2000 word update posted. Update consists of more content in the Union attack up the center.
I’m thinking about making a discord channel for this game and my other various writing projects. It might be an easier way to get feedback and give updates for people who would be interested in that. Just a notion.
Couple things. First, I’ve been struggling hard to move on this project. I think the difficulty writing largely stems from lack of planning, so I am going to iron out my plan for the rest of it. I have a few ideas to create conflict and tie in some of the early game characters. It means I have to depart slightly from history, but that’s the price I’m willing to pay to make a compelling game.
Second, I am thinking about the character’s name. The battle maps are a significant part of this type of game, and the player’s name must consequently be on the maps. For this reason, I am considering restricting the players surname. I could either just pick one name (let’s say Spears) and only make one set of maps, or I could leave a few options but no self-written option and make several sets of each map with multiple names on them. This would be an absolute pain to make the maps and to code, but it isn’t impossible. I’m starting to think that having the last name preset wouldn’t be that bad of a thing. Would love to get some feedback on this question.
I say for the last name thing is have people suggest names and pick the ones you like before doing a poll to see what last name people like the most and using that for the preset last name
Does the name have to be on the map? I feel like unit would be enough.
Having a poll is a good suggestion. Thanks!
I think the name has got to be on the map. The names of the commanders are part of what makes Civil War maps so interesting to look at (for me.) Also, while you may command the 1st Michigan at the start of the battle, your command may change later, and in subsequent games you would command various brigades, divisions, corps, etc.
Then put the names of the other commanders, but for the MC’s unit, put “You” or “MC”?
Why’s that even a price? There’s no reason a writer couldn’t take some liberties with actual history.
It’s really your choice, but I think creating multiple preset surnames with multiple maps isn’t as daunting as it looks. Changing the surname on each map should only take a light bit of editing, and calling the correct map would just take another *if statement. On the other hand, having maps which change based on the MCs surname could be something that might wow a player.
How are you “making” those maps?
Then put the names of the other commanders, but for the MC’s unit, put “You” or “MC”?
Perhaps, but I really just think this would diminish the immersion for me and look kind of silly. On the other hand, I personally don’t really care what my character’s name is as long as it’s not something totally awful. I suspect most people here would disagree with me on that based on the feedback I’ve received for games in the past…
There’s no reason a writer couldn’t take some liberties with actual history.
You are right. It is an interactive fiction, not a history textbook. Historical accuracy is important to me, but I probably have more leeway here than I am currently using.
On the other hand, having maps which change based on the MCs surname could be something that might wow a player.
Having multiple maps is probably not as hard as it sounds, true. I am just daunted by the thought of several hundred images sitting in my game folder haha. I think I agree with you that it might wow a player. I think seeing your character’s name on the map with other generals would be considerably cool.
How are you “making” those maps?
I am just making the maps with basic microsoft paint.
So instead of a single name you could have a few options?
Yeah, I’m leaning toward 4 to 8 options with the first name customizable.
I personally don’t mind the given surnames but totally understand why people would want a custom one and your wish for historical accuracy is also admirable.
Regardless, you could maybe allow people to choose in the beginning whether:
(1) they would like to choose a custom surname and appear on the map as “You” or “1st Michigan” or something to the like OR
(2) choose one the pre-set surnames and have it appear on the map
Having different variations of same picture is a very likeable element in these games. Off the top of my head, I recall a certain duel scene in War for the West by Lucas Zaper having multiple versions depending on your armour and sword.
Dang, that’s a great idea! I can just have a disclaimer that a custom name will result in missing out on some detail or whatever. I can eat my cake and have it too, as the saying goes.
I have discovered a new method that works really well for me. Instead of writing an outline or winging it, I write out the scene choices ahead of time in CSIDE, then just a brief comment describing what happens in each option. So then once I’ve worked ahead, I go back and write the actual text. It helps with one of my biggest issues, which is trying to keep track of all the branches in my head while trying to write the actual text.
General updates, I am nearly done with the left attack. I had low productivity last week, but I think I have broken through that wall now and I am back on track.
5500 word update posted on dashingdon. (Not sure if you get notifications when I edit the original post, so I mention it here.)
I wonder if accepting the duel will the rebel officer and fighting fairly and letting him live would effect anything
If he escapes unhurt then he rallies his men and they do additional damage to you. There could be more impacts later but I haven’t planned that far out.
Update 3/19:
7,500 word update released. All three attacks are complete and available to play. I have done a lot of research and planning for the next part of the battle. I have also updated some character names to be the real officers who served with the First Michigan Infantry. (Captain Hatcher is now Captain Lum, Captain Billings is now Captain Withington.) I have also added the real Company Commanders to the stats page. The Regimental numbers and commanders should organically update as the battle goes forward, so you can check that screen to see how you are doing.
I have been considering some of the feedback I have received, primarily the need for more intro and better pacing in the early story. That is now written into my plans, but will likely come later as I am trying to maintain my momentum and editing will slow me down and hurt morale (I think I’m reading too much Civil War history lately…)
As always, thanks for the support and interest. I hope to finish this story in April.
Probably not record time, but a full game in two months might be quite the rare achievement!
That’s a good thing. At least now we know that this one is on the release schedule for now.
@Dan_Rasmussen. Enjoying what you have so far though one thing to note even though its early yet in the early phases of the war there wasnt exactly a standard uniform colorings for both sides. Most exspecially in the first battle of bullrun an on the time of the battle it caused much confusion some food for thought for ya as you progress with the battle.