Re: What is really new?
 

Well, I find I liked the graphics of Warcraft 2 (and, even more, Starcraft) much better than Warcraft 3. 3D in strategy, be it RT like Blizzard does or TB a la HoMM, doesn't make it for me (but then, when it's all I can get, I still buy the games from time to time - a little eye candy and light solo game doesn't hurt when I'm bored).

Re: What is really new?
 

Blizzard has made some good games, but they're a little slow on being an effective business. The original Diablo was a smashing world-wide success yet look at how long they took to develop the sequel. Just stupid management to ignore a gold-mine for so long.
Also even tho I was a big fan of Warcraft_2 I never purchased Warcraft_3 because the company was purely focused on graphics and the maps were only 96X96 at maximum.(way too small)

Re: What is really new?
 

Well, Warcraft 3 is fundamentaly pretty different from WC2. Much faster paced. Might have been an intentional move you know.

Re: What is really new?
 

Before you decide on whether or not the game is any good... play the free demo first. The demo should be arriving sometime during October.

DominionsFan gave a great quick answer.
More units, more spells, more nations, more themes, more items, better AI, and improved modding ability.
PLUS Random_Map_Generator, maps can now have 1500 provinces, and more game options

Play a few games on the free demo and then decide if it's worth the money.

Re: What is really new?
 

Anyone who has not got Dom2 but really likes fantasy 4xstrategy games (like me) then Dom3 is a no brainer. Get in at the beginning and have maxium fun.

I loved Diablo, especially 2, still play it, wicked game.

Never played Warcraft, just one of those games that passed me by.

Re: What is really new?
 

The two first Warcraft games were really boringly...sÿmmetric. I'd like to love the 3rd game of the series but it's too fast for my tastes. I like the concepts there though.

Re: What is really new?
 

In your OP, you mention that some of these things might have been added to DomII in a patch, but that's a mistake. One of the reasons they are creating a new version is precisely because some of these things cannot be patched into Dominions 2. They've actually rewritten a lot of stuff and developed new things. For example, I bet if they could have patched in the AI's ability to use build castles, they would have.

=$= Big J Money =$=

Re: What is really new?
 

@EBH:
Im thinking that my solo-player view and linux server focus are what landed me in the beta-group. Dom2 disapoointed me abit in solo-play (just a little) but I understood that it was primarily a multiplayer game. Solo play capability felt like it was a cheap tutorial that you were meant to move out of.

But Dom3 has definetly made large strides to be both MP and SP. Im very happy. By the way, insane Gandalf got test games cranked up to 3000x3000 pixel and 1500 province maps. And 79 players (well the test group wasnt that large, it was padded with AIs). Obviously the game isnt going to do that for most players. They have to select an era and everyone play one of the offered races within that era. But with map and mod commands you can force every nation slot to play MUHAHAHAahahahhaha *evil insane laugh*

Re: What is really new?
 

I respect Blizzard. They've made a huge company from a very small one. WoW is the most popular MMORPG. Millions are playing it. Also they are upgrading their games very well. I stopped playing with WoW, but just because I wouldn't have enough time for it anymore. Real life and MMORPGs...well I prefer real life. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: What is really new?
 

Thanks for all the answers. Do not get me wromg, I think DOM2 was a great game, hence DOM3, which I (and most of the respondents here)regard as mainly being "more of the same" will be a great game, too.

OTOH, while I like to get more of what I loved in DOM2, is this really the way to make a new game nearly 3 years after the last installment was published? I still find that more suitable to a service patch or an extension. But that is just my opinion. I am definitely going to give the demo a try.