pasternakski -> RE: My POV (8/7/2008 5:52:11 AM)
|
Well, now, easy, everybody, let's give the luggage a break here. Still... Many have followed the development of the various Matrix-related attempts at "porting" cardboard-and-paper games to the computer, and many have been disappointed with the results so far. Consider EiA. It started many years ago as a project that would involve creation of a brand-new system that would present the Napoleonic age on a grand scale. Many of us, me included, oohed and aahed at the prospect. A year or so down the road, the project folded, and Matrix decided to figure out how to take the old EiA board game and turn it to the purpose. A dedicated little warrior named Marshall Ellis wound up saddled with the task. He and the limited resources available to him labored mightily and came up, at long last, with a product most feel is deeply flawed and certainly not faithful to the "beloved" board game. There have been other abortive attempts at this kind of adaptation, and I think that one lesson Matrix has learned is not to be in any hurry about putting something out there on the market, as another disaster is just not needed. I recall some time back one of the Matrix "wheels" stating almost in passing that it would be a cold day in he11 before he ever gets involved in a board game porting project again. So, Steve (Shannon O'keets) has more of a problem on his hands than just bringing forth a workable design that people will buy and respect. The future of boardgame-to-computer game conversion is likely at stake here, at least from the Matrix end (Decision games is finally finishing a long, wandering project of converting War in Europe, although it does not contain an AI and is not likely to sell many copies as a result). Give 'em time. It looks like it's going well. There will be plenty of b1tching about the finished product I'm sure, and many patches will ensue, but those responsible are being careful to "get it right," and I'm glad they are. I hope, though, that they get it done before I have to have 'em send my copy to the boneyard to be interred with me post mortem.
|
|
|
|