Re: what about the future?
 

If you do EXTENSIVE searching you can find comments by Kristoffer and Johan from years ago where they talk about their favorite types of games, the types they considered doing before settling into the Dominions 3 project, and the way they go about development. All of that can give some idea on why some of the quesswork is probably off the mark but its not likely to actually pin down anything.

Im afraid thats about all anyone can get. There are still NDA's in place for things involving Dom3 beta testing, and even Dom2. Any rock-hard info about the new project can only come from Illwinter or Shrapnel and we will all get it at the same time. Anything else can just be considered people having fun with it.

Its been rumored that the beginning of the end was when Dominions 4 supporting eras up to and including space travel was released as an iPhone/iPad/iPod application. Almost instantly came the collapse of other forms of entertainment and communication. So many people were playing at work that the economy collapsed. So many were playing while walking, riding bikes, and even driving that accidents shot up. Soldiers played and only the poorest of countries won any battles. And from the profits we now hear rumblings of a Dominions 5 which will be written for the new matryx direct interface.People are already volunteering in droves to be sealed into life-support pods so that they never need to leave the game.

Re: what about the future?
 

I read those interviews :)

Your dom IV prophecy prose is great. Are you H3? ;)

Re: what about the future?
 

Heehee. Reminds me of this..
http://www.cafepress.com/oddthotz/5662870
which came from a forum conversation...
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=39216

(:target: dont read)

Re: what about the future?
 

I remember them talking about a role playing game in the world of dominions, or about a space exploration game (aka Master of orion).

I'm seriusly hoping for the second, but the first will also do...

Re: what about the future?
 

My guess is a Dominions RPG.

Re: what about the future?
 

Dominions in space already exists. It is called VGA Planets (and also Stars!, Galaxy plus; pbem space 4x strategy genre is old as dirt).

Now, a Dominions RPG, if they keep it oldschool, I am sold.

Re: what about the future?
 

I always considered Space Empires IV to be Dominions in Space.
And I always considered Master of Magic to be Dominions with more rpg.

But since we mentioned them...
Stars! is great and I still play it on my machine.

SE-IV is great and I still play it on my machine. SE-V is a great example IMHO of how a great game with a huge modding community can be trashed by taking the game to new sound and 3D graphics.

VGA Planets 3 is fantastic. VGAP4 is in beta and has been for years. Ive had it pre-purchased since 2001. But VGAP4 is too complicated now for anyone to learn or document. I think they will keep adding to it forever and it will never leave beta. But if anyone wants a space game that is too much game, thats a great choice.

Re: what about the future?
 

wow didn't expect vga planets was still played. Used to love that game. Also stars, se-iv, spaceward ho, the sequel to that whatever it was called.. zombies in space? MoM is still the best tho.

Re: what about the future?
 

Kind of funny to see Master of Magic described in that way - don't get me wrong Dominions is good but it aint in the same league as MOM (imho of course.)

I just wish Mare Crisium would appear Phoenix like with Stars Supernova ready to run - now that is game worth waiting for!

Re: what about the future?
 

Yes. Dominions RPG with or w/o ASCII mode (ala angband etc) would be awesome. I'll pre-order :)