The overworld maps are basically a tile based map where you arrange, plan, move, and attack with your armies - so they're much smaller scale than a continent, I'd say (though they can get pretty big)... and each overworld map is separate from the last - its not like one giant map. An overworld map can be anything from just 3 tiles (an HQ on 2 lands, and 1 vacant land in between), to hundreds of tiles (huge game of map control, etc). There are a bunch of progressively larger and harder maps that you will play through for the main campaign. But yeah I mean I guess some of the later maps get pretty huge. I guess the best way to describe it is to think of it kind of like Advance Wars but instead of single units, there are large armies on each tile (so it is a bigger scale than AW). But the scope and scale isn't as large as Civilization games though bc there isn't that level of resourcing, diplomacy, etc to fill in the gaps while you wouldn't be battling... Since the game focuses on combat, we have to make sure to keep the overworld gameplay focused with strategic and tactical movements.
There is a campaign that you will progress through, fighting through larger and larger overworld maps.
Yeah, like is the currency (if there is one) for buying units on the overworld map acquired through winning battles, or taking over a strategic tile, like a gold or silver mine or something? Or do you just start with a certain amount of units?
Most overworld actions are actually handled via the use of battle cards... you earn "card points" automatically per turn, but also certain strategic lands like a city or harbor will generate extra card points as well. You don't create a deck, but you slowly unlock more and more cards, which open up more tactical and strategic possibilities. Battle cards include everything from units, to buildings, to abilities, to "situations" for the enemy (like bad weather, starvation, etc), etc... you'll have to manage how you play based on what cards are available to you at any given time (beyond cards, map control and troop movement/positioning will play a huge role). Unlocking a Gatling Gun battle card for ex means that you've now unlocked the Gatling Gun unit. Units and other things that you own can then be freely upgraded with an xp currency that you earn by winning individual battles. There are also special characters that you'll find (legendary individuals with much higher stats, better armor, and upper tier weapons) that can attach themselves to lead squads, as well as armor for your hero that you will find. Can't give everything away now, can we? There's a ton of units though... from basic militia, to elites, to melee assault units, to heavily armored infantry, to snipers, etc.
This will probably be my last question, but will there be like a free play mode (custom match) rather than just a campaign mode that you can pick up at any time? If the game was just the campaign and multiplayer, players would run out of things to do after a while
^ That was a little passive aggressive, but isn't that the case with all games? Though a skirmish mode where you can just set up some parameters and hop in to play out the battle would indeed be neat
Oh, my bad . And yes, that's what I meant, a Skirmish mode, thank you for clearing that up. If there's a title screen, I was referring to a different mode that could be played at any time separate to the campaign.
Depends on how big the campaign is This campaign will be sizeable - and also each level can be played with 3 difficulties, yielding higher rewards for each higher difficulty. And hard should be end up being pretty darn hard for pro players Also just to be clear, multiplayer is on the list - not a guaranteed launch item (not saying it wont be in for launch, just cant guarantee anything at this point). Don't want people coming back to yell at us for false promises after launch We do indeed have a "quick play" skirmish mode on the docket, but aren't sure if that will be in for launch or for an update or what... we've had to rework some of the core systems of this game several times as it is, so right now we're just focusing on getting the core game right... I mean, I suppose. The main objective is indeed to defeat the enemy, yes... but how you go about that each play will be very situational, and bc of the nature of the battle cards, should be very different, interesting, and dynamic each game - even if you play the same map several times. Also HOW you defeat the enemy will likely depend on completing other "sub-objectives" like capturing major strategic points, taking hold of cities, etc. We do have different primary objectives even as it is (take and defend one specific land for x turns, annihilate the enemy HQ, capture and hold a % of the map, etc), but we're not sure which ones will actually make it in. Depends on the feel and the balance (one thing you learn in game dev is that a lot of SEEMINGLY cool things often may not pan out and actually be fun ).
So, I said it before, but, seriously, take my money. This game sounds so great. Will the campaign's story be told similarly to H&C 2, through blurbs in the menus, or will there be a more integrated storyline? Or will there be a storyline at all--like Civ's lack thereof?
Wow I only just saw this. I love H&C2. This is surely going to be amazing. Can't wait. Any plans for beta of some sort prior to the launch?
