We need a feature for FFA's which will allow the host to define the number of possible victors. This could be implemented into the Locked Teams field in game options. In Age of Empires this was called "Allied Victory."
It would allow:
Locked Teams - Team are predefined and simple. No politics here.
1 Victor - Teams are unlocked and only 1 player can win.
2 Victors - Teams are unlocked and only 2 players can win.
3 Victors, etc.
This could add a new level of political depth (online at least) to this "4X" game.
As it stands, there is no game which involves the deplomacy screen to it's full potential. Sure, you have the Unlocked Teams FFA, but these typically involve everyone forming quick, easy, and permanent alliances in the beginning, one alliance is vastly stronger than the others and they claim an easy win.
Imagin the the political decisions you would be faced with beloning to an strong alliance of 3 players, but knowing only 2 could actually claim victory. Someone is going to be betrayed.
When I play a FFA, I want a game of politics, chaos, conspiracies, and I expect that ultimately one player will come out on top. Currently, we can have FFA games with some of this, but it seems to come to a premature end when that 10 person FFA ends with 7 people claiming victory.
PS - I've heard the next expansion is supposed to add to the political aspects of the game. I expect to purchase the future expansions, but I think something this simple should be included in the base game. Especially considering the "4X" advertising the base game received.
