Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

Micromanagers Intro to Distant Worlds: Return of the Shakturi

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Distant Worlds 1 Series >> Micromanagers Intro to Distant Worlds: Return of the Shakturi Page: [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Micromanagers Intro to Distant Worlds: Return of the Sh... - 12/9/2010 11:50:35 PM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Welcome to my first after action report for Return of the Shakturi the new expansion pack for Distant Worlds!

While it will be left to other more intrepid emperors to chronicle their epic exploits of galactic domination. This humble after action report will be tuned to the micromagers among our ranks who revel in the details. Boy are you guys in for a great time with this expansion! By now Distant Worlds has already earned a reputation as one of the best balanced 4x games out there. And this expansion adds a new set of tools that maintains this balance by offering both micro and macro manager players a bevy of new tools and features that support both styles of play.

So this thread will cover the first ten years or so of starting an empire with an eye on the details. Of course, I'm sure that most of you are also interested in the big finish (and it is truly big!). So others will be posting more complete reports that will take you through an entire game.

So let's jump in and setup a new game.

The first screen has some new features and there has been some serious attention given to tweaking all the options to over a more exciting and balanced game.

As you can see, the research slider now provides you with the going price of level one technology as you move the slider left to right. While playing, you will notice that the pace of research at the default setting feels a bit different from the original game. A great deal of time was spent tweaking this option with an eye on how it affects play balance as well as how it triggers programmed events. The overall result brings a new strategic feel to the game that I for one found very appealing. Of course the entire research portion of the game has also be reworked bringing a new depth of play that brings even more relevance to these controls. In any event, you still have a great deal of control over the pace of research even with the additional factors to consider.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Erik Rutins -- 12/10/2010 5:18:28 PM >
Post #: 1
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 12:12:16 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Oops! Forgot to mention the new feature for Pirate starting locations! Pirates are one of the great aspects of Distant Worlds that tend to polarize players (yer either fer or agin em). In the original game most games began with a pirate base nearby, but now you can spread them out a bit more and give yourself a little breathing room before they come calling. Of course, some folks feel that "properly manipulated" the pirates can be quite useful, especially in the early stages of the game. Either way you get a bit more control to setup the game to your liking.

Moving along to the next screen you will notice I'm playing as an insectoid race. In this expansion, the Shakturi tend to like the insectoids (and hate everyone else) so it is my goal to make myself worthy in their eyes by ruthlessly conquering as much galactic real estate as I can before their inevitable arrival. Of course just being a bug is no guarantee of success. The expansion has also tricked out the political options so you will need to manage your military campaign in sync with your diplomatic efforts or well . . . get squashed.






Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 2
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 12:37:15 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Skipping to the last setup screen you will notice the options on the top right side of the screen allow you to select some, all, or none of the back story options to suit your taste. I’m leaving the original back story off so I can concentrate on the latest menace to universe as we know it.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 3
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 12:40:41 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Ta-da the new main interface screen!




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 4
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 12:50:58 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Let's just run through available tools quickly before we kick the game into gear.

The top left of the screen offers controls that lead back to the main menu and allow you direct access to the Galactopedia. And yes friends the trusty Galactopedia has been fully updated to include all the new stuff.

Also tucked into this corner are the game speed controls that continue to operate as before.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 5
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:14:49 AM   
WoodMan


Posts: 1345
Joined: 6/2/2010
From: Ol' Blighty
Status: offline 		um.... this isn't out yet???  After seeing this here I went looking for it in the store 

_____________________________

"My body may be confined to this chair, but my mind is free to explore the universe" - Stephen Hawking

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 6
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:17:22 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		The left edge of the screen is home to the new Empire Navigation Tool. This handy new panel seems to be in the habit of becoming more useful as your empire expands.
From top to bottom the icons display:
Your Colonies
Space Ports & Construction Yards
Mining Stations
Construction Ships
Exploration Ships
Enemy Targets
Fleets
Military Ships
Potential Colonies
Potential Mining Locations
Potential Research Locations
Potential Resort Locations
Special Locations
You will notice that some of the information has traditionally been available from several different menu screens. It actually took me a little while to break my old habits and rely on this tool for the bulk of information I need to make most decisions.
Of course all the original menus are still available so once again the game offers options to suit different playing styles.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 7
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:18:44 AM   
Erik Rutins

 

Posts: 37503
Joined: 3/28/2000
From: Vermont, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: WoodMan
um.... this isn't out yet???  After seeing this here I went looking for it in the store 


This is an authorized AAR from our test team, consider it a nice preview. Thanks, Justascratch!

I am going to move it out to the main forum for now though, just to give it extra attention.

Regards,

- Erik

_____________________________

Erik Rutins
CEO, Matrix Games LLC



For official support, please use our Help Desk: http://www.matrixgames.com/helpdesk/

Freedom is not Free.

(in reply to WoodMan)
Post #: 8
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:25:17 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		In this full screen image you can see how the Navigation Tool, main screen, and selection panel (bottom left) look when seen in concert. However the real power of the Navigation Tool comes into focus as your empire expands and you want quick access to a great deal of information such as when planning to infest (in mean visit) a vulnerable human colony.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 9
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:29:49 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Of course this is a new game so I don’t have any new colonies, but a take a look at this handy list of my active mining stations.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 10
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:33:24 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		As expected you do get some very handy scroll bars (above and below) as the lists grow. You know you’re cooking when your list of space ports needs a scroll bar!




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 11
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 1:57:04 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Down in the bottom left corner you will notice the standard selection panel has one or two new features as well. Most of them show up along the bottom row of icons depending on what item is currently active on screen.

Take a look at the little gold hammer.

That’s right my fellow hivers we can now build structures on our colonies! Of course you can’t build it until you research it. You'll find the plans buried in the host of new technologies that have been added to the game.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 12
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 2:04:34 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		I will now quote from the Galactopedia for the official buzzz on the map tool.

"At bottom-right is the Map. This displays a map of the surrounding area. When zoomed in to a system, it displays the surrounding planets and moons.

When zoomed out to the galaxy it displays the surrounding stars and nebula clouds.

The area displayed in the main view is indicated by the light blue rectangle in the middle of the map. You can change your location in the main view by clicking on the map.

At the left of the map are buttons to select different zoom-levels for the main view."






Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 13
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 2:10:03 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Just a quick correction. It's the little "Green" hammer that let's us build new structures on the planets. These details are important to the brotherhood of micromanagers!

I was hoping to post more this evening, but I need to pick up my daughter who is returning from a school field trip. I promise to continue as soon as I can.

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 14
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 2:13:09 AM   
Pipewrench


Posts: 453
Joined: 1/5/2010
Status: offline 		absolutely wonderful,

I was going to purchase GG War in the east but my wallet is waiting for your expansion first. Thanks for the work.....

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 15
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 2:46:40 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Since this is a new game the map window provides an efficient means to get the lay of the land and establish some strategic goals for the early part of the game.

Clicking on the bottom button brings up the Galaxy Map.

We’re playing in a clustered galaxy and opted to be located close to the edge on the initial setup screens. Looks like we have little to complain about.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Pipewrench)
Post #: 16
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 2:58:33 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Very quickly, let’s adjust the view to see how much of the galaxy my fledgling forces have managed to explore.

Notice that I’ve clicked on the Nova UV744 located close to my home planet. You can see that rather than give a general increase to all research, the prime research locations now provide bonus research point to specific areas of research. This certainly changes the strategic value of the individual sites and can alter resource and force deployment decisions as the game moves along.

It’s also nice to know that one of my construction ships is already set to build the proper type of research station at the site. Of course as a micromanager I will be controlling my construction ships in the early stages of the game but for now I think building a research station is a good idea.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 17
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 3:08:49 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		The next button up from the bottom of the Map Tool brings up the next level of magnification. From this vantage I have determined my early and midterm goals for galactic conquest.

My intent is to quickly swarm over the “local group” - the cluster holding my home planet.

This should provide enough resources to get a lean, mean, money making machine in place to finance my larger plan to simultaneously conquer the group to my left and the group above and to the right.

I’m rolling the dice that I won’t end up in a two front war too early in the game.

Plus it will impress my Queen Bee.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 18
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 3:22:39 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		And an click on the next button up on the map tool brings up the trusty sector map where I can begin to plan my initial ship deployments. From here I could click the nxt button on the map tool to zoom into my system view. But one of the unsung improvements in this expansion is some excellent adjustments to the zoom in feature for those of us using a mouse with a wheel. No more jumping in for a super close up with just a light touch on the wheel! Now the wheel zooms in nice and smooth.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 19
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 3:30:47 AM   
Simulation01


Posts: 540
Joined: 5/12/2010
Status: offline 		"plus it will impress my Queen Bee."

I love that!!!  I'm also loving that cluster map!!


_____________________________

"Tho' much is taken, much abides; and though we are not now that strength which in old days moved Earth and Heaven; that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will." -Tennyson

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 20
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 3:32:34 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		OK, enough with the maps. Let’s get a few more setup details out of the way so we can get on with the game.

Clicking on the "computer icon" at the top left of the screen takes us back to the main menu where we can select the Options menu.

This all pretty much works just as before, except you will see a few subtle changes. For example in the Automation section you can see a new option to select manual or automatic control over building new facilities.

As always this screen is all about serving up the game just the way you like it. For my game I’ve set the options as they appear in this screen shot.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 21
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 3:40:38 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Before jumping back to main screen I want to click on the Empire Settings button so I can tweak the default behavior of my attack fleets.
I usually want my invasion fleet to press on to their target without veering off mission to engage any system defense fleets in the area. Of course this strategy is only effective if I have one or two fleets in the system providing a screen for the transports and bombers.






Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 22
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 3:51:30 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		It’s getting late, but I’m going to try and press on so I can get my initial research objectives setup. Research just happens to be one of my favorite parts of the game so you can bet I’m enjoying myself as I make these next few posts.

A great deal of work went into this area and truth be told, I’d have bought this expansion for the new research options alone.

So here it is, the new research screen.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 23
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:09:11 AM   
dawilko

 

Posts: 87
Joined: 2/25/2008
Status: offline 		Mate I appreciate your dedication! You keep posting I'll keep reading!

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 24
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:09:55 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Research is still divided between the primary fields of weapons, energy, and high tech. But the entire dynamic of this function has been expanded to give the player more options and more control.

Since the screen defaults to the weapons field, lets begin there.

We can see that Energy Torpedo Weapons is the currently active research project since the number (1) appears in parentheses after the project name and the border around the project is pulsing from yellow to orange.

In this screen I am hovering the mouse over the project to bring up the project description. Just under the project name you can see the option to right-click to cancel this project and the option to left click to rush the project to an earlier completion by paying for the research in cash.

This project level 1 project will cost 60K to build (remember the cost/speed of research slider from the setup screen?) and it is currently 28% complete.

The final data provides the operational specifications for this first generation torpedo.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 25
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:10:02 AM   
Kregoth

 

Posts: 13
Joined: 12/9/2010
Status: offline 		It looks like the blue is everything you have queued but the torpedo is the only one actually getting any progress. Does that many only one tech in that area can be researched at once? I though laser weapons and torpedoes research was separate.
I am also guessing the top portion where the diagonal red lings for wave weapons are is tech you cant research??

< Message edited by Kregoth -- 12/10/2010 4:19:51 AM >

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 26
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:15:31 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Like the original, the game randomly chooses the beginning project so you never know what you will get until you take a look. I'm going to cancel this project (It won't cost any money to do so and I can pick-up later just where I left off).

The reason for teh cancelation is simple - the expansion pack gives us fighters!

I want em.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 27
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:24:29 AM   
Spacecadet

 

Posts: 1780
Joined: 4/18/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Kregoth

It looks like the blue is everything you have queued but the torpedo is the only one actually getting any progress. Does that many only one tech in that area can be researched at once? I though laser weapons and torpedoes research was separate.
I am also guessing the top portion where the diagonal red lings for wave weapons are is tech you cant research??


All three areas are researched at the same time (unless crash researching), but only one item per area at a time (Weapons, Energy, High Tech).

You can queue up as many items as you want though and they'll be researched in progression as each item is completed.



(in reply to Kregoth)
Post #: 28
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:29:36 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		Of course, in a highly customizable game like DW players will chart their own course through the tech tree. But, if you take the time to align your research with your playing style and to compliment the good and bad characteristics of your chosen race and government, the overall effort can be quite rewarding. One thing is for sure, when you meet another race it's a safe bet you ships will be very different from each other.

Now that my fighters are in the queue, it's time to line up one or two more projects in this area before moving on to energy.

I've clicked on Enhanced Beam Weapons making them next up in the weapons research queue. You can add and delete projects to the queue to your hearts content (is this cool or what?)

Here is another fantastic feature - The enhanced beam weapons are an upgrade to my entry level Maxos Blaster! That's right a genuine upgrade that will be applied across my entire fleet once research is complete! Easily worth the money, but also adds great depth to your strategic choices. Is it best to spend more on the final upgrade in a weapon line or diverge into a new weapon line that will eventually provide better weapons but also require new ship designs. Score one for micromanagement!





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 29
RE: Micromanagers Into to Distant Worlds: Return of the... - 12/10/2010 4:37:05 AM   
Justascratch


Posts: 321
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		It's always a good idea to have projects in the queue since any money left over from the previous project will be applied to the next (unless the queue is empty).

So as you can see I've decided to pick-up the torpedo project just where I left it as the third item in my queue.

Then I want to get a better class of fighter in the field to keep an edge in air superiority.

Finally, I want to start researching Missile weapons. It's a safe bet other empires will have their own fighters so I want to get those missile point defense systems in place before any major encounters.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Justascratch)
Post #: 30
Page:   [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Distant Worlds 1 Series >> Micromanagers Intro to Distant Worlds: Return of the Shakturi Page: [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

3.641