Armageddon Empires

Last updated
Armageddon Empires
Armageddon Empires cover art.jpg
Cover of the manual for Armageddon Empires
Developer(s) Cryptic Comet
Publisher(s) Cryptic Comet
Designer(s) Victor J Davis
Platform(s) Windows, Mac OS X
ReleaseINT July 16, 2007 (Win)
INT October 9, 2007 (Mac)
Genre(s) Turn-based strategy
Mode(s) Single player

Armageddon Empires is a 4x turn-based strategy video game for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. It was released internationally for Microsoft Windows on July 16, 2007, and for Mac OS X on October 9, 2007. [1] The title is the first game released by independent game developer Cryptic Comet.

Contents

Plot

Armageddon Empires screenshot. Armageddon Empires ss.jpg
Armageddon Empires screenshot.

The game is set in the year 2325 AD, 300 years after Earth is invaded by two alien races, the Xenopods and the Machine Empire. Waging war against each other, the two invaders use nuclear weapons and genetically engineered plagues, which in turn results in the deaths of 99.9% of the population. The war between the Xenopods and the Machine Empire has lasted for 10,000 years, but the two sides only fight on Earth for twenty years before leaving in 2045 to continue their fight in other star systems. [2]

The resultant power vacuum causes conflict to break out between four factions: the remaining Xenopods and the Machine Empire, along with the Empire of Man, who are the remnants of human civilisation, and the Free Mutants, who were created by the Xenopods using human tissue.

Gameplay

In Armageddon Empires, players take on the role of one of four factions in a post-apocalyptic setting. Each faction is at war with the others, seeking to dominate the meager resources of a fictitious wasteland. The only way to achieve victory is to crush all others.

The game is designed to be a hybrid of traditional strategy board games along with some elements of collectible card games. While the cards are not truly collectible, in the sense that the game is complete with a single purchase, it does feature deck design and deck optimization elements. Cards are used to represent all assets in the game, including buildings, units, heroes, tactics, and weaponry. The game board is a hex map representing the wasteland, upon which in-play cards are placed.

After picking which deck to play and choosing basic game settings, players are taken to the wasteland map where they place their initial tiles and headquarters. Since the game is single player, any other factions are controlled by computer opponents. After this, the terrain is generated and gameplay begins.

At the start of each round, all factions roll for initiative. The default number of dice which factions roll is uniform, but by expending resources, players can increase the number of dice rolled for that turn, increasing the odds that they win the roll. Not only does the initiative control the order of turns, but it also controls how many action points the faction gets. However, if players invest too many resources to win the roll, they may be limited in what they can actually do during their turn, having depleted their supplies. The game requires players to prioritize their limited assets, since there are rarely enough to address all needs.

Each round, players receive a certain number of the four different resource types: men, materials, energy, and technology, depending on what areas they control and the resource collection facilities stationed there. These resources, in addition to being used to buy initiative dice, are used to bring new cards into play, as well as other functions like the repair of damaged units. During a player's turn, they may spend action points and resources on a variety of activities. This includes drawing new cards, playing existing cards from the hand, moving units within armies, forming armies, and conducting research.

When an army encounters an enemy force, battle typically ensues. Battles involve a setup stage, where units are positioned in the front or back ranks. After this is done, the two sides are revealed to each other and combat begins in earnest. The two sides take alternating turns performing a single action each, which usually involves attacking an enemy unit. Standard attacks involve the attacker rolling a number of dice based on their attack rating, the defender rolling a number of dice based on their defense rating, and comparing the results to determine any damage. After all units have acted or otherwise been marked "committed", the round ends, giving players the chance to retreat or continue battle, with all remaining units returning to a ready state.

The ultimate objective is to capture or destroy the headquarters of all other factions. If a faction loses its headquarters and is not able to reclaim it before the end of the round, that faction is eliminated. If the human player controls the last remaining faction, they are dubbed the winner and awarded a score based on how well they played.

Development

During an interview, Vic Davis, the developer behind Armageddon Empires, revealed that the idea for making a turn-based strategy game of his own first came to him in 2004. [3] After having played a number of such titles and noticing that the industry was moving in a different direction, towards real-time strategy games, he decided to go ahead and pursue game development.

Davis was working on his first project, a Darklands -style role-playing video game/turn-based strategy hybrid, when he reached the conclusion that it "wasn't going to work" in January 2005. [3] Following this, he was inspired by several board games he was playing at the time, as well as the Call of Cthulhu Collectible Card Game . This eventually led him to merge the two game types to create the core mechanics behind Armageddon Empires.

The game was developed in Adobe Director, chosen based on Davis' previous experience using the package to do animations.

Expansions

Cults of the Wastelands

On October 31, 2007, a post on the Cryptic Comet blog mentioned that a free expansion pack for Armageddon Empires entitled Cults of the Wastelands was in development. [4] While originally planned to include 10 new cards, the official announcement on the game website expanded this number to 14 while providing a March 2008 release date. [5] The expansion adds cults to the game, which are independent factions with their own agendas. When enabled, these cults make use of new mechanics in order to pursue their goals, behaving much more aggressively than the previously passive independent forces. It was released on March 20, 2008.

One of the cult leaders and his army. Cults of the wastelands.jpg
One of the cult leaders and his army.

Tip of the Spear

On May 30, 2008, a post on the Cryptic Comet blog announced that development of a second free expansion pack for Armageddon Empires had begun. [6] The expansion makes improvements to infantry units by giving them new abilities, adds new upgrades available only to infantry, and implements an optional feature that makes moving non-infantry armies around the map more costly. The planned release date for the expansion was July 17, 2008, which was the first anniversary of Armageddon Empires' release.

On July 8, 2008, Tip of the Spear was released in a beta form on the Cryptic Comet blog, and was quickly patched the day after. [7] The official release of the expansion was made on July 21, 2008.

Reception

Armageddon Empires received positive reviews overall. The game received positive marks for its deep strategy gameplay and return to genre roots. [12] [13] Negative criticisms focused on the bare-bones user interface. [9] Pelit called Armageddon Empires "A very entertaining turn-based post-apocalyptic strategy game with a lot of tools of war. A gem marred only by clunky UI." [14] PC Format said it is "A strategy triumph and a real must-play. [15]

Games for Windows magazine praised the game's blend of collectible card game and board game, while noting that the game lacks a multiplayer mode. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Risk</i> (game) Grand-strategy board game with the goal of conquering the world

Risk is a strategy board game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest for two to six players. The standard version is played on a board depicting a political map of the world, divided into forty-two territories, which are grouped into six continents. Turns rotate among players who control armies of playing pieces with which they attempt to capture territories from other players, with results determined by dice rolls. Players may form and dissolve alliances during the course of the game. The goal of the game is to occupy every territory on the board and, in doing so, eliminate the other players. The game can be lengthy, requiring several hours to multiple days to finish. European versions are structured so that each player has a limited "secret mission" objective that shortens the game.

<i>Rise of Nations</i> Real-time strategy video game by Big Huge Games

Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy video game developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios in May 2003. The development was led by veteran game designer Brian Reynolds, of Civilization II and Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. The game has taken several concepts from turn-based strategy games such as territories and attrition warfare. Rise of Nations features 18 civilizations, playable through eight ages of world history.

Risk 2210 A.D. is a 2–5 player board game by Avalon Hill that is a futuristic variant of the classic board game Risk. Risk 2210 A.D. was designed by Rob Daviau and Craig Van Ness and first released in 2001. In 2002, it won the Origins Award for "Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game of 2001".

<i>Shogun: Total War</i> 2000 video game

Shogun: Total War is a turn-based strategy and real-time tactics video game developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows personal computers. Released in June 2000, the game became the debut title in The Creative Assembly's Total War series. Set in Japan during Sengoku jidai—the "Warring States" period from the 15th to the beginning of the 17th century—the game has players adopt the leader of a contemporary Japanese clan, attempt to conquer the nation and claim the position of shōgun. The turn-based aspect of the game focuses on a map of Japan where military force, religion, diplomacy, espionage and economics all influence the player's actions, whilst battles are fought in a 3D real-time mode.

<i>Medieval: Total War</i> 2002 video game

Medieval: Total War is a turn-based strategy and real-time tactics computer game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Activision. Set in the Middle Ages, it is the second game in the Total War series, following on from the 2000 title Shogun: Total War. Originally announced in August 2001, the game was released in North America on 19 August 2002 and in Europe on 30 August for Microsoft Windows.

<i>Rome: Total War</i> 2004 video game

Rome: Total War is a strategy video game developed by The Creative Assembly and originally published by Activision; its publishing rights have since passed to Sega. The game was released for Microsoft Windows in 2004. The macOS version was released on February 5, 2010 by Feral Interactive, who also released the iPad version on November 10, 2016, the iPhone version on August 23, 2018, and the Android version on December 19, 2018. The game is the third title in The Creative Assembly's Total War series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4X</span> Genre of strategy-based video and board games

4X is a subgenre of strategy-based computer and board games, and include both turn-based and real-time strategy titles. The gameplay involves building an empire. Emphasis is placed upon economic and technological development, as well as a range of military and non-military routes to supremacy.

Several video games based on the Magic: The Gathering franchise exist for multiple systems. Some have attempted to translate the card game to electronic play nearly exactly; others have taken more liberties and drawn more from the setting than the actual rules of the card game. Benefits of successful video game versions of the card game include convenience, practice, and challenge. However, artificial intelligence for a game such as Magic is an extremely hard problem, and such software usually must be continuously updated to stay current with recently released card sets. Video game versions often expand on artwork, and may include unique cards that rely on randomness, effects which would be difficult or annoying to duplicate in real life.

<i>Age of Empires III</i> 2005 real-time strategy video game

Age of Empires III is a real-time strategy video game developed by Microsoft Corporation's Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The Mac version was ported over and developed and published by Destineer's MacSoft. The PC version was released on October 18, 2005, in North America and November 4, 2005, in Europe, while the Mac version was released on November 21, 2006, in North America and September 29, 2006, in Europe. An N-Gage version of the game developed by Glu Mobile was released on April 28, 2009. It is the third game of the Age of Empires series and the sequel to Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings. A remaster titled Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition was released on October 15, 2020. Its successor, Age of Empires IV was released October 28, 2021, for Windows.

<i>Sacrifice</i> (video game) 2000 real-time strategy video game

Sacrifice is a real-time strategy video game published by Interplay Entertainment in 2000 for Microsoft Windows platform. Developed by Shiny Entertainment, the game features elements of action and other genres. Players control wizards who fight each other with spells and summoned creatures. The game was ported to Mac OS 9.2 in 2001.

<i>Star Trek: Starfleet Command II: Empires at War</i> 2000 video game

Star Trek Starfleet Command II: Empires at War is the sequel to Star Trek: Starfleet Command and the second in the series of real-time space combat games, developed by Taldren, Inc. and published by Interplay. A stand-alone expansion pack was released in July 2001 titled Starfleet Command: Orion Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twilight Imperium</span> Science-fiction themed board game

Twilight Imperium is a strategy board game produced by Fantasy Flight Games in the genre of science fiction and space opera. It was designed by Christian T. Petersen and was first released in 1997. The game is in its fourth edition (2017), which has large changes over previous editions. It is known for the length of its gameplay, and its in-depth strategy.

<i>Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate</i> 2006 video game

Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate is the first expansion pack to the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic V. Like the original game, it was developed by Nival Interactive, under the guidance of Ubisoft.

<i>Alexander</i> (video game) 2004 video game

Alexander is a real-time strategy game created by GSC Game World and published by Ubisoft, based on the 2004 film of the same name.

<i>Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion</i> 2005 video game

Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion is the first expansion pack for the strategy video game Rome: Total War. The expansion was released in 2005 in North America and Europe and in 2006 in Japan for Microsoft Windows. Feral Interactive released the iPad version on 28 March 2017, and the iPhone version on 9 May 2019. The Android version of the game, also by Feral Interactive, was released on 18 June 2019. While the main game deals with the rise of the Roman Empire, Barbarian Invasion covers the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire during the Migration Period.

<i>Empire: Total War</i> 2009 video game

Empire: Total War is a turn-based strategy and real-time tactics video game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. The fifth installment in the Total War series, the game was released in 2009. The game, which focuses on the early modern period of the 18th century, was announced at the Leipzig Games Convention in August 2007. The macOS version of the game was released by Feral Interactive on 10 June 2014. The Linux version was released, also by Feral Interactive, on 8 December 2014.

<i>Rome: Total War: Alexander</i> 2006 video game

Rome: Total War: Alexander is the second expansion pack for Rome: Total War. It is set in an earlier time period, putting the player in the role of Alexander the Great. It begins with Alexander's ascension to the Macedonian throne in 336 BC and lasts for 100 turns. The game is much the same as the original Rome: Total War, but with fewer factions, different units, and a different map. The expansion was released in 2006 for Microsoft Windows. The macOS version of Rome: Total War: Alexander was released on 27 February 2014 by Feral Interactive. A standalone version of the expansion, also by Feral, was released for the iPad on 27 July 2017. An iPhone and Android version of the game was released on 24 October 2019.

<i>Solium Infernum</i> 2009 video game

Solium Infernum is a turn-based strategy computer game for Microsoft Windows from independent game developer Cryptic Comet, creator of Armageddon Empires, and was released on November 26, 2009.

<i>XCOM 2: War of the Chosen</i> 2017 video game

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is an expansion pack for the 2016 turn-based tactics video game XCOM 2, released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on August 29, 2017. Versions for Linux and macOS were released on August 31, 2017, and a Nintendo Switch port was released on May 29, 2020.

<i>Root</i> (board game)

Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right is a 2018 asymmetric board game designed by Cole Wehrle, illustrated by Kyle Ferrin, and published by Leder Games. In Root, players compete for the most victory points through moving and battling using varying functions with unique abilities. Upon its release, Root received positive reviews, and was followed by four expansions. A digital version, developed by Dire Wolf Digital, was released in 2020.

References

  1. "Cryptic Comet's Website". Archived from the original on 2 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  2. "Story so far..." Cryptic Comet. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  3. 1 2 Gillen, Kieron (2008-01-25). "King of the Wasteland: Vic Davis Interview". Rock Paper Shotgun .
  4. Davis, Vic (2007-10-31). "Here There Be Monsters". Cryptic Comet.
  5. "Cults of the Wastelands". Cryptic Comet. Archived from the original on 9 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  6. Davis, Vic (2008-05-30). "The Tip of the Spear". Cryptic Comet.
  7. Davis, Vic (2008-07-08). "Tip of the Spear Update". Cryptic Comet.
  8. Gillen, Kieron (2007-12-19). "Armageddon Empires Review // PC /// Eurogamer". Eurogamer.
  9. 1 2 Stone, Tim (February 2008). Armageddon Empires "Armageddon a lot of enjoyment out of this". Line 23-27: Future publishing. p. 75.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  10. Geryk, Bruce (March 2008). Armageddon Empires "Quite the gaming revelation". Ziff Davis Media. p. 68.
  11. Paxton, Jerry (2008-02-03). "Armageddon Empires Review // PC /// GamingShogun". GamingShogun. Archived from the original on 2008-04-21. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
  12. Trotter, Bill (2008-01-18). "PC Game Review: Armageddon Empires". The Wargamer. Archived from the original on 2008-03-24. Retrieved 2008-02-05. Armageddon Empires offers the sort of immersive, challenging, dynamic experience we all look for in a "strategy" game, but seldom find in such depth and completeness.
  13. Gillen, Kieron (2007-12-19). "Armageddon Empires Review // PC /// Eurogamer". Eurogamer. This is exactly what we play strategy games for
  14. Pelit, February 2008
  15. PC Format, April 2008, p.112
  16. Geryk, Bruce (March 2008). Armageddon Empires "Quite the gaming revelation". Ziff Davis Media. p. 68. Verdict: +Brilliant combination of CCG and board game. - No multiplayer.