Utopia - the best strategy game on the Amiga

[Kay]

I'd just like to say to any developers out there: Utopia was the best strategy game ever on the Amiga. And what's better: It hasn't been succesfully cloned, meaning that there are no superior/newer games quite like it (as far as I'm aware of). If you want to make a killer strategy game for the AmigaOne, base it around Utopia. Utopia is a real-time strategy game, but it is different from other games in the genre. For example, instead of just building a base (power plant, light factory, etc.), you're building a full space-age colony. I've been carrying an image of a Utopia style strategy game in my head for some time now, but lack the time and skills to make it reality anytime soon. So I'll pass the idea along.

Please, someone, make the next Utopia, and give the AmigaOne a unique advantage over other platforms!

Kay

[Kay]

> Cool, another Utopia lover. This game has alot of great things going for it, I have spent many a happy hour trying to reach utopia

I've played through every single scenario but the last one (very difficult, that one), and actually broke the happiness measurement (it went straight from 100% to 4% and never moved again :-D). Anyway, glad to see another strategy enthusiast who knows a good design when he sees it. :-)

> Anyway, if you really have a good game-design in you head, I might be able to help you out with the code part of project

Thanks, I will keep that in mind. I've been thinking about this for some time now, and it isn't the first time the thought crossed my mind either. I might start working on a more concrete design after Christmas (currently I mostly have a bunch of ideas). My next semester at the uni contains only computer-related subjects, so I should have some more time (compared to the hellish mix of project management and economy, formal logic, and heavy maths I've been through this semester).

Kay

[Kay]

> These days we see very rigid game genres, like your PC RPGs or FPS. Where's the variety.

Exactly what I've been asking myself! It's all "by the formula" these days. Back in the old days, I could insert a disk into my A500, and something completely fresh and original might appear on the screen. Don't see that happening these days...almost every strategy game is "Command and Conquer with better graphics and more units" (C&C itself being basically Dune2 with better controls). Almost every action game is "Wolf3D with better graphics". This is where the Amiga can be better, and we should take this opportunity.

Not to diss porting though. There are some very good "unoriginal" games there, and we need these to keep up. But in order to stand out we need something unique.

Anyway, the more I think of it, the better my Utopia-clone looks. I will start working on a game design either during my Christmas holiday or shortly after.

Thanks for the encouragement! :-)

Kay

[Kay]

> My favorite strategy games are Alpha Centauri (of turn-based games)

Hear, hear! SMAC (and the brilliant Alien Crossfire) is defineately the best of it's kind. One of the things I'm looking forward to about the Christmas holiday is the opportunity to spend long nights playing network SMAC against my step-brother. :-D

Kay

[Kay]

> You guys never tried K-240? Utopias sequel.

I have a boxed copy of it, and have played it quite a bit. It's a good game, but somehow, I liked Utopia better. I think it might be down to the asteroid setting being a bit too restrictive.

Kay