I have an idea for a FPS set in a W40K-esque universe, but with a few differances. I won't go into detail, I only have one question. My game revolves around a planet under contension from a few major powers, and the player is a 'third' party, for eases sake you can just imagine the Eldar. The player is a student from his race, and is learning how to manipulate others using psychic powers. From his ship in high orbit he can take control of soldiers in battle and use them for his own objectives, but once he has chosen a side he cannot change for the rest of the battle. Gah, thats not very clear, so I'll try again. The turn starts on the planetary screen, and all the previous turns moves, battles and diplomacy are shown. After reviewing this, the player is taken to the current map, with impending battles shown. The player chooses a battle, then chooses a faction. He now participates in the battle as a normal soldier, but with a control bar that increases as you gain points. More points unlocks higher levels of unit. The winner is declared when the objective is completed and the other battles outcomes are calculated. The 'Strategic AI' on the planetary screen acts like the AI in a 4x game, and tries to create a dynamic warzone, and each of the factions has a long term objective (E.g The Taurans are mortal enemies of the Slitheen and will hunt them down at the expense of long-term territorial gains.) The player can fight for any faction, changing the outcome of impossible battles and shaping the game world as he pleases. -------------------------------- There's ALOT more to it, but thats all thats relevant. My question is: Would a dynamic world like this keep a players interest? General feedback is also welcomed.

I think a dynamic world like this would be able to keep people interested, but not by itself. What is the goal I'm trying to acheieve, why would I want to control different forces?

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Original post by Dragoncar I think a dynamic world like this would be able to keep people interested, but not by itself. What is the goal I'm trying to acheieve, why would I want to control different forces?

I think this is key. I like the idea of controlling members of different factions, especially with the possibility of tactics like sabotaging a faction's operation to allow their enemies to grow stronger... But there needs to be some motivation behind this - as a third party, why would I want one side to win a battle over another?

I see what you mean, I would need some kind of overarching objective to complete. I like the idea of having a small faction, who would otherwise be certain to lose, having to be the winners with the catch that the player can't directly control them. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks for the replies guys.

This sounds like it could go with something along the lines of race x is too small to attack/defend the planet but by using the other races they can then invade easily, you could then have the player take control of this race when they feel ready and try and win.

The other way I could see it going is kind of cliche, but have a trapped demon that requires evil energy to escape its prison. It gathers this energy by people dieing and other "evil" deeds like causing allies to stab the other in the back with the closer the alliance the more evil energy generated when they stab each other in the back, which could make for a choice between immediate and long term gain. As a "bonus" for finishing (aka. releasing demon from prison) the player gets to play a single map as the uber powerful demon and smash everything to pieces.