I've been toying with the idea of creating a small RTS. I'm trying to figure out which features should get my attention for the first version. (planning small)

Basically I'm looking for clarity in what people like about RTS's, give any reply you want about that. But I have a few specific questions I'm looking for as well.

Tell me about what you like best about existing RTS's, popular or not, new or old.

In an RTS that you like, are there things you hate?

What feature have you not seen that you would like to see? - Also, if you've seen a feature but it was terrible, but you think it has potential, what was it and how could it be better?

Thanks.

totally different races(units) with balance between them and fast paced action :)

I like the ideas I'm seeing so far, but want to discuss 1 that was just brought up:

[quote name='Waterlimon' timestamp='1356625663' post='5014725']
there could be player made customizations, and the differences between them should vary every game
[/quote]

I like this idea, however, one of the key things to these games is reducing think time for players. I.e when you see a particular character type, you know how to react, such as sending squad B instead of squad A or choosing to run or go around. If units become heavily customizable, and the game varies each time, it will be harder for people to figure out what to do.

I'm not saying that's bad. I'm just saying it's a mechanic that would need to be careful in its design. How to keep it fun, and keep it working.

My thoughts on that at the moment:

In a typical RTS, you manage hundreds of things, and split your attention all over.

- Not being able to quickly determine what your up against (even after experience settles in) would be tough, potentially requiring more focus than should be alloted to a particular unit or squad in the game.

However, it does make sense to have a lack of knowledge. If you see a group of guys with guns run past, you know they can shoot stuff, but do you know if they have mines, grenades, rocket launchers, or a laser for a guided missile system? nope.

I kind of like the idea that you can have ways of detecting these things. but that has to build up. So mostly, each foot soldier looks the same, but as you see them do things, little flags raise around them on the screen indicating abilities that you are aware of.

In starcraft, if you see a ghost trying to get close to your base, you know it is most likely to setup a nuclear strike, or spy, but usually blow stuff up. The game tactics would change if it were suddenly 10 guys sneaking around at different spots, and any of them could be it. Fortunately you installed laser detectors, and could tell which ones were carring laser guidance systems.

Perhaps I miss understood your inriginal point, but I think the concept is interesting, and possible. Just need to be careful with it.

[quote name='proanim' timestamp='1356629586' post='5014746']
do this, this and this in exactly this order, under certain amount of time and you will win.
[/quote]

That is something I'm trying to avoid to a certain point. I like in Warcraft 2, how there would be lulls, time to think and plan attacks and defenses. If the game provides some creative and changing elements, it will need to somehow allow more time for thinking plans through as well.

I'm also a fan of Environmental Interactions. For instance, Wind and dist clouds. Reduce visibility, slow vehicles, possibly prevent flight. Setup some sort of Dust generator up wind from an enemy base. Or an area you don't want enemies to fly through.

A catapult that flings trees perhaps, or A Ditch digger that can block off areas by water. Perhaps even tunnelling. or hiding ships in a cloud.