Post by Freiegeister on Jan 28, 2004 7:02:24 GMT
The following is a quick outline of what I am trying to achieve with the MULE.
Purpose
Primarily this is an exercise in implementing a Web Service using C#.Net.
The main part of the project will be to create a LoM compatible, extensible server-based game engine.
The second focus will then be to create a client application to consume the web service. There will be a published API, so anyone with the time or inclination could create there own client application.
The client application would be responsible for the graphical interface, with a distribution mechanism for scenarios that use optional non-standard graphics set.
Games Modes
Lords of Midnight Compatible Mode
There are a number of game modes that will simply be enhanced versions of the original Spectrum/C64 game for one to four players.
Single Player: Basically LoM Online against a computer AI. Want to share your victories over Doomdark with others? Play online and allow others to view and replay your games. The main viewing method will be as an influence map showing the players and Doomdarks forces as centres of influence. The larger the army or strength of the Lord the more intense the point and the larger the surrounding area of influence. Individual Lords movements can be tracked both on the map and in landscape mode. Thirdly the recruitment/battle timeline will be available.
Two Player: Play against a friend or enemy. One player plays the forces of the Free while the other controls Doomdarks hordes. As with the single player mode, it will be savable allowing others to review using the influence map, timeline and Lord tracks.
Two to Four players: Cooperative mode against the computer AI. I'm still brainstorming how to help the players cooperate and coordinate their moves, including allowing players to pass the control of allies and the use of automatic reporting of enemy positions.
Multi-Player Scenario Mode
More details soon.
World of Midnight Mode
Imagine a huge world populated by dozens or even hundreds of users, some vying for control of Midnight, some happy to simply explore the ever expanding landscape and take on various tasks to gain fame and fortune.
Each player has a single character/avatar in the world. Die and you get to start off again at a random place. Players get to make their moves in real-time while the AI makes it moves at intervals through the day to match the actual time the move takes.
Considering having two days play per real day with two short periods of night for processing to resolve battles and recalculate player statistics.
The Map would start as an enlarged LoM + DDR + Citadel maps with randomly expanding borders as new players join.
There will be lots of AI characters who will do things on their own initiative.
Your character and allies will be able to be given standing orders.
There will be a ranking system for players. Ranking points will be accumulated from a number of sources:
-- Controlling Citadels. Bonuses for major citadels such as Xajorkith or Ushgarak.
-- Being allied to major characters.
-- Army strength.
-- Completing specific tasks such as: killing an enemy or monster, finding an object, or participating in a battle.
-- In addition, experience points will be accrued that will enhance your characters abilities.
Purpose
Primarily this is an exercise in implementing a Web Service using C#.Net.
The main part of the project will be to create a LoM compatible, extensible server-based game engine.
The second focus will then be to create a client application to consume the web service. There will be a published API, so anyone with the time or inclination could create there own client application.
The client application would be responsible for the graphical interface, with a distribution mechanism for scenarios that use optional non-standard graphics set.
Games Modes
Lords of Midnight Compatible Mode
There are a number of game modes that will simply be enhanced versions of the original Spectrum/C64 game for one to four players.
Single Player: Basically LoM Online against a computer AI. Want to share your victories over Doomdark with others? Play online and allow others to view and replay your games. The main viewing method will be as an influence map showing the players and Doomdarks forces as centres of influence. The larger the army or strength of the Lord the more intense the point and the larger the surrounding area of influence. Individual Lords movements can be tracked both on the map and in landscape mode. Thirdly the recruitment/battle timeline will be available.
Two Player: Play against a friend or enemy. One player plays the forces of the Free while the other controls Doomdarks hordes. As with the single player mode, it will be savable allowing others to review using the influence map, timeline and Lord tracks.
Two to Four players: Cooperative mode against the computer AI. I'm still brainstorming how to help the players cooperate and coordinate their moves, including allowing players to pass the control of allies and the use of automatic reporting of enemy positions.
Multi-Player Scenario Mode
More details soon.
World of Midnight Mode
Imagine a huge world populated by dozens or even hundreds of users, some vying for control of Midnight, some happy to simply explore the ever expanding landscape and take on various tasks to gain fame and fortune.
Each player has a single character/avatar in the world. Die and you get to start off again at a random place. Players get to make their moves in real-time while the AI makes it moves at intervals through the day to match the actual time the move takes.
Considering having two days play per real day with two short periods of night for processing to resolve battles and recalculate player statistics.
The Map would start as an enlarged LoM + DDR + Citadel maps with randomly expanding borders as new players join.
There will be lots of AI characters who will do things on their own initiative.
Your character and allies will be able to be given standing orders.
There will be a ranking system for players. Ranking points will be accumulated from a number of sources:
-- Controlling Citadels. Bonuses for major citadels such as Xajorkith or Ushgarak.
-- Being allied to major characters.
-- Army strength.
-- Completing specific tasks such as: killing an enemy or monster, finding an object, or participating in a battle.
-- In addition, experience points will be accrued that will enhance your characters abilities.