The games that do things differently

Sebastian Janssen · 2002-10-09T20:09:46

Just like movies and music, I think a lot of computer games borrow too much from each other. Sure, if one game does something good, it would make sense to include it in other games as well, and every design borrows something from another, but I sometimes feel that too many things are being borrowed, too many ideas are being copied. So, here''s a chance to herald those few games that have chosen to go a different path. The games that do things differently. I bring you: Majesty What does it do different? Majesty could be summed up as an RTS where you can NOT manually control your units. Instead, you, the king, place reward flags. There are two types of reward flags: a) bounty: place this on an enemy unit (usually an AI monster) b) explore: place this on a location on the map The units that you create (rogues, warriors, wizards and more) each have a customized behavior pattern. Some will quickly set out to collect the reward flags you placed (rogues are easily attracted because of their greed), others take a little longer to attract (gnomes, who care mainly about building things). Some other behavior patterns: -certain units will follow and support certain other units (rangers for example will follow and protect barbarians) -morale: determines if your unit will stand and fight or flee when a monster approaches -some units will quickly seek to buy new items available in your many stores, others seem to not care about items as much The automated behavior of the units is the number one creative element in this game, but I also like the fact that some buildings affect other buildings. For example, after constructing a blacksmith, the price of all new buildings is lowered by 5%. After constructing a Library, the price of new research is lowered by 5%. After constructing an Elven Bungalow, all Marketplaces double their income. After constructing certain Temples, certain other Temples can no longer be built. I''ve been playing this game exclusively for the last few weeks, and am still amazed at how a basically simple premise like this (you can''t control your units but can only try to affect their behavior by placing reward flags) works really, really well. Okay, now let me hear about your personal candidate for ''The Games That Do Things Differently''.

Game Design and Theory Game Design

Started by Silvermyst October 04, 2002 12:09 PM

9 comments, last by Silvermyst 22 years, 2 months ago

Obscure

175

October 09, 2002 08:09 PM

Silvermyst,
You concept isn''t an RTS done differently it is a god game done the same. The system you describe is basically Populous (which in its time was a new genre).

Majestic was a nice idea but it didn''t do very well. maybe the secretive nature of it made it just a little too secret which is why no one played it and they killed it off.

Dan Marchant
Obscure Productions

Dan Marchant - Business Development Consultant
www.obscure.co.uk

The games that do things differently

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The games that do things differently

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