Neocolonialism

[sampedestal]

I am making a multiplayer TBS about Neocolonialism, which I figured is something the folks here might be interested in... You play as a finance capitalist, and via buying votes, making free trade agreements, manipulating the IMF, etc., you attempt to extract as much money from the world as possible.

I just launched a Kickstarter for the project here: subalterngames.com/kickstarter

You can download the free alpha at: subalterngames.com

Have fun!

 

[Maniacal]

Any singleplayer?

 

[Omega124]

I like the concept, but the upside-down map really puts me off. I don't really think I could play the game like that. And then you charge people $500 to have the map in the normal direction? No thanks.

 

[Rub'Rum]

I agree, the upside down map is extremely off-putting and jarring.

 

[Maniacal]

*actually clicks link*

No thanks.

 

[warpus]

I've watched the video and from what I've seen the UI in the game looks like it'd be better suited as a flash game or maybe a mobile game for your smartphone, as opposed to a desktop game, to be played on PCs with 23 inch monitors.

I think if you're going to market this as a desktop game, it's got to look a bit more.. full. Granted, I've only seen that one screen with the upside down map, which is a bit off putting. I haven't decided if it's a brilliant design choice, stupid, or something in between.

No offense, I'm just trying to be honest.

 

[Tambien]

The upside down map is a turn-off for me. If you want to see this through, I suggest making the graphics more... more. I dont really know how else to say it.

 

[GAGA Extrem]

Considering the theme of the game, the decision to use an upside-down Gall-Peters projection is actually a very appropriate choise. It is meant to be inconvenient, just like the rest of the game.

Did you ever wonder why YOUR country is always in the middle of a world map?

 

[Rub'Rum]

Considering the theme of the game, the decision to use an upside-down Gall-Peters projection is actually a very appropriate choise. It is meant to be inconvenient, just like the rest of the game.

Did you ever wonder why YOUR country is always in the middle of a world map?

Actually most world maps I've seen have an ocean in the middle of the map. Also yes it's thematically correct and appropriate, doesn't make it fun, because, you know, gaming is supposed to be fun and mostly intuitive and all.

 

[warpus]

Actually most world maps I've seen have an ocean in the middle of the map. Also yes it's thematically correct and appropriate, doesn't make it fun, because, you know, gaming is supposed to be fun and mostly intuitive and all.

I think the author made this design decision as a gimmick - so that his game would stick out and attract attention. You're right though - you've also got to consider gameplay.

 

[caravaner]

Very interesting idea.

It is kind of fun that the map is upside down, but it can backfire if it causes too much discomfort and people don't buy your game

And I think you need to put in singleplayer mode.

 

[GAGA Extrem]

[...]you know, gaming is supposed to be fun [...]

I dare to disagree. This seems to be one of the big misunderstanding that the gaming industry and its consumers have evolved into.

Is everything on TV about fun? No, certainly not. There is so much more to a medium than just fun. In fact, i think "fun" is a dangerous dead end for games. They can (and should) be MUCH more than that.

One of my favorite game of all times is "Shadow of the Colossus" on the PS2. This game is depressive and not fun to play - but it is engaging as hell. Same for "Spec Ops: The Line", another of my late favorites: The gameplay sucks, but the game is an unmatched experience in its genre.

(For more info on that, you might want to check out Extra Credits on Penny Arcade. Wach part II at your own risk if you want to play the game.)

 

[Maniacal]

Regardless, the upside down map is still the opposite of engaging or anything resembling a good idea.

 

[GAGA Extrem]

Granted, but it reinforces the game's theme. I must admit, I am a bit confused that CIV players are put off by an upside-down earth map.

But to get back to topic: Working single player mode would be nice. >_>

 

[Rub'Rum]

Is everything on TV about fun? No, certainly not.

Yes. Or at least it tries to be fun to someone. The news can be "fun" to watch, when they're well presented. Nobody's going to go out of its way to make a TV thing unintuitive and annoying.

One of my favorite game of all times is "Shadow of the Colossus" on the PS2. This game is depressive and not fun to play

Not fun to play? What? Shadow of the Colossus is fun to play.

By fun, I don't mean like "yippy yay butterflies and clowns yay look at how I'm laughing". I'm talking about a good interaction that feels right and makes me want to keep interacting.