Multiplayer

[toddtreadway]

I really love this game. It is a great strategy title that reminds me of playing a boardgame in so many ways. The AI is very good, and never seems to lack surprisingly good moves. I've played it about a half-dozen times now, and do feel like I've gotten my money's worth.

That said, I really do wish there were two things: 1) the ability to play as Rome, and 2) a multiplayer feature.

Both of these would add to the replayability of the game. As it stands now, I don't think I'll be playing it again in the near future, simply because I.m starting to get the "been there...done that" kind of feeling.

I see playing as Rome being likely more difficult to implement, since there would probably have to be extensive AI revisions. As for multiplayer, assuming you had the computer handle interceptions, evasions, combat, card plays, etc. during the opponent's turn (possibly with a player setting priorities during his own turn), then it doesn't seem like it would be too tough.

Regardless, I do recommend the game for purchase and I have had a lot of fun with it.

[mercenarius]

You have made a very reasonable request. The features that you mention are something that many players have asked for. The problem is that the current code base just isn't structured to handle this without substantial revision.

What I plan to do is to build our next game with a multi-player option from the ground up. And you'll be able to play more than one side. When that is done I will do a revision of "Hannibal" that allows for playing the Romans and for playing against a human opponent.

However, this is probably not going to happen until our next game is finished and that is going to be a while.

I am sorry that I cannot offer this sooner to fans of "Hannibal." I am glad (and relieved) that you feel that you have gotten your money's worth from the game.

[PJJ]

Hey, that's great news! Any chance of revealing something about the next game? Alexander? Peloponnesian War? Or something completely different? [;)]

[toddtreadway]

That is good news. Yes, I do feel like it is still worth the money, even with no multiplayer and only being able to play Hannibal. It has absorbed many hours of my gaming time; many more hours than games I paid more for.

I look forward to the next title whenever that comes, and the update to Hannibal.

[mercenarius]

PJJ

I will try to make an announcement about our next project shortly after the start of the new year. There have been a number of good suggestions and of course I wish that we could do all of them right away. As soon as I have a reasonable time line for the next game I will announce something here and at our own website.

[PJJ]

I'm looking forward to the announcement, mercenarius. This really is a very nice wargaming system, definitely worth developing further with new titles. [:)]