OK here's my idea in general!
Players: 3
-2 combattants; 1 supervisor who forms alliance with both players in order to maintain ship vision and therefore be able to comment on players actions (if a problem arises), state points,etc...but most importantly, see the entire battlefield!
Layout:
The map must be preferably large, with numerous dead-ends, black holes,etc in order to deceive the adversory (not to many though to become lost). This being said, black hole tech will have to be brought down to a tier 1 research in order to be exploitable from the start!
I would recommend 4 black holes on a small map, 6 on medium, 8 on large, which either lead to a specific point or (best for this sort of game as it allows more strategie and a bit of luck), have a random exit point!
Of course, maps must be symetrical!!! Also, in order to allow more fairness, the observer will start in center of the map and will spawn through his factories, the invulnerable and capturable ship which he will then activate the 'scouting mode'! Ie. computer takes over and runs off to explore, like any other scout ship! That way it's a race for each player not only to find it, but to track where it's going and manage to 'subdue it'! (the ship will of course be faster than the 2 players capture ships therefore leading to more strategy and fairness!).
Starting equipement:
Each beginning faction will have a factory and a set amount of resources (if possible)! If not, then (again if possible), the 'judge' uses a trainer to add himself a hell a lot of resources 5K of each which he then equally splits to both parties!
After ressources are given, the 'judge' starts a countdown : 10...9...8....7...etc and at 0 the game begins! (players may start their ships during countdown but CANNOT JUMP AWAY FROM THEIR PLANET! Again...something for the judge to verify!
During game, they will be 2 'refuelling periods' Ie. for the entire lenght of game, each player can ask for one refuel (which he must ask in all chat of course) which is basically a 'gift from the judge which gives him an extra 2.5K of all ressources!
Homeplanets (mostly asteroids..well actually something that doesnt allow for more than one extra factory construction) will be colonised and will start with one frigate factory. Like stated above, players may spend some of their ressources for another one but THATS ALL! NOTHING ELSE (well have to kill all other buildings)
Game:
Objective of the game is to bring the flag 'ship' inside your base! At which point the 'judge' stops the game, uses a capture ship of his own to reclaim the 'prize ship' which he brings back to center, then dismantles his cap ship and reactivates the 'scouting mode' on the 'prize ship'
Another countdown goes 10...9....8...7...etc! And round 2 starts! Repeat until a side gets 3 points OR until the other side has wasted all his ressources and capitulates!
Vessels:
SAME RACE FOR BOTH PLAYERS: (even though it makes no difference since ships from all sides will have exact same attributes).
-------For players:
1 Capture vessel (CONSIDERED AS CAP SHIPS TO LIMIT IT TO ONE AT A TIME!! FIRST IS FREE): (Ability; Capture Ship), Hull 500, shield 250, attack 5 per hit, speed factor x1.
Cost: Credits 750, Metal 1 000, Crystal 1 000
1 Killer: (Ability: none), Hull 1 000, shield 350, attack 50 per hit, speed factor x.5
Cost: Credits 500, Metal 400, Crystal 400
1 Quick strike craft, (Abilities: the ability that grants a temporary boost to speed cant recall the name), Hull 300, shields 100, attack 20 per hit, speed factor 1.5
Cost: Credits 300, Metal 300, Crystal 200
----For Judge: (OTHER RACE THAN BOTH PLAYERS)
1 Capture vessel (CONSIDERED AS CAP SHIPS TO LIMIT IT TO ONE AT A TIME!! FIRST IS FREE): (Ability; Capture Ship), Hull 500, shield 250, attack 5 per hit, speed factor x10 and instantenous jump (no antimatter cost on jump or extremely high regen) in order to quickly restart the round once a player has scored a point!
Cost for a new one on each subsequent round....well price doesnt matter since he has trainer and thus can give himself as much cash as he wants...but still well make it free
Cost: Credits 0, Metal 0, Crystal 0
Hope I inspired you all and been precise enough! Don't hesitate to ask questions! My numbers represent a certain percentage which can be modified (upgraded, downgraded...) but which I find fair! But time and testing will tell!!!