Unidentified Civs

[chiefpaco]

How about these ideas for more startup options:

All civ abilities, colours and city names are randomized at the start of a game. Essentially, everyone you play against are "unmarked". You do not know their special traits.

I think this would provide an interesting challenge, not knowing the special benefits of the civs you are playing against. I think it also would add quite a bit of realism. For example, why would I know that at the start of the game, the Germans would develop an advanced form of tank. Or, that they would freely develop Nationalism.

Taking this idea a bit further, how about randomizing the UU as well? May make things super-interesting.

Taking it even further, how about allowing us to make a UU once a game by adding a point to some unit's stats. Then there would be a choice of when it would be most advantageous.

I heard that SMAC had some sort of customizable units, perhaps some one could give some deeper perspective. Thanks Rain & Grey Fox for the original idea & some help discussing it already. Lots of ideas here, please share your thoughts...

 

[Bill_in_PDX]

I love the idea of creating unknown capabilities in your opponents. You could even keep the same names for the leaders but randomize their traits. A very good way to add uncertainty.

Bill

 

[philippe]

yes a perfect idea!

 

[Daaraa]

I think it would be a great idea. However, I think it would be quite difficult to impliment from a programmers point of view. It almost seems like a Civ4 idea.

 

[Lt. 'Killer' M.]

Well, why not!!! Just give us meaningless names for the Civs (the Red Hordes for a red Civ, Blue Towners for a blue one), and thus do not tell us what culture they are.....

 

[Mathias]

Something like this might be especially helpful for MP games, as more than one player might want to play with same traits.

 

[Mathias]

Perhaps a player setup like this:

1. Choose your color.
2. Name your Civ.
3. Name your Leader.
4. Choose your traits.
5. Choose unit for UU.
6. Choose A,D, or M to increase.

 

[Sultan Bhargash]

Good call. Unknown civs a big plus, probably the way to go in multiplayer (just turn off civ specific features).

 

[NY Hoya]

An interesting idea, but I do like the idea of certain Civs having certain characteristics. I only wish the characteristics were stronger at differentiating each Civ. I would like it if, over the years, each Civ's characteristics morphed a little. I.e., the Americans could start out as an expansionist/religious civ, gradually changing over to an industrious/commercial civ. These changes could be random, perhaps influenced by the way the player plays the game. I think it would be best suited for Civ4 though.

 

[Stuie]

Originally posted by NY Hoya
I would like it if, over the years, each Civ's characteristics morphed a little. I.e., the Americans could start out as an expansionist/religious civ, gradually changing over to an industrious/commercial civ.

Their aggressiveness should morph, too, so you never know if Shaka is still gonna declare war at the slightest provocation...

I like the idea; maybe they could change each time they reach a new era or something. I also like the idea of mixing them up from the start as an option, so you don't know the personalities right off the bat.