RE: After many patches - now worth getting?

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RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/9/2010 6:51:09 PM

Wayston

Posts: 18
Joined: 4/17/2010
Status: offline

I found sins of a solar empire to be boring, don't know about the expansions though

distant worlds is more interesting for me with its more complex economics, but unfortunatly the strategic AI is moronic which for me ruins the military aspect of the game, the only question is how fast I can marshall enough troops to take over enemy planets at will

(in reply to Fishman)

Post #: 31

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/9/2010 10:33:50 PM

Huskalator

Posts: 212
Joined: 5/17/2002
From: Kansas
Status: offline

This game doesn't look like a buy for me yet but I'm keeping it on my wait and see list.

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(in reply to jscott991)

Post #: 32

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/9/2010 11:10:23 PM

Baleur

Posts: 372
Joined: 1/18/2010
Status: offline

I bought it at release. And I've never once actually had fun with this game. I hope that says enough.
I like the concept, the core game idea, etc etc etc, but I'm not having fun. So in reality there is little reason to spend IRL time playing it.

(in reply to Huskalator)

Post #: 33

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/9/2010 11:12:08 PM

jscott991

Posts: 530
Joined: 4/23/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Baleur

I bought it at release. And I've never once actually had fun with this game. I hope that says enough.
I like the concept, the core game idea, etc etc etc, but I'm not having fun. So in reality there is little reason to spend IRL time playing it.

Very well put.

I've played tons of hours. I'm tempted to play right now. But it won't be fun. It's about testing for corruption. Or testing for early game economic balance. Or trying to fight with the automated AI to help with testing. There's a theme here.

(in reply to Baleur)

Post #: 34

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/9/2010 11:45:30 PM

Kruos

Posts: 129
Joined: 5/5/2010
From: France
Status: offline

The game is still under development, it is true. I have started with the 1.0.4, and I to say that I am having lot of fun with it, even if some aspect of the game still need some improvment (ui, weapon balance as far as I know).

So to answer the original question : Yes, in its 1.0.4 version I can attest that, for me, it is worth a buying. :)

(in reply to jscott991)

Post #: 35

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/10/2010 4:51:13 AM

FerretStyle

Posts: 157
Joined: 3/30/2010
Status: offline

Well, if they really fixed the mining station detach bug I'd say it's worth it

It is a good game, my only complaint being the lack of micromanagement. Even with everything on manual I've felt a general lack of need for my input, and that I'm only doing very basic things outside of ship design (which in and of itself is not terribly complicated), and simplicity is not something I look for in games like this. I would have liked some planetary management options beyond setting tax levels, and some control over the private sector, etc. Of course this is the fundamental design of the game and if that's your thing you'll love it.

(in reply to jscott991)

Post #: 36

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/10/2010 2:35:10 PM

DiggyDad

Posts: 44
Joined: 6/28/2009
Status: offline

I really like this game. I love the concept of a living civilization and galaxy. However, once you get the hang of not going broke and growing at a reasonable level the challenge drops off considerably. The AI does not put much of a fight if you enjoy conquest by military type games. Its even worse at putting on some kind of offense. If however, the AI gets smarter by patches and updates it has the potential to be the next MOOII, imho. Of course 'potential' is an awfully big word.

(in reply to FerretStyle)

Post #: 37

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/11/2010 11:16:05 AM

Sigh

Posts: 74
Joined: 4/12/2010
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If the idea of "investing" in a game (that you could just buy later when...if... it does work) and possibly losing your investment is attractive to you then by all means buy the game

If you want to actually enjoy a well designed and well polished game after shelling out 50 bucks then stay clear. WAY clear

(in reply to DiggyDad)

Post #: 38

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/11/2010 3:13:21 PM

Bartje

Posts: 308
Joined: 4/27/2010
From: Netherlands
Status: offline

***Sigh***

...

Call me a fanboy...

(in reply to Sigh)

Post #: 39

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/11/2010 8:08:07 PM

Arnir

Posts: 482
Joined: 10/12/2002
From: Alberta. In Texas.
Status: offline

It's still a work in progress. The patches both fix and break things, even the non-beta patches break things. They are working diligently to fix those issues. So, I think it comes down to do you have other things to play right now and want to wait - or - do you want to help test the patches and perhaps have a significant impact on the future of the game? (That's the positive way of putting it. Others might say do you want to be a beta tester?) The game experience will vary with each new patch or so it seems. If you like figuring out puzzles I think this is a game for you!

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(in reply to Bartje)

Post #: 40

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/12/2010 8:09:34 AM

Wayston

Posts: 18
Joined: 4/17/2010
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compared to many other strategy games this game was already really good at the time of release, but I can see why people would hold back their purchase until it gets further and further polished

(in reply to Arnir)

Post #: 41

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/15/2010 6:59:36 AM

the1sean

Posts: 854
Joined: 5/11/2010
From: Texas, USA
Status: offline

This is a really engaging 4X that feels alive. Sins is isnt designed to be a long term single player game, its an RTS combat game with 4X elements, not a pausable real-time 4X. Does that make any sense? So yeah, if you are looking for a fun "Paradox" style 4X definitely give Distant Worlds a shot. I like it better than Hearts of Iron 3, the AI is way more capable.

(in reply to jscott991)

Post #: 42

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 12:20:06 AM

Keston

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Joined: 5/7/2010
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There is a lot to like, and a lot of rough edges. I like the EU-style sandbox approach and DW has a good feel that way. The live economy is a great core concept, and a lot of the other concepts, but the practicalities of playing can get hard.

It's complex, and hard to figure out what's really going on under the hood even with the PDF manual - still mostly trial and error and jumping through the galacopedia, which I hope is updated with info and strategy tips.

The one issue that runs through the game is the UI is set up so it's hard to get context and info for decisions without bouncing around. You can jump to a recent event, but then must zoom out for the question "where am I?" and what ships may be in range, then back in several times to check what they are doing, select, give orders by zooming in elsewhere to click etc.

It could use some dashboard tools. Split screens should be used to enable identifying the location and facts of events (it's a big map with lots of stars, planets, ships and other things floating around in space) and making it easier to interact between ships/bases/etc. at different locations (like seeing a ship under attack, a zoomed out window showing location and nearby warships, and being able to access those ships using thumbnail windows of waht they are doing and just click on target in the initial window). It's not that I mind the process of doing something to respond a lot - it's the process of seeing what's happening and deciding if anything can/should be done (should be easier).

(in reply to the1sean)

Post #: 43

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 1:01:11 AM

Spoot

Posts: 9
Joined: 8/22/2003
From: Fighting Evil Doers Wherever They May Be!
Status: offline

I too am still considering this game, and this thread has been very helpful. I do enjoy 4x games and there are so few created that part of me simply wants to support the fact that someone made the game in the first place.

Side Note: My personal view on SoSE is that it is a boring game, with such things as static guns, that face in one direction only and never move in the direction they are firing. Also, I think it was borderline underhanded how all patches for Sins were stand alone until the biggest and best patch came out that forced users to download and use Impulse if they wanted to patch their game ever again.
It was at that point I uninstalled all my Stardock games and never looked back, and will never buy another from them.

< Message edited by Spoot -- 5/16/2010 1:03:07 AM >

(in reply to Keston)

Post #: 44

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 3:47:35 AM

jpowell

Posts: 3
Joined: 2/14/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Spoot

Side Note: My personal view on SoSE is that it is a boring game, with such things as static guns, that face in one direction only and never move in the direction they are firing. Also, I think it was borderline underhanded how all patches for Sins were stand alone until the biggest and best patch came out that forced users to download and use Impulse if they wanted to patch their game ever again.
It was at that point I uninstalled all my Stardock games and never looked back, and will never buy another from them.

Couldn't agree less. SoSE is a quick, intense RTS space game; it is not a 4X game. In any case, the program is stable, the graphics gorgeous, and the interface intuitive. Impulse isn't perfect, but it is free and unobtrusive.

I love 4X games and all too often I am a sucker to purchase those few published regardless of their faults (e.g., Armada 2625). Distant Worlds makes me uneasy however. At least A2625 was sold by several trust-worthy vendors (including Matrix). The sole source for DW is Matrix, and apparently by download only so I can't check with retailers for their complaint experience with the game. I've never heard of Code Force, and the lack of a demo often means the gameplay won't sell the product. None of the major game magazines have reviewed DW. I have been following the Matrix forums daily, and am disquieted by the persistent reports of game-killing bugs, defective AI, and overwhelming complexity. As the old saying goes, a game should be quick to pick up and take a lifetime to master, not the other way around.

I'll continue to watch the forums before deciding whether to buy DW or move on.

(in reply to Spoot)

Post #: 45

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 4:23:16 AM

blastpop

Posts: 395
Joined: 11/27/2005
From: Connecticut
Status: offline

I feel much the same as jpowell about the game. Despite the chorus of those who like and enjoy the game, I will take a longer wait and see attitude before I purchase. There are plenty of games on my hard drive to keep me busy for the moment. It comes down to the old adage- too many games, not enough time.

(in reply to jpowell)

Post #: 46

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 5:09:34 AM

mim_uk

Posts: 4
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jpowell

quote:

ORIGINAL: Spoot

Side Note: My personal view on SoSE is that it is a boring game, with such things as static guns, that face in one direction only and never move in the direction they are firing. Also, I think it was borderline underhanded how all patches for Sins were stand alone until the biggest and best patch came out that forced users to download and use Impulse if they wanted to patch their game ever again.
It was at that point I uninstalled all my Stardock games and never looked back, and will never buy another from them.

Couldn't agree less. SoSE is a quick, intense RTS space game; it is not a 4X game. In any case, the program is stable, the graphics gorgeous, and the interface intuitive. Impulse isn't perfect, but it is free and unobtrusive.

I love 4X games and all too often I am a sucker to purchase those few published regardless of their faults (e.g., Armada 2625). Distant Worlds makes me uneasy however. At least A2625 was sold by several trust-worthy vendors (including Matrix). The sole source for DW is Matrix, and apparently by download only so I can't check with retailers for their complaint experience with the game. I've never heard of Code Force, and the lack of a demo often means the gameplay won't sell the product. None of the major game magazines have reviewed DW. I have been following the Matrix forums daily, and am disquieted by the persistent reports of game-killing bugs, defective AI, and overwhelming complexity. As the old saying goes, a game should be quick to pick up and take a lifetime to master, not the other way around.

I'll continue to watch the forums before deciding whether to buy DW or move on.

Re: "At least A2625 was sold by several trust-worthy vendors (including Matrix). The sole source for DW is Matrix, and apparently by download only so I can't check with retailers for their complaint experience with the game. I've never heard of Code Force, and the lack of a demo often means the gameplay won't sell the product. "

AFAIK, DW is Codeforce's first game. They all have to start somewhere.

(in reply to jpowell)

Post #: 47

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 6:29:58 AM

Tophat1815

Posts: 1824
Joined: 1/16/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jscott991

Does no one ever have a large empire in this game? Is everyone always stuck with like 20 colonies, 30 AI empires, and tons of cash because you don't bother to buy anything?

Put a game on full auto, have only one other AI nation, and avoid war.

Watch what happens to your economy when you crest 150, 180, 200, etc. colonies. Your income stream dries up.

In going through this entire thread is this the game killing bug? This seems to be the only issue listed by someone that has actually bought and played the game in this thread. Fishman just says no don't buy it stay away,but doesn't say why? I do believe he has the game and with his personality seems he may just be sarcastically making a remark.

Now jscott991 seems to like every star-system with a viable planet to have a colony on it and when he gets somewhere over 100+ he can't understand why the corruption level is staggering and stagnating his empire.Alright,its a point.

Anyone else with a bug that still exists in version 1.0.4.6? And please don't make "there is no demo"therefore something is amiss claims.

(in reply to jscott991)

Post #: 48

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 7:27:03 AM

ceyan

Posts: 168
Joined: 7/3/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Tophat1812

In going through this entire thread is this the game killing bug? This seems to be the only issue listed by someone that has actually bought and played the game in this thread. Fishman just says no don't buy it stay away,but doesn't say why? I do believe he has the game and with his personality seems he may just be sarcastically making a remark.

Now jscott991 seems to like every star-system with a viable planet to have a colony on it and when he gets somewhere over 100+ he can't understand why the corruption level is staggering and stagnating his empire.Alright,its a point.

Anyone else with a bug that still exists in version 1.0.4.6? And please don't make "there is no demo"therefore something is amiss claims.

The problem was the corruption system was supposed to have a cap on it, but it didn't (or wasn't working properly), and its been fixed as of 1.0.4.6 (or, more accurately, a working cap has been applied).

quote:

I love 4X games and all too often I am a sucker to purchase those few published regardless of their faults (e.g., Armada 2625). Distant Worlds makes me uneasy however. At least A2625 was sold by several trust-worthy vendors (including Matrix). The sole source for DW is Matrix, and apparently by download only so I can't check with retailers for their complaint experience with the game. I've never heard of Code Force, and the lack of a demo often means the gameplay won't sell the product. None of the major game magazines have reviewed DW. I have been following the Matrix forums daily, and am disquieted by the persistent reports of game-killing bugs, defective AI, and overwhelming complexity. As the old saying goes, a game should be quick to pick up and take a lifetime to master, not the other way around.

Hell, if I hesitated based on that criteria I'd be a helluva lot richer and my bookshelf might actually have room for books. There has been nothing game killing about Distant Worlds yet. There have been issues which has impacted a player's personal play style, to the point where they felt it was pointless to play the game, but there has yet to be a issue which has affected the ability to play the game by the customer base at large.

Really, you have to take complaints in context. Overwhelming complexity might be a valid complaint if the game wasn't designed to allow you to play it with absolutely no complexity (unless deciding whether to pay off pirates or not is complex) and let you add as much, or as little, as you want. The AI may do stupid things, but getting a good AI right is hard as hell, and even then there is only so much you can do. And CodeForce has proven they're working to make it better.

< Message edited by ceyan -- 5/16/2010 7:35:03 AM >

(in reply to Tophat1815)

Post #: 49

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 8:12:20 AM

Pipewrench

Posts: 453
Joined: 1/5/2010
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If your into Sci-fi and owned a telescope when you were young this is a must buy. On the other hand there are many things to work with the play mechanics to keep the game challenging and balanced.

(in reply to ceyan)

Post #: 50

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 8:31:33 PM

DasTactic

Posts: 1083
Joined: 10/10/2005
Status: offline

I think what throws people off a bit before they play it is that when many of us are saying that the game has balancing issues - it isn't really as bad as it sounds. The game is enormous in its scale and scope and for a game like this you will always have balancing issues. Most other games are much more contained because of scale so balance seems to be a bigger issue for these games.

I own GalCiv, SotS, Sins, Armada 2526 and many other space genre games and even at 90% this game is by far the best in my opinion.

(in reply to Pipewrench)

Post #: 51

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 9:50:36 PM

tkobo

Posts: 16
Joined: 2/8/2001
Status: offline

The bigegst game ending bug ive come across so far, is the save games stop working.
So even IF you persevere thru the ctds,at some point your save just might stop working ,and no matter how much you might want to continue even with the ctds,you cant because your last save simply wont load .

Ive got about 9 of these right now.....

(in reply to DasTactic)

Post #: 52

RE: After many patches - now worth getting? - 5/16/2010 11:15:06 PM

Tophat1815

Posts: 1824
Joined: 1/16/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: tkobo

The bigegst game ending bug ive come across so far, is the save games stop working.
So even IF you persevere thru the ctds,at some point your save just might stop working ,and no matter how much you might want to continue even with the ctds,you cant because your last save simply wont load .

Ive got about 9 of these right now.....

Took a quick look and didn't see this listed in the tech support forum. What are the particulars? Are you using the latest patch 1.0.4.6? Make a report in the tech support forum listing all pertinent data and last save if possible.

(in reply to tkobo)

Post #: 53