Questions (and hopefully - Answers) Thread [Archive]

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SkyBroad

03-29-2005, 05:56 PM

Just a few questions for the Ubisoft gentlemen:

There may be some things that you are unable to answer at the present time, but I thought I'd throw a few topics out there for discussion if you're up for it. Also, would you mind either making this thread a "sticky" so that any and all new users can immediately come here and see what questions have already been asked? Either that or post an official question and answer thread of your own. Thanks so much!

(1) Will the "heroes" in H5 have different skills and specialties like they did in H3? Or will they all be essentially "fungible" as they were in H4?

(2) Will there be a random map generator in H5?

(3) Will there be a multi-player function available with the release of the game?

(4) Will there be a set order to building up your town in H5 similar to H3? Or will you have a decision tree to choose from, as you did in H4?

(5) Will you be able to raze a captured town?

(6) Can you provide some insight as to the various types of towns that will be included in H5?

(7) You *did* include a special story line about me in the game, right?
http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Dharc_Pfenix

03-29-2005, 06:11 PM

A few additional questions/suggestions, based on those that Sky asked here, respectively:

1) (Suggestion) Make the heroes different, with their own skills and specialties as they did in H3. Adds strategy, personality, randomness and flavor to the game.

2) (Suggestion) Random map generators are a *definite* bonus in *any* multiplayer game. Take time to make one that's decent. Adds to the replayability, which ultimately is going to be what you're left with when every other aspect of the game is used up. (for positive results of the "random generator" impact, see Diablo 2 and Heroes 3)

3) (Suggestion) No Multiplayer function KILLED Heroes 4. Please don't make the fatal mistake of not including it.

4) (Suggestion) Make the players choose from a decision tree. Probably one of the few decent implementations of Heroes 4. Again, adds characters, flavor, strategy and personality to the game.

5) (Suggestion) Make it possible not only to raze towns, but also mills, and mines. And also include a conversion option. Basically what Age of Wonders had. It was an excellent idea, and one that fits Heroes well. The effect of bad morale from having mixed troops adds to the incentive of making towns (converting them) of a compatible type. Razing is also a great strategy addition.

6) (Addition) Pay close attention not only to making sure towns have their own flavor and strategy, but that they are balanced. The best way to do this is to make sure each town requires different play styles to play successfully, but that when played well, these play styles don't end up outdoing each other. Uniqueness of play style matched with balance.

7) (Addition) Seriously, on story lines, I liked the Heroes 2 story line the best, and a good story line for a campaign, as well as reason for these town types to be here, and a little history really helps add to the flavor and personality of the game for a lot of people. Many games have drawn a lot of fans just on story alone (see you guys' Shadowbane -- excellent story/history, even if the graphics didn't live up to expectations... the excitement around that game was huge because one guy took the time to add deep story/background to the game that really added another dimension to it that just matters alot when done well. The war between the brothers in H2 was the most intriguing plot of all the Heroes games because episode by episode you got to follow their progression, and it made you feel like you were acquainted with the town types on another level).

More suggestions/additions to come.

Dharc_Pfenix

03-29-2005, 07:03 PM

And as I said, more suggestions/additions:

1) Just to clarify the story point: I think it's one of the most "efficient" resources a game company can have because it takes at most 2-3 guys who really are into it and have some writing skill to come up with a good backstory/history/etc... in no other aspect of game production can you get so much for so little. It's a wise investment for a lot more depth and flavor.

2) For Multiplayer: Two additional options would be nice:

1) The ability to take over mines and/or castles that your allies have, just in case you lose your own (with allies permission of course).

2) What I like to call the "Betrayal/Traitor" Option: Wherein you can "betray" your allies at any time during MPing with them, and even set up new/other alliances with other players playing. It's a nasty business, but it's just the type of work I enjoy...

devilishgring

03-29-2005, 11:16 PM

Mental note: never ally with Dharc.

One the question of mines. How about the random possibilty of caveins which would loose you the mine for a random period of time.

How about a "mongal horde" option that creates a random enemy that causes problems for somebody?

Second the mixed troops problem that Dharc suggested.

Dharc_Pfenix

03-30-2005, 07:53 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by devilishgring:
Mental note: never ally with Dharc.

One the question of mines. How about the random possibilty of caveins which would loose you the mine for a random period of time. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think that this is a good suggestion as long as it doesn't happen too often, like the Plague Week in Heroes 3.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>How about a "mongal horde" option that creates a random enemy that causes problems for somebody? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I actually think this was taken care of by the "creature weeks"; random stacks of creatures appeared all over the map in Heroes 3, which I believe is also a good element and should be present in Heroes 5.

BeanCloud1962

03-30-2005, 08:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Dharc_Pfenix:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by devilishgring:
Mental note: never ally with Dharc.

One the question of mines. How about the random possibilty of caveins which would loose you the mine for a random period of time. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think that this is a good suggestion as long as it doesn't happen too often, like the Plague Week in Heroes 3.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>How about a "mongal horde" option that creates a random enemy that causes problems for somebody? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I actually think this was taken care of by the "creature weeks"; random stacks of creatures appeared all over the map in Heroes 3, which I believe is also a good element and should be present in Heroes 5. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Necromancer's dream .... endless "Week of the Peasant" :P

SkyBroad

03-30-2005, 08:22 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by BeanCloud1962:
Necromancer's dream .... endless "Week of the Peasant" :P <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That reminds me! I always thought that whenever there was a plague week, that the Necropolis troops should DOUBLE!

ToxicMunkee

03-30-2005, 08:30 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by SkyBroad:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by BeanCloud1962:
Necromancer's dream .... endless "Week of the Peasant" :P <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That reminds me! I always thought that whenever there was a plague week, that the Necropolis troops should DOUBLE! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh, that's good. Me likey.

JustStoneColdJo

03-30-2005, 08:57 AM

Jayce_jta

03-30-2005, 09:36 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by ToxicMunkee:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by SkyBroad:
That reminds me! I always thought that whenever there was a plague week, that the Necropolis troops should DOUBLE! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh, that's good. Me likey. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Be quiet trolls. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/mockface.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif

DP has some good questions/suggestions. I also really liked the choices you had to make in H4. Both towns and character development. One of the flaws of H3 was the cookie cutter character builds. The hero specialties were nice and I missed them greatly from H4 but in H3 you always went for the same skills mostly. Expert earth etc...

I agree about the H2 storyline also I thought it was pretty darn good. By including many of scenario maps you can also satisfy those that don't care for a 'story'.

Razing and rebuilding towns to the same alignment type would be nice but it should be mega expensive imho.

Gotta agree on the mine sharing with allies. I had that thought just this weekend when I was playing an H3 multiplayer game and noticed I needed a crystal mine and my ally had two. THat punk! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

RexMund1

03-31-2005, 01:33 PM

What I would like to see is the ability to customize your starting skills for your hero. Instead of always having the default it would be nice to be able to pick someone and make him/her what you wanted.

Something I liked in concept but not in execution in HOMM IV was the ability to change classes as the hero increased in level but then they made it such that you could NEVER fully complete your build. I want the heroes to be able to specialize and become differentiated but if you are capped at level 30 (without ridiculous monster stacks of thousands of black dragons) make it like it was in II or III where you could be complete by that point.

Dentari

04-01-2005, 02:53 PM

Actually, I think H4 would have been vastly improved if heroes all started at level 5 or so, with each hero having a unique starting set of skills. As it was, all heroes from the same town were pretty cookie cutter until you leveled them up a bit. And they all sucked until about level 5 or so, where they started to be ok.

I would *love* to see an option for flexible alliances. A system where you could make or break alliances as the game progressed. That way, weaker players could band up against a stronger player to take him out, and then turn on each other once the biggest threat was taken care of. You could allow for time based alliances in exchange for gifts, indefinate alliances (until further notice), fealty alliances (as in "I can't win, but I still want to influence the outcome, so I'll do my best to help you win"), common cause alliances ("we'll stick together until we achieve objective x, then the alliance is over"), etc. Tons of options, and I think that alone would make H5 stand out above the predecessors.

SkyBroad

04-01-2005, 03:15 PM

Stuck....and then "un"-stuck.

interesting.

RexMund1

04-01-2005, 04:03 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by SkyBroad:
Stuck....and then "un"-stuck.

interesting. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

April Fool...

or maybe when Kingo lost his Moderator powers his sticking power went away too..

SkyBroad

04-02-2005, 06:22 AM

Kingo lost his special powers???
*shudders*

Argatha

04-02-2005, 10:59 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by SkyBroad:
Kingo lost his special powers???
*shudders* <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Only on this board. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/88.gif

SkyBroad

04-03-2005, 09:48 AM

FWIW - my opinions.....
*wink*

First of all, if Heroes V does not have a random map generator, a map editor, or an easy Multi-Play feature, then I don't think Ubisoft should even bother. Most of us are back to playing Heroes III for this very reason while H4 collects dust on the shelf.

To me, these features outweigh everything else - especially graphics.

Personally, I think that Heroes V should be built from Heroes III with little regard to Heroes IV at all. Take the few good ideas from Heroes IV and incorporate them, but for the most part - build the game from Heroes III.

If those of us who purchased H4 knew then what we know now,I'd bet that less than half of us would still buy the game. Ubisoft should not look at H4 sales as a measure of success. Those of us who hated the game will not be making the same mistake this time around.

ANYWAY.....other improvements I would make to H3:
(1) During a multi-player game, allies should be able to view each other's battles. If one player attacks another player, then all parties should be able to watch.

(2) Three choices (rather than just two) for selecting the skill upon upgrade. Yes, somethign I actually liked about H4. Don't faint.

(3) Multi-play setup: Players should be allowed to go random but exclude certain towns. In other words, "random" except for Conflux or Fortress.

(4) Spells. *sigh* This should be a topic all its own. I will admit that there were many spell improvements in H4 as well. For example, I never used quicksand in H3 but I did use it quite frequently in H4.

FWIW - I played all but one of the H4 campaigns before I passed judgement.

(5) Bonus selection: When choosing your bonus between artifact, gold, or resource - you should be able to actually select your resource rather than have it chosen for you.

(6)Town/creature balance: I would basically take the same (or similar) towns from H3 but "re-distribute" some of the features. Clearly, the Conflux is too strong (and possibly should be abandoned) while the Necro creatures need to be faster. Third level mage guilds suck so spell redistribution should be applied there as well.

OK, those are my thoughts for this morning....

Pitsu

04-03-2005, 11:04 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by SkyBroad:
First of all, if Heroes V does not have a random map generator, a map editor, or an easy Multi-Play feature, then I don't think Ubisoft should even bother. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Agreed! Hot-seat and map editor are vital. RMG can wait until first expansion if there are long champaigns and many stand alone maps with original release .

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>
(2) Three choices (rather than just two) for selecting the skill upon upgrade. Yes, somethign I actually liked about H4. Don't faint. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think the skill system must be redone. Neither H3 nor H4 has excellent one and here is a lot of space for improvements.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>(3) Multi-play setup: Players should be allowed to go random but exclude certain towns. In other words, "random" except for Conflux or Fortress. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Err, you meant "Conflux or Castle?" http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>4) Spells. *sigh* This should be a topic all its own. I will admit that there were many spell improvements in H4 as well. For example, I never used quicksand in H3 but I did use it quite frequently in H4. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why not to do a topic dedicated to spells? H4 system with magic shools was better IMO.It made magic heroes more unique and forced use of wider variety of spells. Of course there must be balance, so that all spells have a use in certain situations, and not in very rare situations. This, however, is best done in (beta) testing.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>(6)Town/creature balance: I would basically take the same (or similar) towns from H3 but "re-distribute" some of the features. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No no H2 is the way to go! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Well, I think there should be some more extreme and original towns. With the possibility to exclude certain towns from random selection (as you described above) it shouldn't be a big problem for those ultimate balance fans.

SkyBroad

04-03-2005, 11:25 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>I think the skill system must be redone. Neither H3 nor H4 has excellent one and here is a lot of space for improvements. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
*thinks*
Yeah, you are probably right! The whole system could use a re-vamping.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Why not to do a topic dedicated to spells? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
OK, you start it.
http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Seriously though, you sound like you've played H4 more recently than me so you could give a better combined assessment.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>No no H2 is the way to go! (regarding towns) http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Well, I think there should be some more extreme and original towns. With the possibility to exclude certain towns from random selection (as you described above) it shouldn't be a big problem for those ultimate balance fans. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You know? I like the way you think! (except for dissing the Castle, of course.) http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
I *did* like the assortment and balance of towns in H2 and I especially loved the music.

OH! You know what else? (speaking of H2...)
I wish they would bring back "BAD" artifacts like the Fizzbin and the Hideous Mask.

RexMund1

04-04-2005, 09:24 AM

comment on your "everyone should be able to see the battles"

in a FFA game I agree all parties should have the option of seeing the battle but the stack numbers should be left out of that window because knowing the exact number and type of creature an enemy has while your own troops are secret is too big an advantage.

I didn't really like the magic schools implementation in HOMM IV because there were a lot of spells used as "filler" spells and it was difficult to make a magic user with access to the spells you would want. I think all the towns should have access to all the spells and that they should reduce the number so that there are fewer but more useful spells.

Pitsu

04-04-2005, 10:19 AM

In replay to RexMundi and spells

Castle should have access to "vampiric touch"? No no. You could not mean it that way. There have to be restrictions. H4 had some filler spells, but IMO H3 had even more. Or if they weren't fillers, thanks to access to a wider variety of spells always a better choice was possible. I have no problems with a set of universal spells (magic arrow, stoneskin) that belong to all schools, neither I think that schools should be linked to a town. A single skill (wisdom) granting access to all magic, is the problem.

SkyBroad

04-04-2005, 01:32 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by RexMund1:
comment on your "everyone should be able to see the battles"

in a FFA game I agree all parties should have the option of seeing the battle but the stack numbers should be left out of that window because knowing the exact number and type of creature an enemy has while your own troops are secret is too big an advantage.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, I meant that only allies (assuming you had an ally) could see the stack battles and only allies could see the battles between people. If it's a FFA, then I actually don't believe that anyone should be able to see the battles (except for the people battling, of course) just the way it is now.

RexMund1

04-04-2005, 01:33 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Pitsu:
In replay to RexMundi and spells

Castle should have access to "vampiric touch"? No no. You could not mean it that way. There have to be restrictions. H4 had some filler spells, but IMO H3 had even more. Or if they weren't fillers, thanks to access to a wider variety of spells always a better choice was possible. I have no problems with a set of universal spells (magic arrow, stoneskin) that belong to all schools, neither I think that schools should be linked to a town. A single skill (wisdom) granting access to all magic, is the problem. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

no I'm not suggesting that all spells should be available in all towns. I am suggesting that if you happen to have an evil alligned town it would still be nice to be able to heal your troops in battle or to be able to move around the adventure map as well as the towns with more helpful magic.

Magic is there to balance Might and both good and evil should be balanced independently so that they have equivalent magic.

CMEPTb_HL

04-05-2005, 05:07 AM

What language is original? Russian, French, English or smth. else? I mean in what languages have written texts and descriptions?

The_Post_Master

04-09-2005, 09:23 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by SkyBroad:

(1) During a multi-player game, allies should be able to view each other's battles. If one player attacks another player, then all parties should be able to watch. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Age of Wonders does something like this - well, it basically allows all players to watch all battles (although you do have the option of not viewing computer vs computer battles). I would for sure introduce it for allies in HOMM though.

For enemies, I can see why people wouldn't want their troop strengths to be seen - maybe it can be done in non-specific iconic form though. Something like what you see in the PC version of Risk, where troops are offed etc; maybe you can see the numbers, but not the exact type of stacks? Dunno. But it really is dull when you can only stare at the game map while somebody else in the game is having a do-or-die battle, and it might really work to include the other players optionally in the suspense.

Ideally, you could enter the battle screen and depart it at will, as a non-participant in the battle, so you could still mess around/look at your own stuff. Age of Wonders just locks you into the battle for the long-haul.

Qrystal_Dragon

04-12-2005, 02:14 PM

wish listhttp://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

(1) Keep the caravan

(2) Ability to sell stuff like arties and potions. H4 was full of potions I never used.

(3) Map editor

(4) Random map generator

(5) In game chat function

(6) IP memory

(7) Hotseat and multiplayer

(8) Less restrictive terrain movement. **** snow and swamp is a killer in H4 without boots.

(9) Mine and castle swapping for allies.

(10) Loss condition of if no heroes and no castles.......end the bloody game. No fun chasing around critters in the fog to end a game.

that's enuff for now........but I'm sure I'll think of some morehttp://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif