DESIGN: Abstracting the air model

[Solver]

I'm thinking here something more along the lines of a Civ3-style air model. There, planes are not moved around like regular units. They have a big bombard range, and can bomb units and cities within that range. Fighter planes can go on an Air Superiority mission, which gives them a chance to intercept any plane in their operational range. We already sort of have the latter due to Active Air defense. However, I somehow feel that putting Bombers in my stack of Artillery and Machine Gunners is a little bit absurd. Those planes in Civ 3 are immobile and can only be re-based by a special order to a city, air base or a carrier.

The system still allows planes to bomb the enemy, but abstracts the model, making it more realistic, less micromagement, etc. In our case, then, Fighters could be given intercept ability and a weak bombard, while Bombers would have a very long bombard range, but no interception, etc.

What are the public thoughts on the air model?

[Locutus]

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=107525

[Solver]

Oww, I had a faint memory of there being a thread on that before, but wasn't sure. Will read that one now - thanks for the link.

BTW, this gives me the idea that we need a thread with links to all discussion threads by topic: combat, AI, MP, etc. Do we?

[Locutus]

Yes we do, I've been working on that but I've been working on a gazillion other things as well

[Solver]

Gotta see if there's a bottle with a refreshink drink somewhere in my immediate surroundings - if there is, I may hammer such a link-thread up quickly.

[Locutus]

I wanted the thing I was working on to be able to function as basis for a design doc, it might be good to work off that. Here's what I have so far (I'm pretty sure I had a newer and much more complete version, but I can't seem to find it right now):



0. General design philosophy
1. AI
2. Diplomacy
3. Empire
     a. Civilizations
     b. Borders
     c. Cities
          I. City Improvements
          II. Wonders
     d. Economics
          I. Resources
          II. Trade
     e. Population
          Native Population
          City and Unit Population
          Historic unit sizes
     f. Culture & Religion
     g. Governments
4. Map
     a. Space
     b. Underwater
     c. Terrain
          Movement Cost
          I. Terrain Improvements
          II. Terraforming
5. Technology
6. Units
     New Unit Abilities
     a. Combat
     b. Support & Logistics
          Logistics
7. Atmosphere
     a. Random Events
8. Interface
     Civilization colours
     a. New Game options
9. Graphics
10. Manual
11. Multiplayer
     a. PBEM
     b. Hotseat
     c. Online
     d. Start-up Options
12. Scenario Editor
13. Other issues

[Solver]

That indeed looks like a design document more than a link catalogue. I mean, we don't have that many threads here so that there would be something in each category. What I was thinking was a similar list, but only with categories for threads that already exist - so that there would be easily accessible links to past discussions.

While a design document with as many categories as yours should, IMO, feauture excerpts from the relevant threads, that contain the actual ideas, and not all the discussions.

[Locutus]

Originally posted by Solver
That indeed looks like a design document more than a link catalogue. I mean, we don't have that many threads here so that there would be something in each category.

This forum has only been here for a few months. Plus, it shows us what topics still have to be discussed, because in the end we *will* have to discuss every feature of the game. It's not like the Civ3/4 list where we can conveniently leave out topics we don't find interesting.

While a design document with as many categories as yours should, IMO, feauture excerpts from the relevant threads, that contain the actual ideas, and not all the discussions.

That's why it's 'a basis for', not the actual thing.

[Solver]

Well you're good at making categories. I guess I could tyr to take that list and add links to existing threads where applicable, which would serve as a pretty good directory and index. How's that?

[The Big Mc]

well you can add my underwater terrain idea to the map bit.

[Solver]

For a big list of past discussions, everything can be added for reference .