New Game Play Scenario(s)

I posted some of this in someone else's post, but I think it's a worthy idea to be up front so I don't want to risk it being lost or buried, and worthy of being explored more.

I have an idea for a new game play scenario: Make a scenario based on the more competitive playstyle for more "pro" players that limits all players to one fortress, period, and maybe even no walls. I prefer walls and multiple fortresses, as you can get creative and build really cool bases that way. But it's hardly to many players' liking. What's more is, having this scenario would be a great way on GameRanger, especially, to clarify with a specific name the kind of playstyle the server will use to all those out there who want to play a certain way, instead of having to endure unnecessary arguments, clarification issues in the lobby, or harassment from players who stigmatize you for using them. (Same with custom heroes....) I know the folks at the Edain mod have custom scenarios they've implemented quite nicely into the game mechanics, so I know it's feasible to do.

Is this something that would interest the devs of AOTR, though...?

A rather wild and out there idea: A scenario that takes away all spellbook powers! If a scenario like this were implemented, it would have to have a little work done, as I know certain factions' heroes and economic power can only come through spellbook powers, like Aragorn or the Reverence of Yavanna; but it would definitely be a unique change of pace. Not sure how others might feel about it, but I think powers can be a bit of a mixed bag. I'm old school, and like the feel of games without powers that can blow your whole army away with no more effort than the push of a button; nor am I especially fond of doing it to others. Yet buffs and such can be fun once in a while. But the core game mechanics without powers are so solid that I typically come back to this game anymore. Having the best of both worlds--old school and this--would be interesting!

Honestly, powers as they are in BFME and AOM represent a core mechanic of these games, there is no "win button". This is a way of creating another variable in a match that has to be taken into account by both players if they want their armies or buildings unharmed. Very aggressive players, for example, will be punished if they push forward, all-in, right into an Erebor that just purchased Send in the Goats ! On the other side, turtling strategies or loads of archers can be countered by summoning a special unit to help yours to fight against their strong enemies. I agree on the fact that some spellbook powers of AOTR are strong, but not particularly more than those in vanilla BFME. Would you avoid clumping your units if you knew there was no Breath of Manwë or no Leap (because hero powers are often as powerful as spellbook powers when they level up) ? Would you build heroic statues if you knew there was no stun like Ere the Sun Rises or Horn of Gondor ? I think the game would lose a bit of its flavour without all of these, so removing content is not interesting (and that also applies to walls, to relate to what you said above, which would need to make a comeback in multiplayer but the problem of the price is difficult to solve).

I'm old school, and like the feel of games without powers that can blow your whole army away with no more effort than the push of a button; nor am I especially fond of doing it to others.

Didn't you say a few weeks ago that you were an absolute fan of vanilla Army of the Dead ? This one seems like a power that can blow a whole army away to me.

Edited by Nerevar42, 11 June 2021 - 06:34 AM.

It has its moments! (I also later advocated, in light of the changes in AOTR, to bring back the AOD in the way it was in the books: Based on fear. That would probably be more satisfying.)

Overall, the idea I presented above has been one that's been floating around in my head for a while. It would totally change up the style of play, for sure. You make some good points, but I think that heroes keeping their powers while the spellbook powers are removed for an alternative scenario could be interesting, even if not to everyone's liking.

I wanna try some scenarios with no spellbooks powers! Yesterday i was wondering what if i play with no powers against IA? Result in a difficult task.

In fact, this could be achieved by setting up a mutiplayer group in which people just say "no spellbook" at the beginning of the game and play like that. As long as people play the game (in its figurative meaning), everything would be fine.

It can be, for sure. But my point is to make an actual alternative scenario, programmed and all. In part for interesting battles against AI who, of course, make no such agreements; and also just to have at the ready for GameRanger lobbies to specify up front what kind of scenario is being played. Again, not to everyone's liking. But could be interesting to try out with some tweaking here and there.