The best person to give the hints is the level author. The best place to give the hints is the �Hint� message box. However, most level authors (including me) either don�t use the message boxes or write something else (like explaining the level name).
I always write �something� in the message boxes but never give the clues that really help in solving the levels. I use them more as the communication areas between the players and me. Starting May 2003 (appeared in June 2003 Monthly Update), I added �number of moves� and �number of shots� to the hints. A few times, I explained terms regarding the level names since I noticed many non-English natives among the players (including me). A few times, I made jokes. I just wrote �something�. I could ruin someone�s enjoyment if I revealed the �magic spell� of the level in the �Hint� message box.
I noticed that many other level authors did the same thing. Kheper wrote �Date�, �Number of moves�, �Number of shots�, and �E-mail address�. Sven Egevad wrote �xxx/yyy� (number-of-moves / number-of-shots). GerryW�s hints are mostly �<NO HINT SUBMITTED FOR THIS LEVEL>�. Some of his hints are similar with mine, like: Ch-II #344 �Fiber, liquids, and exercise!�, Ch-II #345 �Schreiten gerade auf.� (German?), Ch-II #1717 �Another example of Beam Physics phenomena�. Ihab NAIRI wrote in French. Vanesa Perovic wrote a single word �Shoot !� in LT #1132.
Probably the best way to solve the levels is as Gerry, Wurbear, Tina, and many other LaserTankers do (or Humphrey Bogart says in Casablanca): �Play it (again), Sam!�
Regards,
Suyono H. Yaphar
Gerry W wrote:
I have always thought it would be good to have a hint file for[email protected] wrote:
nearly all the tougher levels, but it would be a daunting task to
make it.I like the idea of a hint file for the Hard and Challenging levels; but you're right, it would be difficult to put together.