I know there has been some talk about this before, but I think I have a fresh view on how we could get this started.
My main idea is that the first five missions would be made for the original game first. This gives us some experience on making missions and also allows fine tuning the missions for RttR later on when a campaign support is finally developed. In the mean time we can plan how the campaign plays out, as I think there is a need to have a clear story arch that makes the campaign work together as a whole.
So storywise there would be a need for some elements that appear along the way while missions are played, giving the player hints of what is to come. But never really push it to player's face or tell straight on what'll happen. So besides playing the game I'd like to see a nice story being told that keeps the player happy and interested even through hardship that he might have while playing the campaign.
So, first five missions to be playable on original game sets us some limitations:
- Story is based around Octavianus and game is played as Romans.
- We can only use mission events supported by the original game. We can't come up with new stuff.
- Any existing RttR feature or difference can't be used.
I also think there is a need for other requirements:
- Extensive use of harbors: each map should have the ability to build ships.
- Maps should feature original object graphics = custom LST file!
- Each map would feature a new, original and awesome looking Headquarters building for the player (as a treat: "OMG I'd like to see the next one too!")
- Some of the maps should encourage player to build boat routes! REALLY!
First mission idea
This mission should do the same kind of introduction to the game as the original game did. So all the buildings would be introduced one by one and the player would understand what he needs for what. Unlike the original campaign the mission should introduce all the buildings. The mission should be fairly easy.
Another change is that I'd like to put the player face multiple enemies along the way. So player's first enemy could be some lousy AI with no upgraded soldiers and which would've ran out of them. This would introduce the player the concept of what happens if you don't have enough resources (ie. mining).
The second AI would be tougher, with a few upgraded soldiers and access to mining, but no gold.
The third AI would the toughest: access to some gold and enough iron to let it grow a bit. It should have one strategic Catapult, but no ability to build more. Player would get a Catapult when a Scout finds it. "They have it so we must build one too!"
All of these AI players should be out of contact of eachother so player would need to expand to the unknown to meet these opponents. After defeating the third opponent the player should find a harbor site, get the Harbor building and Shipyard introduced as the last buildings. After sailing the ship should land and find an island where there is a Gate. When Harbor completes and conquers the land the mission would end.
Other missions
I'm volunteering Pine Apple Trouble as one of the first five missions. It can't be used as a first mission as it wasn't designed that way. My thoughts for it are quite cruel for the player, but it should be fun as well.
I also had this thought of having a river based mission where player has to build a Harbor which will then go through enemy territory and player would get a new Harbor behind enemy lines. Player would face strong opponents if he tries to conquer his way through land and would be forced to defend or lose the game. Instead through the river the player would face weaker opponents that he can beat and get access to resources which allow him to beat any opponent. This mission would require balancing so that player would be forced to grab any resource he can get in the beginning and maybe he'll run out of resources in one-two hours of gameplay unless he gets access to more resources via Harbor. Too quick expansion along the river by the player would ruin his chances because he'd need the extra time of peace to make sure he has a lot of Generals to defend.
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