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Xhelos Reborn! Developing the Next Generation of Turn-Based Strategy with Laravel 12 and React

Tue, 2025-07-01 11:51 — superadmin

Xhelos Reborn! Developing the Next Generation of Turn-Based Strategy with Laravel 12 and React

Hello, Xhelos community!

We are thrilled to announce that Xhelos, our beloved turn-based strategy game, is undergoing a complete overhaul and a massive update, built from the ground up with the latest technologies: Laravel 12 for the backend and React for the frontend! This isn't just an update; it's a reimagining that will elevate the gaming experience to a new level of strategic depth and fluidity.

We know many of you have enjoyed the tactical complexity of Xhelos, and with this new version, we are expanding those horizons. Our focus remains on turn-based tactical combat with persistent units, but now backed by a robust and scalable architecture. Each Userwill have multiple Playerprofiles, and their Unitswill be persistent, existing even outside a game so you can build your ultimate roster.

What makes the new Xhelos so special?

 

Intuitive and Deep Game Flow

 

We've refined the game flow to ensure a clear and engaging experience. The game will progress through distinct phases: from the Lobby Phase and Deployment Phase, moving through the crucial Planning Phase where strategy comes alive, to the exciting Resolution Phase, and finally the End Phase where victory conditions are met.

 

A Dual-Layer Energy and Action Point System

 

Resource management is key in Xhelos. We've implemented a dual system that will challenge you to think several turns ahead:

  • Player Energy: A resource pool belonging to the player that is consumed when units perform actions and regenerates at the start of each turn.

  • Unit Action Points: Each unit has its own action points that limit how many actions it can perform per turn, also regenerating at the start of each turn. This combination forces you to balance both your overall team economy and the action economy of individual units.

 

Unprecedented Action Planning and Sequencing

 

A core strategic element is the ability to plan multiple sequential actions for a unit. Want to move, then attack, then reposition? You can plan it all! Actions are executed in the order they were planned (marked with Roman numerals I, II, III, etc.). The cancellation logic states that if a player cancels an action, all subsequent actions for that unit are also canceled. This sequencing system allows for complex tactical planning and combinations of actions.

 

Dynamic Resolution Based on Agility and Partial Resolution

 

When all players are ready, the Resolution Phase begins. Actions are resolved one by one, with the backend calculating the order based on unit initiative/agility. But here's the twist: Partial Resolution. If an action is blocked (e.g., a movement is intercepted), the unit will execute as much of the action as possible and then proceed to execute subsequent planned actions from its new position/state. This opens up a range of tactical possibilities, from clever blocks to controlled "friendly fire" situations.

 

Strategic Fog of War

 

The battlefield is a place of limited information. Our fog of war system ensures that each team has its own visibility map. Units can only see a certain distance around them, and allied units share visibility. Areas outside this visibility range are obscured, revealing progressively as your units explore and actions unfold. Get ready for surprises and ambushes!

 

Intuitive Frontend Interface with React

 

With React, we are building an incredibly responsive and user-friendly interface.

  • Unit Selection: A clear unit list at the bottom of the screen and a detailed information panel in the top-left will give you all the info you need.

  • Visual Action Selection: With lucide-reacticons, clear energy (⚡) and action point (AP) costs, and visual states for available, disabled, or on-cooldown actions, you'll always know what you can do.

  • Planned Actions Visualization: Your own planned actions will be shown in blue, while allied actions will be in light blue (celeste), with a "warning system" that allows teammates to suggest action reviews.

  • Immersive Resolution Cinematic: Watch as turns unfold on an interactive timeline, with the Fog of War animating as events are revealed. You'll have controls for play, pause, speed adjustment, and jumping to specific events.

 

What's Coming in the Future...

 

Our roadmap for Xhelos includes even more depth: enhanced unit customization with parts that grant specific actions, more complex action types (area effects, status effects, etc.), advanced fog of war mechanics with detection and stealth, weather and terrain effects on action execution, and a unit progression and experience system.

We are pouring all our passion and the power of Laravel 12 and React into this project to create a strategy video game that will keep you hooked for hours. Get ready for the next evolution of Xhelos!

Stay tuned for more development and release updates.

Sincerely, The Xhelos Team.