|
desicat -> Initial Thoughts (4/22/2015 2:16:55 AM)
|
I have had the opportunity to play several scenarios using various countries and I would state that the game runs relatively smoothly at this point for an EA game. I have only experienced a "crash" during computer controlled combat.
Realm Diversity - This is a strength. Each Realm has a unique background, "feel", military and/or economic objectives, and unit roster. I would like to see either another Orc or Dwarf Realm in either the far west or southwest portion of the continent, just to break up the mass of human Realms. I also like how each Realm has differing numbers of agents and heroes. To me this adds to their different "feel". Many are calling for more heroes, agents, and forts via building options - I'm not sure I agree. Maybe and additional hero or agent could be made available per a set number of captured provinces or landmarks?
Combat - I played on the "hard" difficulty. In the tactical battles the AI made some solid moves, but it could make better use of archers, siege units, and overall army diversity. The strategic battles seemed to be too bloodless and not very decisive. I do like how both methods of battle are required - it makes one decide where to place leaders for best effect. The various unit special abilities add excellent flavor to the game. It would be nice if the realms had more unique unit cards instead of sharing.
Diplomacy - The UI needs work as it is clunky and there isn't always a lot to do. Trade is nice but individual goods tend to pile up over time. I don't think the "good" "evil" "neutral" alignments should have as much weight on relations as the current geopolitical situation and current Realm power levels.
Economy - Each province can be upgraded by a cost dependent upon their racial affinity. Elves can build up forests cheaper than dwarves - who can build cheaply in the mountains, etc. I have fount the this needs to be balanced as over the course of conquest many boarder provinces end up with a zero economy and never get built back up. It is more economical to build up the core capital province as it is always aligned with the racial affinity. Realms like Icespire would take forecver to build up a decent economy with all the surrounding plains provinces.
Magic - This seems underpowered and not really worth the gold investment. It may be better to use resources like "alchemy" or "contraband" to cast or research spells. The spells need to be reviewed so they make more sense for the countries involved, and not every country needs to have a magic track. Maybe some Heroes could come with a few spell powers?
Leaders - It would be nice if the leaders were unique with individual cards, or at least unique to each race or realm. Powers like "Taskmaster" are great thematically for Orcs but don't make seance to me for humans. Things could be jumbled up by having different race leaders available as mercenaries, or possibly available on the open market.
Campaigns - Each Realm has numerous campaigns to choose from, some are economic, conquest, or diplomatically oriented. It would be nice if there were differing branches for the campaigns to enhance replayability. Right now some of the campaigns are a bit too difficult or unbalanced, but that is part of EA.
I really enjoy the game. It currently isn't too deep, although many on the Steam pages are requesting to make it more like EU, CK, or Dominions - I hope the developers don't send the game into the weeds. They are taking suggestions and I'm sure they are planning on implementing much more depth into the game.
|
|
|
|
