Armchair Dragoons Forums
Wargaming => 4X Gaming => Topic started by: Martok on October 27, 2020, 02:33:16 PM
-
Has anyone (else) played/is playing this one? It's the (more or less direct) sequel to Aggressors: Ancient Rome, itself an underrated historical 4x published by Matrix/Slitherine.
In any case, for those interested, the dev just released a good amount of details regarding Troy, the free DLC they've been working on.
A peek under the hood of Imperiums: Troy DLC
First details about Imperiums: Troy DLC revealed
The first DLC for Imperiums, simply called Troy, is now very near to release. At the moment, we are testing and polishing the last details and our great translators are finishing work on the remaining texts.
When we announced the DLC, some of you were surprised by the choice of theme. We are well aware of another recently released game that also focused on this historical period. It is not our ambition to go eye to eye with an AAA title, we just wanted to make our own version of this captivating story.
The Trojan war is half myth, even historians themselves are not united about when, where or even if it was really fought. We dedicated quite a lot of time to the reading of various historical sources and legends to make our account of those events as precise and as believable as possible.
On the other hand, gods and heroes are as vital a part of the Trojan legend as they were an integral part of life in ancient times and we could hardly ignore their role in this story. Our goal was to find a compromise where the supernatural is present but in an acceptable and believable way, even for those of you who come to Troy to fight a real battle. There will be no cyclops or minotaurs but the gods are by their nature omnipresent.
So, let’s take a more detailed peek under the hood.
The campaign map is relatively small, it covers the southern part of the Hellespont strait with several outlying islands. The story starts with the Greeks already settled on several of these islands opposite the mainland, with their fleet getting ready for an assault. The Greek coalition consists of the Mykeneans lead by ambitious Agamemnon, Ithakans lead by wise Odysseus, Myrmidons headed by the great Achilles and Salaminians lead by another great hero Ajax.
The Greeks disembark on the Trojan coast within the first few turns of the game and we took extra care to teach the AI to put Troy under real pressure right from the start. The testing shows that the AI is more than capable of leading the Greeks. Sooner or later Troy loses most of its coastal areas and although Troy has its own small war fleet, it cannot stand against the massive force of Greek ships. However it can still inflict some damage and trouble the invading armies.
Resource wise, none of the factions are fully dependant on income from mines and cities. Troy gets some extra resources via supply lines, but these are vulnerable to Greek attacks. The Greeks get resources from their homeland, but the maintenance of their army becomes more and more expensive over time.
This will necessarily lead to a war of attrition, with both sides fighting for more resources. Troy DLC is not only a tactical game, it has a strategic dimension too.
The course of the war can be affected by side events, such as Thrakian raids in the north, the sacking of the temple of Apollo or the cutting of the Trojan supply lines, via their only port that is capable of building biremes. The effects of these events might seem minor but their long term effect may significantly affect the war.
In contrast to the main campaign map, we removed the options to build most of the buildings, such as temples, blacksmiths, shipyards, etc. to emphasize their strategic importance in Troy. Several of them are placed on the map at the beginning and losing a blacksmith or a stable may have devastating effects on the outcome of the war.
Another major change is the removal of the Research tree and all technologies. You can only work with what you are provided with at the beginning of the scenario. This decision was driven by the fact that we are only covering a period of a year or two and pretty much all of the resources will be used by the war machine.
The Research tree is replaced by a `Book of Fate`. This represents the supernatural in the game and provides interventions from the gods to both Troy and the Greeks. As a player, you cannot affect these events. They are designed in a way that they should not significantly alter the course of the war, rather that they should create an immersive story line with minor advantages or disadvantages for either side while staying true to the legends of Troy. As always in Imperiums, this feature can be disabled if you are not fond of these kind of random events.
There are also two legendary prophets, Helenos and Kalchas. These two Seers, one on each side, allow the fog of war to be lifted. This enables you find out what is happening behind the Trojan walls or conversely where the Greeks are planning their next disembarkation.
If you decide to defend Troy, you can be sure that sooner or later the Greeks will push you back behind the great walls of your city. These walls give you a major advantage and if you use them well it may be possible to keep the Greeks at bay long enough to bleed them dry. You can also use your citizenry to defend the city walls, this will strengthen the defenses but you need to keep in mind that fear can have a devastating effect on the morale of those inside the gates.
The Greek factions have their own disagreements. If you manage to improve your relations with one of the factions and sign a separate peace treaty, you can save the city and the kingdom. This option, or the exhaustion of the Greek forces in front of your gates, provide two of the more practical options for winning as Troy.
The truth is though, that unless you are well prepared for a long siege, your people will start to starve. Even if you manage to keep the city walls intact, the men may stop following your orders, rebellions may break morale faster than the constant Greek attacks. To avoid starvation and to reduce pressure on your resources, you can lead elements of your population out of the city to the east.
How this legendary battle ends, is up to you. Although the games are quite short (2-4 hours), they are action packed, and if you step into the Trojan throne, you will most likely find yourself trying to save the city over and over again. Leading the Greek coalition is also a challenging option and we can promise you either way the outcome will be ʺjust one more turn“.
I'll admit to being intrigued. I generally favor larger, sandbox-type campaigns, but in this case I like the tighter focus and more limited scope of the Troy DLC. The fact that the developer is good at AI means the campaign should be a nice challenge, regardless of whether one plays as the Greeks or the Trojans.
-
The Steam page (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1404250/Imperiums_Troy/) for the free Troy DLC is up. No official release has been announced yet, the dev has it will be 'very soon". :D
Having read the dev's design for the DLC, I have to say I like what I'm seeomg. If Troy comes off the way Kube Games intends, it should be a pretty tense campaign for both attacker and defender.
-
I guess I should have waited a day: The Troy DLC now has a release date of next Tuesday, November 24!
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2908724255339720362
The developer has also made the manual for Troy available for viewing/download here:
https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steam/apps/1404250/manuals/TroyManual.pdf?t=1605522766
Not gonna lie: I'm genuinely looking forward to this. There are very few 4x, strategy, or wargames out there with a Troy scenario, so I appreciate the devs making one for their game.
-
About a week later than originally intended, but the Troy DLC is now out!
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2892963558041380399
Alongside that, the 1.1.0 update for the main game has dropped as well. Looks like it includes a lot of nice changes & improvements.
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2892963558041877128
-
So are you playing it now?
-
Sigh, not yet. Too many other games! ::)
-
The Age of Alexander is coming! You can add it to your wishlist (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520480/Imperiums_Age_of_Alexander/) now, and get a discount when it launches. :D
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/3026950721040088956
Aside from a new campaign (which shifts focus from Phillip II to Alexander, natch), the DLC adds several new features. The two I find most interesting are Military Reserves and Regional Centers; I'll be quite curious to see how (and if) they work.
-
If you want to know how i look like, i am the second guy in the trailer (just after Philip). :)
-
If you want to know how i look like, i am the second guy in the trailer (just after Philip). :)
flat & 2-dimensional?! :o
-
;D
-
If you want to know how i look like, i am the second guy in the trailer (just after Philip). :)
flat & 2-dimensional?! :o
:ROFL:
-
If you want to know how i look like, i am the second guy in the trailer (just after Philip). :)
So should I call you Demosthenes instead of Anguille, then? :D
What's odd is I actually thought he looked vaguely familiar, but hadn't a clue as to why that might be until now. Didn't you used to have that photo as your avatar a gazillion years ago (possibly on the BOTF forums)? I know I've seen that handsome mug before. 8)
-
A new blog discussing the revised Corruption mechanic and new Regional Capitals feature in the upcoming Age of Alexanders DLC:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2970671580620497229
Pavel, Imperiums' lead designer, also talks a bit about combating the issue of the "snowball effect" in 4x/grand-strategy games, especially those in a historical setting. It was nice getting his perspective in tackling in what has always been one of the genre's thorniest problems.
-
I bought Imperiums: Greek Wars just for the Alexander DLC (and Anguille's portrait) and check Steam everyday to see if it's been released yet...:/
-
I'm betting it comes out in the next month or two. The developers released that latest blog after several weeks of relative quiet, and it specifically discusses features in the upcoming DLC. They typically don't do that unless they're planning to release soon.
-
^I'm quoting you.
-
Feel free. I seem to have a pretty decent track record when it comes to predicting release windows. :nerd:
-
I'm betting it comes out in the next month or two. The developers released that latest blog after several weeks of relative quiet, and it specifically discusses features in the upcoming DLC. They typically don't do that unless they're planning to release soon.
I guess it's about right. I am mostly working translations as i don't have so much time for testing but he's progressing. He's been a tad busy as he became dad for the first time a couple of months back. :)
-
Aha. Well that would certainly explain why things went quiet for a bit there. Congrats to Pavel!
Have you been helping with the German and/or French translations, then?
-
It's not a dev blog, but an update to the main game...including a feature that was originally only going to be available via the Alexander DLC. This looks like a pretty dang good patch:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/2970671580620388578
New feature/mechanic: Trading Posts.
Numerous AI improvements, especially to diplomacy, tactical, and trade offers.
Better map generation.
Translations added for numerous languages (presumably including Anguille's work :applause: ).
Various balancing, bug-fixes, etc.
-
^Saw that earlier today...'trading post' update.
-
This really is one I should probably be digging into more...or at all, really. :-[ (Just gotta pull myself away from Stellaris for an hour or two...)
It seems like everyone who has spent any real amount of time with the game describe it as "underrated", an "overlooked gem", "the best game no one is talking about", etc. By nearly all accounts, it's a well-crafted game, with very few significant flaws (if any).
-
Today's blog looks at some of the playable factions that will be in Age of Alexander -- specifically, those around the Pontos Euxinos (Black Sea). It's good to see this part of the region isn't being ignored.
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2970671580620452083
-
Sweet.
-
We have a release date! Age of Alexander is dropping October 7.
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2952661816347073649
-
Finally!
-
In preparation for the Age of Alexander expansion dropping in two weeks, the devs have released the manual covering all the new/changed features. As usual, it looks nicely comprehensive:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2869346297252627141
https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/1520480/manuals/Manual.pdf?t=1632387043&snr=2_groupannouncements_detail_
(As anticipated, I see Anguille listed among the proofreader/translator credits. :) )
-
This dev blog talks about Emissaries, one of the new features in Age of Alexander:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/2869346378549631994
Personally, I think one of the potentially most interesting aspects is that you can use Emissaries to manipulate (improve or lower) relations between other factions. 4x/grand-strategy gamers have been asking for this ability for years, so I'm keen to see how it works -- and how well -- in the upcoming DLC.
-
Obviously a bit late, but a fairly significant update dropped alongside the Age of Alexander expansion on Thursday. Looks like a combination of improvements to the AI, balance, and various QoL improvements:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/2871598729196831934
A dev blog & video was also released that looks at some of the playable nations in the Caucus region from Age of Alexander. It's nice to see this area of the world getting a little love, especially from that era:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/5232606492416832229
-
And of course, the Age of Alexander DLC itself came out on Thursday. I grabbed it with a pre-order discount, and am planning to dive in this weekend. I've been in the mood for something a little more historical 4x, so the timing on this release works out well. 8)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520480/Imperiums_Age_of_Alexander/
-
The developer streamed the game on Twitch today, playing a campaign in the new Age of Alexander expansion. (Actual game-start and dev commentary begins around 6:00.)
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1175788283
For those who prefer and/or understand German, I also (belatedly) noticed our own Let's Play History streamed the game a few days ago (his commentary begins around 3:00 in). :)
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1171751434
-
Patch 1.2.1 dropped today. A modest list of changes/improvements, with a focus on Trade:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/4893716326547829725
-
The 1.2.2 "Autumn" update is out:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3113671649291172800
This one appears to be a smaller patch. Looks like it's a smorgasbord of balance improvements, AI work, and updates to various language localizations (along with bug-fixes, natch).
-
In the run-up to releasing the game's Rome Vs. Carhage (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1839160/Imperiums_Rome_vs_Carthage/) DLC, the devs have dropped version 1.2.4, which addresses numerous bugs and gameplay issues.
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3096794565676026978
-
The devs gives us a glimpse of "Mandatory Objectives", one of several new mechanics being introduced in the Rome vs. Carthage DLC:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3102422162158033728
To be honest, I'm not terribly enthused about this feature as it's currently described/implemented. The fact that these objectives are indeed mandatory (you can't avoid them), and that there are currently penalties for ignoring and/or failing to fulfill them, does not strike me as good gameplay.
However, Pavel (the lead developer) did say they'll eliminate the penalties if player demand/request it, and he's always been good about responding to player feedback. In addition -- and if nothing else -- Mandatory Objectives can always be disabled, like a lot of other mechanics in Imperiums (something I sincerely appreciate).
-
Not convinced either. I like objectives but want to be able to choose or change them when I want.
-
Social unrest and revolts are getting a rework:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3186869094217888641
This system sounds much better than the current/old version -- more natural, less game-y.
-
Faction(s) highlight: the Diadochi - Epirus, Macedon, Sparta, Thrace
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/3186869726444806135
Still no mention of a release date for the Rome vs. Carthage DLC, though Steam has it listed as still coming out this spring. Given all the 4x titles that have dropped this month, however, I have to wonder if Kube Games will delay launching this for a bit.
In particular, the Steam/GOG release of Old World (which is their most obvious competition) is probably something they'd just as soon wish to avoid being overshadowed by. I won't be surprised if the release date for Rome vs. Carthage slips to sometime this summer (or later).
-
^Nice - love me some Diodochi - gotta learn this game!
-
^ You and me both, Gus.
I've played *just* enough of Imperiums to sense it's a hidden/underrated gem, but not nearly enough to truly get its full measure. I strongly suspect it's a game that doesn't get played nearly as often -- or by nearly as many people -- as it deserves.
-
How difficult is it? I ask that as someone who has been fought to a stalemate in the final Old World tutorial :/
-
If you're referring to the game's learning curve, I'd rate it slightly steeper than average, but nothing headache-inducing. The tutorials actually do a pretty decent job of introducing the game's features & mechanics, and generally showing you around.
If you mean "difficult" in terms of computer opponents, the AI is no slouch. I recommend the Noob, Beginner, or (at most) Easy difficulty settings until you feel more comfortable.
-
Cool thanks. I meant both AI and learning curve.
-
How difficult is it? I ask that as someone who has been fought to a stalemate in the final Old World tutorial :/
It's a complex game but the base gameplay is similar to the one of the Civilization games. As Martok says, i'd start with the easier levels.
-
Gotcha!
-
An update from Kube Games:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3320854353251165482
The news can be broken down into three main components:
1.) As predicted (if not necessarily for the reasons I cited), the release of Rome vs. Carthage has been pushed back to Q3 2022.
2.) A fourth -- and possibly (though not definitely) final -- DLC for Imperiums is already in development. The only detail we know at the moment is that it's going to be a smaller scenario in a "corner of the world not covered in either the Age of Alexander or Rome vs Carthage DLCs".
3.) They've started planning work on their next game. In addition to some technical aspects like being ported over to the Unity engine, and/or mechanical changes such as switching from tiles to hexes (huzzah!), the developers have also said the new game will be "focused on a different historical era, one that is quite underrated in strategy games and in our opinion offers an interesting setting that deserves more attention."
Oh man, so many possibilities...! :D
-
#3 makes me squee.
-
Same, Gus. I just gotta remind myself to be patient, as I'm sure the new game won't even be announced until at least next year sometime, if then. And I imagine the new game won't release until 2024 at the earliest, if not later.
Deep breaths...
-
I love the reslience and mission focus of Kube games…that guy is a legend.
-
I love the reslience and mission focus of Kube games…that guy is a legend.
Yes he is.... :rockon:
-
3.) They've started planning work on their next game. In addition to some technical aspects like being ported over to the Unity engine, and/or mechanical changes such as switching from tiles to hexes (huzzah!), the developers have also said the new game will be "focused on a different historical era, one that is quite underrated in strategy games and in our opinion offers an interesting setting that deserves more attention."
I am always excited for new and underrated settings for strategy games.... :groovy:
-
^Me too
-
Floods are coming in the Rome vs. Carthage DLC:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3186869094217909775
Over the in Explorminate forums, lead developer Pavel also mentioned that the 4th (final?) DLC will be much smaller. As such, it will very possibly be done in only another three months or so.
-
Version 1.2.5 is out:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/3352381454214859551
Faction Highlights – Diadochi in Asia
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/3186869726444807755
-
^You're speaking my language now.
-
Incidentally, this bit from the patch notes above caught my attention:
We would like to wish you a nice summer! Get some tan before the Rome vs Carthage
DLC is out, you won't get much sunlight then :) Believe me, I know what I am talking about.
That suggests to me the Rome vs. Carthage DLC isn't coming out until at least autumn, and possibly even the winter. Which wouldn't be the end of the world, but it's definitely a bit later than I'd been expecting (I'd guessed Kube Games was now aiming for a Q3 2022 release).
-
I'm ok with that. Will give me time to get more of my arse kicked with Old World and Aggressors-Ancient Rome.
-
New feature, "Historical Events", coming to Rome vs. Carthage. Looks like it should be interesting.
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3352380185930437822
-
'More events = more gooder' as the kids say.
-
For those who didn't see my post in the Sales thread, Kube Games currently has a pretty nice sale going for Imperiums: Greek Wars bundled with the Age of Alexander DLC for 55% off (good through August 9):
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3383909822379769112
As for what else the devs had to say...
And what lies ahead?
You might have already noticed the news about the upcoming DLC Imperiums: Rome vs Carthage. It is shaping up to be the best campaign ever released within the Imperiums framework. It will include a huge map covering the entire Mediterranean and some of the important neighboring regions. You can try your luck playing any of the 25 playable factions. This expansion pack, like those before, will bring some new elements such as migrating tribes, multiturn events, mandatory objectives, and historical events. We tried with this DLC not to increase the difficulty and complexity of the game but rather expand the existing mechanics and make them more interesting. Our goal was to make the game more alive to increase your immersion and engagement.
Imperiums: Rome vs Carthage is not the end of the Imperiums journey, though. We are already working on another small expansion ideal for a few-evenings game or multiplayer session. The topic and era are very interesting even if a bit obscure. More details will be revealed soon after the release of Rome vs Carthage.
And what else is in the pipeline? We have many plans and hope that this smaller expansion will not be the last one. We would like to publish at least one more major DLC similar in scope and size as Rome vs Carthage, but this is dependent on the interest in the previous DLCs.
Well they certainly have my interest piqued as to what period/conflict/etc. the upcoming, smaller DLC might cover. :D
I'm also pleasantly surprised that it sounds like they genuinely want to make at least one more major DLC for the game as well, but I'm not complaining. If they make it, I'll buy it!
-
Black Sea factions:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3186869726444804756
I can't wait to fumble around around with the Bosporan kingdom and Cappadocia (and failing horribly/hilariously). I don't even have to ask which faction Gus will be most excited about. 8)
-
^The guy on the right has a weird look on his face.
-
I’ll come right out and say it - that’s the campest pose ever coupled with an oooooo matron face
-
Not to mention he's holding his....spear....kinda funny.
-
;D
-
I know it's not where the rest of you guys were going with it, but to me, he suddenly looks like he really needs to pee. I can no longer un-see it now. Y'all suck. :nope:
-
I know it's not where the rest of you guys were going with it, but to me, he suddenly looks like he really needs to pee. I can no longer un-see it now. Y'all suck. :nope:
Thanks for putting that in my head, Martok. Now I have to pee........
-
;D
-
Apropos of nothing, did anyone else notice a 5Mb (or so) download for the game on Friday? There don't appear to be any patch notes for it. Were it not for the fact that I had to manually tell Steam to go ahead and install the update, I'd almost swear I'd imagined it.
I know it's not where the rest of you guys were going with it, but to me, he suddenly looks like he really needs to pee. I can no longer un-see it now. Y'all suck. :nope:
Thanks for putting that in my head, Martok. Now I have to pee........
Hey, where do you think I went as soon as I posted that?? (Hint: it wasn't to Disneyland...) :P
-
^Yes - I haven't been home so it installed for me yesterday (Sunday?) instead of last Friday.
-
Rome vs. Carthage is coming out September 19!
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1183470/view/3372652726344575540
All things considered, this is actually a bit sooner than I was expecting (once you factor in the previous delays). I'm certainly not complaining, though. :D
-
Migrating Tribes - Sounds like they could be the single most significant new feature in the upcoming DLC:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3352380185930463354
-
^...and maybe used in more future Roman themed scenarios.
-
I hope so; I would not be sad if that happened. It'd certainly be appropriate enough, for sure.
-
A 5th century Fall of Rome campaign in this game would be awesome.
-
The manual for Rome vs. Carthage is now available:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3346757662566093736
I feel like I've been waiting so long for this DLC, it's almost weird to think that it will actually, finally be coming out in less than three weeks!
-
Awesome, I just downloaded it. Thank you.
-
You're welcome, Gus. :)
I'm slowly starting to twig to the realization that this DLC could really bring the game to a whole new level. I'm honestly excited to see how it plays.
-
I think Pavel must be a machine sometimes: He just put out another patch, less than two weeks before the Rome vs. Carthage expansion is set to drop...
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3346757662570910581
Also, a dev stream showing off the new DLC:
-
I think Pavel must be a machine sometimes: He just put out another patch, less than two weeks before the Rome vs. Carthage expansion is set to drop...
I don't think he has any other hobbies ;D
-
^ That would explain a lot! :P
-
We're almost done with the french translation....right on time for monday's release of the new DLC! :groovy:
-
^Nice
-
Anyone here have a chance to check out Rome vs. Carthage at all? (Anguille? Gus?) I grabbed the DLC right away, but haven't really had time to dive in yet (it's been a busy few weeks). Impressions from YouTubers and elsewhere seem to be favorable so far, though.
-
Anyone here have a chance to check out Rome vs. Carthage at all? (Anguille? Gus?) I grabbed the DLC right away, but haven't really had time to dive in yet (it's been a busy few weeks). Impressions from YouTubers and elsewhere seem to be favorable so far, though.
I got the DLC as well but got busy toying with Lord of Rigel. I think i'll start a campaign this weekend but not sure which faction to choose.
-
Cool. Well if you end playing it at all, please feel free to share your thoughts. :)
-
Feature Spotlight - Weather and Seasons:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3704816660873482368
Sounds like this feature will only be in the upcoming Rise of Caesar campaign/DLC. However, it will affect both the tactical and strategic side of the game -- including logistics -- which I appreciate.
-
Faction Highlights – British Isles:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/1183470/announcements/detail/3704816660878444379
Hopefully this means we'll get to play as more than just the Romans and Britons, then. Otherwise, I imagine this campaign/DLC would quickly get a bit monotonous.
-
I have a shamefully low amount of time with this game and dlcs.
-
You and me both, Gus. If I were to compile a list of games in terms of the most lopsided ratio of "want to play" versus "actual hours spent playing", this one would easily be in my top 5. :-[