Prototyping - playtesting on several levels simultaneously

At the moment a lot of playtesting is focused on getting the In-game Resolution right - keeping it fun, managing the complexity and taking care of the replayability. It's looking good - things are moving in the right directions...

And simultaneously another aspect of the game is being tested - the diplomacy/foreing policy mechanims where friendly or hostile neighbours of the empire become a part of the internal power struggle - use the tribes to your advantage, keep them satisfied and let them act as tools for your political ambitions...

And yes, those placeholders are unit icons from a well known PC-game, you're correct... One of the games that will be possible to use for resolving the Tactical Battles of the Campaign/Boardgame in fact.

Trying different situations - what are the choice in this instance? Are all option covered in the current rules, do they have to be clarified? Can they be made even more simple?

Next step will be to playtest the diplomacy with live players - probably to discover more omissions and gaps in the logic... Oh, well, that's the way to go forward...

Kommentarer

Populära inlägg i den här bloggen

Spotlight; the dynasty of Constantine the Great - the backdrop of the Game

Patrimonium Imperii is set in late antiquity, in the immidiate aftermath of the death of emperor Constantine the great and the struggle of power among his relatives that rippled through the empire following his demise. The game lets you take on the role as one of his relatives and trick, deceive and fight your way to the position as the last claimant standing. The Constantinian dynasty is an informal name for the ruling family of the Roman Empire from Constantius Chlorus (died 306) to the death of Julian in 363. It is named after its most famous member, Constantine the Great who became the sole ruler of the empire in 324. The dynasty is also called Neo-Flavian because every Constantinian emperor bore the name Flavius, similarly to the rulers of the first Flavian dynasty in the 1st century. The family tree of Constantine the Great. Characters coloured are included among the Claimant Characters in Patrimonium Imperii - i.e. you'll be able to play as one of them.

Läs mer

Key Concepts of the Game Patrimonium Imperii

Key Concepts of the Game Patrimonium Imperii Below is an excerpt from the introduction of the game rules. This section explains some of the basic concepts to new players. Influence Patrimonium Imperii is a game where you can’t earn any money, but you compete with your opponents by achieving as high a reputation and influence as possible. This is a measurement of how important you’re regarded and will be the determining factor when the Imperial Council settles for a new ruler of the empire. During game play you will gather influence – but you will also have to use your influence to make things happen – and to be able to gather even more influence. Influence is measured in IP:s – influence points. Claimants The late emperor Constantine’s plan for succession hasn’t worked out as planned and now several relatives, in charge of different regions, will have to fight for their survival. These members of the imperial family – some rather distant relatives – are all poss

Läs mer

The Summer of Blood - the setting for Patrimonium Imperii

A few more words on the background of the Board Game... As one of the players of Patrimonium Imperii you find yourself in the tumultuous struggle for power in the summer of 337, just after the great emperor Constantine has passed away. You and your relatives (i.e. the other players) will have to fight for your claims to the throne. Think "Game of Thrones" set in the Late Antiquity! Historically, only the three biological sons of Constantine survived the Summer of Blood 337, and most evidence points to Constantius as of one the chief instigators of the massacre within the family. A thorough investigation is presentedin this fascinating thesis on the events , eminently written by R.W. Burgess. It's like looking into the details of a crime investigation! Following the death of his father in 337, Constantine II initially became emperor jointly with his brothers Constantius II and Constans, with the Empire divided between them and their cousins, the Caesars Dalm

Läs mer

Stratagem Design Project

Leta i den här bloggen