What I like and what I dislike about the 2011 roadmap...
Poker (1.31)
Players can use their cash to participate in a game of poker at any time. (This can presently be tested on the Public Beta.)
I like this because poker can be a fun game and it can be a great way to reduce your stress after a hard day's work or it can be something fun to do if you're bored.
Health points and dying chances
Players hurt themselves more often and worse during work. Duels also cost more health points. Passing out will be weakened a bit. Energy will not be lowered as much, the duel block will be lifted.
I do not like this, because this means that because of the increased chances of dying, this brings more risk into the game, and risk is not always a good thing to have in a game.
New Duel System
The current system (attack zones, dodging) will be replaced by a new system. Each duel round has one attack and one movement action. The higher the dueling level, the more rounds are fought (3-12 rounds).
Attack action: The attack action is by default a hit/shot. With added skills other actions can be learned.
Movement action: Players to move to the optimal distance to the opponent and by that to cause more damage or to dodge an attack. With added skills other actions will be available.
It will be balanced so that skills and attributes are equally important to actions. Ranged and close combat will remain comparably strong. The current dueling skills will be less important for the hitting chance and damage calculation, but they will be more important for the dueling actions. Luck will be minimized. The equipment and weapons will take a bit role in the calculation of the earned experience points to constrict duel pushing.
I am not sure about this one. In my opinion, the dueling system is fine the way it is now.
Towns
Certain buildings will have unlimited construction levels, offering some (but minimal) advantages and something to do for builders. Constructing buildings above level three will consume resources. These high level buildings will deteriorate over time.
This idea is not to good, because this means that you'll have to work in order to find resources for your town. And if your town is already fully built, then you'll have to waste your time trying to keep your town in good shape, since you'll have to worry about your buildings deteriorating over time. Not good at all.
Higher Character Class Bonuses
Character class bonuses will be improved. We are considering creating 'so many' bonuses per class and allowing them to select one upon reaching every tenth level. More diversity and balance will be created.
I definitely like this plan. It will certainly help if any of those not-so-good things are going to be introduced.
Newspaper
A newspaper will be released every 3-7 days. It will hold statistics, a horoscope and short player statements. To read the newspaper a symbolic payment has to be paid.
Statistics: Fort battle results, finished towns, Players that have reached a milestone level, best dueler, etc.
Player statements: Player can write short statements into the newspaper. There is a limit to the amount of statements posted. Each player offers a certain dollar amount for each article. The players with the highest bids are printed.
Sounds like another good plan. It's small, but it will make the game more interesting.
For 2011:
Crafting
Players can use recipes to craft new items. Characters can specialise for crafting purposes. Possibility of the introduction of skill trees.
Another good game plan. But I thought something like this was already implemented before. And if it was, does this mean you can now combine items to create new products?
New Screendesign
A
fresh new design will be included for both the game frame and windows. It will optimise the UI for ease of use and less clicks, plus it will appear more aesthetically pleasing through the use of free floating elements.
Good idea, but no comments for this one.
Content (Balancing)
The levels and requirements for various elements of the game will be adjusted so the follow one progression curve.
Not sure what this one is supposed to mean...
Town Customisation
The
town page will be redesigned. It will allow for free positioning of both existing and new buildings and miscellaneous items such as statues, trees, etc. The layout of the town may provide different advantages and disadvantages.
This would be good if my idea was integrated into it. Check out the Ideas forum to see my idea.
Randomized Items
Existing items, new and unique items can be found or created with random bonuses. This will generate a far greater diversity of equipment.
Sounds good, but no comments for this one...
New Map
A new map will be created, based upon the real US topography. Jobs will be zoned and location dependant to reflect where different types of work would be available in the real Old West. Multiple jobs will be available from more sparse "works" locations.
Sounds awesome! No comments needed.
Character Customization
It will be possible to customise character appearances, ie avatars. Possibly done through the use of sliders to alter hair, scars, eyes, etc.
I definitely like this and can hardly wait to see what this 'Character Customization' will look like in the game.
My overall score on this roadmap is...7 out of 10 stars.