Since graphics chips have limited capabilities, the capacity of optical discs is not truly infinite.
Even if Lin Lixin wanted to directly incorporate the mature visuals of the fifth or sixth generation, it would be impossible.
Even so, the combination of the top-down view and textures is already far beyond what players of this era could imagine.
The overall visuals adopt a more hard-edged, realistic style reminiscent of the fifth generation, lacking the cheap, cartoonish graffiti feel of the sixth generation.
For a game themed around the evolution of human Civilization, such a profound art design might bring a greater sense of immersion.
Furthermore, the players of this era are indeed a group of hardcore individuals.
"That dark blue checkered border—that must be the river, right?"
Frank glanced at the map and saw several mountain ranges scattered around his unit, with a blue stripe winding from one end to the other, spanning the entire field of vision.
Beside the river, there is a line of small, pixelated text indicating its name.
Yukon River
This is a famous river in North America, originating in Canada, flowing through Alaska and emptying into the Bering Strait.
Seeing familiar place names in a game is probably not a strange thing.
But Frank and his two companions clearly noticed that this map was randomly generated.
How could a randomly generated map happen to have a river that happens to be located within the United States next to it?
That's quite a coincidence.
"This is definitely a deliberate game design by Blade."
The three exchanged a glance.
Those familiar with GAMENOVA's modus operandi would find it hard not to suspect something deliberate.
It's these little thoughtful details that are most endearing.
"Okay, let me see how to play it--"
Frank pressed the A key, and a message immediately appeared in the lower right corner: "[Unit needs command]".
The camera then focused on one of the two units that were in the starting position.
It is represented on the map by a flag icon, with another unit next to it represented by a stick icon.
[ United States - Trail Blazers]
[Build City][Move To][Skip Turn][Hibernate][More]
"Then let's just build a city?"
Seeing that the option to build a city was available, Frank didn't waste any more words.
If you can sit down, why not? Do you really need to find a place with good feng shui?
Look at this place, nestled against the mountains and beside the water. There's a copper mine on the outskirts of the city, and two small groves on the opposite bank of the river.
Such a wonderful place is hard to find anywhere else.
"Bang!" The pioneer vanished from the spot, replaced by a simple cluster of thatched huts.
[City Defense: 13]
[The original capital of the United States ][Loyalty maxed]
[ Washington ][Population: 1 (grows after 5 rounds)]
No production is currently underway.
Frank had never seen a game like this before.
With each action, a whole host of new game content and mechanics that I don't understand at all pop up.
The overwhelming flood of information rushed into his mind, causing him to momentarily lose his focus.
Frank's first impression of them could be summed up in one word: complicated!
It is extremely complex, with various systems integrated together, and each one deserves to be studied carefully for a while.
Frank wasn't in a hurry. He silently pressed the A key and continued to follow the game's instructions.
"Choose research? What does that mean?"
This option seemed to have popped up only after I took the picture of Washington.
Following the instructions, Frank tried to open the tech tree interface, but froze instantly.
Pottery making, animal husbandry, mining, writing, navigation, irrigation--
The opening paragraph alone contains a large amount of content.
Each tab has detailed drop-down information indicating what content it unlocks.
It's less like a tree and more like a stream.
It splits into several streams from the starting point, traversing a long journey towards the end point before finally converging.
Now, Frank only has a few of the initial options to choose from.
What do you guys think we should choose?
He turned to look at the two of them, hoping to get their opinions.
"Let's start with mining. Look, the next technology after mining is bronze casting, which unlocks something called a barracks. It's sure to be amazing."
Mike's idea was simple: military strength equals everything, and the military-first strategy will never be outdated.
Furthermore, since it includes military content, it means that this game will inevitably involve war.
Military development is essential!
"If you ask me, I'd recommend starting with [Astrology]. The [Holy Site] that unlocks is probably related to some kind of religion, and it's of great significance to a newly formed nation."
Alan carefully observed the description above and selected the [Astrology] option.
Of course, what truly solidified his decision was its next technological advancement: astronomical navigation.
Even without opening the technology details panel, Frank could tell from the large blue anchor that this must be a dock.
"Huh? I didn't expect the three of us to have completely different ideas."
Frank raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I think taking the middle path is better. The next technology [Writing] unlocks the Academy, and the one after that is [Business Center]. Science and technology are the primary productive forces."
I said that a strong military means we can steal other countries' technology.
I said that a strong religion can transform neighboring countries.
The three men each had their own arguments and reasons, but ultimately the machine belonged to Frank, so the choice was naturally in his hands.
"Forget everything else, let's get pottery making started!"
We've finally finished choosing the technology, but now we're prompted to choose a production project.
"Produce what? Oh, it should be my Washington, right? I knew the city I photographed would be useful."
This is where the true difference between strategy games like Civilization and Fire Emblem becomes apparent.
The map not only features controllable combat units, but also cities that need to be managed.
"Let me see—this Trailblazer should be the unit we used to capture the city earlier; we can't build it yet."
"Builders, scouts, warriors, slingers--"
In any case, although Frank is still completely confused, at least the names of these organizations are very concise and to the point.
You can guess what it's for at a glance.
"Hey, look, there's a little icon that's lit up next to the scout. Does that mean it's recommended to build it now?"
In games with a fog of war, it seems like an unspoken agreement that the two dogs would run around the map at the start.
It takes 10 turns to build one dog.
"Everything's taken care of. The only remaining warrior should be a combat unit. Let's just let him run around and see what's going on?"
Frank finally breathed a sigh of relief after checking a huge amount of information, and then dragged the warrior two squares to the west.
[Encouraging!]
We've discovered a new continent; this vast world offers countless trade opportunities.
You have made great progress in foreign trade.
Well, I thought this round was finally over, but it seems there's still a lot to figure out.