I know the game is still in early development and I realize an idea such as one I am suggesting would be far off if it would ever even happen at all.
Also keep in mind this is merely just an idea that I feel compelled to mention – I understand it is not critical or essential to the final game but it has been in the back of my mind for some time now and I feel the need to share. So here goes…
With Ideology playing such an important part of Galactic Civilizations III --- Paul, have you and your team ever considered dynamic race animations, backgrounds and facial emotions/expressions based on which ideology you and your opponents decide (or in the ai's case is preselected) to play?
It may seem excessive but having 3 different ‘looks’ for each race would be a lot of fun and interesting as well. I am not suggesting anything radical as with each ideology looking completely different… What I am thinking is more in line with the base templates/models remaining the same – but colors used, posture, facial expressions and backgrounds could reflect each race as they would appear in different alignments.
Default-wise, the evil Dregin are in a dark ship with lots of reds and dark intimidating colors – but how about the good Drengi? Perhaps the lighting on the ship could be brighter with more whites rather than darks and the same bridge design/model could evoke a benevolent feel with a softer Dregin smiling back at you in a uniform whose colors are tweaked towards benevolence.
In theory this visual variance could change in game as you and your opponents’ ideologies change with their behavior. It could also mix up the game a bit on random settings. Imagine meeting the golden and benevolent Yor or the dark and sinister malevolent Altarians. Imagine having a encounters with a thoughtful and rational pragmatic Dregin looking back at you with a straight serious face.
It may seem like a lofty idea but I felt like I should throw it out there. Tweaks to the colors choices and lighting on existing models and environments combined with a different posture and facial emotion reflecting the opponents (or players) ideology could deepen the game regarding the major races in astounding ways. The galaxies would really feel alive and it would be fun to see what you would encounter each and every game.
Just a thought – nothing more - would appreciate forum discussion on the subject. What does everyone think?
