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Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/27/2014 9:07:01 PM

balto

Posts: 1123
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From: Maryland
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Check it out. I thought this was a year away. If I get time this weekend, I will check it out.

If anyone else jumps in, let us know what you think.

Post #: 1

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/27/2014 10:27:56 PM

ASHBERY76

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Joined: 10/10/2001
From: England
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There is too much game cut out to give this a serious play and opinion.I had a 20 minute look and will shelf it for 6 months.The game looks like GC2 but with Hexes,better diplomacy portraits and some added nebula effects.

If ship combat and planet invasions are similar it looks like a sequel with no ambition at all.Basically a GC2 clone but we shall see.

< Message edited by ASHBERY76 -- 3/27/2014 11:28:25 PM >

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Post #: 2

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/27/2014 11:12:51 PM

Larsenex

Posts: 445
Joined: 12/31/2010
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Meh, I missed out on the 39.99 founder and I doubt I will pony up the Benjamin for an 'alpha' base game. Granted I really do love GC2 and will support most x4 type space games, I am bit stretched financially at this time to get it. Alpha is Alpha. Asher, if all they did was graduate GC2 to NEW DX 11, 64bit (for super large maps), hexes, and the same exact gameplay I would consider it superior.

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Post #: 3

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 1:41:32 AM

Cauldyth

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Uh, $99?

(in reply to Larsenex)

Post #: 4

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 1:43:54 AM

Icemania

Posts: 1847
Joined: 6/5/2013
From: Australia
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Yeah I'm Founder's Elite, may have a look at the Alpha at some stage, but will probably wait for the Beta. Will be monitoring community feedback that's for sure.

(in reply to Larsenex)

Post #: 5

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 1:59:58 AM

Icemania

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$99 is for Founders Elite which gives all future DLC/Expansions, Alpha Access and Founder's Vault Access. From the Gal Civ 3 FAQ $50 is the base price (i.e. for use later given it's at Alpha) but this was $40 for those that signed up early as a Founder (and which is upgradeable to Founders Elite).

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Post #: 6

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 2:30:32 AM

Cauldyth

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So to get early access, you have to commit to pre-ordering all of the expansion packs... things which may not have even been conceived yet, let alone announced... a full year before even the base game itself is available.

I think that's a pass for me.

(in reply to Icemania)

Post #: 7

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 3:00:30 AM

dougo33

Posts: 86
Joined: 11/23/2011
From: Eugene, Oregon
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Icemania

$99 is for Founders Elite which gives all future DLC/Expansions, Alpha Access and Founder's Vault Access. From the Gal Civ 3 FAQ $50 is the base price (i.e. for use later given it's at Alpha) but this was $40 for those that signed up early as a Founder (and which is upgradeable to Founders Elite).

I bought on early to be a founder. I downloaded the alpha today and played around with it. I think it looks very promising, but it is a work in progress. Based on the past GalCiv games, I think this will be good when completed.

<Edited for spelling>

< Message edited by dougo33 -- 3/28/2014 4:02:49 AM >

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Post #: 8

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 5:50:43 AM

Iwbtone

Posts: 58
Joined: 12/17/2012
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Glad to see this awesome pack, bcz including all future contents

and actually GalCiv 2 is my favourite 4x game last decade ,

but sadly i have bought DW + 3 expansions last year by 80+ dollars, atm not enough budget on GivCiv 3.

Really hope DWU will offer a deep discount for original DW oweners

(in reply to dougo33)

Post #: 9

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 5:53:24 AM

Kayoz

Posts: 1516
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From: Timbuktu
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$99 to be an alpha/beta tester seems pretty steep. What will they want for the finished product? $200?

I'll pass.

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Post #: 10

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 6:24:07 AM

Iwbtone

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Kayoz

$99 to be an alpha/beta tester seems pretty steep. What will they want for the finished product? $200?

I'll pass.

Take this price as a early access deluxe support edition, just like many games on Kickstarter, exp: planetary annihilation.
Actually retail's price is $50 according to official site info, and there was a $40 founder version on SD's site for a limited time.
Now it launched on steam, and only alpha stage now, Elite Founder version now is the only purchase option as same as official site.

(in reply to Kayoz)

Post #: 11

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 6:55:24 AM

Kayoz

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From: Timbuktu
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Iwbtone

Take this price as a early access deluxe support edition, just like many games on Kickstarter, exp: planetary annihilation.
Actually retail's price is $50 according to official site info, and there was a $40 founder version on SD's site for a limited time.
Now it launched on steam, and only alpha stage now, Elite Founder version now is the only purchase option as same as official site.

Deluxe support edition? I don't equate those terms with "alpha/beta tester". One shouldn't be paying a premium to help them test the bugs in their software - they should be offering a discount.

As for Kickstarter - most offer their products to supporters at less than the predicted price. If I'm reading you correctly, an extra $40 to TEST their software is downright absurd.

Count me in for a double pass. I'd rather have my eyes glued open to Justin Bieber videos.

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Post #: 12

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 10:03:08 AM

feygan

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Laughed at this when I saw it on another site, but at the same felt very envious of whoever originally stumbled on the genius that is early access and all it's sibling systems. This has to be the largest cash cow in the video game market since micro transactions in Farmville and all it's spawn. To think that at one point in history a game developer would needed to have spend countless hours in bathtubs contriving a refreshing concept, then pitched that idea (or sat jobless for months) to someone with a wealth of experience of current market trends who actually knew what sells and what doesn't . Finally they would of had to press ganged a slew of folks with more knowledge and experience to test the product and iron out issues before the final release day. Now they can simply churn out a any rubbish that has barely left concept stage and call it "early access".

However it is also a tragic statement about the general consumers of video games today as to how successful early access has become. I wonder if the buyers of all this stuff would so happily spend full price or more on an early access car where the brake system was in "development stage". True a car is entirely different from a simple video game you while away a few hours on, but it does show what sort of culture the general gaming community has become.

Kickstarter is also guilty of this though to some small extent a lesser degree, there have been a few good things on there that may not have seen the light of day otherwise. However in general it is yet again a few money scheme that manages to skip a real investor stage. Most investors do so for a monetary return, to invest in a product with nothing apart from a reduced version is madness. If the product has real legs it will get produced either by force of will from a dedicated inventor or when it is snapped up by a shrewd investor. In that case just go buy one when it is on a shop shelf at rrp. If folks have so much extra cash to throw free profit to others why not spend the 39.99 on the product at release and donate the extra to some worthy charity or research cause.

Of course all of this is only being said because I truly am bitter it was not I who devised this concept. Otherwise I would be the one buying a third island somewhere just to make my private jurassic park or such.

(in reply to Kayoz)

Post #: 13

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 10:28:39 AM

Icemania

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Kayoz
$99 to be an alpha/beta tester seems pretty steep. What will they want for the finished product? $200?

As I posted before the base game cost when released is $50 (if you missed the Founders $40 special) not $200, that is downright absurd.

Personally I'm not very interested in the Alpha or Beta. I'm happy to pay $99 for the DLC/Expansions, Founders Vault and to support a developer where I've more than got my money's worth out of Galactic Civilisations 2 and Sins of a Solar Empire (Base Games and Expansions). In short, I trust the developer to do the right thing based on my personal past experiences, but can appreciate why it is a stretch for others.

And yeah, for those who may want to Alpha/Beta Test, it's an interesting approach. Their Early Access Feedback Forum is certainly very busy at the moment regardless ...

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kayoz
Count me in for a double pass.

Win Win!

< Message edited by Icemania -- 3/28/2014 11:32:18 AM >

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Post #: 14

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 11:33:58 AM

TanC

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Yep, another pass from me too. Since it's going to be on Steam I'll just wait for that 75% off for a fully patched up game + expansions.

And DWU will be accompanying me all that time.

< Message edited by TanC -- 3/28/2014 12:34:58 PM >

(in reply to Icemania)

Post #: 15

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 3:26:19 PM

ASHBERY76

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I bought it for the lifetime DLC.The Stardock plan is

�The base game (which will list for $49.99 when released)
�The future expansion packs (we current have 4 planned)
�All DLC (we plan to do around 6 the first year and 4 per year subsequently as long as there is interest)

I think you will save money in you're the type to buy on release day.

I don't even like GC that much due to the bland combat and mechanics,lol but I bought all the expansions last time.

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Post #: 16

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 3:41:32 PM

Numdydar

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So you were their target audience

And it worked

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Post #: 17

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 4:34:58 PM

DevildogFF

Posts: 187
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From: Northern Virginia, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ASHBERY76

I bought it for the lifetime DLC.The Stardock plan is

�The base game (which will list for $49.99 when released)
�The future expansion packs (we current have 4 planned)
�All DLC (we plan to do around 6 the first year and 4 per year subsequently as long as there is interest)

I think you will save money in you're the type to buy on release day.

I don't even like GC that much due to the bland combat and mechanics,lol but I bought all the expansions last time.

Yeah, considering how good GalCiv 2 was and how much I enjoyed Legendary Heroes (still play it), this is such a good deal that I couldn't possibly pass it up. Stardock is one of the few remaining fantastic game development companies and I was elated to support them.

(in reply to ASHBERY76)

Post #: 18

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 5:04:19 PM

ricanuck

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quote:

ORIGINAL: TanC

Yep, another pass from me too. Since it's going to be on Steam I'll just wait for that 75% off for a fully patched up game + expansions. And DWU will be accompanying me all that time.

EXACTLY.

(in reply to TanC)

Post #: 19

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 5:27:31 PM

DrApostle

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There are many times when I am playing a game and will often think there was a better way to do some aspect of it. The alpha edition of Galactic Civilizations III was designed to allow this feedback to go back to the developer. The only problem is that if you open that process up to everyone or even to the wrong people, then the final product is not what it could be. So offering a $99 Founder elite option is a great option because the price point serves as the gatekeeper to filter people.

So if you are complaining about a company using this tactic, you are not the target audience. I'm not either - I opted for the $39.99 discounted pre-order (no longer available). I thought about doing the Elite Founder, but I thought I would enjoy the game better upon the beta stage. I have never regretted any money I have paid Stardock. Even when I was disappointed for a moment when I purchased Fallen Enchantress, Stardock surpassed my expectations with two different expansions including my favorite Legendary Heroes. So I was tempted to become part of the alpha just so I could be some part of shaping the game. Unlike the philosophy surrounding this forum, Stardock has a great relationship with its fans and incorporates feedback it receives.

Yes, $99 is a barrier to entry for Stardock III for many of you. I agree. I also think that $84.96 is a barrier to entry as well. $84.96 is the cost for a new player to pick up a game you and I enjoy - Distant Worlds along with the current expansions.

< Message edited by DrApostle -- 3/28/2014 6:28:37 PM >

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Post #: 20

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 7:03:04 PM

feygan

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DrApostle

There are many times when I am playing a game and will often think there was a better way to do some aspect of it. The alpha edition of Galactic Civilizations III was designed to allow this feedback to go back to the developer. The only problem is that if you open that process up to everyone or even to the wrong people, then the final product is not what it could be. So offering a $99 Founder elite option is a great option because the price point serves as the gatekeeper to filter people.

Sadly though this a filter with no settings, anyone who can throw up that money has the chance to influence the game outcome. I am guessing but willing to stake that in the past beta testers were hand picked based on what they could offer in constructive criticism. Now all a developer is going to get is input from the internet, and has been demonstrated many times in the past there is no more stupid entity than the internet.

I agree that a developer should be careful who they open up testing and influence to as it could radically alter the direction of the product. But no amount of price limit is going to work to solve that problem, price to low and you get the entire world mailing you their latest amazing uber idea. Price too high and you get nothing but extremely wealthy folks who now demand flesh for their coin.

I personally know of only two good early access games and they are both free, the thing that makes them work is the very fact they are free because the players do not have any expectations or demands. The second you ask for money you make someone a customer and they are entitled to make demands. If you then start saying things such as "this feature doesn't work yet" and so on, you only serve to piss off your no longer prospective but now very actual customers, and in turn you are totally changing the seller/buyer dynamic. With very few exceptions the whole early access style developing that is taking place lately is folks seeking shortcuts into an industry that others will have done the grind for in the past. This just allows people with little to no experience in actually running a project to completion quick funds with no responsibility for them.

(in reply to DrApostle)

Post #: 21

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/28/2014 7:28:02 PM

Hertston

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Following the Elemental disaster, no way Jose am I pre-ordering or 'early-accessing' this puppy, especially at that ridiculous price. Come full release, good reviews, and boredom with the now-several space 4X games superior to Galciv 2 that I own, I might think about it. I want to see how far the series has moved on.

Why Steam 'early access' at all? To me it stinks of "we screwed up last time, the finances are dire, so let's fleece the hardcore fans and loyal customers some more". When a developer is in that mode, be very wary indeed of the quality of what you are buying into. Yes, Stardock let you buy in early before (with minimal 'influence' on anything, incidently), but not at silly-money prices. They were legit release prices for box copies.

< Message edited by Hertston -- 3/28/2014 8:31:02 PM >

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Post #: 22

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 12:15:39 AM

DevildogFF

Posts: 187
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From: Northern Virginia, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Hertston

Following the Elemental disaster, no way Jose am I pre-ordering or 'early-accessing' this puppy, especially at that ridiculous price. Come full release, good reviews, and boredom with the now-several space 4X games superior to Galciv 2 that I own, I might think about it. I want to see how far the series has moved on.

Considering they went well above and beyond what ANYONE ELSE would have done to make up for that, I'm happy to throw my money at them and I pre-purchased the Collector's Edition of Elemental, so yeah....

If you don't want to support a game developer that took it upon themselves to right a wrong when NO ONE ELSE does, then that's your prerogative, but I'm happy to give them my money to support this type of behavior. Plus, GalCiv 2 is a classic to many, so I'm sure it will prove its worth.

(in reply to Hertston)

Post #: 23

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 1:10:59 AM

feygan

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DevildogFF

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hertston

Following the Elemental disaster, no way Jose am I pre-ordering or 'early-accessing' this puppy, especially at that ridiculous price. Come full release, good reviews, and boredom with the now-several space 4X games superior to Galciv 2 that I own, I might think about it. I want to see how far the series has moved on.

Considering they went well above and beyond what ANYONE ELSE would have done to make up for that, I'm happy to throw my money at them and I pre-purchased the Collector's Edition of Elemental, so yeah....

If you don't want to support a game developer that took it upon themselves to right a wrong when NO ONE ELSE does, then that's your prerogative, but I'm happy to give them my money to support this type of behavior. Plus, GalCiv 2 is a classic to many, so I'm sure it will prove its worth.

It is true they did do more than many game houses in regards to fixing things, however they also did drop a bomb. They didn't really fix things they simply abandoned the original game and brought out a new version charging the same as the original. While the new version has better AI less bugs etc it also lacked some features of the original. In short they simply patched up what could be patched and removed what was going to be hard work for them, then slapped on a new badge and counted the coins coming in. Yes they did offer owners of the original Elemental WOM a free upgrade, however this only lasted up to a set date. While the latest version of Fallen:LH is a good game in itself the history of the elemental franchise tears down the highlights of the current game.

Also the fact that Stardock did more than many (not all) houses would have does not speak wonders for Stardock themselves. Simply being better than an extremely bad bunch does not make you a paragon of virtue by default.

(in reply to DevildogFF)

Post #: 24

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 1:32:07 AM

Hertston

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DevildogFF

Considering they went well above and beyond what ANYONE ELSE would have done to make up for that, I'm happy to throw my money at them and I pre-purchased the Collector's Edition of Elemental, so yeah....

Like what? Give away the game Elemental should have been in the first place to those who paid for it early? It was the optimum survival strategy for Stardock; a smaller developer would have just gone under, a larger one just written it and that particular bunch of 'loyal customers' off, and and moved onto something else.

quote:

If you don't want to support a game developer that took it upon themselves to right a wrong when NO ONE ELSE does, then that's your prerogative, but I'm happy to give them my money to support this type of behavior.

If you want to believe they had any real choice, let alone one worth paying them $99 to applaud, that's up to you. I don't 'support' game developers, period, there are far more deserving charities. I do buy games from developers/publishers, though, and if they are any good I happily repeat the process.

quote:

Plus, GalCiv 2 is a classic to many, so I'm sure it will prove its worth.

Sword of the Stars is a classic to many, including me. Didn't stop SotS 2 being a turd.. for much the same reasons I worry GalCiv 3 might be. Still, your money.

< Message edited by Hertston -- 3/29/2014 2:33:18 AM >

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Post #: 25

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 2:05:00 AM

Qwixt

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I've been buying and playing Stardock games since Brad was on usenet and galciv 1 days. I have no problem buying the founder package. I got it the first week(day?) available from stardock. I got burned on elemental's release, but they more than made up for it to me.

(in reply to Hertston)

Post #: 26

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 3:08:29 AM

Jim D Burns

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From: Salida, CA.
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$99.00... Wait what? I thought all the Steam fans were railing on about cheaper games LOL. Pass for me as well, especially since your just renting the game from Steam.

Jim

< Message edited by Jim D Burns -- 3/29/2014 4:10:05 AM >

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Post #: 27

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 3:59:23 AM

aaatoysandmore

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A smart gamer nowadays doesn't buy anything new, alpha, beta, kapa, fi. It just doesn't make sense to pay $99 at all for anything when you know full well there's a time in the distant short time future that these games are going to be in the $5-$10 range and patched out the ying yang. There's just not anything that has a draw for me to buy it upon release anymore. Not after Rome 2 and Rebirth were such flops on release. If it was a once in awhile thing, maybe, but this is a growing trend in the industry to release stuff that just isn't finished and has more issues and flaws than you can shake a stick at. I think Rome 2 is up to 10 or 11 patches at this time. That's just ridiculous. The sad thing I'm reading about it is they didn't improve a lot of the issues players wanted like siege ai and fantasy ship building. Just move into water and presto instant chango you have a ship to ride around in. As bad as RTW was too it's still the better game overall with the Barbaranium mod.

(in reply to Jim D Burns)

Post #: 28

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 7:01:22 AM

gradenko2k

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It's fairly ironic that people are balking at a 99 USD price point on Matrix forums of all places.

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Post #: 29

RE: Gal Civ 3 is ready for alpha - $99 on Steam - 3/29/2014 7:47:14 AM

TanC

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$99 for a complete game? Yes, I'll pay for that. I paid more than that for the whole DW set up to Shadows. But $99 for one that's still up in the air? I'd rather bet safely and see where it goes. I've been burned by pre-orders. I will never do it again.

(in reply to gradenko2k)

Post #: 30