[.915] Spell of Making suggestion

from Elemental Forums

Just finished a magic-centric game and it was properly epic with the power and buildup (though I used extra shards setting to keep from being frustrated with the lack of mana, and so I could experiment--nice to have that option).  The run-up to the cool endgame pic for a magic victory is lacking some information and missing an opportunity to feel more epic/dramatic.  Simple pop-up windows with nice prose about what is happening would both inform the player and build the anticipation.

For example, you could get a message when you build the final tower (those all look sweet, by the way), noting that the Spell of Making is now prepped and ready to cast (a simple alternative to having it just slip into a spellbook that's at least 4-5 pages long by then, and this would give the chance to indicate what the casting entails--that you would be staying in one spot and focusing for many seasons, though I suggest that 25 is far too many and gets laborious--how about 12?).  Another great chance for flavor text is when you cast the spell, something about a subtle change relating to each of the elements, something to enforce the epicness of what is happening (ex: "Oceans become mirrors of glass, every wave stopping to hold its breath.  The wind shifts and swirls, waiting.  And with the subtle rumble in the ground, the earth itself takes notice.  Even the humblest of cooking fires seems to know a rebirth is beginning.  With protective armies arrayed around <leader>, <he/she> draws deeply upon each of these elements.").

Then a final pop-up text could come halfway through (a good addition to the simple progress bar) about the shards resonating, aligning, amplifying.  All this would give that final cut scene even more weight/meaning.

Please consider it, because as it stands now, it's like a poor ending chapter of an otherwise engaging novel.

4,842 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

Gorde makes some nice suggestions here.

 

At a minimum I'd like to see some kind of countdown timer displayed so that I can easily see how many turns are left before the spell fires.

 

In my most recent 913 game, I was able to cast the spell with only 3 towers built, and the 4th just under construction.  I've not exercised this much for testing purposes, and was surprised to see the towers in any case, but it's not clear to me what's supposed to be required to cast the Spell.

 

It also seems like it ought to be possible to fight against an opponent who's casting the spell.  For example, all players ought to "sense" when the spell is being cast, as they're all attuned to the crystals and all at risk if anyone casts this spell; this ought to count as an attack against a kingdom with which you have a non-aggression pact or to which you are paying tribute.  Perhaps by taking control of the caster's mana sites it ought to lengthen the spellcasting time.  Perhaps there's some kind of counterspell -- maybe not to keep it from happening altogether, but to slow it down; this would be a cool ability for spellcasting troops to have, or a type of building in towns that could be made into a magical defense.

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

You actually currently need only to have started construction of all four towers currently.  So I think it is possible currently to start constructing the Towers in 4 different cities and then start to cast the spell (as long as you continue building).  This is definitely something that needs to be fixed.  And I'm sure the Spell of Making victory will be getting some changes in the final betas. :)

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

I like to see the suggestions here, alot of stuff they could do with the spell of making.
I would like to see it start some global event, as long as the caster is channeling the spell, the world gradually changes... somehow.
Meaby monsters are spawning? something interesting to make it feel epic :D

More flavour text and timers are really a good idea though.

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

I would also like for casting this spell to be viewed as the most prominent threat to all nations not allied with you.

 

They should all pretty much want to come kick in your door for what you are trying to do, stealing their sovereignty.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

and a simple timer to let you know how log you need to hang on for