So I am developing a train game set in a post apocalyptic world where earths surface is contaminated with radiation yet train tracks are used as way of transportation. This is the VERY short plot for you by the way!
A somewhat big mechanic in the game is no two trains can travel on the same track thus making decisions on travel more difficult and constantly changing. I have 11 tracks each color coordinated differently. My issue is making sense of WHY two trains can't ride the same track????? Friends have told me "just put it in the rules and don't worry about it" but I still feel the need to find a logical reason for this. It makes sense that two trains would not be able to pass on a track but what would stop a train from getting onto an occupied track away from the other player?
Any story or possible game play ideas would be appreciated.
Ideas for train game movement.
Because the constant exposure to omega-radiation has made the old metal tracks so brittle that the resonance of two trains' micro-vibrations would destroy it!
Or, because you'd get shot by the clan of snipers on off-road motorcycles that guard each train like a flock of buzzards.
Or, because crazed bandits who are attracted to the smell of burning irradiated oil that a train leaves behind.
[quote=Koen Hendrix]Because the constant exposure to omega-radiation has made the old metal tracks so brittle that the resonance of two trains' micro-vibrations would destroy it!
Koen posted a very viable reason
another is the excess traffic would raise more radioactive dust into the atmosphere so earths ruling powers decided to restrict the traffic
Also restrictions on travel availability keeps populations in one area making it easier to control them.
Defensibility of the travel resource could be important but post apocalyptic raiders would try to stop or wreck the train to get it's cargo/resources
I visualize each train having to be a self contained defense/repair/construction unit to get through any obstacles it may encounter. If each is owned by it's own consortium why would they want to share the tracks.
OR they are high speed capable that take so long to accelerate/decelerate that nothing can be on the same track.
I totally agree with the old, brittle train tracks idea. It completely makes sense to me.
An alternative would be that the propulsion method of the trains "paints" a track with a unique signature somehow, preventing other engines from riding on it. Perhaps this is an old security measure or something. Maybe the signatures interfere with one another, preventing proper control of the engines if there is more than one on a track.
This idea is much more sci-fi than the more reasonable age and atrophy reason listed above, but perhaps it will fit in with your setting.
So are you looking for a theme tie-in for why two trains can't occupy the same track AT THE SAME TIME, or why Train/Player 1 goes over a certain track, and then Train/Player 2 can never cross that same track?
If it's the latter, I'd say that each team set up assassin outposts, or traps to stop others from using what they already crossed.
OR! Add to the sense of game progression by making the players have to complete a task/purchase/use resources, etc. to gain true control over a track.
Example: At the start, all players can use all tracks; there is no "control" over anything. Players must set up an assassin's outpost to block off the track from other players, but the cost to do so is high enough that it's no possible in the early-game play. Eventually, players start blocking off others as everyone vies for area control, and must strategize which routes to control. Perhaps make more in-demand or longer routes cost more to control?
Cool concept.
To be more clear,I pretty much have the game play down and would like to keep it intact. Just wanted a logical explanation why two trains are not allowed on the same track. Limiting the number of routes and constantly changing available ones is part of the strategy. Players use the different colored tracks to travel to various locations. Once there you can search the area for weapons, radiation suits, ammo, etc by drawing these custom made tiles from a bag so its random.
Thanks for the ideas and hope to hear more.