Developer Digital Eclipse comments on some of the facets of adapting the popular PC RTS (Real-Time Strategy) into a portable TBS (Turn-Based Strategy).

Courtesy of Next Generation, developer Digital Eclipse has offered some insight into their development of the DS edition of Age of Empires 2. You can find the article here.

In particular the developer comments on why they chose to go the direction of a TBS game instead of an RTS, and how the DS features (such as the touch screen and the dual screens) influence development and are being utilized. Here is a portion of the article explaining the switch to TBS:

...the switch from a real-time to turn-based system

"The biggest reason (for using a turn-based battle system) is that it suits the platform. A real-time strategy game requires dedicated, unbroken attention from the player. You're constantly on the go, both mentally and physically, giving units commands, scrolling the map, herding sheep, ordering production, etc. That's great for a PC, but not so good for a portable device.

"We wanted our game to be playable on the bus, in the car, in line at a store, and so on. A turn-based structure is much friendlier for that - you can still 'bend your entire mind' on the game, but if you get interrupted for a minute, you don't have to worry that the Mongols are going to be breathing down your neck and you'll be toast when you get back. Also, a turn-based structure lends itself very well to session-based play because of the frequent break points. You can quite comfortably play for 1 turn, 2 turns, 5 turns, or an entire mission. Turns are also very good at enticing the player to keep� on� playing� one� more� turn.

"Another point worth mentioning is that we wanted to present a new AoE experience. We didn't want 'Age of Empires on a smaller screen'. Our goal has been to capture the core, captivating elements of AoE and then present it in an addictive, spry, handheld format."

Though it may not emulate the PC experience exactly, the game certainly is looking promising in its own right with positive hands-on feedback thus far. The DS needs these kinds of games to flesh out its library, so all the best to the developer in their efforts to deliver on the promise of the franchise!