So I've been thinking about the current large issue, there are two camps of thought. One that just wants to kick back and have fun with games, perhaps play an entire game in a half hour session and those that want to run a realistic empire simulation that could take months. Nothing is wrong with either, I think FE is ripe for BOTH kinds of play. Civilization has done this expertly, you can play a game that takes months (I've done this) and you can play a game that takes less then half an hour (I've done this too). Both kinds of folks are happy and as challenged as they are able to handle/enjoy. How?
More Scalability. now FE does this some, but I think it does not go far enough. We have the research speed option, perhaps Epic should be more epic while faster should be more faster. It cant be that hard of a change, and on that front everyone is happy. Additional sliders could be a XP modifier, allowing heroes to level as slow as a person wishes, the kind of slow that you'll need some troops at your back if your heroes ever hope to step out of town. To Lord of the Rings Style, Heroes level faster and are fully capable of teaming up to quest and adventure without armies. I think this one would be really fun. If someone wants to Lord of the Rings the game with their three heroes, why not? by the same token if someone wants to heroes of might and magic the game with their heroes acting like Generals why not?
In the end, this is more simple then we are all making it, the great team at Stardock can focus on more important issues then just balance and the back and forth and in the end a broader range of players can enjoy the game without it impacting on anyones play style.
And before anyone tries to claim this is a Hardcore game or something, stop and consider, Stardock put a beginner mode in, which says they would like all players to enjoy their product, not just Whiz Kid Experts and not just casuals. If anyone plays Civilization, it should be obvious how enjoyable the scaling makes the game, and I think this would work great here.
