New 4x turn based Space Strategy: Aphelion

[gorgse]

Update: As a small developer we are trying as many ways as possible to gain recognition and hopefully a publisher. An unique opportunity has recently appeared in the 2009 Intel level-up game demo Contest. Winning this contest would go along ways to gaining a publisher for our game, as some of the judges for this contest are: Sid Meier (Civilization, Railroad Tycoon, Pirates), Will Wright (Spore, Sims, Sim City), and Brad Wardell (Galactic Civilizations, Sins of a Solar Empire). Winners of any of the categories get a invite to the 2009 and 2010 Game developers Conferences to pitch their game.

Contest site:
http://software.intel.com/en-us/contests/levelup2009/entry_detail.php?entryid=132353
Please take a moment of your time and register and vote for our game. All votes will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and have a great day.

Since i've recieved feedback that the intel site is hard to navigate, i'm adding a link for the registration.
http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-software-network-login-id-faq/



Hey we are a independent developer making a new 4x space stategy game I believe everyone here would be interested in. Here is the lowdown on our game:

Aphelion is a 4X(eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) turn based strategy based on a distant future. It features six distinct alien factions, pitted in a desperate battle for control of the galaxy. You can chose from six unique empires, each with their own distinct technologies, ships, units, strengths, and weaknesses. There are over 240 unique ships in the game. The game stays true to a pure turn based approach in all aspects, preventing the it from degrading into a reaction time based click fest when large forces meet. We use an unified system model, instead of managing each planet separately. This will help limit late game creep and keep micromanagement in check.. The game features a circular galaxy which has no corners and a black hole in the center. This will increase strategy, as player's can't hole up in the safety of corners, and results in more equal starting position for all.

Aphelion: Phoenix Rising features:
Engaging and complex storyline which unfolds as the game progresses.

Dynamic technology trees specific to your race that change every game for greater replayability.

Six distinct civilizations, complete with their own look, units, technology, and strategies.

Dynamic diplomacy systems, alloying the forging of alliances along with many other forms of treaties such as trade, friendship, war pacts and non-aggression treaties.

Engaging espionage system in which you can assassinate, sabotage, spy, and frame your enemy. This system is complete with repercussion in the event of disclosure of deeds.

Spectacular 3-D space battles in which the outcome can change in a second due to a reactor going critical, or a boarding party forcing their way to the ship's bridge.

We are a small developer, but that does not mean that we do not have big dreams. In order to get noticed, we need to make some noise in the game world. Please help by visiting our page on Gamespot so that we can be seen and attract the attention of a publisher. Thank you for you time, and feel free to visit our website or forums if you have more questions.

Gamespot page:
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/aphelionphoenixrising/index.html?tag=gallery_summary;title

http://wyvernstudios.net/

Jared O'Connor

 

[vmxa]

Always good to hear about any TBS game and especially a space based one.

 

[gorgse]

Thanks vmxa

If anyone has any question regarding our upcoming title feel free to ask

Jared

 

[Aabraxan]

Always glad to hear about a promising new TBS game. Good luck.

 

[gorgse]

Glad to see that there are people looking forward to a TBS game, seems like the strategy genre has shifted more towards the "clickfest" RTS that aren't nearly as involved and don't require to much thinking.

 

[Inca]

That sounds good. Also want to add that TBS games are better for physically handicapped people and "elder" people. With the demographics we are having in many of the developed countries the percentage of elder people is rising - so there should be an increasing market for TBS games in the future. In addition the TBS fanbase stays true to a game for much longer time - so the time span for developing add-ons isn't as restricted as with the typical hack-and-slash or ego-shooters. Just make sure you have a wide range of difficulty levels. For instance in MOOI there should have been a few more intermediate levels - the gaps between the levels are too big for beginners. So don't dumb down the game - just offer more difficulty levels. A good random map generator is also important to keep people interested in a game over a longer period of time.

 

[plasmacannon]

I see you have 6 basic races, including some of the more common ones.

1) Atrox - the Genetically engineered, Replusive, builds large fleets, generic bad guy
2) Therans - the Peaceful race, Aquatic, generic good guy
3) Vitruvians - the Cybernetic race, Better Shields
4) Atton - the Religous zealots, Ground Combat race, likes the humans
5) Greys - the Research race, experimented on humans
6) Pintar - the Humans, always present

None stated directly as the Productive race, Financial race, Rapidly reproducing race, Speeder Race, Spy race, Cloaked race.

It is great that you keep up the theme.
Add custom races to the sequel and you will get more fans.
Minor races, such as MOO2 natives or Birth of the Federation style Minor races, would add depth to the game.

I'm not so sure how randomizing the tech tree, will be appealing to anyone who plays the game enough, trying to do better the next time, will help anyone to be able to plan their next research, in the next game, if it is more of luck in getting the tech for a building or weapon you need.