Hear of any devs who plan on making a space "naval battle" type of game? Something like the PC game Homeworld 2 and Orions (for the older crowd), but much simpler and perhaps with a twist. I've been fantasizing of one for the iDevice, ever since I was made aware of the capabilities of the iPhone. I suppose it would have to fall under strategy, with a mix of action and turn-based modes. My ideal concept of the game would basically be building and managing a space fleet, and conquering territories: - There will be different factions/races in one big galaxy. The turn-based strategy part will consist of a galactic map which is subdivided into hexagons ("Uniwar" style) or grids & quadrants (like in "Galaxy on Fire"). Inside each hexagon or quadrant are territories (planets, moons, space stations, asteroids, etc.) that can be occupied by your fleet. The more territories you occupy and the more enemies you kill, the more money/credits you will earn. - You then use these credits to build up your fleet. Space vessels can either be purchased or manufactured (perhaps even stolen from an enemy - like boarding and capturing a vessel). Each vessel can then be modified (imagine Galaxy on Fire, but instead of one fighter unit, you get to customize several vessels), mainly through upgrading and being able to micromanage certain aspects such as repairs, primary and secondary weapon systems, shields, fighter planes (for carriers), etc. - As for the battle aspect, when your fleet tries to invade or occupy an enemy hex/quadrant (occupied by an enemy fleet, of course), the game then switches from the main map to a battle map (from turn-based to real time). Again, imagine GoF, but instead of just tiny fighter units, huge space vessels actually slug it out with each other. I'm thinking you would be able to control one ship of your choice (whichever vessel you designate as your "capital ship"). Then the rest of your fleet would play support roles (controlled via AI). But it won't be a flight sim, of course. I'm thinking "WarShip" style, but in outer space, and without imaginary borders. Perhaps you can hire "captains" or "commanders" to control your vessels, and depending on their level/experience, the better or worse the AI will perform during battle. - A normal fleet size doesn't have to be several hundreds of vessels. Just enough polygons (yes, I'm talking about 3D! - I did mention Homeworlds 2 and GoF) that the iDevice can handle. It's gonna be like a mix of several games that we have in the appstore right now. A little bit of Uniwar, Galaxy on Fire, WarShip, and Galcon (yes it's a long shot, but online multiplayer would definitely attract a lot of gamers). Maybe someone (Touch Arcade??) could perhaps (one of these days) issue a "challenge" to indie developers, like hold or set up a competition for those who are up to the task. So that "dream games" like this could somehow be brought into fruition. That can also maybe even generate enough public interest and awareness. Good exposure for everyone, really. Ahhh dream on... I have too much free time thinking about these stuff
