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One could hope that the quality of the potential SMAC 2 would be better than that of the questionaire. SMAC was/is a somewhat uniquely satisfying game out of a vast wasteland of largely worthless offerings. While Sid has a much higher than usual batting average, he is not always above half-hearted efforts. It would be extremely disappointing, to say the least, to end up with an inferior product.
That said, there is plenty of room within the original concept for interesting variations and/or extensions which could be viewed as complimenting the original SMAC. For example:
That said, there is plenty of room within the original concept for interesting variations and/or extensions which could be viewed as complimenting the original SMAC. For example:
- Multiple planets in addition to Chiron, with and/or without native life as we know it. Factions could develop in even more effective isolation than on different continents; spacefaring chasis would be required to move between planets. Could also kindle some more interest in PlanetBusters too! Remember, there is also Alpha Centauri B for yet another set of potentially different ecologies.
- Gameplay could be improved by enhancing the diplomatic possibilities, increasing the allowable number of factions or other arbitrary limits, or utilizing a 'server' (the CMN's machine) to resolve each years turn moves simultaneously based on orders.
- Even more liberal use of user-adjustable parameters and 'hooks' to allow for more CMN control of scenarios - perhaps also including hooks to allow user supplied techs, SP's and unit types - and even user-supplied program-modules to standin for factions/players (My Miriam can beat your Santi any day).
I've got an idea (!!) - How about we make plans to create an Alpha Centauri mod of Civ 4?! It sounds like its high modability could make it possible, and the extra features added in civ 3 (culture, resources) and civ 4 (??) could put an interesting new spin on Alpha. Any experienced mod-makers out there interested?
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