OK, I am going to send a series of quick emails as I work through my first game.
First 10 minutes: Download & setup for windows was flawless. Updates loaded w/o any problem.
I usually copy my serial numbers from an email copy of my invoice or in this case from the invitation to participate in the BETA. I was unable to paste the serial number. This is a very small thing but pasting is quicker and does prevent typo errors.
Game Setup Menu system looks nice & navigates easily and intuitively. Hopefully more faction choices in future expansions.
Effective soundtrack for this section, definitely helps begin suspension of disbelief - has a nice sci-fi feel.
Off to a great start.
First Game: Justascratch
Moderator: Pandora Moderators
Re: First Game: Justascratch
I've been playing about 30 minutes as the Noxium Corporation. I am on a huge planet and started off in the ice and snow of the far North. No doubt about the Alpha Centauri feel of the game.
The opening pace seems quick and there is "something of some sort or another" on a large percentage of the tiles (even in the desolate north). It keeps the player thinking & provides immediate rationale for researching better units.
The graphics are very colorful and my immediate impression was that the wide variety of terrains, aliens, & factions do help create that "just one more turn" appeal right out of the gate.
Nice ease of use for such a complex environment. The game has so far been playable without documentation. But I can't help but feel this is due more to my long time playing of Civilization.
The only negative I have (and it may be too early to tell) is the feeling of being out of touch with the game mechanics. I can see a great deal of data, but don't have an understanding of what decisions I should be making as a result. I am a bit of a micromanager at heart.
More later.
The opening pace seems quick and there is "something of some sort or another" on a large percentage of the tiles (even in the desolate north). It keeps the player thinking & provides immediate rationale for researching better units.
The graphics are very colorful and my immediate impression was that the wide variety of terrains, aliens, & factions do help create that "just one more turn" appeal right out of the gate.
Nice ease of use for such a complex environment. The game has so far been playable without documentation. But I can't help but feel this is due more to my long time playing of Civilization.
The only negative I have (and it may be too early to tell) is the feeling of being out of touch with the game mechanics. I can see a great deal of data, but don't have an understanding of what decisions I should be making as a result. I am a bit of a micromanager at heart.
More later.
Re: First Game: Justascratch
I am dead.
It was glorious! My forces we overrun, improvements destroyed & well you know.
I wish the combat animations were a bit more balanced. I could see my unit use the flamethrower, but the alien attacks were less exciting. I honestly thought my units had gotten by without any damage in the first two combats until I noticed the heal button become active.
Need to get some food.
I will try another game later today.
It was glorious! My forces we overrun, improvements destroyed & well you know.
I wish the combat animations were a bit more balanced. I could see my unit use the flamethrower, but the alien attacks were less exciting. I honestly thought my units had gotten by without any damage in the first two combats until I noticed the heal button become active.
Need to get some food.
I will try another game later today.
Re: First Game: Justascratch
I've been playing for a little while and had to start several games (6 or 7) on normal difficulty before I was able to get a foothold and build a second city. I had the feeling that might be a little tough for more casual players that could make up the bulk of the market.
I was unable to warm up to the research section as it seemed very linear and didn't provide much room to approach research on a strategic level. As the game moves on, this seemed to clear up a bit, but while it serves it's purpose, it just didn't seem to be fun.
The game behaves very well and exploring Pandora is very enjoyable.
However, by the end of the first game it felt "less fun" than it did when I started. The best way I can describe it is that it doesn't feel like there is enough to do on each turn. Maybe more city planning would help in this regard.
I have played at least half a game with each faction & think the differences between them does translate into a different playing style that feels satisfying.
Also, I enjoyed the graphics and music score.
I will be away for a few days but hope to play more this weekend.
I was unable to warm up to the research section as it seemed very linear and didn't provide much room to approach research on a strategic level. As the game moves on, this seemed to clear up a bit, but while it serves it's purpose, it just didn't seem to be fun.
The game behaves very well and exploring Pandora is very enjoyable.
However, by the end of the first game it felt "less fun" than it did when I started. The best way I can describe it is that it doesn't feel like there is enough to do on each turn. Maybe more city planning would help in this regard.
I have played at least half a game with each faction & think the differences between them does translate into a different playing style that feels satisfying.
Also, I enjoyed the graphics and music score.
I will be away for a few days but hope to play more this weekend.