Lo-Fi Games

A very simple suggestion for Kenshi 2, one that I think is just as worthwhile as a single-save ironman mode. I think there should be the option to turn off the interactivity of the world map, so that it no longer serves as a GPS for the player to rapidly navigate their surroundings. Instead, it would function as a real hand-drawn map, i.e., as a point of reference that leaves determining one’s whereabouts up to the player.

Not only does this encourage the player to examine the game’s world by making them take note of landmarks to navigate their journeys (rather than travelling just by pulling up a map and clicking on it), but it also has far-reaching effects on the game in general that greatly increase immersion. Below are just a few differences I’ve noticed with Kenshi 1 after installing a mod to disable the world map:

• The Swamp feels more like a swamp and a very dangerous place, because the mist makes it especially easy to get lost and picked off by predators.
  
  Mongrel feels more secluded. Reaching it through the maze-like terrain and fogmen is much more of an accomplishment, and if you make it there, you genuinely might be stranded as its residents suggest.
  
  Searching for ruins feels like a true hunt. Without being able to click on the map to travel to a ruin’s exact location, and with how easy it is to get lost, you have to plan your expeditions carefully by stocking up on food, bringing camping equipment, hiring mercenaries for protection, etc. And even then, you might not find what you’re looking for.
  
  It's worthwhile to send scouts ahead of larger groups to locate threats, navigate difficult terrain, call for reinforcements, etc. Especially important in places like the Fog Islands.
  
  Fending off town raids requires more forward planning. You can’t check the map to see exactly how many enemies are approaching and where they are at any given moment. And summoning your elite squad from halfway across the continent isn’t nearly so easy when they need to travel along roads and use landmarks to avoid getting lost. Being at war feels a lot more insecure.

I could go on and on, but I think I've made the point. Just by taking away the interactive world map, Kenshi’s game mechanics and atmosphere come much more to life. This minor change hugely enhances the role-playing experience and that’s why I think it should be added as an option in Kenshi 2.