Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

Dominions is a very complicated game and, as such, not easy to write AI for. As a result, to a veteran player the AI is quite weak. BUT, the question here is how long it will take you to get to that point. And whether you will enjoy the process of discovering all the powers that dominions has to offer. Only you can judge that.

That said, if you master solo play, there is always multi-player waiting for you. And THAT will challenge you for the forseeable future http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

So, you did try the demo. Did you play just the army game, or did mages come to play important part in battles? How did your pretender help your nation?

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

As for the learning curve it is pretty steep, but well worth it. I play all single player and it keeps me entertained. I highly suggest it.

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

Dominions_3 is very deep with many possible strategies. If you enjoy TBS games I highly recommend buying DOM_3. Even if you've played 3 demo games... you've just scratched the icing of the cake.
I find the game to be extremely fun, whether I'm playing SP games or MP games. The game does have a strong learning curve, but that's because the game has so much depth. If you're worried about the learning curve... play large maps with victory points and set the computer opponents as easy.

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

I've been playing the system for years and enjoying it very much, particularly in single-player mode. Different players have different tastes, though.

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

My opinion is such:
You've played the demo. If you don't mind the graphics, buy it now.

But that's just me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

Dominions is somewhat unique in its SP gameplay. I'm aware of at least different styles:
1) Purely strategy game - you play to beat AI in the most efficient way. This has somewhat limited longevity (maybe few month, maybe a year, depending how quickly you learn). At some point you'll become proficient enough that even impossible AI won't be a challenge;
2) RPG-style - the game has a lot of atmosphere and you can play "thematically" instead of using optimal strategy. It often leads to unusual games with interesting situations and challenges. In this style the game will play different for almost every nation and it will have huge replay value.
3) Experimental strategy style - in this style you play various interesting strategies (in efficient manner). The difference from (1) is that you intentionally don't play the strategy optimal AI, but choose some other strategy (probably promising against another human player) and try to play it against AI. This is also pretty much unlimited in terms of gameplay.

(1) is usually grows into MP and (3) probably often co-exist with MP.

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

Buy the game. Two years from now, you'll be happy you did. This game has infinite replay value. If I couldn't afford / didn't want to buy Dominions 3, I would still be playing Dominions 2 today.

=$= Big J Money =$=

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

I am like you, I have a ton of old games that never see play. This year we had our first child and time is now precious. I have only bought one game (as opposed to the 6 or 7 I would have) since Claire was born. It was Dom 3, which follows on both Dom 1 and 2.

I enjoy Civ and Alpha Centari as well, to give you some context. This game has the depth of AC and the complexity. However, it is a different style. So, as other’s said, if you like the demo, go for it. If the demo leaves you cold, keep the cash in your pocket. Be aware that due to the limits of the demo, you do not see the full complexity of the game, but you will see enough to know if you like it.

Re: Hi..a couple of questions from a tightwad?
 

it's now ordered..thanks all
Tom