More clarity and usability for new users

[k0en]

I made this topic because it seems to be very unclear for new users on how to buy and play EOL.

So I've got a friend who bought Elastomania on the official homepage (http://www.elastomania.com/) and he received Elastomania 1.11a.
Although when installed, he had no idea on how to get the newest version of EOL and get it up and running.
Is there any page for new users with a full description on how to do this? Because if there is not, I don't get how new players will get to play this game.

As far as I can remember, when I first got the game, I had to update to belma, and later to EOL, and change a lot of settings in the process.

[roope]

http://wiki.elmaonline.net/Installing_EOL

But yeah, I agree, instructions aren't very available. You pretty much have to know where to look from to find that guide too. There's been very many tickets for EOL moderators from new players asking how to install the game. Pretty much everything from "where to download Elma.rar" to "elma.res is missing!!".

I guess would be good to make a more extensive package too, with the right original Elma version and all included (dunno what Balázs would say about that though because it's still chargeable).

[devin]

I think he should release the game as freeware and hand over the reigns to the players to do what they please with his creation. Im sure he made more money than ever anticipated and has probably moved on long ago from this game. IMO it should be downloadable in one simple easy to find package with basic and clear instructions on how to get it up and running and online. I think it would be great for this scene, bring some new life into it of course.

[Lousku]

Maybe EOL front page should be a very clear introduction for those who are not logged in or something? Something very simple: big links to EOL trailer (to show what it's about), installation instructions page (to show how to join) and Mopolauta and/or webchat with #across (to get help if the installation page wasn't enough).

Currently, to find installation instructions, you click "Help" -> "Wiki" -> "Installing Elma Online" (which is on the bottom of the page). And that's after Why not have that link with big font right on the front page? After registering, it can be less visible (or if that's still a problem, you could detect those who haven't played a battle and keep showing them the huge clear instructions xd dunno).

I think he should release the game as freeware and hand over the reigns to the players to do what they please with his creation. Im sure he made more money than ever anticipated and has probably moved on long ago from this game.

I don't believe that at all. I think he obviously sees potential in still making significant money from the game, as he released the iOS version only last year. It would seem stupid of him to give up that potential for the enjoyment of a small online community. Of course we want it, but he's more likely to lose money that way.

[Lockyon]

The main problem I ran into was after I bought the game and Installed it was that this
version was Elma 1.11a - Now because I have played it before I knew I had to update the game.
(In de past I would always have a friend send me the correct files so I could update it).
But this time I wanted to do "legal" install to see where it lead me. After multiple sites giving me instruction that I had to update to 1.2 and than update to EOL.
I could not find any link to a download page for the actual update. so at this point I knew what to do but I didn't have the files to do so.
And at this point I gave up on trying to find the right (legal) download.

x Lockyon

[Madness]

There's no perfectly legal download as those patches enabling you to play online weren't made by Balazs.

However, if you actually bought the game, I guess you can download this and still sleep with a clear conscience: http://teamspeed.eu/data/eol.zip

[Bjenn]

With different downloads from here and there it will only make new players more confused, good job Madness.
And btw, warez o,o

[sunl]

There's no perfectly legal download as those patches enabling you to play online weren't made by Balazs.

However, if you actually bought the game, I guess you can download this and still sleep with a clear conscience: http://teamspeed.eu/data/eol.zip

Link broken. No more elma for me I guess

[Hosp]

www.jappe2.net/elma/ElmaOnline.zip

[sunl]

Thanks!

[Ruben]

I made a draft for a complete guide, lots missing still and some stuff I don't know myself. I don't have time working on it now, but if you want a look I'll pm it. Sent it to Kopaka already.

[Polarix]

Cant we just place the elma.res file in the folder on elmaonline.net and just see if balasz will care or not?

[sunl]

New link is broken as well.

[roope]

Hosp's link works fine, if you're looking for a full Elma/EOL installment if I understand correctly?

http://www.jappe2.net/elma/ElmaOnline.zip

[sunl]

Oh link was not working earlier, nevermind