Diplomacy Preview

Probably the biggest draw for Diplomacy fans is the ability to play AI controlled opponents. For board games you need other players to truly enjoy it, but allowing players to play Diplomacy on their computer eliminates the need for other players. But fear not, there are plenty of options for playing with other people as well.

The screen is as friendly as it can get, showing players all the info they need as well as a view of the board. Players have full control over the camera, so it’s like actually sitting at the table and being able to view the board from any angle. For new players there is also a tutorial mode to explain the intricacies of the game.

Diplomacy features multiplayer modes for both online and on a LAN. Can’t get enough players together for a LAN game? Hop online and challenge anyone looking for a match. There will be an online ladder ranking system and matchmaking services. There is also the ability to participate in tournaments for the ultimate competition. Other than the classic mode of Diplomacy there will be more optimized modes available for quicker play.

The PC version of Diplomacy will allow players to do anything that makes sense in making negotiations, calling for more caution when creating alliances since they can be just as easily broken with no formal warning. How players utilize their personal relations will greatly decide the friends and enemies they make, as well as how long they survive.

To accompany your negotiations, a detailed and fully animated avatar will follow your adventure. The way they act will depend on how you are playing the game, creating a different experience each time. Their facial expressions will portray the way you are playing, giving players the feel of actually being there with the other players.

Diplomacy should appease fans of the strategy and negotiations genre, as well as long-time fans of the board game. Check back more this summer for more info, and also be sure to watch for Paradox’s Diplomacy site opening sometime early this summer.

For All E3 2005 Previews