategy game. I actually played this game all the way to the ending. Game itself is very fun, but the ending was abrupt and disappointing...

....MODERATOR COMMENT.....

Did you manage to use the levels editor? I'm not sure, but you may be able to edit the ending and create a more interesting one. :) By the way I tried to leave a comment about your review of Mirrors Edge but an error kept being thrown back at me. Something about type face.

This is version 1.13, by the way. ;)


....MODERATOR COMMENT....

Thanks

Unrelated to the game, but a comment on your mention of Oblivion, whiterabbit. As the name suggests, oblivion is actually the fourth game in the Elder Scrolls series, Morrowind being the third. The first two, Arena and Daggerfall, have actually been released as a free download by Bethesda. They are 10 year old games, however, and may take some work getting them to run on a newer system. Bethesda does provide some instructions on running them with DOSBox however.


....MODERATORS COMMENT.......

You can find download links in the free games synopsis for both games. I've had both games running in DOSBox. Well worth downloading if you are into rpg's.

Dommage que ce soit seulement en anglais, j'abandonne

....MODERATOR COMMENT......

translation of above....Too bad this is only in English, I give up

This is the fourth time around for Styrateg. It previously received 89% of 202 votes (Feb 07) and 80% of 116 votes (Oct 07) and 50% of 509 votes in July 08. You can read the previous comments by following the links below:

Feb 07:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/styrateg/#comments


Oct 07:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/styrateg-1/#comments


July 08

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/styrateg-2/#comments

This received glowing reports when it was first given away back inFeb 07; however, the only comment from then worth checking is game seekers comment #32

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Introduction:

The heavy clouds on the horizon gather as there are troubled times to come. The kingdom of a wise king is in danger. Legions of unearthly adversaries come from the unknown to spread the plague and disease across the ancient kingdom.

Your investigation and actions will take you through many adventurous quests in deep forests, hot deserts and frozen icebergs. You and your party will look for the clues to solve the mystery in ancient monasteries, countryside villages and blood bathed battlefields.

Adventure awaits those who hear the callling. Lost treasures wait to be found.

Reference http://styrateg.rakeingrass.com/ accessed 12th Dec 09

The Game:

The main menu gives access to either a previously played game, a new game or a custom game you’ve previously created using the levels editor that’s included with this game. You can access any custom made map created using the levels editor (which is still under development), either to extend it or tweak the map after playing it. With the levels editor you can build a map from scratch or edit an existing one (as already mentioned). You are able to change the name of a map, determine how many turns you have to complete the map as well as add dialogue, add special requirements that have to be completed before the map can finish, such as killing specific monsters, collecting enough money or even visiting specific places on the map. You’ll also find a link to an online help document that shows you how to create a level from scratch. You can access the help menu via the following link:

http://styrateg.rakeingrass.com/editor

and

http://styrateg.rakeingrass.com/editor/editor_tutorial1.html

When you start a new game you first have to set your new game up by creating a name, you can also change the difficulty of the game from the menu by clicking on the arrows next to the difficulty setting (this is also available via the options menu which is discussed below). Finally you have the option of playing a timed strategy game or an un-timed role playing game by clicking on the button at the bottom of the set up window.

From the options menu you can toggle on or off several graphic features such as showing where all the monsters on the map are, fog of war (this either hides undiscovered lands from your sight and only allows you to see a certain range, even those areas you’ve already discovered). Turning off the fog of war enables you to see all areas you’ve discovered all the time. You can also toggle on or off fast movement, blood, game grid which shows you exactly where you can move to when it’s your turn as well as auto finish, which completes the turn whenever movement points are below 2 and turns on or off the turns limit.




You can also adjust sound effects and the medieval music that plays during the game plus toggle other graphic features such as full Screen and windowed mode, OpenGL or D3D (Direct X), bit rate (either 16 or 32 bit) as well as resolution changes. You need to reboot the game if you change the resolution.

The difficulty setting can also be changed via the options menu from easy to standard to hard.

Once the game has been setup you can scroll through a series of several screens that give you the back ground story. The final one fills you in on what your first task is, which is to travel to the house North West of your present position on the map nwhich is denoted by a knight on a horse. You can explore the map by moving the mouse cursor to the edge of the screen. This will enable the map to scroll until it reaches the bounds of the map you are playing. You can check what units you own by cycling through the next unit button. To find which buttons you have on the game board just hover the mouse over them and an information window will pop up. You can find the important buttons in the control menu located to the bottom right of the screen. The game runs a simple tutorial to baby sit you through the early parts of the game, explaining what hit and action points are as well as how to move your pieces. (i.e. click on the unit you ant to move then the destination – once you’ve set up the movement order you can select another unit by going to the control panel or right clicking your mouse and selecting the appororiate button from there.. Once a movement order is set, to activate it left click on the destination a second time and your unit will move to its destination.

When a unit picks up equipment either from a battle or from gifts it is stored in the inventory list to the right of the main playing arena. The tutorial will tell you more about this as well as how to access your property. Completing missions or carrying out actions will gain you points and when you’ve earned enough you will level up. This enables you to improve specific characteristics such as strength, Intelligence and dexterity, all of which are important attributes for controllong your games character, for example strength enables a character to carry certain items. If you find a sword that requires a certain strength that your character hasn’t attained, you can’t use the sword. Each time you level up you will be given the opportunity to improve one of these skills. Increasing your intelligence helps to make any spells you may have stronger. You also get skill points to add to whatever skills you may have. You can check to see what skills your unit has by looking to the middle section of the panel to the right of the playing arena. there are six round slots that will fill as you progress through the game. Initially you start with only melee skills, but later can use flying skills, other fighting skills as well as magic skills.

To finish, save or change any options you can either click on the M to the bottom right corner or press Esc.

Conclusion:

I give this 6 out of 10 for game play. I’m sure some would score it higher, but I’ve been playing my favourite r.p.g.’s recently and this just doesn’t compare. It’s certainly worth downloading if you don’t have any games of this genre though. One plus this game has is there’s a fairly straightforward levels editor which enables you to create your own levels. this alone makes this game worth keeping, especially if you like to have a go at creating things.

Thank you Rake In Grass and the game giveaway team for today’s offer. :)

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Other useful information:



Images:

As a slideshow:

http://s613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/Whiterabbit06/Styrateg/?albumview=slideshow

Or Googled:

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=styrateg&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&oq=



Video showing Gameplay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ag4Jk8ZVnU


http://www.google.co.uk/search?gbv=2&hl=en&q=you+tube+Styrateg&btnG=Search&meta=



Music:

The music fits in with the theme of the game. I checked the games folder and couldn’t find any files that would enable you to change the music. The only options, if you disliked the music would be to turn the music off via the options menu, or edit the executable using a suitable editor. Though I wouldn’t advise this unless you know what you are doing. Personally I like the music. The medieval music was performed by the groups Psalteria and Krless.

System Requirements:

O.S…………….…..Win98/2000/XP
cpu……………..…..500Mhz
System RAM……....128Mb
Video………………3D Video card

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Other reviews of this game:


http://www.rpgcodex.net/content.php?id=166

http://www.gametunnel.com/articles.php?id=586

Here’s my review from the last time this was given away:

I have several role playing games that are much better than this (IMO), so will pass on today’s offering; but for those who have no RPG’s this ‘will’ be a treat. Get it while the goings hot. If you’ve never played RPG’s and find you really like it, then try one of the many boxed sets you can buy from the bargain bins such as Myst III: Exile or URU Ages beyond Myst, Wizardry 8 and earlier versions of Might and Magic such as IX that only cost me less than $10 each as you’ll find the first/third person immersivness and the far superior graphics are amazing compared to this giveaway, and, after today, you’ll find them a lot cheaper as well. I’ve seen The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion on offer for around $10 over the price this game usually costs, and used copies for the same price. For anyone who hasn’t heard of Oblivion, well you haven’t lived :lol: The original called Morrowmind is definitely available for less than the cost of this game and that’s also an amazing game, though graphically inferior to Oblivion (only just). I apologise for being so negative, I'm spoiled when it comes to RPG games and I'm a little biased. I think I'll play some Oblivion now. I’ve bought the last expansion pack and have never played it yet, so I think it's time I did.


Alternatives:

There are several r.p.g. games available via the free games synopsis for example the following games bear similarities to todays game, all are free:

Arbarlith, Ardentryst, Dragonheart, Fanta Scape, Final Fantasy- Endless Nova, Heroine Iysayana, Knights of Dillaria, Laxius Power, Necropolis Rising, Realms of Arcania, Shadowflare, Sunset Over Imdahl.

You can find them via the following link:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4534




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