Re: [NetEpic ML] Campaign System

From: <deaconblue3_at_...>
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 15:52:37 -0500

Campaign systems can be a pain to develop properly. Some here may
remember a member called Sauron. He had developed a map based campaign
(mainly for use over the net), using real world maps, and a central
coordinator for the campaign. Unfortunately, he has not been heard from
in some time, here or on the other Epic list (work related as I recall).
I'm not sure as to all the specifics of it, as it has been a while. Now
for some random ideas and thoughts...
        1. Production factors depend on the scope and length of the
campaign. If the campaign is to retake a single world (as in Final
Liberation), then local objectives can be used to get
new/improved/reinforcement units. A longer, or wider campaign (a sector
or larger region of space), should use a production point type system,
with modifiers for captured worlds, and "regular" supplies from out of
area. Production point values would be assigned to each armies units,
and it would be up to the regional commander to decide what to get and
when.
        2. Optionally. especially if using a linear type campaign, a
prestige point system could be employed. Similar to the system used in
the Panzer General games, a commander would get regular "prestige dumps"
in addition to bonuses/minuses based on individual battle performance.
        3. Map based campaigns have certain advantages. It allows the
commanders to move their forces "in secret," and increases the value of
scouting units to find and engage the enemy. Commanders may subdivide
their forces as they see fit, and gives a certain sense of the old
"double blind" style war games. It does allow for some very unbalanced
and unequal battles to happen though. Then again, that's "real" combat.
        4. Ideally, one could combine map based and other styles of
campaign into one. This may get a tad unwieldy, but may offer the best
experience. We should allow the individual players as much room to
maneuver and position as possible. Again, you may end up with some
seriously unequal battles, but that's part of the experience. Prioritize
your objectives, and take action to secure them. Of course, the enemy
may or may not comply with your wishes.
        5. Objectives in any style campaign can be an issue. What do the
objectives give you besides VP, if anything? IMO, objectives should
impart something more than just VPs, though that should be the main
goodie. And the bonus need not be additional units, or upgrades, but
could be intelligence data, or something else.

Ok, I think that's all for now...

Josh R

Minister for General Mayhem
"Don't let the bastards grind you down." Gen. Joseph Stilwell
Received on Thu Mar 22 2001 - 20:52:37 UTC