A few interesting observations about Schedule I:
Key Highlights:
- An early access game about building a drug empire
- Developed by a solo developer (TVGS)
- Currently sitting at #1 on Steam’s global top sellers list
- Received over 2,000 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews within 24 hours
- Features 4-player co-op gameplay
- Players start as a “small time drug dealer” and can expand their empire
Gameplay Elements:
- Open city environment where players can walk, skate, or drive
- Ability to grow and manufacture different drugs
- Hire dealers and buy properties
- First-person gunfight mechanics for dealing with police and rival gangs
- Described as a mix of Grand Theft Auto and Breaking Bad
The developer plans to keep the game in early access for two years, during which time it will expand the map, add more drugs and production processes, and develop a larger customer and supply network.
It’s fascinating to see an indie game about such a controversial topic become so quickly popular on Steam. The game seems to balance dark humor with complex management gameplay, which appears to be attracting players.
A detailed review of both the Age of Empires and Civilization series:
Age of Empires Series:
Historical Strategy Gameplay:
- Developed by Ensemble Studios (initially) and is now developed by World’s Edge
- Spans multiple historical periods from ancient to colonial eras
- Players guide civilizations through technological and military progression
- Real-time strategy (RTS) genre-defining franchise
Key Iterations:
- Age of Empires (1997)
- First game set in ancient world (Bronze Age to Iron Age)
- 12 playable civilizations
- Groundbreaking for its time in historical representation
- Age of Empires II (1999)
- Medieval period setting
- Most critically acclaimed entry
- Extensive civilization diversity (35+ civilizations in the latest edition)
- Highly balanced gameplay
- Still actively played and updated
- Age of Empires IV (2021)
- Modern graphics and gameplay mechanics
- Focus on medieval warfare
- 8 unique civilizations with distinct playstyles
- Improved UI and accessibility
- Historical campaign modes with narrative elements
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Resource gathering (food, wood, stone, gold)
- Technology research
- Building construction
- Military unit production
- Civilization-specific unique units and technologies
Civilization Series:
Turn-Based Grand Strategy:
- Created by Sid Meier
- Published by Firaxis Games
- Deep strategic gameplay
- Turn-based empire management
Key Iterations:
- Civilization I (1991)
- Original 4X strategy game
- Revolutionary game design
- Introduced core mechanics still used today
- Civilization IV (2005)
- Often considered the series’ peak
- Introduction of religion mechanics
- Advanced diplomacy systems
- Mod-friendly architecture
- Civilization VI (2016)
- District-based city planning
- More visually distinct art style
- Enhanced diplomatic and cultural victory conditions
- Expansive DLC content
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Turn-based empire development
- Multiple victory conditions:
- Scientific (space race)
- Cultural
- Domination (military conquest)
- Religious
- Diplomatic
- Complex technology tree
- Negotiation and diplomacy systems
- Random map generation
- Historical leaders with unique abilities
Comparative Analysis: Age of Empires:
- Faster-paced
- Real-time strategy
- More combat-focused
- Shorter gameplay sessions
- Historical accuracy in unit and tech design
Civilization:
- Slower, more deliberate gameplay
- Turn-based strategy
- Broader empire management
- Longer gameplay sessions
- More complex diplomatic interactions
Similarities:
- Historical setting
- Technological progression
- Resource management
- Civilization-specific unique elements
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