Speculating Darkest Hour II

[macgregor2150]

In pure speculation, I'm curious. IF there were to be a DH2, how would you outline such a project? I'm neither a programmer, nor even a modder. Just someone who is prone to the occasional idle speculation.

As I'm to understand, the first thing would be to transfer the gamecode to fit into some sort of workshop program, no? Is there legal wrangling involved? If you were to obtain it, would this 'Clausewitz engine' be of any value to a future DH game? Or are the differences too restrictive?

You're not looking to buy the franchise, just update the game. Maybe give your work at least partially back to them, limiting their liability. I'd like to think the company should at least be approachable. The work would have to be done on faith, and i guess no one has done that.

 

[macgregor2150]

I don't mean to be taking any of Martin BG's work for granted. I follow him, religiously. I just want to keep this conversation active.

I've been told that Darkest Hour is at the limit of the 'Europa engine'. I don't think a DH2 really needs to change too much. Another Zoom level. Perhaps better map texture, but not to the point of being a distraction. And WHATEVER you do, keep the NATO counters option.

I've talked about replacing the battle display with something showing the progress of individual divisions inside the province, perhaps allowing more mid-battle options(or not). Perhaps have this province-centered screen also allow a quicker digestible and immersive view of the province. Keep the info quickly obtainable and digestible through the use of popup screens.

 

[son of liberty]

Not to be argumentative, serious question. Why another zoom level? I play around the midrange of the scale, or farther out. I rarely, if ever, zoom in too close. I agree with the counters, I find sprites an unwelcome distraction. Honestly, I couldn't care less about better "graphics". I want more realism in logistics and supply distribution. I have always hated the "everything goes to and from the capitol" model. I would like the ai to have better fleet composition and to stop using microfleets. I know it isn't possible but I would like to play from 1900-2030 or farther. No, graphics and zoom levels don't make my list at all. Célébrez la différence

 

[macgregor2150]

Not to be argumentative, serious question. Why another zoom level? I play around the midrange of the scale, or farther out. I rarely, if ever, zoom in too close. I agree with the counters, I find sprites an unwelcome distraction. Honestly, I couldn't care less about better "graphics". I want more realism in logistics and supply distribution. I have always hated the "everything goes to and from the capitol" model. I would like the ai to have better fleet composition and to stop using microfleets. I know it isn't possible but I would like to play from 1900-2030 or farther. No, graphics and zoom levels don't make my list at all. Célébrez la différence

My eyes are not so good anymore, and I'd rather not have to get that close to my monitor, but that's not the only reason. Being able to focus on a smaller area, IMO adds immersion.

 

[Pasha]

My eyes are not so good anymore, and I'd rather not have to get that close to my monitor, but that's not the only reason. Being able to focus on a smaller area, IMO adds immersion.

Yeah, fighting and maneuvering around and through the low countries is a challenge regardless of eye sight. Some of the small Pacific Islands with more than one province are challenging as well. I'm sure the guys who play using the E3 map would definitely appreciate another zoom level too.

 

[Vajizz]

I would love to see something like this and even help co-fund it. I have reached a stage in my life (40) where I have spent enough time on this game and years to really get the most value for my buck so to speak in a DH II without too many major changes. I would see it as follows:

-Introducing some of the dynamic rankings from other Paradox games like Victoria and EU to regulate your power in the negotiation stage (maybe separate diplomacy points for trade and foreign affairs).
-More detailed events for alternate scenarios (Axis victory, playing a minor power and becoming a regional power, regional power to global power etc.).
-More detailed tactical interface for battles closer to HOI4 and having a dynamic growth of army leaders whose skill and traits depend on your investment in a war college.
-Simplifying technology and development so even small powers can have navies and air forces like in real life (something closer to Nik's Multiplayer Mod?).
-Making the game more moddable for fans to develop mods that can maximise game potential.


I am sorry for general references above but only really play Darkest Hour (have tried multiple other games but they haven't come close)!

 

[son of liberty]

The game already seems very moddable even for a neophyte like myself. Some of your proposals are very interesting though

 

[macgregor2150]

I would love to see something like this and even help co-fund it. I have reached a stage in my life (40) where I have spent enough time on this game and years to really get the most value for my buck so to speak in a DH II without too many major changes. I would see it as follows:

-Introducing some of the dynamic rankings from other Paradox games like Victoria and EU to regulate your power in the negotiation stage (maybe separate diplomacy points for trade and foreign affairs).
-More detailed events for alternate scenarios (Axis victory, playing a minor power and becoming a regional power, regional power to global power etc.).
-More detailed tactical interface for battles closer to HOI4 and having a dynamic growth of army leaders whose skill and traits depend on your investment in a war college.
-Simplifying technology and development so even small powers can have navies and air forces like in real life (something closer to Nik's Multiplayer Mod?).
-Making the game more moddable for fans to develop mods that can maximise game potential.


I am sorry for general references above but only really play Darkest Hour (have tried multiple other games but they haven't come close)!

I think what you're looking for is HOI5. I see DH as a distinctively different demographic.

 

[son of liberty]

I think what you're looking for is HOI5. I see DH as a distinctively different demographic.

I don't think so, not hoi5. HOI is kind of like Elder Scrolls. The newer the game the more it is set for the lowest common denominator imo. Morrowind VS skyrim is like DH VS HOI4 in many ways.

 

[Pasha]

I don't think so, not hoi5. HOI is kind of like Elder Scrolls. The newer the game the more it is set for the lowest common denominator imo. Morrowind VS skyrim is like DH VS HOI4 in many ways.

Oh man, I really miss playing Morrowind.

 

[son of liberty]

Oh man, I really miss playing Morrowind.

Without question the best elder scrolls game for content. Not for graphics though. Not in the least lol

 

[O-Ren Ishii]

Great game. And I can relate - I spent hours playing Morrowind while I never got myself to finish my Skyrim playthrough.
Same here - I loved playing Darkest Hour until I experienced some problems while I never liked Hoi3 and I've never played HOI 4.
It feels like a different game and I never liked it.

 

[son of liberty]

What kind of problems did you encounter?

 

[O-Ren Ishii]

It's been a while since I played but I remember that game started crashing after I invaded London as a Germany( I conquered the isles before attacking USSR if I remember correctly). Not sure if that was the cause but after the game crash happened to several different runs I stopped playing.

 

[son of liberty]

That's weird. I often took uk before ussr and never had that issue. 1.05.2 is remarkably stable. Have you tried recently?

 

[O-Ren Ishii]

I can't recall when it was. Nor which version. I've been playing EU4 only for the past 2-3-4 years. Though occasionally, I would install some other game but I wouldn't play it longer than 2-3 days. I also think I've deleted all those saves. If I do find some - I'll let you know.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

Absolutely, the game needs a new engine to function properly on modern systems, and Clausewitz could be a good choice, though it would need tailoring specifically for Darkest Hour. The zoom level is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but for strategic precision, allowing players to command the battlefield with clarity. Keep the NATO counters; they provide necessary clarity in war, unlike distracting sprites.

Logistics and AI need overhauling to reflect more realistic supply lines and smarter fleet management. The battle interface should offer more tactical options, making the game immersive yet efficient. All these changes would elevate Darkest Hour II into a more sophisticated, strategic experience.

 

[macgregor2150]

Absolutely, the game needs a new engine to function properly on modern systems, and Clausewitz could be a good choice, though it would need tailoring specifically for Darkest Hour. The zoom level is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but for strategic precision, allowing players to command the battlefield with clarity. Keep the NATO counters; they provide necessary clarity in war, unlike distracting sprites.

Logistics and AI need overhauling to reflect more realistic supply lines and smarter fleet management. The battle interface should offer more tactical options, making the game immersive yet efficient. All these changes would elevate Darkest Hour II into a more sophisticated, strategic experience.

We're on the same page.

 

[OsirisReborn]

hehe im nuetral the zoom, but how about seeing weather and terrain in the same filter ? its not like were running c64s

 

[Pasha]

hehe im nuetral the zoom, but how about seeing weather and terrain in the same filter ? its not like were running c64s

This would be great for me actually. I modified the special units to fight and move much better in rough terrain and in bad weather and thus make them much more useful for many nations. Seeing weather and terrain in the same filter would really add to this.