Feature idea: Challenge mode/puzzle mode

Does anyone else like the idea of a challenge/puzzle mode as opposed to free play? The idea is that rather than starting from scratch and working to complete the Wonders or some self imposed goal, a challenge mode map would have a custom challenge as a victory condition or a constraint, could start with pre-placed structures and resources, and can adjust gameplay mechanics like birthrates, lifespans, rate of evaporation, etc.

For example: Clean Up! The hoomans sure left a mess around here! Play as a scrappy group of Beaver Environmentalists trying to reclaim the wasteland. Win condition: remove all the scrap metal and cap all the badwater sources on the map. Constraint: you start with a group of 12 beavers and quite a few supplies. However, they do not reproduce. They will not die of old age, but can become injured, contaminated, or die on accidents or of hunger/thirst.

Another example: Paradise Lost! A former beaver settlement that suffered a devastating flood after a dam failed (oops!). Repair the dam, drain the contaminated water, and restore the lost city. Win condition: Achieve a happiness score of 65 and a workday of 2 hours or less. Constraints: Large leisure buildings cannot be constructed. You must use the ones that exist on the map already, which are flooded by the broken dam.

The idea of this mode is to offer different ways to play, and to introduce new players to the types of challenge runs I’ve seen advanced players do. I think this would be a good fit for the player-driven map development style of Timberborn as well. I’ve already seen players trying to make challenge style maps, and I think offering more opportunities to customize maps and player experience would make a positive change without requiring much development work.

The only things that would be required would be a Challenge Mode interface, essentially asking the player/mapmaker if they’re doing Challenge mode or Classic mode, the ability to place buildings during map building, and then access to control over a slightly larger set of parameters than can be seen in the Custom mode.

What are your thoughts?