hey everyone,
i'm just starting out making a turn+text-based strategy game, the game will have a basic GUI and will basically center around creating/moving troops around to eventually control the galaxy against some AI or even another player. Over time, i hope that I'll be able to add research random events, espionage and experience among other things to it to make it what i see as a very in depth game.
I've never programmed a game before and have 6months at university for my java experience, but i read a lot and can learn quickly.
so my questions to you is...
1) Does this sound like a game you'd want to play?
2) Is java the right language for this game?
3) are there any resources on the internet dedicated to turn+text based strategies?
4) what are some good books for learning to program (the AI in particular) this type if game?

cheers in advance

hi kearnz
your game is not unique, as most games in the industry today.
making a game i would like to play is up to you. in a game as you described, i think that a strong AI is very important.

i won't argue about java as a game programming language. most programmers prefer using C++. however, i code my games in java now, and its very good for me.

2 AI books i own and are very good are:

1. Programming Game AI by Example
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Game- ... 492&sr=8-5

2.AI Techniques for Game Programming (The Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/Techniques-Progra ... 92&sr=8-11

for web resources, you would definately want to check
www.gamedev.net
check there also for isoteric map and tile based games - that is probably how you'd like to create your map.

Wow, You need to rethink that question.

If your going to make a game that everyone will want to play, you have to think a lot longer. I'm talking long hours.You should probably make a lot of games that only you would play. Then when you get done make those, think of games others will want to play. Your game programming skills need to be refined before you publish 'em.

Also game theory is worth checking out.

Game making is like an interactive novel with pictures.

Hi, here's a turn+text-based strategy game you might enjoy as well!

The Grid: http://codeelf.com/games/grid/

description:
It's an elaborate system made up of row upon row of perfectly chiseled squares, each ruled by either a fool or master strategian.

Once The Grid deems you worthy, you will be given your very own square. You will rule this square - or see it ruled by another.

Upon entrance, you will notice many other squares, fighting for survival or to spawn themselves like amoeba unto the far corners of The Grid. If your spectacles are not too foggy from the freezing air in this wondrous utopia, you will notice a command terminal with many different actions you can take.

Selecting the infamous Find Me option will point you to your square, or bestow upon you a new square if you have lost yours in battle. You will notice, no doubt, 3 letters etched across the surface of your square, spelling out pure gibberish, most likely, to the causal observer. But, hover closer into the thin window separating your physical body from this shell of a reality, and you will see that these same 3 letters actually do carry a meaning...

image:

Thank you for sharing the grid link. I will try to create something using this but I still don`t think that this is a game that can become to popular.

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Does this sound like a game I would be into playing? Sure.

If you put enough depth into it, enough replayability and brainy tactical mechanics to keep me thinking about new strategies to employ, then yeah i'd play that game.

I don't imagine you'd attract the "I'm 14 and I eat alot of sugar and play alot of Assassin's Creed" crowd, but what you're describing would appeal to a niche crowd of gamers who like to think.

just my 0.02

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