SpellForce 2 Interview
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Q: Spellforce 2 is an RPG/RTS Hybrid. How does SpellForce 2 treat this hybrid? Is there more focus on RPG or on RTS this time around?
A: The main focus has been to create a harmonic synthesis of both genres. Many aspects of the game have been changed, so that both the RPG and the RTS feeling could be intensified and blended more seamlessly.
Unlike in classic RTS games, SpellForce 2 provides the player an RPG-deep story with a continuous flow and a variety of additional quests while simultaneously, strategic challenges can be experienced.
If you compare SpellForce 1 to SpellForce 2, the character development has been enhanced and streamlined. Previously, the player had to distribute points on skills and special abilities. Now we have a more user friendly skill tree, which allows the player to level in any chosen direction down the skill tree to get new skills or enhancing the existing ones, which gives him a lot more freedom for his avatar and still allows him clear view of where he wants to go with his character.
In addition, the development of heroes has changed completely. It's now more like a RPG, as the heroes play a major part in the storyline and have their own motives and goals. They will ask you for general orders at critical junctures during the level up, so you may decide for them to specialize in a certain area of magic for example. They are also staying with you during the whole campaign, making them even more customizable.
One of the most important changes in RTS Gameplay is its speed, which is now much faster in the build up phase than in SpellForce - The Order of Dawn. There will be less micro management for the resource gathering and a stronger focus on the units and combat. In essence we do not shift the focus between RPG and RTS so much as making sure the RPS gameplay becomes quicker and easier to pick up but at the same time offering depth and customization.
Moreover, the implemented enhancements in both the RTS and RPG parts allow hours of additional game experience due to the variability of missions and thus offer even higher replayability.
