AoD meets HOI3

[piratefish]

I have an interesting idea for a 4th installment of HOI; combine the best features of HOI3 and AoD.

I love the depth of HOI3 (expanded diplomatic actions, technology system, command structure, etc.) but am not necessarily a fan of the increase in territories and army compositions. It sometimes makes gameplay more work than fun and it is too easy to overlook (or outright forget about) certain aspects of strategy until it is too late. (I still do not trust delegation of most functions to the AI). I also do not like many aspects of the user interface for HOI3, but prefer the more 'classic' feel of AoD.

I guess I am proposing keeping the map/interface more similar to AoD/HOI2, but adopting many of the features of HOI3 in terms of game depth (especially diplomatic and technology tree features).

I am not doing this justice, but are there any other thoughts out there?

 

[joeenochs]

For as long as Paradox creates HOI3 expansions (maybe another two if they sell well), I am quite sure they will not change the many provinces/AI control approach and will also keep the basic looks of the game.

For HOI4 probably even Johan has no idea now.

So your only bet is that the AoD guys will deliver another expansion after the 1.5 patch. Lennartos made some cryptic remark about the time after 1.5 so let's see.

If you tried HOI3 vanilla and were disappointed with the military AI control, I can only encourage you to give Semper FI another try. The military AI is greatly improved and the theatre creation feature gives you great power to tell the AI what you expect. Also you could try corps level AI control. It is fairly low level but you won't get totally overwhelmed because you have at least some abstraction.

And maybe your UI preferences are only because you are used to the HOI2 look and feel now.

A very wild speculation is that maybe one day the AoD guys will get their hands on the HOI3 engine and create a game based on that. Don't know if they would then like to reduce the number of provinces.

 

[piratefish]

I suppose you are correct.

I guess I get a little overwhelmed by all of the tings to keep track of (even in Semper Fi). And it does not help that the pausing feature is different than earlier iterations of HOI.

The number of provinces is daunting to me only because the AI does not respond like a real life opponent during wartime, making it necessary to maintain unrealistic troop strengths along the entire front and in reserve.

I have yet to play an entire campaign, as I usually give up before hostilities begin in 1939. All of my HOI experience seems to be of little use in HOI3 and I never find myself prepared for the ensuing war in August 1939 (playing as Germany).

Who knows, maybe I just need to dive in and get my ass handed to me a few times to cement the learning curve.

 

[joeenochs]

Mhm, ok, I now would be tempted to ask you to tell me a little more how you play and what your concerns are but I think the thread is in the wrong forum for that.