Immortal Kingdoms
by Bob Carlton · in General Discussion · 02/17/2006 (12:08 am) · 7 replies
I've decided to release a very early demo of the Arena Mode of my game (Immortal Kingdoms) for general feedback and critique. The 'Arena Mode' is basically where players can practice battle strategies and/or compete against other players for fame (ranking points).
I would also appreciate some general feedback as to how the battle part of this game may potentially do in terms of the larger game whole, as Immortal Kingdoms is not just a battle game but a turn based strategy that combines aspects of strategy gaming, tactical battles (final fantasy tactics,etc), rpg character advancement, collectable card games, and a few other games I've played over the years.
Besides 'Arena Mode' you also have online Campaign Play (online strategy in the vein of Heroes of Might and Magic and other turn based fantasy strategy games...although much different as well). Here you compete against other players online in a half real time/half turn based strategy game where you explore, build and manage your province, earn fame and faith, use diplomacy, and most importantly build your army of highly customizable characters.
The game can also be played in single player mode playing camapaigns and scenarios.
I have a good portion of the tactical battle stuff done (except for online) but I havn't started the large strategy aspect of the game. Anyway, some of what I think makes the game unique includes highly in depth character development for all members of your army (massive variety here), fun strategic battles, unique and thought provoking kingdom maintenance, an intuitive user interface, and a truly immersive online strategy game.
The game is obviously more old school (with limited graphics/animation) but I hope it appeals to the hardcore turn based fantasy strategist.
My business plan is tentatively to sell the game for 20-something dollars and this will allow access to 'Arena Mode' and single player play.
Also, I think it will be a good idea to let people use the demo to play Arena Mode in an unlimited capacity to build up the community of players...with some kind of limitation like not allowing certain creatures for those not registered.
And then I would like to sell 'Campaigns'. This would kind of be like a limited pay to play online thing (like a mmorpg). But you would basically pay ($5, $10...depending on size of campaign and market) to play an entire campaign.
This campaign may last for several months or more. Those who play this would be serious players but would realize the best parts of the game (player development and kingdom building) are to be found here.
I would like some input on this type of business strategy if possible.
I would also obviously like input on the demo (Arena Mode). It is basically the battle part of the game. This is where battles take place.
How fun is it? What can be improved? Will it just not work? Need something?
What it doesn't have is as follows (A lot left to do):
1) All the art. I have an artist working on the images. Right now only a small portion of the characters/creatures are mine and the rest are place holders. Some that are mine are the Barbarian, Wolf, Giant Spider, Wizard, Magician, Fighter, Spellcaster, and some others. Comments on these? Also, a lot of the other art is place holder...and I plan on doing a lot of work still on the battlefield...including the border.
2) No sound, music yet. Will be in depth but later.
3) More polish
4) Still bugs
5) No online play or computer opponent. Sadly, only hotseat...but it still gives you an idea of the gameplay.
Those are the main things missing. I plan on removing some of the clicking (too much right now). Input on this? Clicking 'Next' all the time tedious?
Ok, rambling...here is the download link. You can view screenshots below as well.
http://files.filefront.com/Immortal_.../fileinfo.html
http://pluvious0.tripod.com/screenshots/
I would also appreciate some general feedback as to how the battle part of this game may potentially do in terms of the larger game whole, as Immortal Kingdoms is not just a battle game but a turn based strategy that combines aspects of strategy gaming, tactical battles (final fantasy tactics,etc), rpg character advancement, collectable card games, and a few other games I've played over the years.
Besides 'Arena Mode' you also have online Campaign Play (online strategy in the vein of Heroes of Might and Magic and other turn based fantasy strategy games...although much different as well). Here you compete against other players online in a half real time/half turn based strategy game where you explore, build and manage your province, earn fame and faith, use diplomacy, and most importantly build your army of highly customizable characters.
The game can also be played in single player mode playing camapaigns and scenarios.
I have a good portion of the tactical battle stuff done (except for online) but I havn't started the large strategy aspect of the game. Anyway, some of what I think makes the game unique includes highly in depth character development for all members of your army (massive variety here), fun strategic battles, unique and thought provoking kingdom maintenance, an intuitive user interface, and a truly immersive online strategy game.
The game is obviously more old school (with limited graphics/animation) but I hope it appeals to the hardcore turn based fantasy strategist.
My business plan is tentatively to sell the game for 20-something dollars and this will allow access to 'Arena Mode' and single player play.
Also, I think it will be a good idea to let people use the demo to play Arena Mode in an unlimited capacity to build up the community of players...with some kind of limitation like not allowing certain creatures for those not registered.
And then I would like to sell 'Campaigns'. This would kind of be like a limited pay to play online thing (like a mmorpg). But you would basically pay ($5, $10...depending on size of campaign and market) to play an entire campaign.
This campaign may last for several months or more. Those who play this would be serious players but would realize the best parts of the game (player development and kingdom building) are to be found here.
I would like some input on this type of business strategy if possible.
I would also obviously like input on the demo (Arena Mode). It is basically the battle part of the game. This is where battles take place.
How fun is it? What can be improved? Will it just not work? Need something?
What it doesn't have is as follows (A lot left to do):
1) All the art. I have an artist working on the images. Right now only a small portion of the characters/creatures are mine and the rest are place holders. Some that are mine are the Barbarian, Wolf, Giant Spider, Wizard, Magician, Fighter, Spellcaster, and some others. Comments on these? Also, a lot of the other art is place holder...and I plan on doing a lot of work still on the battlefield...including the border.
2) No sound, music yet. Will be in depth but later.
3) More polish
4) Still bugs
5) No online play or computer opponent. Sadly, only hotseat...but it still gives you an idea of the gameplay.
Those are the main things missing. I plan on removing some of the clicking (too much right now). Input on this? Clicking 'Next' all the time tedious?
Ok, rambling...here is the download link. You can view screenshots below as well.
http://files.filefront.com/Immortal_.../fileinfo.html
http://pluvious0.tripod.com/screenshots/
#4
02/17/2006 (1:58 am)
I dont think anyone can play that demo enough to give feedback.. maybe some docs or tutorial should be next on your list...... 
#5
02/17/2006 (2:06 am)
Looks great - erm I would like to test this, but I haven't got a clue how to play. How about posting some instructions outlining what to do for a couple of turns. Looks a bit like Magic.
#6
Ok, when you download and setup you will get a little cheesy menu that says 'Start Game' or 'Quit Game'...it is a temp. Click on Start.
This brings up the ARMY SELECTION form. Here you select a creature by clicking on it and placing it in one of the empty boxes on the right side of the screen. You can put the mouse over the creatures to get an idea what they are and how strong. But it is a bit up in the air until you learn the creatures better.
You will notice on the mouseover that the creatures have an Experience Value. You will also notice that in the top left corner you have a total experience value that you can select for the entire army. Place as many creatures as you can (of whatever type you want) to the right, without going over the total experience allowed.
When you are done click next.
Then do the same for Red Player. And click next again.
Then you get to the main form. Read the help file at the top middle of the screen for help. But basically what you do is right click on units to view them, click on the combat buttons at the bottom to do things (spells, attack, etc), and you can identify who's turn it is by the blue/red outline around the unit.
If you need more instruction let me know.
02/17/2006 (2:28 am)
Yeah, I should have posted some help here to get you through the very beginning. Just a lot to finish up and post...and all that.Ok, when you download and setup you will get a little cheesy menu that says 'Start Game' or 'Quit Game'...it is a temp. Click on Start.
This brings up the ARMY SELECTION form. Here you select a creature by clicking on it and placing it in one of the empty boxes on the right side of the screen. You can put the mouse over the creatures to get an idea what they are and how strong. But it is a bit up in the air until you learn the creatures better.
You will notice on the mouseover that the creatures have an Experience Value. You will also notice that in the top left corner you have a total experience value that you can select for the entire army. Place as many creatures as you can (of whatever type you want) to the right, without going over the total experience allowed.
When you are done click next.
Then do the same for Red Player. And click next again.
Then you get to the main form. Read the help file at the top middle of the screen for help. But basically what you do is right click on units to view them, click on the combat buttons at the bottom to do things (spells, attack, etc), and you can identify who's turn it is by the blue/red outline around the unit.
If you need more instruction let me know.
#7
The game does have some different concepts and a variety that may be of interest.
02/18/2006 (1:48 am)
I fixed the link and put some basic help in my last post so you can understand the basic gist of the game. I would appreciate some input, as after this little break session I will be going back to work on other aspects of the game for the next year or more and I would like to know what people think up until now.The game does have some different concepts and a variety that may be of interest.
Torque Owner Jason Swearingen