Immortal Kingdoms

[Pluvious]

I've been working on a turn based fantasy strategy game called Immortal Kingdoms. Its a bit different than anything else available in that genre and combines aspects of strategy gaming, tactical battles (final fantasy tactics,etc), rpg character advancement, collectable card games, and a few other games I've played over the years.

I have most of the tactical battle stuff done (except for online) but I havn't started the large strategy aspect of the game. Anyway, some of what I think makes the game unique includes highly in depth character development for all members of your army (massive variety here), fun strategic battles, unique and thought provoking kingdom maintenance, an intuitive user interface, and a truly immersive online strategy game.

The game is obviously more old school (with limited graphics/animation) but I hope it appeals to the hardcore turn based fantasy strategist. I would like to have some input on this if anyone has any. How much market is there really for a game like this (if done very well and offers something not currently available online). And do the screenshots immediately turn you offf? I don't have a demo quite yet...but soon.

Well, that's the short of it. I hope to have a finished product in 2007.

Here are some screenshots. I plan on making many additional improvements on the layout here with the help of my artist. Some of the stuff is quite old and/or not my intellectual property and will be changed. Although all the characters are mine.

Immortal Kingdoms (http://pluvious0.tripod.com/screenshots/index.album?i=1)

[cliffski]

first impressions?
holy cow that looks pretty slick. You can bet there is one hell of a market. It's not my kind of game to be honest, but this looks (from screenshots) pretty good to me.

[svero]

Hard to say, but from your description of the game it sounds like something Id at least try. I've played lots of turn based fantasy games (warlords being my favorite) so I guess I'd be in the target market.

[electronicStar]

The way you described it, it sounded a bit vague and like a big task to undertake, neverrtheless, you seem to already have a working product base so it's a very good start.
I'd say try to keep the game simple at all stages .
Also maybe you should start putting in the final art ASAP instead of using too much placeholder art because it could be difficult afterwards.
Anyway good luck ,sounds interesting. Well I'm not as much a fan of TBS as I was before but I might give it a look.
My only gripe is that maybe you should look for an original setting and story for your game because at the moment it sounds a little too generic and it will be difficult to stand apart from the rest of the very generic fantasy setting games, especially with a bland name like "immortal kingdoms" (*yawn*).
I'd recommand to use a story with a smaller scale (not the standard "save the generic fantasy kingdom from evil" but rather something revolving about a limited number of characters and a more original plot.)
Good luck

[Yarlen]

Certainly sounds interesting. :)

[Pluvious]

Thanks guys...that helps a lot. Its hard to trust family members who have said it looks good since I put the first graphic on the first form.

The way you described it, it sounded a bit vague and like a big task to undertake, neverrtheless, you seem to already have a working product base so it's a very good start.

Well, I just gave you the basics so as not to sound like a newbie braggart.

Also maybe you should start putting in the final art ASAP instead of using too much placeholder art because it could be difficult afterwards.

Yeah, I have an artist right now and he's been working for me for a couple months. That's kind of the motivation as to why I'm looking for feedback, as I'm dishing out the coin and I hope to make some of bit back one day.

My only gripe is that maybe you should look for an original setting and story for your game because at the moment it sounds a little too generic and it will be difficult to stand apart from the rest of the very generic fantasy setting games, especially with a bland name like "immortal kingdoms" (*yawn*). I'd recommand to use a story with a smaller scale (not the standard "save the generic fantasy kingdom from evil" but rather something revolving about a limited number of characters and a more original plot.)
Good luck

Yeah, I agree with the original fantasy story premise. I have been actually researching writing a fantasy novel series before making this game and I am using many of the plot/story constructs from that.

Also, the reason for the "Immortal Kingdoms" name is that your army is comprised of Immortal Warriors and a lot of the game revolves around your deity and faith. I started with "Immortal Sovereign" but the game "Kohan" already had that as a name and "Immortal Conquest" was taken as a domain name. I'm not in love with "Kingdoms" but I like it.

[Hiro_Antagonist]

I'm quite eager to try this out. If/when you allow alpha or beta testers, I'd love to be on the list!

I'm very into CCG's and TBS, especially the indies, and I could probably give you good feedback!

-Hiro_Antagonist

[Pluvious]

I'm quite eager to try this out. If/when you allow alpha or beta testers, I'd love to be on the list!

I'm very into CCG's and TBS, especially the indies, and I could probably give you good feedback!

-Hiro_Antagonist

Yeah, I definately would like to have you as a beta tester when the time comes.