Illwinter Next Project

[elmokki]

There was some discussion on IRC at some point about making nations (well, this was actually probably mostly me throwing game ideas to be honest) more generic. For example take MA Marignon: you'd have your troop chassises and your equipment and could combine them as you like - probably with some limitations though, like maybe you couldn't make MA Vanheim skinshifters use spears or something.

Directly implemented to Dominions 3 this would be utterly stupid since item quality vs resource cost just simply isn't balanced and in most cases people would end up using very limited rosters. I mean, seriously, the armors are somewhat more balanced and getting extra prot usually means you'll need to actually sacrifice something, but if you have a spear or mace and a broad sword available, you just won't pick the mace for anyone who's going to fight in melee.

In general the idea is cool, but for Dominions game series I prefer having lovingly made nations with their own quirks instead of something very minmaxable. CoE3 (or hopefully streamlined Dominions 3 that isn't crap) could use a customization thing. Though I suppose if it's designed well it might work in Dominions too.

Also as UnitGen hopefully proves, implementing this is in no way impossible (the units can also look better and more unique, UnitGen just uses generic stuff with my not-so-awesome sprite editing skills), but it is extra work compared to just making nations like in Dominions 3.

[llamabeast]

Gem-generating dominion is an interesting idea!

[Kelan]

Originally Posted by llamabeast

Gem-generating dominion is an interesting idea!

Hmm, yeah that could have all kinds of interesting opportunities.

They could automatically generate certain kinds of gems based on nation and number of candles (dominion) or even terrain type or scales. It could also influence the effectiveness or amount of gems you get from sites.

Heck it could even generate a new holy gem type that harvests dominion that you could use to enhance or power up existing spells or items, or open up new holy production items or spells using Holy paths.

I like the enhancement idea although it may be a coding/stat tracking and balancing nightmare. Add some holy gems while making a 75% resist item and it becomes some % higher, or adds re-invigoration or something. Same could be used to add special effects to certain spells.

[brxbrx]

Are you guys talking about a Dominions themed Bejeweled or something?

[legowarrior]

I have to say, I do like the concept and idea of the Unitgen mod of yours. I like were it is going. Well, Dominion 4 is a long way off, for now, I'll just enjoy all the mods that people have created for it.

[brxbrx]

I think it'd be interesting if the game would have more dominion-neutral spots for longer. In my experience, there's little gradual change between two dominions. Your dominion falls sharply as you get to enemy lands, and vice versa.

[Gandalf Parker]

Map size would lead directly to that.
Ive enjoyed games on really large maps. There is less emphasis on claiming everything. Some wilderness stays intact. People spend time finding and moving toward each other. Scouting becomes more important. Some nations such as Caelum and Pangaea move from "sucky" into a fairly high position. It definitely makes a different game

[llamabeast]

Unfortunately you need the patience of a saint to endure a large map. I'm not criticising but personally I just can't cope.

[NTJedi]

Originally Posted by llamabeast

Unfortunately you need the patience of a saint to endure a large map. I'm not criticising but personally I just can't cope.

Maps above 350 provinces take massive patience and one single turn can take multiple days especially for maps exceeding 500 provinces.
Maps of this massive size NEED to be using victory points otherwise the end game becomes boring for whoever is winning.

I can report of having enjoyed some great huge battles which will forever be great memories, so patience does provide some rewards. Also the computer opponent who provides the best late game spells outside and inside of combat is Neifielheim... so place him on the opposite side of the human players with extra starting provinces. Also Gandalf did some testing and found Formia is one of the best.

[legowarrior]

Lets see, Morrowind,Baldur's Gate 1 and 2, Cybermancy, Civilization 5, Sins of a Solar Empire, Age of Empires 3, Neverwinter Nights 2 (with Icewind Dale mod), Dungeon Defenders, War Winds (it kind of works on my computer), might try to beat Age of Wonders Shadow Magic, Planescape Torment, Sword of the Stars, Quest for Glory 2, 3 and 4 (1 I beat!), Warlords Battlecry 3 (enjoyed the game but I never beat the campaign). I think that covers most of the games. I'm sure I'm missing a few though.

Oh, and Warlock came out with a demo, so there is that too. And the new Tribes Game.