Thank you for taking the time to play and review my arc.
You make a fair point about the lack of any sort of geopolitical explanation. I'm well aware that Japan doesn't have an emperor anymore, and the JSDF is called a "self defense force" specifically to avoid the word "army." It logically follows that without an army there couldn't really be a Shogun. I obviously took some liberties with that (maybe could have done some actual research into how Japan is represented in the game world), but we are in a setting with super powers and super technology, and I felt a Japan that held onto the ancient culture and traditions while still adopting futuristic technology would be an interesting fusion. It was a judgement call on my part, and if that pushes my story into the realm of non-canon, so be it. If I had more room, I would have liked to give more details about the Kage organization and their role before the events took place.
This was my first attempt at making an AE arc, so there were a lot of new mechanics (and limitations) for me to learn. I have some background in programming and modding, and I've been doing creative writing as a hobby for upwards of 20 years. I hope my lack of experience with the Architect was partially compensated for by my love for writing. I am working on a follow up that amounts to a counter-offensive and introduces new characters and new factions. I've learned more about the Architect and even went back to polish up the first arc a little bit (colored text!). I'm putting the finishing touches on part 2 now. I hope it doesn't feel "rushed." Compressing meaningful events into 5 missions with a few paragraphs crammed between them, with practically no dialogue... I would have liked more options to help with the pacing. What I wouldn't give for a cut-scene.
I struggled with getting the balance right in the first arc. It was a nightmare! It played fine with my fully built level 50 defender, with a level 10 defender, and even a level 1 brute. Solo. Adding one player ramped up the difficulty so much I was shocked. Now I do all of my testing with a level 50 scrapper at 2x+0, just to see what the experience will be like if someone wants to play it with a friend. I'm always open to comments, suggestions, and feedback. Feel free to send me in game mail @d3v.
Again, thanks for playing!
