[Col] Colonization 2 - Ideas & Suggestions

Okay, so there's no real reason to assume they're ever going to make a Colonization 2. The first didn't exactly sell in monumental numbers, and the Colonization forum is one of the least visited sections of the CFC forums. Still, I know some of us enjoy Colonization, and some of us would like to see them make a new version. So keeping in mind that this entire discussion is hypothetical, what would you like to see in a Colonization 2 if ever such a game exists?

Here are a few of mine:

-More European nations. Specifically, Portugal must be added. (Their strategy could be Conversion, and they could get bonuses for missionary activities. All Missionaries function as experts, they can subvert Indians easier, that sort of thing.) Also Sweden should be added, if a sufficient strategy could be found for them. And, though it falls somewhat outside the scope of the game, it would be neat to see Russia added, maybe. If, again, a strategy could be found for them. The Russians could come in on the western side of the map.

-More Indian tribes. The Chinook, definitely. And the Inuit are a must, though of course then the pre-made America map would have to go farther north to include Alaska. But then, who wouldn't want that anyway?

-Make it more customizable. I want to see an editor where we can create modpacks. The whole point of these games is to play with history, so we should be able to turn one of the existing nations into another nation just for a little 'what-if' kind of situation. What if the Venetians had colonized America? They would have trade-related bonuses, so replace the Dutch. Change the governor and city names into Italian names. Change all references to the 'stadtholder' into 'doge'. That sort of thing. Give us an editor where we can mod the game, that's all I'm saying.

Sid Meier is currently re-making Pirates, due out in October, so there is still hope for a Colonization 2.

In fact he has gone some way towards it already. I am currently playing the latest in the Civilization series - Civ 3 Conquests. That game had a dozen custom made scenarios, one of which is the Age of Discovery which very closely follows Colonization. You start in Europe in 1490 playing one of 5 European nations (England, France, Netherlands, Spain and - yes - Portugal).
The aim is to colonize the New World and bring home enough treasure to win the game.

The European nations fight between themselves as well as in the colonies. So it's no good concentrating on expanding your colonies if you can't hold onto your capital. They also have very unequal starting positions. England is probably the strongest ahead of Spain and France with Portugal next and the Netherlands a long way last. However that makes the game even more replayable because each country needs a different strategy.

A lot of the gameplay is similar to Colonization (as you would expect from a civ game) and the indians are there too but only 4 tribes this time. However the main difference is those tribes can build new villages and they are playable. That means you can select the Incas for example and try and win the game with them. Different victory conditions but much harder of course. This might be a pointer to a future Colonization 2.

I guess it seems like Imperialism to me... Colonization is a different thing, though. It's a Civ "with a twist".

I don't know if the they will make a colinization2. It seems all the new games they have made have tried to steer away from the micromanagement style used in the game. But I would like to see colinization 2. It is very fun to play.

My idea would to have the option to not be forced to pay the other European powers when they demand money for their church and then end up at WAR. What I mean is that they don't automatically say "prepare for war!" That's the most annoying thing in the game .

jediliz said:

My idea would to have the option to not be forced to pay the other European powers when they demand money for their church and then end up at WAR. What I mean is that they don't automatically say "prepare for war!" That's the most annoying thing in the game .

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That is a question of cordiality. If you do not demand anything or respond always like their wishes, they will never declare you war...

I would like to see slavery and the methods of work more developed in Colonization 2.....

Loaf Warden said:

-More European nations. Specifically, Portugal must be added. (Their strategy could be Conversion, and they could get bonuses for missionary activities. All Missionaries function as experts, they can subvert Indians easier, that sort of thing.) Also Sweden should be added, if a sufficient strategy could be found for them. And, though it falls somewhat outside the scope of the game, it would be neat to see Russia added, maybe.

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That's true. Also good historical (or not-so-historical) scenarios like Little Big Horn. ( You can play Indians too, but only in scenarios.) Every European Power got few unique units. The scenario editor is important, because Colonization is better game to create Frank Herbert's Dune scenario than Civilization.

Well, obviously, the game play in Colonisation 1 sucked... You cant deny that... And considering the technology at the time, there isnt much to do, but... Obviously, it can have ALOT more specific functions, and better combat, and yeah... Better just about everything...

I would like scenarios to come with it. Some historical and non-historical would be nice.

Col had many flaws but I simply loved the game concept (and the music, too). I'd give one year of my salary (and that's quite some bucks) for a Col2.

Lord Brutus said:

The scenario editor is important,

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Colonization has a scenario editor?

I simply must get it!

I found Colonization after a long search, and finally just started--in spite of the obviously out-of-date graphics and heavy micromanagement, the game concepts were extremely fun! Any attempt at a more "modern" version of Colonization would be welcome, even if it consisted of only modernized graphics and interface.

The Colonization map editor is included with the version 3.0 patch. If you don't have it there is a link in the 'What Maps' thread below.

I'm glad you are enjoying Colonization. The graphics may be dated but the gameplay is as solid as ever.

I love colonization, and if they were to make #2 i would be extremely grateful, more nations would be a must.... the tax rate kinda annoyed me but you dont have to always worry about it if you can make your colonies self dependent...

gunnerxtr said:

the tax rate kinda annoyed me but you dont have to always worry about it if you can make your colonies self dependent

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True. It is interesting that gold is not necessary for everyday operations in Colonization. When the tax rate gets close to about 40%, I almost always stop production of all commercial products and switch entirely to arming the colonies. My treasury is not affected much, and in any case, really doesn't play much of a role during the Revolution.

You can play an entire game with zero tax, it justs adds another level of management to the game. Although your treasury does not affect your war of independance it is included in your final score.

I hope we do see a Colonization 2. I enjoyed the first game, it had a great atmosphere (although limited replay value).

If a sequel (or remake) is developed then there are some features that (I feel) must be included: Territory (borders), more trade goods, more strategic goods, and alternate game modes*.

*The modes I'd like to see would be "vanilla" (original), "extended" (continues after independance, possibly with a civil war), "native" (control an native tribe and repulse the invaders) and "fantasy" which could maybe include other nations (someone suggested the Japanese/Chinese on the west coast, which would be cool) or arm the indians with special powers (spirit magic?) or maybe a dino-continent.

The cottage industry feel of the game could be expanded. The blacksmith could make horseshoes for example, to equip horses and make them more effective. Cannonballs could be required to fire big guns. Clothes and houses could be produced to allow population expansion. Governer's mansions could reduce liberty but increase production. Colonies could trade in livestock to produce extra food (or attempt to catch wild buffalo). Piracy and combat should definitely be improved. Maybe boat crews could be trained like other colonists. Ships with better crews are more effective?

I thought I had heard in the press release concerning the Sid franchise switch that I Col2 was a possibility. Something I would look forward to immensly. Given todays game technology, that game would kick serious behind. An absolutely brilliant concept, one of the few games that I still enjoy playing.

I would like to see various scenarios, such as the Scramble for Africa, or the Colonization of India.

that'll be nice, but the real missing thing in colonization is Portugal nation =P

The maps should be bigger. More attacking units. More professions. More Ships. Portugal nation Russian or sth