PhilThib wrote:RUS Gold (Davaï) is already much improved from original RUS...no plans for RUS2 (if by that you mean with new interface like CW2) so far.
The existing game is excellent. It would just seem a shame to not take things to the next level and support a RUS 2 which would take up a number of great suggestions to improve balance, add new features, etc. See for example:
viewtopic.php?f=293&t=30668viewtopic.php?f=280&t=49991#p390782In my opinion, a RUS 2 would not just be a graphics/interface overhaul, but could try some interesting new ideas. I think there is a market - look at what Clash of Arms Games just did with their release of deluxe version 2 of their classic Triumph of Chaos board game.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/190 ... -v2-deluxeThis involves the use of card play to add a political struggle dimension that right now is, in my opinion, not fully developed in RUS. Triumph of Chaos has not just the Reds and Whites, but eighteen other "factions" for them to interact with and influence. RGD card play is a feature in TYW, CW2 and WON - why not RUS? Existing RUS does have independent factions, but often they seem homogeneous - random "Greens" instead of distinct regional powers with their own ideas and goals.
In a RUS 2, you could also address some nagging design issues which result from engine limitations, such as the fact that GHQ areas of effect leave gaps in the map and create weird overlap areas. You could add features like using EP to add new leaders when/if needed (such as in EAW and ESP).
Take a look at Triumph of Chaos V2, it looks like it has great ideas.
- the Socialist Revolutionaries are more developed as a faction and initially occupy a “buffer position” between Red and White as the game begins, making for a nail-biting opening contest for their support as the SR's may go either way as governed by a track and play of cards with significant ramifications for both players
- A few leaders have an alternative “state” (ex: Kolchak: drug abuse, Mai-Mavesky: debauchery, etc) which make them more unreliable .
- Far East part of the story expanded, with more detail to address roles of Japan, Mongolia, far-east warlords and red partisans battling over the Trans Siberian rail line to Vladivostok. RUS has aspects of this, but the war in the Far East was fascinating and needs more attention
- more aspects of infighting in the player's own faction. Again, RUS has some of this, but you could develop it further through a combination of RGD and decision tree events to give players more of a "hand's-on" experience with managing internal political dynamics
- more work on Ukraine (Makhno, West Ukraine), Finland and Poland
- increase map size to better represent Far East fighting and reduce numbers of off-map boxes used
- make the game turns one-week, instead of two-week
- more detailed economic system