News Archive - Dec 2002

It's Christmas Eve, or at least that's what it here. It's dark outside and it's more than likely that the world will stay as green here as it is now.
Oh well, I suppose I can't have everything.

Christmas means different things to most of us, so I'll stick to saying a few things I think we can all agree on.

Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones, be they family or friends, with people you feel comfortable with. It's a time, at least here in the Northern hemisphere to see that the darkness will go away and that brighter times lie just around the corner.
So concentrate on the good things of life, the other ones will pass.

From all of us to all of you, may you have a wonderful christmas.

Angel Zen was kind enough to mention that there is an article about the Great Wall in this month's National Geographic magazine. Unfortunately only an excerpt from it is available online, but hope you enjoy it.

Tom was kind enough to email me after my news article yesterday saying that he had seen a documentary on the Discovery Channel about the building of the Great Wall and people being buried in it. Apparently this is probably a myth as if people were buried in the wall, the decomposition would lead to there being gaps in the earth making the wall not so strong. It makes sense I suppose, but it's still rather a 'nice' legend (depending on how ghoulish you are of course).

Apparently an archaeologist found a burial ground near the Wall full of bones which he believed belonged to those who died during the building. However, it does make me think that, if his hypothesis is correct, there would have to be many burial grounds along the length of the Wall which is, after all, about 6,500km long.

By the way, just a reminder that there are only two shopping days until Christmas for you to buy copies of Emperor for all your friends. Try ordering it from one of the links on this page and make a little money for HG at the same time. Whilst there, why not have a browse among other HGers recommendations ... or make some of your own.

I thought that those of you struggling to build part of the Great Wall might like to see a picture of the "real thing" (courtesy of Jayhawk). Those who want to find out more might like to read the short article about it in our History section. Did you know, for example, that anyone who died while working on it was buried in the wall ... and anyone who complained or tried to escape was buried alive? Maybe, if you remember that, it will make your building seem a little easier.

Anyone with spare time (and if you have spare time at this time of year, I can only assume you're not a parent) might like to have a go at the Trivial Pursuit Quiz in the Community Forum. This is an ongoing quiz with questions being added all the time by Thanh, a CBH regular from long ago who has recently returned.

While having a wander round the Citybuilding news archives recently we noticed that they used to have daily news. We'd like to put in some effort between us for this to happen at Emperor Heaven. It will be a joint effort between the staff, but we would always welcome suggestions or help from visitors.

Our forums are very busy at the moment. Do you have anything you could add to the housing block discussion? Or how about adding your own housing block using the glyphs, telling us why it works for you.

We have now added a walkthrough for the 3 mission Jin Wudi bonus campaign to our walkthrough section. Written by forumer JimMRooney who played at normal difficulty they give a guideline to one way to play these missions.

We have also recently added some extra walkthroughs for the other campaigns by staff at different difficulties. More of these will be gradually added so that players can see different styles of completing the missions.

Game Spy's Game of the Year 2002 - Gamers' Choice Awards are now open for voting here. Emperor is nominated both in the PC Strategy Game of the Year and PC Overall Game of the Year categories. So its time to get voting.

Yes, it's true.

After a very long time without hosting friendly competitions we finally offer you one, by that peerless scenario designer: Granite Q

Prospector is a speed mission with the follwoing story line

Pharaoh has heard there is area near Timna which, although apparently barren, may contain valuable raw materials. He is therefore in great need of a first class prospector.

Fortunately he has you on his staff, one whose reputation for discovering even the most hidden away treasures are renowned throughout the land.

Pharaoh wants you to go to Timna, establish a substantial settlement and achieve full production as soon as you can.

The contest starts this Thursday and will pop up in the Competition Corner when it's ready to go.

Gobi Bear has provided information on the attitude of other cities to you. For example did you realise that an agreeable rival is better than a respectful rival, or that a dedicated vassal is better than a committed vassal? You will find the information here