Multi-player Configuration

[SeaMonkey]

Since we know that SC2 will allow up to six players, I'm assuming originally that means France, UK, USA, USSR, Italy and Germany. So if we would like to create a custom campaign, is it possible to configure something different, like 3 Axis players against 3 Allied players and if so, since there are 4 original Allied positions, could the one out, be designated to one of the other Allied players instead of the AI? Possible examples: 3 Allied players = WE(western European, France+UK), USSR, USA, makes since if France doesn't last to long. 2 Allied = WP(western powers, UK+USA+France) and the other USSR or France+USSR and UK+USA. Is it possible to perhaps create an additional Allied position of France+China? Now that would still be 3 Allied positions of UK+USA, China+France, and USSR. For the Axis side, well you can imagine the possibilities, like Germany+Italy and Japan. Or perhaps Austria-Hungary and Germany with a third position filled by Japan. Now maybe you think you are the incarnation of Alexander himself, so you take one position against the other 5 players. So HC....what say yee?

[jon_j_rambo]

Deal me in & The Smack Brothers.

[pzgndr]

Basically there's the 6 major and 22 minor country limits. You can only play the majors, or some combination of majors. Since the Editor will allow customization of unit combat target values and force pool limits by country, including all minor countries, you'll have the ability to create some robust minor countries that can then be aligned with any of the majors.

The only downside is that minors won't have a separate economy, nor be able to engage in diplomacy or research. That may not be so bad, especially if research is not so critical. In some cases, like Italy as Germany's junior partner, Italy could either be integrated with Germany as a combined major Axis power (like GGWAW is doing) or just be a minor country. An advantage to making Italy a minor in this example is that it can start out neutral and then activate later, and also surrender at some point when Rome is taken. With no possibility of tech advances, Italian unit values would have to be set to reflect a decent average for the entire war. Again, this may not be so bad and allows minors with resources and large force pools to take on a significant role. And with diplomacy available to sway alignments, you can get some interesting game situations.

[Shaka of Carthage]

Its an interesting concept in qualifying Italy as a minor. Some other systems have used the concept to good effect. Of course, this means France would be qualified as a minor as well.

That would give a three (3) player mix as follows:

Axis (Germany and Italy)

Western Allies (UK, Canada and US)

Soviet Union (USSR and France)

Which opens up the global possibilities (for those who believe they can design a global scenario) for the six (6) major nations being:

Axis(Germany and Italy)

Commonwealth (UK, Canada, India, Australia/NZ, South Africa, etc)

Soviet Union (USSR and France)

Japan

US (US and Nationalist China)

Soviet Union (USSR, France and Communist China)