Posts: 2,197
Threads: 111
Joined: Mar 2013
Reputation:
23
Hey, I would like to see Maelstrom enhanced into 5th Cycle or even a brand new sci-fi game but time is the issue for me. I spent a fair amount of time back in Nov-Dec enhancing Alamaze for SSL but I can't implement this year due to lack of time. In any case, if I end up being the hold up on anything then is there another programmer available? I can help by providing background info and code source files...
Posts: 5,613
Threads: 619
Joined: Feb 2012
Reputation:
6
02-15-2020, 09:30 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-15-2020, 09:39 PM by Ry Vor.)
So, not to imply anything is at all nearby, what about this idea, for the Expanse game:
“We each agree to give up 3 influence to enforce this 12 month alliance.” Well, it may seem abstract but essentially you are delegating authority and dictator like abilities when you have made a commitment to an ally. And so these would become serious decisions, with fairly significant consequence. From my experience, this kind of consequence with other means of the code determining collective action against one opponent, would make a better game. In real life, of course, countries would like 3 on 1. In a game, players don't look on it fondly.
What I am trying to do design wise, is mitigate the abilities of the "power gamer" (the every turn, every player diplomat) with the Hans Solo player. So agreements would be in-game, and that would be the means of diplomacy. Everything quid pro quo. (Ooh - scary!)
Consider the Privateers of the 18th century Atlantic and Caribbean: unofficial agents of various governments under no flag, but rewarded. So this would be a player position or two. Running a world would have more problems than running a pirate collective, but survivability is better.
It might be a consideration to consider major and minor positions. So, if you are the Earther, you have a lot more going on than an outlaw faction, and you have lots more orders and influence and game fee, but as a minor, you have a lighter touch to a developing epic, sort of more free-wheeling, more casual. Of course, you would have to have the potential to run Millennium Falcon type missions, you just wouldn't actually win the game from a minor role, other than by a major role offering you a Viceroy ship, thereby splitting his points with you when he wins.
As far as I know, these are unique game concepts, so, no stealing them for your friends at Wizards of the Coast.