When people think of Age of Empires IV, most think of the world wars and Vietnam. BUT, has it ever occured to people that there is still a huge part of history in between Age of Empires III and World War One?
I propose a game set between 1850 and 1918, focusing on the First World War, German and Italian unification and the scramble for Africa.
The Ages
The Industrial Age. This age will start you off with a town centre, a small battalion of soldiers, a Commander and several villagers. This is the age to collect resources and ally with minor nations.
The Reason Age. This age allows you to build your first soldiers and research economy boosting technologies. You should be able to defend your base adequately from now on.
The Hostility Age. This age includes new units, buildings and technologies. It should be the age where you can attack with reasonable might.
The Conflict Age. Tanks and aircraft are available for the first time in this age. This age is the one for finishing the game.
The Radical Age. The Radical Age is an age for long, drawn out conflicts. It will decide the winners and losers of the game.
Maps
The Balkans
The Baltic
Italian Peninsula
Greek Peninsula
Anatolia
Rhineland
Iberia
Alps
Carpathians
The Congo
Sahara
Kalahari
Ethiopia
South Africa
Savannah
Mesopotamia
Arabia
The Civilisations.
The United Kingdom.
Home City: London.
The United Kingdom built the largest empire ever, and in the 1900’s, it was at it’s height. A powerful military provides massive bonuses in game, and they have some of the best shipments and units in the game. However, their economy is easily disrupted, and a swift attack on villagers can stall their might for a long while.
Unique Units: Maxim Gun - an artillery unit that can fire very quickly. Is excellent against infantry, but can be beaten by artillery.
The German Empire.
Home City: Berlin.
During the later 19th century, Germany was unified and began building it’s colonial empire. In game, Germany possesses some a weak colonial shipments, but it has strong home troops and a decent economy. Germany is a well rounded civ that particularly excels in it’s infantry.
Unique Units: Zeppelin - an air unit that can drop bombs on enemy structures and units. Is very weak to artillery and aircraft.
The French Republic.
Home City: Paris.
After the Napoleonic Wars, France developed a strong colonial empire in Africa and Asia. It has particularly strong African colonial troops, and can defend from a rush attack excellently. France also has a strong economy, but is very susceptible to a slow armoured assault.
The Russian Empire.
Home City: Moscow.
The Russian Empire was a key player in the First World War, up until the Russian Revolution in 1917. Russia cannot mount an aggressive attack, so they train troops quickly and in large batches. Their infantry is fast but weak.
The Kingdom of Italy.
Home City: Rome.
Italy unified around the same time as Germany, and also began sharing interests in colonialism. Italy has some unique papal units, which are good at defending, but weak for mounting an attack. Italy also has a good economy, which allows for the building of vast armies quickly.
The Austro-Hungary Empire.
Home City: Randomly chooses between Vienna and Budapest.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire had little interest in colonial affairs, but was a major power in Europe, and are partly responsible for the First World War. In game, their bonuses would be in cavalry and artillery, having the best in the game. Their economy, like the British’ would be lacking, however.
The Ottoman Empire.
Home City: Constantinople.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Ottoman Empire was on it’s last legs. It’s disastrous war effort in WWI led to its final disintegration. In game, the Ottomans would possess very few colonial soldiers, but decent home troops and a good economy.
The Kingdom of Belgium.
Home City: Brussels.
Belgium was one of the most famous colonial powers in Africa as the owners of the Belgian Congo. They served as the battleground for much of World War One, and although they weren't famous as soldiers, they did have a slightly major role. In game, they would possess plenty of colonial infantry, as well as a decent home infantry force.
X-Pack Civs.
Thinking about an X-Pack already? Not really, no. But many have been arguing about the USA not being in the vanilla. I can explain my reasoning. 1. The US were NOT a colonial power. 2. They weren't a major world power. 3. In WWI, they had very little impact, only serving as a shortener for the war.
So, X-Pack civs could be these: the USA, China, Japan, Serbia, the Netherlands, The Boers, Spain, Portugal or whatever else anyone can think of.