Game Element 1: Resource Management

A common element with turn-based strategy games, managing resources such as currency or a base are commonplace aspects. When thinking about what kind of resources the player would need to manage and gather, I had to make sure that they fit the setting as well. I decided upon;

• Money, in the form of english pounds to represent the fact that it is based in London.

• Supplies, usually used as a catch-all term for any form of supplies that a group can use, this will be used to produce equipment, build facilities and supply operations, so it is easier to use a general form of product for this.

• Influence, given to the player as a form of specialized currency, and used to buy special items or services, this will act as a special reward for specially given missions, and will be rewarded sparsely and in low amounts.

The player will start off with enough money to fund their group for a year as well as enough supplies to build few starting items and facilities, but no influence since they are yet to be recognized by the rest of the establishment. The reason for this is to give the player a good start and provide them with a chance to get themselves into a position to have gain more and advance.

As mentioned before, each resource has specific uses. Money for example will be allowed to purchase more supplies, weapons and items, as well as specific services. Overall money will be the most important resource second only to their base, this in itself is also a thematic choice as well since steampunk themed stories usually have an aspect of wealth associated with them.

Supplies, will be used primarily by the player to develop and build items and weapons, build additions to the base as well as set up outposts within the undercity as well, supplies will be able to be bought and ordered monthly.

Influence, will be used for special activities and abilities that allow the player to gain the upper hand by using their influence to get deals and offers from the establishment. Again, this is also thematic as usually members of nobility or the upper class in steampunk themed stories tend to use their influence and power for political or business purposes.

Finally the base itself as mentioned before is also a resource in itself, and one the player will need to protect as well. Eventually the criminal gangs will attempt to retaliate against the player, meaning that the player must treat the base as something to be defended and used. This is common in most turn-based strategy games like X-COM and Phoenix Point, it provides a need to think defensively as well as offensively.