Firstly, Iv been playing builder games since the first Stronghold. It was the game that hooked me on town/city builders.
Since then, there has been this recuring theme with the good city builders; Self sufficiency…
This is the gleaming part of This game that sticks out like a sore thumb to me. I like the game, dont get me wrong. But, when you have to rely on the trading post to do anything, it seems like the game has missed the bullseye. Especially when the trader is so random.
In my eyes, if the ‘city’ is being managed correctly, it becomes self sufficient. There should be no reason to use the trader, if the player doesnt want to. (Or the map is lacking that resource)
The major thing is the production of heavy tools. You need at least one heavy tool from the trader to even start making heavy tools. (missed the bullseye) And, then you could go years without a trader bringing any.
Just for this one topic, If you intend your game to rely on the trader (wish you wouldnt, because you can never reach ‘self sufficiency’), then you need a way to request a trade. Have a way to request an item, and the amount, plus a time frame. The shorter the time for delivery, the higher the cost. (kinda like RL) A “Special delivery”, if you will…
From what I can tell, that One thing, is what is holding the game back. Having to buy cattle, seems right. But, not being able to produce your own heavy tools from the start seems like your town has already lost.
The game is called Furthest Frontier…Not Furthest Trading Company…
This also leads me to the tier unlocks. The first tier blacksmith should have the means to make your first heavy tool. A tier 2 blacksmith, with heavy tools installed, can double their production. Either way, they should Never have to rely on the trader. (Unless the map lacks Iron) Tier 2 town has a coal maker, and an ‘armory’, which I would consider a tier one blacksmith. They sould be able to craft your first heavy tool. Even if it takes them 2 years to do it. Plus, I also believe they should be able to produce tools, and crude weapons. Theyre an ‘armory’ right!? Maybe they should be relabeled? I picture an armory as storage, not a production building. And, if the ‘armory’ can produce armor and takes Iron ingots to do it, then why isnt the smelter unlocked? No way to utilize the armory without it. (Oh yeah…FF Trading Company…) The smelter and T1 blacksmith, AKA Armory, and coal production should all unlock at T2 city…IMO
Resources are the game to a city builder. As long as the resources are there, a city should be able to be self sufficient.
Again, I like the game, and the art, etc. But, this sticks out like a sore thumb to a vet. city builder.
EDIT: Though I will say that you can reach a form of self sufficiency after T3 town hall. But, I do think you should never have to use the trader, if you dont want to. Except for some ‘luxury’ item that isnt really a necessity. Like cows for cheese, or maybe silk for high tier clothing, oil for lamps or high tier cooking…etc. All things that would raise efficiency of your workers. But, wouldnt keep them from working.