Re: Favorite Game?
 

I wasn't sure if I was allowed to advertise my own related products on my own site here, but since someone already mentioned it...

Yes, I self-published a sequel to Interstellar Trader, about 8 months ago, before Shrapnel's offer came to fruition. Trader 2 adds and changes quite a bit about the game based on customer input and suggestions (and complaints, of course). More starting money, more special encounters, more combat control and more investment choices, upgraded graphics and information display/interface improvements.

Site is at: http://www.stormcloudcreations.com

Feel free to check it out if you wish. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Favorite Game?
 

1) YE HA Taz-in-Space has the same order of what i voted for.COPY CAT http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif
2) Interstellar Trader 2 is great Stormcloud Creations http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif , Ive email a list of more expansion ideas,get ready,there really good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif .

Re: Favorite Game?
 

Thanks HEMAN! I appreciate both your kind support and your great ideas for additions to the Trader game. To be honest, i'm not too sure about the future of the Trader 2 game (whether Shrapnel will want that game as well) and the franchise itself; if I do add stuff on the level you wrote me about (yes, I read your great e-mail), it would change the fabric of the game quite a bit, and I would probably do a whole new sequel rather than as an add-on.

I'm trying out new directions with my next secret project (which based on earlier conversations with Shrapnel, they're interested in publishing as well). To HEMAN and all readers/lurkers: When more details develop, watch here for them!

Re: Favorite Game?
 

I just played a little bit the Trader II. I am really impressed. Now i would wish just only 2 things for this game:

- a "certain" distance from one planet to another. This means I can calculate the fuel usage. Also fine would be a %chance estimation if pirates (and what kind of pirates) are attacking at a certain "route" or planet or not. In this way I can decide if I travel along more dangerous pirate infested routes or along more saver routes for trading.

- planet should provide similar goods for trading the most time I am visiting them. Or have just a certain amount of native produced goods.

all in all a really fine game
klausD

Re: Favorite Game?
 

Thanks KlausD! I appreciate it. As you can see, I actually did incorporate some of the stuff you mentioned in your earlier post about Trader 1, and other players mentioned (more combat control, etc). Of course with the cool new visuals and interfaces it cost roughly 10X what Trader 1 cost to make. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Favorite Game?
 

I would not mind to pay a "normal" price of 50$ or so for a good TB space trader game.
But joke aside, do you really think that my 2 suggestions do add that much programming effort to trader II?
BTW: do you know the board game von AH: "merchant of venus"? this was also an excellent space trader game which didnot make to the computer.

keep on with your good work
Klaus

PS: can you tell us something about your next project? At least give us some hint to puzzle?
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Favorite Game?
 

I would not mind to pay a "normal" price of 50$ or so for a good TB space trader game.

I like hearing that! But one difference with me and with Shrapnel is that $50 isn't the normal starting point for new games, like many larger companies. We understand how the economy is in many places these days. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

But joke aside, do you really think that my 2 suggestions do add that much programming effort to trader II?

It's not the programming effort really, it's the logistics I considered that made me not add them. If I do make another Trader though, it would have differing distances and random gas usage differences between planets though (a "map" of sorts). The Pirate percentage idea: well, the problem with that would be people would (mostly) just pick the lowest percentage, thus eliminating the pirates as a factor pretty much, which could affect the balance of the game. Perhaps adding a "most active pirate area/planet" report of some type may work though.

BTW: do you know the board game von AH: "merchant of venus"? this was also an excellent space trader game which did not make to the computer.

I've played it...excellent game. Board games heavily influence my own game designs (see: Domain Wars and Nanotech in the Thunder Pack).

PS: can you tell us something about your next project? At least give us some hint to puzzle?

Hmm...a little hint maybe. I think Shrapnel is interested in publishing it as well.

Think "Gladiators" with a hearty splash of the soccer sim Championship Manager.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Favorite Game?
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I do make another Trader though, it would have differing distances and random gas usage differences between planets though (a "map" of sorts). The Pirate percentage idea: well, the problem with that would be people would (mostly) just pick the lowest percentage, thus eliminating the pirates as a factor pretty much, which could affect the balance of the game. Perhaps adding a "most active pirate area/planet" report of some type may work though <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">A map would be great. You could build in navigational hazards (like dangerous routes, asteroid fields or whatever...) which damages the structure of you space ship and escorts or requires more gas.
Pirates: of course the most guys would prefer the harmless routes. But maybe you could build in a mechanic where the pirate infested routes generates more revenue. As it would be in reality, because the suffering planets would have a lack of supply and therefore offer higher prices for traders which risk the dangerous journey.

"Gladiator" sounds very good. I always was a fan of this genre.

bye
KlausD

Re: Favorite Game?
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Here, here! This company does a great job of releasing excellent products at a price people can actually afford.

Not to go too far off topic, but people seem amazed at the decline in the PC gaming market, and yet one look at the game prices in those retail chain stores will tell them why. Sheesh! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Re: Favorite Game?
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Agreed! I rarely buy many newer games anymore, because my interest in them is waning and the prices are usually around $45-50 for the more popular ones; too much given the fact I think too many companies are trying to produce the same type of game anymore (cookie-cutter RTS or mediocre sequel with only minor cosmetic changes anyone?) and not even attempting to be slightly original or unique (or bug-free for that matter, but that's a different topic altogether).