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Entering Valhalla, a new game idea

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jolleTroll
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Joined: 08/28/2015

Hi,

Me and some of my co-workers (video game devs) have this idea for a board game that we think would be really nice.

As a player your goal is to level up your vikings and die in combat. The higher level you are, the harder it is to die, but if you succeed you will get a better place in Valhalla. So it will always be a choice between leveling up and trying to die.

The seats in Valhalla are limited, and when they are filled up, the game ends.

That's the base game, we only have to iron out everything around it now...
We are thinking about using a worker-placement system, where you can enter a battle arena with one of your vikings and challenge other players. But at the same time we want the players to really feel for their vikings, so worker-placement may not be the best way to go.

We also had and idea of using dice as levels. When your viking is level 1, you use a D6 when going into combat. If you don't die, you will get a D8 instead, and then a D10 and so forth. And it's only if you roll a 1 or 2 that you die.

Any input is welcome. I actually think we have a solid foundation with the game idea, it's "only" the game that needs to be made now.

Orangebeard
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Joined: 10/13/2011
First reaction

Welcome to the forums!

Oddly enough, the first thing I thought was "this sounds like Blackjack" where the players are trying to hit a certain score or level of power without going over. Or in this case, The Viking needs to be strong enough to take on a challenge that will end in a glorious death without becoming so powerful that they defeat every challenge.

I think if you go with worker placement, then it might work better with entire villages or clans (e.g. the Vikings of Ranksok have mastered the forge, polished their Sunstones, and have built the finest ships on the sea! They are expected to die horribly in combat against the Sea Serpent next week...)

With the single Viking / level up approach, maybe the players could work towards a combination of fame and equipment that gets them invited to take part in epic battles, eventually reaching the point that they are able to face the final challenge as a group?

Here's a thought...in the final battle, glory goes to the player that inflicts the most damage, without actually winning the fight?

radioactivemouse
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Joined: 07/08/2013
jolleTroll wrote:Hi, Me and

jolleTroll wrote:
Hi,

Me and some of my co-workers (video game devs) have this idea for a board game that we think would be really nice.

As a player your goal is to level up your vikings and die in combat. The higher level you are, the harder it is to die, but if you succeed you will get a better place in Valhalla. So it will always be a choice between leveling up and trying to die.

The seats in Valhalla are limited, and when they are filled up, the game ends.

That's the base game, we only have to iron out everything around it now...
We are thinking about using a worker-placement system, where you can enter a battle arena with one of your vikings and challenge other players. But at the same time we want the players to really feel for their vikings, so worker-placement may not be the best way to go.

We also had and idea of using dice as levels. When your viking is level 1, you use a D6 when going into combat. If you don't die, you will get a D8 instead, and then a D10 and so forth. And it's only if you roll a 1 or 2 that you die.

Any input is welcome. I actually think we have a solid foundation with the game idea, it's "only" the game that needs to be made now.

Be aware of what's already out. There's a hot game coming up called Blood Rage that has Vikings, mythical creatures, and gives bonuses when you die and/or live. There's also a clever leaving up system and plays like 7 Wonders.

Just an fyi, you don't want your game to be overshadowed by another as far as subject matter.

For example. just because it's a zombie game doesn't mean it will sell; the game has to stick out from all the other zombie games out there.

jolleTroll
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Joined: 08/28/2015
radioactivemouse

radioactivemouse wrote:
jolleTroll wrote:
Hi,

Me and some of my co-workers (video game devs) have this idea for a board game that we think would be really nice.

As a player your goal is to level up your vikings and die in combat. The higher level you are, the harder it is to die, but if you succeed you will get a better place in Valhalla. So it will always be a choice between leveling up and trying to die.

The seats in Valhalla are limited, and when they are filled up, the game ends.

That's the base game, we only have to iron out everything around it now...
We are thinking about using a worker-placement system, where you can enter a battle arena with one of your vikings and challenge other players. But at the same time we want the players to really feel for their vikings, so worker-placement may not be the best way to go.

We also had and idea of using dice as levels. When your viking is level 1, you use a D6 when going into combat. If you don't die, you will get a D8 instead, and then a D10 and so forth. And it's only if you roll a 1 or 2 that you die.

Any input is welcome. I actually think we have a solid foundation with the game idea, it's "only" the game that needs to be made now.

Be aware of what's already out. There's a hot game coming up called Blood Rage that has Vikings, mythical creatures, and gives bonuses when you die and/or live. There's also a clever leaving up system and plays like 7 Wonders.

Just an fyi, you don't want your game to be overshadowed by another as far as subject matter.

For example. just because it's a zombie game doesn't mean it will sell; the game has to stick out from all the other zombie games out there.

I have actually heard about Blood Rage but not what the game was actually about. I'll have to go and check that up since it sounds pretty much like what we are trying to do.

And thanks for the input btw.

jejboulet
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Joined: 01/11/2014
I like the concept

Sounds like a really great strategic challenge to base a game around. I am wondering what you had in mind for a couple things:
1) What is the winning condition for the game?
2) When you die is that the end of you as a player (i.e. do you just wait for the others to die too)?

I guess I'm wondering if you're imagining a game where each player gets a single chance to go out gloriously and whoever does so most gloriously wins?

What comes to mind is that there needs to be some pressure that keeps pushing players towards making the fatal decision now rather than later. In other words, there should be a consequence to waiting around too long. My thought is that it would preferable for that consequence to be more than just the fact that I've become too powerful to be killed by my enemies. Being invincible is glorious in its own way.

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