Dev Log #8: Choosing Your Army
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Hi Commanders, and welcome to our eighth development log. This time we’re excited to share progress on five major areas: seasonal map variants, unit-scale and formation enhancements, historical tutorial battles, new camera controls, and the overhauled procedural campaign system.
1. Seasonal Map Variants Complete
- Dual Seasons: Every region now features both summer and winter artwork, fully implemented across our existing map roster.
- Ongoing Map Production: Our art team is rolling out two new maps per week through launch—each hand-crafted to reflect authentic 18th-century terrain.
- Seasonal Effects (TBD): We’re exploring fatigue and movement modifiers tied to weather, plus bespoke post-processing profiles for future rain and cloud systems.
2. Ultra-Scale Unit & Formation Improvements
- Colonel’s Colors: Every regiment now carries a visible flag with the colonel's color.
- Automatic Rank Splitting: In Ultra Scale mode, formations auto-break into ranks of three—simulating two battalions side by side for better readability.
- Normal Scale Option: Prefer a single-battalion look? Switch back to Normal Scale for classic formations.
- Platoon-Based Columns: Across all scales, columns now travel by platoon—an authentic touch that enhances both visuals and historical accuracy.
3. Historical Tutorial Battles
- Frederick’s Early Campaigns: We’re crafting three tutorial scenarios—Chotusitz, Hohenfriedberg, and Soor—to introduce core mechanics through Frederick the Great’s rise.
- Storyboards & Cutscenes: Illustrated storyboards are complete for the first two battles, with Soor in progress. All cutscenes (voiced and animated) are on track for delivery within a month.
4. Enhanced Camera Controls
Although we retain a 2D isometric view, you can now press C or V to tilt the camera—adding depth when inspecting troops or surveying the battlefield.
5. Overhauled Procedural Campaign System
Faction & Army Selection
- Five Nations × Three Armies: 15 unique army compositions—each nation provides distinctive Stratagems (e.g., Prussia’s Junker Aristocracy).
- Unlock Progression: Begin with one army per nation and unlock the next by completing campaigns in order.
Region Missions
- Randomized Regions & Objectives: Each campaign selects four regions. Three initial regions grant mission types (Protect, Invade, Reinforce, Occupy), with side-objectives offering rewards such as historical units or new Stratagems.
- Expanded World Map: Campaign maps now span from Scotland to Hungary, reinforcing the game’s procedural nature.
Mission Board Interface
Regions act as hubs—capture all four (in increasing difficulty) to complete your campaign in this glorified mission board setup.
Army Camp Screen
- Unique Starting Loadouts: Every army composition has bespoke equipment and commander traits. For example, the Prussian Cantonists start with recruits, a musketeer company, ramrods for rapid reloads, and morale-boosting pocket bibles.
- Redrawn Emblems: All flag icons have been fully redrawn—but remain fully customizable in camp and in battle.
Exploration & Encounters
- Dynamic Settlement Visits: Towns and villages now boast overhauled art and randomized conditions.
- Role-Playing Events: Encounter events tie into your chosen Stratagems, offering unique dialogue options and rewards.
Boss Battles & Progression
- Field Army Showdowns: Each region culminates in a “boss” field army. Avoid it and it grows stronger over time—defeat it to advance (and see the seasonal map update).
- Scaling Battlefields: Battle sizes expand based on troop numbers, ensuring each fight feels appropriately epic.
- Endgame & Beyond: Win a full campaign to unlock new armies and historical regiments. We’re also planning an Ironman Mode for those craving a true roguelike challenge!
That’s a wrap on Dev Log #8. We’d love to know if you’d like deep-dive overviews of each nation’s armies in future updates. To get involved—test maps, share feedback, or view early previews—join us on Discord, and don’t forget to wishlist Master of Command on Steam!