Panzer Battles Demo - Released!

[Strela]

While the resources could be used to adjust the in-game mechanics I would suggest to first make a step back and consider working on some more global things. I suggest to expand the way points can be earned in the game from  objectives. A game called "Command Ops" is a good example, it has a wide range possibilities of how to achieve points and I think it could be a benefit not only for the PB series but all Tiller games if the objectives here could do similar things. Some examples:
- Normal objectives can bring points per turn and/or points on completion. The points per turn are only given if the objective is not contested, that means a set circle around it is free of the enemy. The points on completion do not always mean the end of the scenarios as objectives can be activated and deactivated throughout the scenario.
- Objectives can be active for a certain amount of time, That means objective only need to simulate the holding of an important position can be removed once the holding of that position isn't needed anymore.
- There are Exit objectives that limit the amount of points by unit type so one can only exit a certain amount of infantry, tanks, artillery, etc. to reach the point limit.

We have had a discussion at team level about this previously and it is a potential enhancement. We included earning points per turn, the ability to have different values for a victory location for each side and even time limits.


Here is what was written up to explain the concept;

The current system only matters on who holds the victory locations on the last turn and that is illogical. Delaying an enemy etc is not rewarded at all.

Suggested implementation for Panzer Battles; Optional ‘Per turn objective scoring’


• Each objective has a point value for the first side and second side. These will be non-negative from zero up. These values can be different for each side.
• Each turn a side holds an objective they accumulate points for their sides attributed value.
• Attribution is done at the end of the second players turn, ie end of the game turn.
• The victory display can either carry both totals or net the 2nd players points off the 1st players
• An alternative is that an objectives victory point value is only shown for the phasing player when fog of war is in play.

Rationale; with some of the scenarios (particularly longer ones), we are seeing that players have little incentive to play historically. In many cases holding objectives on the last turn is the only key requirement. Moving to a per turn basis shifts that emphasis. Having the ability to have a different value for each side will allow better balancing as well as different importance for each side of the various locations. Attacking players will now be motivated to be more daring and drive to take objectives that are higher value for them, despite the risk of isolation or counterattack. Defenders will be motivated to try and hold high value (to them) forward positions where each extra turn will net them a high value rather than just surrendering it to preserve troops and to hold the victory hexes that are higher value to all in the rear.

An additional benefit is that campaign scenarios can have different objective weightings based upon the situation picked by each player – this will really open up the replay ability. The campaign designer can vary victory points in each outcome based on the situation each player chooses. For example, a player who chooses a scenario that defends the left side of a map will have left side VP’s weighted higher for the time he holds the victory locations. 

Below is an example of the ‘set objective’ box with values for the first and second player. The Nation represents the starting owning player.



The selection of whether a scenario uses ‘Per turn objective scoring’ (PTOS) would be in the scenario header like asymmetric side is currently in the Squad Battles header. If PTOS is off then the first player value for the objective would only count or alternatively the above dialog box would only have two values when the header value is turned on.

The other possibly simpler solution is to allow two objectives to coexist in a hex if PTOS is turned on and the value for a side is attributed to the current owning player. This will require confirmation of the owning player for a hex, even after the hex is left.

Trying to keep it simple, but this would make a huge difference to the game and game play - campaigns could really be made to be very interesting with this.


The challenge is this is on a rather long wishlist...!

David