We love you, Illwinter, but DO NOT DO THIS!

[Argitoth]

from here: http://www.tacticularcancer.com/content.php?id=12


Saving the most obvious question for last: Is Dominions 4 the next Illwinter project?

"Changes, add-ons and patches for Dom3 first. There are lots of ideas that could be implemented in later expansions for Dom3. What will happen later we don't know yet. It would be fun to make another type of game, to start from scratch. But it will be hard not to think in terms of Dominions. Perhaps an RPG in the Dominions setting, RTS Dominions, Dominions SPACE, I don't know."



Ok. Space? Who? RTS Dominions? Dominions would have to be stripped of all that we like about it. Many things in Dominions could NEVER be translated. RPG? Hmm, could be nice. If it's got 2D graphics and goes as deep as Dominions except on a more personal level then I'd go for it. If it got 3d graphics and doesn't go as deep as Dominions... no way.


Have you ever considered developing a non-fantasy game, such as a modern or historical wargame?

"We've had ideas on space games, Jules-Vernesque gothic-punk, and other stuff, so yes, we have. Not sure what will emerge later on."



NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO AGREES? NO!!! Modern? Historical? BORING! NO! Doing this goes against everything that is Illwinter.

Ok, discuss.

[WraithLord]

As much as I love dominions and wish that it gets as much attention as possible from IW, I think that those decisions are for IW to make.

I regard game creation as a form of art and as such no artist wants to forever repeat making the same master piece, so I can sure understand if IW wants to create a space game or something else. I will probably not like such a game (not my thing) but others might.

First things first, let see how dom-III turns out, how many patches add-ons and mods it gets, then start wishing/begging for the fourth installment http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Alneyan]

Hey, I didn't know Argitoth was Illwinter's main action-holder.

That aside, "We've had ideas on space games, Jules-Vernesque gothic-punk, and other stuff" ain't be historical or modern in my book (I'm not seeing steampunk or space travel in modern history), so that particular yell seems to have gone off the target.

[DominionsFan]

Well, I only play fantasy and medieval strategy games, sci-fi, cyberpunk etc. are not my gaming worlds. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Nerfix]

CoE III could be interesting.

[Gandalf Parker]

Pros and Cons.
Many people who decide not to play Dominions mention the lack of tactical combat. Ive always responded that I think that would detract from the strategy part of the game, and be nearly impossible to add well to a PbEM style game. But, if Illwinter decided they WANTED to do such a game then I would much rather it was a whole new game.

Space Game? I love Dominions rock-paper-scissors balance at nation level. And the fact that the nations have unique feel that makes the only winning strategy be "find the nation that best matches YOUR style of play". Its VERY hard to get those things right. Plus a space game would really let Kristoffer cut loose on his imagination (even more than Dom does? scarey)

RPG game? I tend to play Dom solo. And I do a fair amount of RPGing it in my head. From some of the great AARs it looks like Im not the only one. Maybe they will do a game where I actually PLAY my pretender on his rise to power. Or remake their CoE game which wasnt bad.

[quantum_mechani]

I actually love all the ideas, with the exception of RTS. Particularly the dominions RPG and gothic-punk sound very interesting.

[Nerfix]

I've toyed with the idea of Dom RPG

[Morkilus]

Coming soon: Dominions: The Gathering trading card game!

I'll have my Dominions theme decks posted here soon... (seriously)

[Ed Kolis]

Argitoth, you're just jealous you didn't think of it first http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Honestly, they have the right to develop whatever the smeg kind of game they want http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Argitoth]

Remind again how I control what they develop? OH YEAH DUH! I'M A CUSTOMER! What a concept... Come on people, it's very upsetting to get a bunch of comments about how I'm trying to control them (as if it even mattered since I'm not in charge) when all it is is my opinion. Note the the word "discuss" at the bottom of the post, I wanted to hear your opinions too.

It's about my opinion as a fan, but as you can see, being a customer you are able to influence the choices of the developer as I have in many instances (not limited to Illwinter), and as we all have. In fact, I was the one (or so I think) who suggested to the developers that swamp survival trait should make you invulnerable to miasma, not the cold-blooded trait and they implemented it.

So I show a little bit of feverish passion in my post, so what? I'm allowed that.

[Caduceus]

They've also been doing the same sort of thing for a number of years and may need to "switch gears" to keep things fresh.

If they want to take a break from the franchise to work on something else, it is their call. They're walking away from the money, not us. We're just handing it to them when we like their products.

[Argitoth]

Caduceus, but I just explained that I have no real control over Illwinter and I don't need to be reminded it is their call.

To further the discussion, take a look at Blizzard. They have 3 universes and has never branched off, they have only created 3 genres. These are Diablo: RPG, Warcraft: RTS, MMO and Starcraft: RTS.. oh, I forgot the one they are making that should have been cancelled years ago: StarCraft Ghost. Anyway, Blizzard has never branched off from the fantasy genre and Illwinter does not need to either. They have a great fantasy universe with great rules and they call it Dominions. They definitely do not need to create other fantasy universes. If ever they create an RPG out of Dominions I really hope they allow us to command armies or become a single powerful unit.

[Sandman]

WraithLord said:
As much as I love dominions and wish that it gets as much attention as possible from IW, I think that those decisions are for IW to make.

I regard game creation as a form of art and as such no artist wants to forever repeat making the same master piece, so I can sure understand if IW wants to create a space game or something else. I will probably not like such a game (not my thing) but others might.



Wise words.

[DominionsFan]

Diablo: RPG? Are you kidding? How can you call that RPG? It is more like an arcade game with small RPG elements.

[Endoperez]

DominionsFAN said:
Diablo: RPG? Are you kidding? How can you call that RPG? It is more like an arcade game with small RPG elements.



Diablo is a CRPGs, one of the games made for computers that are marketed as role-playing games. Whether or not the definition, as it is most often used, is correct or not is another point entirely.

I agree that it is an action-based game with pretty good options for making a character that suits a particular play-style, with actual role-playing, character development, discussion and moral dilemmas playing only a minor role.

[fahdiz]

I would LOVE to see a steampunk-style game from Illwinter. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Kristoffer O]

> Historical? BORING!

No way! Dominions is based on a devious plan to make you like history and mythology. Fantasy freaks will find the game and later on discover that there are things in it that stems from our rich historical past. Historical games are fun, good and educational.

> Ok. Space? Who? RTS Dominions? Dominions would have to be stripped of all that we like about it. Many things in Dominions could NEVER be translated.

Of course not. It would be an entirely new game wich you would also love, but for other reasons http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

> Hey, I didn't know Argitoth was Illwinter's main action-holder.

But he has been proclaimed my 'favourite freak fan' http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

> They're walking away from the money, not us.

Money ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I earn more as a teacher. Economically anyway. Fame might be greater in the game business though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif On the other hand I'm a quite famous teacher http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif (there are only ten of us at my school). Hmm, I'm being incoherent.

[DominionsFan]

Kristoffer O said:

Money ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I earn more as a teacher.



http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif

[Caduceus]

Always love hearing commentary from the creators http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Endoperez]

Kristoffer O said:
> Historical? BORING!

No way! Dominions is based on a devious plan to make you like history and mythology. Fantasy freaks will find the game and later on discover that there are things in it that stems from our rich historical past. Historical games are fun, good and educational.



Some of the things in Dominions are absolutely mind-blowing in how the historical inspirations are integrated into the game. I was amazed when I stuedied Gree in Philosophy, and got to Platon and Aristotle, and their schools of Lykeion and Akademeia... (or the other way round). Platon thought that the world is an illusion, and philosophers can reach the ultimate truth with their mind only, while Aristotle held the real world the one we should study. Golden Era of Arcoscephale, if you didn't catch it yet, has Akademeia and Lykeion, one of which has Skeptics and Philosophers, the other getting Siege Engineers and Icarus Warriors!

The feeling I got when I realized all this was beautiful.



> They're walking away from the money, not us.

Money ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I earn more as a teacher. Economically anyway. Fame might be greater in the game business though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif On the other hand I'm a quite famous teacher http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif (there are only ten of us at my school). Hmm, I'm being incoherent.



I really hope the salaries of teachers are better in Sweden than in Finland, then!

I also think I know where you got the "I'm being incoherent" from... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Tharivol_Street_Prince]

"Ok. Space? Who? RTS Dominions? Dominions would have to be stripped of all that we like about it."

Geeze, you sound kinda fearful. Space and sci-fi can be fun, especially if it's done all steampunk pseudo-science like.

"To further the discussion, take a look at Blizzard. They have 3 universes and has never branched off, they have only created 3 genres. These are Diablo: RPG, Warcraft: RTS, MMO and Starcraft: RTS.. oh, I forgot the one they are making that should have been cancelled years ago: StarCraft Ghost. Anyway, Blizzard has never branched off from the fantasy genre and Illwinter does not need to either. They have a great fantasy universe with great rules and they call it Dominions. They definitely do not need to create other fantasy universes."

You sound like you're taking this far too seriously. It's a game, so it's no big if the developers decide to do something different with it. And Illwinter isn't Blizzard, which is good because Blizzard's gotten really boring. You sound like you're really afraid of change, and you shouldn't be. It's not that scary of a thing. All you have to do is have faith, man. Illwinter's gotta do what they're moved to do, that's how good games are made. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Kristoffer O]

> I also think I know where you got the "I'm being incoherent" from...

From beer actually http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Argitoth]

I am embarrassed in front of the Dominions god.


Endoperez said:Some of the things in Dominions are absolutely mind-blowing in how the historical inspirations are integrated into the game.



I definitely agree. My use of the word "historical" was misused. I should have used "realistic." For example, Age of Mythology is definitely historical, it's just not realistic. I hate hardcore realistic games.

...but I'm always harsh about my opinions at the beginning.

As for Dominions in Space or a space game in general, it would be competing with Space Empires. I would not want a competition.


Tharivol_Street_Prince said:All you have to do is have faith, man. Illwinter's gotta do what they're moved to do, that's how good games are made. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif


Yes, very inspirational.

[Morkilus]

I just have to also chime in as to loving a steampunk game. Arcanum would have been my favorite RPG if it wasn't for the broken combat system, but the flavor was right on for me. With Illwinter's imagination and attention to detail, I can't believe such a game, whether RPG or strategy or whatever, wouldn't be worth playing.

[Saber Cherry]

Kristoffer O said:
> Historical? BORING!

No way! Dominions is based on a devious plan to make you like history and mythology. Fantasy freaks will find the game and later on discover that there are things in it that stems from our rich historical past. Historical games are fun, good and educational.



So, I have a little suggestion.

What makes the flavor of Dominions? For me, it is the descriptions. Period. Without the text, I would never have started playing, and I would have quit at Doms I if, say, Doms II had come out without descriptions (like the Age of Wonders -> AoW2 transition, where they killed the unit descriptions).

What currently has descriptions?

1) Units
2) Spells
3) Nations
4) Magical Items

What is missing?

5) Magic Sites
6) Provinces
7) Indies
8) Equipment

It's not crucial to have descriptions for everything. However, I was researching early Greek weapons and armor on the Wiki, and it's just fascinating. I would like to see descriptions of #5, #6, and #7, but most of all, descriptions on weapons and armor. Not exactly like this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yumi) or this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilum) or this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_mail) or this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana), since they are all too long and technical, but you get the idea.

However! That's a lot of work, so just the ability to add text tags would do nicely. They'd be fun for modders to fill in http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif All we need is text tag capabilities on those 4 items.

Never underestimate the learning power of games. I learned the names and groups of the entire Periodic Table of the Elements from... Star Control II!

[Cainehill]

Argitoth said:
To further the discussion, take a look at Blizzard. They have 3 universes and has never branched off, they have only created 3 genres. These are Diablo: RPG, Warcraft: RTS, MMO and Starcraft: RTS.. oh, I forgot the one they are making that should have been cancelled years ago: StarCraft Ghost. Anyway, Blizzard has never branched off from the fantasy genre and Illwinter does not need to either.



Ah yes, let's further the discussion. You state that Blizzard never branched from fantasy - perhaps you didn't notice that Starcraft is science fiction?

Also, saying that someone never branched from their original genre and someone else doesn't need to : the dinosaurs never branched from being cold blooded (theoretically). Companies that refused to branch from making coaches and horse livery, etc - where are they now?

Not that any of these are valid comparisons, unless Illwinter decides to keep developing on PCs after we don't have electricity anymore to run the PCs with. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Cainehill]

Also : SciFi Dominions might be kinda neat - there've been a number of far-future or other alternative settings of beings striving on a near-galactic level to achieve godhood & dominion. Could be a mix of species, each with their own types of ships, weaponry, etc, mostly technological but with divine / mystical powers as well.

[Nerfix]

Maybe Dominions with Modern Tech. Caelumian airmobile troops for the win.

[Gandalf Parker]

"Galactic Godhood"
Now there is a game I could get into. I can see the press release now.
Ive conquered castles, provinces, nations, continents, worlds...
and just when I thought I had beaten them all
they come out with "GALACTIC GODHOOD v0.1"

Gandalf Parker

[Boron]

Cainehill said:

Also : SciFi Dominions might be kinda neat - there've been a number of far-future or other alternative settings of beings striving on a near-galactic level to achieve godhood & dominion. Could be a mix of species, each with their own types of ships, weaponry, etc, mostly technological but with divine / mystical powers as well.



Yeah that might be cool http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Ships but also still magic. Like in many Animes or also in Star Wars.

If you decide to go Science Fiction you have to include some kind of Mechs though. For inspiration use Battletech and the good old Transformers Movie + Series and Neon Genesis Evangelion http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

[NTJedi]

Saber Cherry said:
For me, it is the descriptions. Period. Without the text, I would never have started playing, and I would have quit at Doms I if, say, Doms II had come out without descriptions (like the Age of Wonders -> AoW2 transition, where they killed the unit descriptions).





I believe the unit descriptions returned within AOW:SM using patch_1.4. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[NTJedi]

Boron said:

Cainehill said:

Also : SciFi Dominions might be kinda neat -



Yeah that might be cool http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Ships but also still magic. Like in many Animes or also in Star Wars.





Definitely can be done as seen with StarWars, but it can be difficult to mix SciFi and Magic.

[eshock113]

I just got the game last week. For the most part I like it a lot. Finding a good turn-based game is just not as easy as it used to be.

As such I kind of shuddered when I saw the "rts" word. I can't tell you the number of games I go through going "oh this looks cool" and then "Damn, another stupid rts".

I think Dominions is carving a fan niche out of people who don't like to be rushed making decisions (and like lots of info). Tell you the truth, if I had been given Dominions and told it was an rts -- doubt if I would have even loaded on my system (only two rts's I really stomach or Hearts of Iron and Kohan). Instead I would have broke out another game of Disciples, Civilization or Age of Wonder.

Space Dominions sounds cool. I loved Alpha Centuri and I think there is a lot of room here.

But, I really think there is a lot of room to grow in the direction this game is going. Actual tactical combat (similiar to Fantasy General, not Age of Wonder) would make this game even better. You have so many units, spells and weapons -- damn it, I want to use them.

[DominionsFan]

Uhhh what a horrible idea, scifi Dominions! Guys we got decent TBS scifi games, like Galciv II. or the upcoming SE V. Yes, yes a space Dominions would be different but still!
Scifi/magic mix?! I think there were some games in the past in that genre, I forgot what games, but its a risky stuff to make a game like that. I think only a small amount of people like the scifi/magic mixed games, and tbh I dont like it for example. Magic should be sticked with fantasy and high tech weps with scifi. To mix the 2...well its not the best...but again I am subjective now, however like I said, that genre doesnt got "support" from most of the players.

IW should work on fantasy games until the end of time! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif
I think a Dominions RPG would be the best idea...or ofc Dominions IV. But hell why are we discussing about this anyways? Doms III. not even released..:)

[Argitoth]

Ok, I'm going to create a voting thread to see what us fans feel should be the next step for Illwinter.

[DominionsFan]

Argitoth said:
Ok, I'm going to create a voting thread to see what us fans feel should be the next step for Illwinter.



Good idea, but dont forget, we -who are visiting these boards- are just a small part of the IW "fanbase", most of the players/fans arent registered here for sure. Anyways, let me vote where is the poll? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Argitoth]

THERE WOULD BE A POLL... except it's not working for some reason. You do it if you can. ill give you some ideas

Steampunk-style space game
Dominions RPG
Dominions RTS
Dominions 4
Dominions Expansions
Do something other than Dominions, post your idea
Undecided/Decide after Dom3 comes out

yeah...

Edit: I think it would be even more interesting if you add a second section to the poll "what would you LEAST like?" and then list the same options.

[DominionsFan]

Damn yeah the poll function isnt working... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/fear.gif

"Parse error: parse error, unexpected '{' in /home/forum/public_html/threads/addpost_newpoll.php on line 23"

[Gandalf Parker]

Also keep in mind that IW has already said that they will do whatever they feel is fun for them to do. But a vote would be fun.

[Kristoffer O]

A poll would be fun

[numskully]

Yes, someone start a poll. I do not want my favorite game company venturing away from medieval fantasy!

And Illwinter, never sell out to EA. We need you thinking outside the box.

[Nerfix]

numskully said:And Illwinter, never sell out to EA. We need you thinking outside the box.

Dominions: Generals http://www.cncreneclips.com/forum/style_emoticons/cncre/shifty.gif

[Olive]

NTJedi said:

Boron said:

Cainehill said:

Also : SciFi Dominions might be kinda neat -



Yeah that might be cool http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Ships but also still magic. Like in many Animes or also in Star Wars.





Definitely can be done as seen with StarWars, but it can be difficult to mix SciFi and Magic.



Beware Dominions 40000 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Caduceus]

41K. Its louder. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Cthuddha]

A steampunk Dominions-type game would be absolutely brilliant. I've been hankering for a good steampunk game since Arcanum, and Ilwinter is the type of developer that will not disappoint. Consider me SOLD.

[SafeKeeper]

Beware Dominions 40000


[Starts to shake and shudder severely.]

Funny thing is I'm considering starting a Total Conversion for BF 2142 called "Dominions", which'll feature the Vættir and draw heavily upon... Guess what;)?

I'll let you know if anything happens. I've done some mod work before.

Anyway, I'd actually like a Dominions FPS. Think of it, you're got fantasy RTS and RPG, but FPS? The closest thing I can think of is the siege mod for BF 1942, with the English fighting the French.

[NakedLunch]

Dominions RPG and steampunk setting are both very cool ideas. An RTS might also work if they focus more on the battles and unit coordination, positioning, tactics, et cetera than with base-building, rushes, and other generic RTs crap like that.

[Fate]

Hmmm.... I can imagine how to translate Dominons into RTS and RPG (maybe even MMORPG or a city-builder), but FPS seems a bit stratching it. There is little, if any, shooting. Maybe a Zelda-esque thing...

I personally would enjoy a steampunk dominions (I love Dominions fantasy, I would like to see what Kristoffer does with modern stuff). Space game: Mayyybe, but those focus more on technology and space ship design normally, which isn't very Dominionsey (though they could suprise us... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif).

As for what type of game, I don't particularly like RPG's (just a personal opinion, ignore me). I think a Dominion's RTS could be fun, though a good deal of the original game would probably change in the translation.

I will end with something very hard to do: make a Dominions Racing Game!

[SafeKeeper]

Close combat could work in an FPS game. And there is some shooting (archers, javelins, hurlers, axe-throwers, and so on);).

But anyways, do whatever you want, Illwinter, just don't make a Dominions 40 000 with Vanir fighting Jotuns in space. Just don't. Please.

[Gandalf Parker]

A first-person with me as my pretender might be cool. I think it would also tend to answer alot of the complaints about how things work in battle for the regular game. Having only 5 pre-set instructions, how well archers work, attacks like "rearmost". If your vision of the battle is brought down to a first-person level then the problems with those tend to be much more understandable.

In fact, I think Illwinter would save alot of gripes if they offered a rotated ground level view of battle replays.

[SafeKeeper]

Right. Doesn't have to be 3d, sprites work, too.

Rotating the world map would be nice as well.

[Agrajag]

We've got a fantasy FPS, the upcoming Dark Messiah, for example. (I remember more games, but I don't remember any names, something like rune-axe or something is one)

[Endoperez]

Mount & Blade isn't fantasy, but it proves that hand-to-hand combat "FPS" can be done. Spears don't work as well as they should, and there are some quirks in the system, but it's good enough already.

Combining Mount&Blade with something similar to Shadows of the Colossus (I haven't played that one, but read few things) would be nice, but out of the reach of Illwinter I'm afraid...

[SafeKeeper]

And, as I should've remembered sooner, the Jedi Knight games with their lightsabre fights. How could we forget that one? Let's just say I've got ADD after allhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif.

I never played "Siege" (that BF1942 mod again) on-line, so I don't know how fights worked there, but it seemed interesting enough. Swords, halberds, shields you could block with, morning starts, even lances you could run people down with when on a horsehttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif. I think armour maybe played a role, too.

I'm writing a manual for the mod I want to make, maybe I could post it here. It'll have to wait until my own PC's repaired, though (graphics card is broken). It's purely an idea-gathering thing for myself, the project isn't even started yet (it's way out there anyway as BF2142 isn't even out).

[SafeKeeper]

Double-post, sorry.

[Nerfix]

Dominions General (as in Fantasy General). I'd Hit It.

[DominionsFan]

Nah what we gonna need after Doms III...: Dominions IV. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Cainehill]

Gandalf Parker said:
A first-person with me as my pretender might be cool.




Wouldn't be very exciting as Oracle or Monolith. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[NakedLunch]

Dominons RPG is the way to go. Playing as a Prophet would be hella cool, being able to traverse the randomly generated world and convert peoples and fend off zealots. Oh man, I start shaking just thinking about it.

[ioticus]

NakedLunch, how's that preview coming along?

[NakedLunch]

Pretty good. Here's what I have so far. Remember, I'm kind of a Dominions noob and I don't have any documentation to go by so be gentle http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
----------------------------------------------------
Let’s recap: I had just finished polishing off a nice little preview of Illwinter and Shrapnel’s delightful 4X turn-based strategy game Dominions 3: The Awakening. I had gone over the basics and touched upon a little of this and that and then wrapped things up. Now, with over several weeks of gameplay under my belt, I’m ready to dive right into the game and get into the nitty-gritty of the newest game in Illwinter’s flagship series.

A WHOLE NEW ERA

When you begin your new journey into the world of Dominions, you first must choose which Era to begin in. Eras are a new feature to the Dominions games and add an extra layer of strategy to the game. You have three Eras: Early, Middle, and Late. Each Era sports different nations and magical/traditional warfare slant. Early is bent towards magic and thus plays a large part in combat and your overall game. Spells are more powerful, mana is more plentiful, et cetera. It features a boatload of new nations, many “primitive” that rely on magic and have roots in history (The Ape Kings in particular, who come off with very heavy Indian/Hindu vibes). The Middle Era is, as you may have guessed, a middle-ground featuring a balanced emphasis on magic versus traditional combat and is mostly made up of the nations from Dominions 2. It should be noted that Dom2 had only a mere 17 nations, while Dom3 boasts over 50. We’ll go into that a bit later. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Eras. The Late Era, following the pattern, is based around medieval warfare as it occurred here on Earth, with emphasis on flanking, more reliance on proper troop placement and selection etc. Not to say the Early Era was devoid of this, quite the opposite in fact, it is just more in the foreground in the Late Era. Once you’ve chosen your era, it’s onwards to select the nation you will have Dominion over.

BIRTH OF A NATION

As stated before, Dominions 3 boasts an astounding 50+ nations ranging from your standard medieval kingdoms to Lovecraftian civilizations (The game even includes R’yleh as a playable nation!) to Ape Kingdoms and nations rooted in history such as Rome and ancient Japan. Obviously, there’s a great deal of variety to choose from.

So how does one choose which nation to play as when he is confronted with such a deluge of options? Well, each nation has specific ups and downs; such as what kind of units they can recruit, what pretender gods are available to them, and how well they work with magic. For example, Mictlan priests can utilize potent blood and water spells, but their infantry uses weaker, archaic weapons. Plus, the Pretender God must be sated with blood sacrifices which are difficult to undertake.

Other examples of nation traits are dominion balance (I’ll get into this later, in the pretender god section), research points, etc. Sadly, at this time not all of the nations are fully completed so it’s hard for me to really talk about balance between them. Suffice to say, the game is not perfectly balanced (what strategy game is?) but I feel Illwinter has done a decent enough job ironing out the nations, even if some seem a bit too similar at times. If you’re interested, Illwinter keeps a tidy little log of all the things they update which is available here.

STILL TO DO:
- Pretender Gods (awakening)
- Game Interface
- Turn Options and how they affect the game (magic, prophets, etc)
- Combat and the importance of orders and position
- Sounds/Graphics
- Conclusion

[ioticus]

Sounds interesting and well written. Thanks for the sample. You mention Lovcraftian Civilizations (plural). Is there more than one besides R'yleh?

[NakedLunch]

I remember there being R'yleh, and maybe a couple of others that were sorta like. Or is my mind playing tricks on me again?

[Agrajag]

NakedLunch said:
Spells are more powerful, mana is more plentiful, et cetera.


Mana? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif
What exactly are we talking about here?

*guess*Did you mean magical gems?

[NakedLunch]

Yeah, sorry. I've been playing a lot Shadow Magic recently and the mana = magic powar thing's floating around in my mind.

[Fate]

Nice Article, but...


NakedLunch said:Eras are a new feature to the Dominions games and add an extra layer of strategy to the game.



not to nit-pick (which I am a about to do, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ) shouldn't it read "Eras add a new layer of variety" or "add to the replay value" or something similar?

Thats all, can't wait for it to be finished!

[Graeme Dice]

Cainehill said:
Wouldn't be very exciting as Oracle or Monolith. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif



A monolith could be the ultimate turret. What wouldn't be very exciting would be the sphinx.

[NakedLunch]

not to nit-pick (which I am a about to do, ) shouldn't it read "Eras add a new layer of variety" or "add to the replay value" or something similar?

Thats all, can't wait for it to be finished!


Well, it does kinda add a new layer of strategy when it comes to designing a custom Pretender God and such, as you have to take Eras into consideration. That said, I'll put "Adds to the replay value" in there, just to make you happy.

[Fate]

NakedLunch said:

not to nit-pick (which I am a about to do, ) shouldn't it read "Eras add a new layer of variety" or "add to the replay value" or something similar?

Thats all, can't wait for it to be finished!


Well, it does kinda add a new layer of strategy when it comes to designing a custom Pretender God and such, as you have to take Eras into consideration. That said, I'll put "Adds to the replay value" in there, just to make you happy.



You are nice, kudos to you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Nerfix]

NakedLunch said:
I remember there being R'yleh, and maybe a couple of others that were sorta like. Or is my mind playing tricks on me again?

R'lyeh and Atlantis are both Lovecraftian with the deep ones and whatnot.

[DominionsFan]

NakedLunch said:
Yeah, sorry. I've been playing a lot Shadow Magic recently and the mana = magic powar thing's floating around in my mind.



AoM:SM is an awesome game, especially in multiplayer. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif