I recently had an idea for a game I'd like to float (if it is a bad idea, feel free to tell me). Some of you may know of my reluctance to commit to another long-running game. However, I would like to play Civ again. What if we played a game that was strictly limited in duration? I propose playing a small PBEM (or Pitboss if people feel that would go faster) over the holiday season, which would conclude at a set turn-number which we feel would be reasonable for that period (say, 50). We would set some sort of parameter (maybe just raw score) that would determine who had "won" the game at that point. This way the game would be strictly limited to the holiday season. Now, two not-very-related points: first, obviously this game is intended for those who find themselves with more as opposed to less time than usual over the holiday season, or who just have plenty of time in general, which is far from everyone. Second, the game would probably have to be set on a very small map to encourage interaction and make sure this isn't entirely an exercise in comparative micromanagement, for which we wouldn't really need to run a PBEM.
Well, let me know what you think. It may be a bad idea as I said, or it may be an entertaining diversion over the holiday season. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
You actually can limit the game in the multiplayer settings menu so that it will automatically end at a certain date, at which point whoever has the highest score wins. The main issue is that if you're significantly behind in score on turn 40 or whatever then you don't have much reason to play out the remaining fifth of the game.
Krill's idea is pretty awesome, I can't think of any future era games on this site except maybe a duel or two.
0. Player Requests: The player's requests take precedence, even if they contradict the following guidelines.
1. Balance: The map must be balanced, both in regards to land quality and availability and in regards to special civilization features. A map may be wonderfully unique and surprising, but, if it is unbalanced, the game will suffer and the player's enjoyment will not be as high as it could be.
2. Identity and Enjoyment: The map should be interesting to play at all levels, from city placement and management to the border-created interactions between civilizations, and should include varied terrain. Flavor should enhance the inherent pleasure resulting from the underlying tile arrangements. The map should not be exceedingly lush, but it is better to err on the lush side than on the poor side when placing terrain.
3. Feel (Avoiding Gimmicks): The map should not be overwhelmed or dominated by the mapmaker's flavor. Embellishment of the map through the use of special improvements, barbarian units, and abnormal terrain can enhance the identity and enjoyment of the map, but should take a backseat to the more normal aspects of the map. The game should usually not revolve around the flavor, but merely be accented by it.
4. Realism: Where possible, the terrain of the map should be realistic. Jungles on desert tiles, or even next to desert tiles, should therefore have a very specific reason for existing. Rivers should run downhill or across level ground into bodies of water. Irrigated terrain should have a higher grassland to plains ratio than dry terrain. Mountain chains should cast rain shadows. Islands, mountains, and peninsulas should follow logical plate tectonics.
All right, well, there doesn't seem to have been much (any) interest in my idea, so I guess I'll drop it, though there does seem to be some interest in a Future era game. I would highly encourage those interested in such a game to make a thread about it, because I would certainly enjoy watching the very different kind of match that would unfold! Thanks to those who read my post!
(November 19th, 2013, 00:24)NobleHelium Wrote: Score is meaningless on turn 50.
Okay not technically true, it shows who picked Creative and who built wonders.
Don't forget collecting all the cheap techs! And with taking early religion you could compensate for CRE.. Louis of something with Oracle-run would probably be still be pretty good. Any other ideas?
I highly recommend duels as a perfect short-term game. It's easy to get in blitz sessions, and wrapping up a game in a month or so is pretty easy. Definitely try out an advanced era duel, actually. They're fun. (not a signup)
(November 19th, 2013, 00:24)NobleHelium Wrote: Score is meaningless on turn 50.
Okay not technically true, it shows who picked Creative and who built wonders.
Yes, I suppose you are right, NobleHelium. A different metric would have to be found.
@Scooter: Thanks for the recommendation. I have to admit I've somehow always been more intimidated by a duel than a multiplayer free-for-all! Something about having all your opponent's attention fixated on YOU (for some reason the Eye of Sauron is filling my mind right now. Must stop using the palantir to browse the internet).
Maybe I should read up on some duels to learn the ins-and-outs and then do that though.
