Empyrean Frontier Windows game

0 comments by GaldorStudios on May 21st, 2013

It's been a while since I've posted something new, but in this update I'm introducing a new game mode to Empyrean Frontier in addition to the single map skirmishes already in the game. Essentially, the idea of this game mode is to be somewhere between a normal skirmish and a full story campaign. The focus of the game at the solar system level is on taking and holding territories. You focus on the grand strategy in the solar system view, and play out the battles as skirmishes in order to settle the result. The idea of this game mode is similar to the galactic conquest mode in Star Wars Empire at War, or the strategic mode in the Total War series, but with some big differences. Empyrean Frontier's solar system view is a more purely strategy focused game mode than the standard skirmishes, but still uses the same basic mechanics of real time strategy and a standard map.

Instead of being divided up into a small number of distinct nodes, the solar system is represented by a continuous 2D grid, where multiple fleets (transport groups containing regular units) can move around in real time. Fleets may attack enemy owned planets or fleets themselves, creating mini-skirmishes between the contained ships. Each of the planets or other named entities in the solar system represents a subsystem that is similar in size and style to a standard skirmish map, complete with moons and asteroids for mining. When a battle is joined entirely between fleets, the subsystem that is created is much smaller and is meant to be resolved in a single tactical battle.

The primary objective in solar system games is to gain territory and control as many of the planets or other marked points of interest as possible. Whenever players capture a planet or win a battle, they gain control of additional territory, which in turn will provide spendable resources for building new fleets or fortifying planets with upgraded space stations.

One of the main reasons for adding Solar System mode was to increase the game's longevity and add an additional layer of strategy for those who want it. (Playing the same skirmish over and over can get boring after a while.) System games are meant to be a longer experience than a normal skirmish and give the player a sense of progression, in what is essentially a mini-campaign or a series of skirmishes.