I’ve been pondering military history and potential choice adventure… Theory: Some points in military (and non-military) history are far more dynamic, or “choice-friendly” than others.
There is certain times where individual heroism seem to make an impact. Examples…
Bad Wars for Choices Making History
I find the the wars of the Roman Republic fascinating, prior to the rise of Julius Caesar… But at the same time, despite the immensely powerful personalities of Pompey, Sulla, Marius and Julius Casar himself, it feels like Rome is so completely dominant, and the decline of the Republic so inevitable, that there isn’t much impact you can have on history. It doesn’t matter if Julius Caesar lives or is assassinated… Rome will still dominate the Mediterranean while simultaneously degrading its Republican traditions and turn into an Empire. There’s little you can do to stop this.
A modern example is WWII after 1943. After 1943 the end outcome is not much in doubt. Of course, come great individual stories occurred, and with a little historical leeway, improved Axis V2 rockets and Jetfighters, just might have tipped the war in a different direction… maybe. But that’s a stretch. For the most part, it is all predetermined in terms of who wins, and who looses. As US President Truman, you could choose to invade Japan with ground troops, or bomb Japan, or starve Japan… but what an unpleasant choice that is!
But by contrast, other periods of history, seem to be more impacted by individual choices.
Choice Friendly Wars
Were I to do a Mediterranean military Choice Adventure, Peloponessian Wars (and the Greek-Persian Wars) are far more fun. Individuals ruling Athens, Sparta, Thebes, Macedonia and Persia make a major difference in the affairs of the state. (I of course have to finish my current England game)
A modern example… maybe the Chinese civil war? Maybe the German high command in the first 10 weeks of August 1914 (WWI is arguably completely systemic, with individuals just cogs but it at any time there was some agency, it might be there)?
Anyone else think some wars (or simply times in history) are particularly promising territory for a Choicescript game?