Clinton Ma
Games
PMC Planet
Genre: Strategy / War
Number of Players: 2
Target Age Group: 12 and up
Play Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Players take on the role of the shadow branch of their nation's government in this tense, two-player strategy game. Through the use of Private Military Corporations (mercenaries), players must use subtlety, aggression and subterfuge to influence global conflicts and get what they want.
A player wins by being the first to capture all of their randomly assigned Capture Points (also known as National Interests). A player can prematurely lose the game by exeeding their Profile Meter limit (this means their private military exploits have been exposed by the world media), thus shutting down all PMC operations. Be the first player to capture and control all 6 of your Capture Points using your PMC units. You or your opponent lose if either one of you allows your Profile Level to reach or exceed 15.
PMC Planet is a game about risk versus reward and balance. The placement and distribution of resources is randomized for both players as is the various Action Cards that can be drawn from the deck. This randomization not only keeps replays interesting, it also helps to lessen the pressure to perform for players who are normally intimidated by pure strategy games. A mind for resource management is still crucial for victory as players juggle their money pool, deployed PMC units, Profile Meter and various Action Cards.
I implemented the Profile Meter as a way to even out the flow of any one match. It's very difficult for one player to simply run away with the victory since both players are often as close to winning as they are to losing. Move too aggressively and you'll burn through your cash resources or raise your Profile Meter to dangerous levels. Move too cautiously and your opponent will capture their objectives while forming beachheads around your own.
Update: I am currently reviewing the efficacy and distribution of the Action Cards in the deck to further balance the play experience. One day I hope to develop a version of PMC Planet that can support four or more players!
Download the PMC Planet rulebook & quick reference sheet
Screenshots
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