Noir Finance: A Darkly Compelling RTS Hybrid

Imagine a real-time strategy game where resources aren't mined from the earth, but siphoned from the shadows of a corrupt city. Welcome to Noir Finance, a hypothetical RTS that blends classic gameplay with the atmosphere and themes of film noir.

The core gameplay revolves around building a criminal empire in a sprawling, rain-soaked metropolis. Players don't construct barracks and factories; instead, they establish speakeasies, backroom gambling dens, and protection rackets. Each establishment generates revenue and influence, the two key resources. Revenue fuels expansion, paying for new operations and upgraded facilities. Influence is used to control territory, sway corrupt officials, and even manipulate stock prices – a unique resource-gathering mechanic.

Combat isn't always about direct confrontation. While you can hire thugs and enforcers for traditional skirmishes, the focus is on indirect warfare. Smear campaigns can damage rivals' reputations, causing their revenue to plummet. Bribes can turn the police force against your enemies, hindering their operations. For outright attacks, you could employ arsonists to torch a competitor’s warehouse, or sabotage their supply lines, impacting their influence.

The "units" are colorful characters ripped straight from a classic noir script: the femme fatale, skilled at espionage and infiltration; the crooked cop, capable of turning a blind eye (for a price); the muscle-bound enforcer, perfect for intimidating the competition; and the accountant, vital for laundering money and hiding assets.

The single-player campaign would unfold as a twisting narrative, filled with double-crosses and moral compromises. Players would navigate a web of corruption, facing choices that impact their reputation and alliances. Success wouldn't be measured solely in territory controlled, but also in the player's ability to outwit rivals, maintain their cover, and avoid the long arm of the law.

Multiplayer would offer a tense, asymmetrical experience. Players could choose different "families," each with unique strengths and weaknesses. One family might specialize in gambling, another in smuggling, forcing players to adapt their strategies and exploit their opponents' vulnerabilities. The city itself could be a dynamic element, with fluctuating stock prices and unpredictable events that force players to constantly reassess their plans.

Noir Finance would offer a unique blend of strategic depth, compelling storytelling, and a distinct visual style, making it a truly memorable RTS experience.