No, this isn't the thread I'm going to use to count how many elves I brutally slaughter in the name of elf-slaughter. Instead, I'd like to open up a conversation that's not about gender or highly controversial topics. I'd just like to talk about what a kill counter would or would not add to Runemaster. I'll preface all following statements by stating that I have not seen anywhere that there is decisively no plans for a kill counter already. Also, I do not know how much actual work or money it would cost Paradox to add a kill counter if they have not. That said, I'd like to make an argument for why a kill counter adds value to the game.
Ideally a kill counter could come in one of three forms:
1. A counter that measures only what your primary character has killed. This seems like it would be the easiest to implement, as logically, some mechanic will be tracking this anyway to allow for leveling.
2. A counter that measures what your army has killed. This seems like it would be the second easiest to implement, giving us some impression on how well the army has been performing as a whole.
3. A counter that measures what each individual unit has killed. Likely the hardest, as it would require more tracking I assume.
Now I'd be happy with any of the three, but today I'm specifically arguing for the third option. Two examples of games where I believe this has been done right are XCOM and StarCraft. In each game, the number of kills by an individual unit are readily available, giving you information about that particular unit. More importantly, it helps build the specific personality of that unit in your mind, and helps a player grow attached to that unit. For example, I'll be a lot more interested in my Heavy specialist with 5 kills than I am from Generic Rookie #5 with 0 kills. Sure that changes with time, but that Heavy will hold a special place until he dies. Similarly, in the first StarCraft, I'd see this Marine with about 30 kills towards the end of a mission, having defended the base so long or been on other offensive campaigns, and I'm like, "I like you soldier."
The point is that a kill counter provides a player with additional attachment to otherwise bland units. It can be used for practical measurements like the Kill/Death ratio of your army or just to see which units have turned out to be more effective. In my opinion, however, it helps build immersion and attachment to the unit, and to the game as a whole. Please Paradox, if you can't add a counter, at least tell me why not.
PS: Also, if you could make it specifically count elf kills, I'll appreciate it. I'd also be ok with an elf ear collection.
Ideally a kill counter could come in one of three forms:
1. A counter that measures only what your primary character has killed. This seems like it would be the easiest to implement, as logically, some mechanic will be tracking this anyway to allow for leveling.
2. A counter that measures what your army has killed. This seems like it would be the second easiest to implement, giving us some impression on how well the army has been performing as a whole.
3. A counter that measures what each individual unit has killed. Likely the hardest, as it would require more tracking I assume.
Now I'd be happy with any of the three, but today I'm specifically arguing for the third option. Two examples of games where I believe this has been done right are XCOM and StarCraft. In each game, the number of kills by an individual unit are readily available, giving you information about that particular unit. More importantly, it helps build the specific personality of that unit in your mind, and helps a player grow attached to that unit. For example, I'll be a lot more interested in my Heavy specialist with 5 kills than I am from Generic Rookie #5 with 0 kills. Sure that changes with time, but that Heavy will hold a special place until he dies. Similarly, in the first StarCraft, I'd see this Marine with about 30 kills towards the end of a mission, having defended the base so long or been on other offensive campaigns, and I'm like, "I like you soldier."
The point is that a kill counter provides a player with additional attachment to otherwise bland units. It can be used for practical measurements like the Kill/Death ratio of your army or just to see which units have turned out to be more effective. In my opinion, however, it helps build immersion and attachment to the unit, and to the game as a whole. Please Paradox, if you can't add a counter, at least tell me why not.
PS: Also, if you could make it specifically count elf kills, I'll appreciate it. I'd also be ok with an elf ear collection.