proxy pieces

small sword

bow

crown

arrow

Proxies: Spearman, Bezerker, Defender, Knight

Board game

This is the finished model of The Battle of Alesia made out of paper.  The game was a success among all those who played it, and helped us know how to balance the two sides.  The final project will be very similar in scale to this version.

Concept Art

The following is the concept art for the characters in the game.  Each art represents one type of unit which will be modeled and moved around in the game.

Gauls

Berserker

Helvetii

Nervii

Tribesman

Vercingetorix

Romans

Archer

Auxillary

Caesar

Cavalry

Princeps

Gameplay Details

The purpose of this essay is to establish the simplest, most core elements of our game as thoroughly as possible.  Under the principle that 80% of the game should use 20% of the features, it is important to establish the core elements and refine them, before moving on to more complex elements.

How many players is the game for?

The game will be played by 2 people.

Who will the players be in the game?

One of the players will play the side of the Gauls, the other will play the side of the Romans.

What are the rules of the game?

Pre-battle rules

At the beginning of each players turn, he will be able to move each one of his troops once.  Each unit may only be moved once per turn.  Only one unit may be moved at a time.  2 Units cannot occupy the same space on the field.  If a unit ends their movement next to an enemy unit, they will have the chance to attack the enemy. (This does not take an extra turn.  A unit may move and declare a battle in the same turn)  This launches the battle rules.  A player’s turn is over when he has moved all of his units, or when he chooses to end his turn.  

Battle rules

When one unit engages another, a battle begins.  Battles are brief and progress simply.  The attacking unit deals damage to the enemy unit.  (Note: Each unit begins with a “health” value of 10.  This represents the amount of troops in the unit.  The higher the health value, the better the unit will be able to deal and take damage from enemies) The remaining defending troops, if any remain, then deal damage to the attacking unit.  In this way, the attacker has the advantage of striking first.  When both units have dealt damage to the other, or if one is destroyed (brought to a health value of 0), the battle is over. After each battle, gameplay resumes to “Pre-battle rules”.

Win conditions

Win conditions vary for each side.  The Gauls win if they kill Caesar’s unit, or if the destroy a certain percentage of the Roman troops.  The Romans win if they kill the Gallic General, Vercingetorix, or if they do not lose for a certain number of turns.  (Note: These win conditions are subject to modification in order to make the game fair for each side)

How does the game start?

First, a popup will display the history of the battle about to take place.  The major characters, the background, etc...for educational purposes.  After this is read, the game begins.  The game begins on a 3D rendered scene of the Battle of Alesia.  The Roman troops are between two contingents of Gallic troops, and are outnumbered.  They must defend strategic points on the map to prevent being overridden.  The Roman player takes his turn first.

Who are the characters involved?

Each side has their own unique troops, with unique fighting capabilities.  These units will be as historically accurate as possible.  

Roman units

Caesar (and his honor guard)

The strongest unit of the Roman army, however only one exists on the field.  This makes Caesar particularly difficult to kill.  However, if this unit dies, the game is over and the Gauls win.  As such, using it offensively is a major risk.

Archer

Positioned on the back lines, archers have a long attack range, but cannot defend from units attacking them.  Their defenses are also particularly low, and are especially weak to Berserkers.

Cavalry

Mounted units.  They have a high movement range and strong attack, but are weak when defending.

Principes

The backbone of the roman army.  Principes have a short movement range, but have strong attacking and defending capabilities.  They are primarily used to hold strategic positions.

Auxiliary infantry

Weak foot soldiers.  These are the weakest unit of the army, usually used to support the Principes.  They possess minimal attack and are weak when defending.

Gallic units

Vercingetorix (and his honor guard)

The Gallic general, and the strongest member of the Gallic army.  His role is equivalent to that of Caesar.  Powerful, but risky to expose.

Helvetii

Gallic unit of spearmen.  They have formidable defense, but weak attack.  The exception to this that they are especially strong against Roman cavalry, both when defending and attacking.

Nervii

Gallic archers.  They are statistically equivalent to Roman archers.

Berserkers

Gallic tribesmen wielding large two handed swords.  Berserkers have low movement range, but have incredibly strong attack, as well as formidable defense.  However, when attacking, they are weak to the Roman Princeps.  (Based on historical fact).

Tribesmen

The basic Gallic unit, they possess average movement, low attack, and low defenses.

Closing notes on battles and units.  The battle and damage system will be determined by a simple mathematical algorithm based on a number of “stats” possessed by each type of unit.  (ie. Attack, defense, skill, range, movement)  The damage is also supplemented by special unit matchups.  (Helvetii deal much more damage than they normally would to Roman Cavalry.)

Players will be able to see each of these stats for their units.  There will also be a display showing the damage their attack will inflict BEFORE they choose to commence the battle.  This is vital to estimating losses of a potential battle.