Diplomacy, or Else!

Game premise and mechanics

Diplomacy, or Else! is a turn-based hex strategy game where players negotiate by composing phrases to compete for territory, armies, gold, and science. Players interact through a shared lexicon to create offers and oaths, shaping the game's alliances and rivalries. Accepted phrases become pacts enforced by the game, influencing player standing and future negotiations.

Combat and gameplay

The game features deterministic combat with no hit rolls or critical hits, allowing counterattacks from surviving enemies within range. Players can engage in various strategies to win, such as holding control points, capturing enemy headquarters, or achieving lasting peace through diplomacy. Resources are managed through tile placement, including forts, farms, and shipyards, while various technologies can be researched. Maps are randomly generated with configurable sizes and characteristics, including water coverage and fog of war.