Re: Player controlled battles???
 

I think Zerger is trolling, exaggerating and/or just doesn't appreciate many of the interesting things about Doms. At least, his negative comments are simply incorrect and inflamatory.

It would be nice to eventually see some diplomacy and other suggestions. For instance, I like the idea of allowing modders to invent damage types, so they could do their own wep/armor effects without bothering those who don't like it. And, I would enjoy the option of being able to control one commander per battle in single-player mode. Eventually, if you guys feel like it.

Moreover, it sounds to me like Doms II does add several nice features besides more spells and units. A nicer interface, improved AI, more victory condition types, game system refinements, etc.

PvK

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

Quote by Zerger snipped

I miss my usenet killfile. :-(

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

Besides, even if you only used 10% of the units, in Dominions there are more useable units than the total sum of all units in other games. So does that make Dominions worse than them? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That, IMHO, is good enough to warrant the new game (provided the improvements are real; but don't worry, I already have the game preordered anyway http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif )

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

I would think he is trolling too. But for the sake of argumentation, can Zerger enlighten us with the list (a partial one will suffice) of the 90% spells and units he never use? Some examples and counter examples would allow us to make progress in the discussion.

I would have said, after playing some hundred if not more hours of doms I, that the stats are exactly reversed. 90% of units and spells have a use. Some game objects are not frequently used, and some very often, but still nearly all have a use.

True Zerger, if you dont see how to use a legionary with sword compared to a legionary with a spear, or if for you all Ulmish infantries are equals, then the problem is here. The difference is not great, but is real. I thus suggest you play dominions more competitively, and surely all of the puzzle pieces will fit together.

I think we have here a case of accute olignosis (oli : few, gnosis : knowledge). http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ October 27, 2003, 09:11: Message edited by: Pocus ]

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

I think this is a subjective thing.
Personally I prefer diplomacy or a new weapon system over new units and spells as well...
The new UI looks cool. The question is, the gameplay will be better? I think yes, but propably it won't be 2x as good. New units and spells are a nice addition, but maybe more complex stuff like diplomacy, armor & weapon system would be lot better for the gameplay.

I think Zerger had some valid points. I do not agree with him however.

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

To clarify my thoughts on manual control, magic and balance:

Consider the assorted "instant death" spells (soul slay, disintegrate, et al), certain other vicious bits of nastiness (nether darts comes to mind, as does leech and perhaps even Hand of Death). A magically talented pretender, especially one that could fly, would likely be used to kill leaders with rather extreme efficiency. Imagine one capable of flying behind enemy lines and tossing Blade Wind on the hapless AI commanders, or flying back and forth while doing Shimmering Fields from behind the enemy. Or fly to rear, summon lammashastas or other nasties, return. Even without strong magic, a pretender might be much more efficient; e.g. targeting commanders with the Black Bow of Botulf or the lightning bow.

I'm not at all sure that encouraging such dominance would be a good thing, especially if the AI weren't as good at using such tactics. It would certainly affect balance significantly, and that's something that deserves careful consideration before trying.

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

Sure. That's why it would be best as a single-player option. Players who want to try to use personal tactics to win games against the AI could then do so.

PvK

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">And that was the only thing that I was saying.

Re: Player controlled battles???
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Diplomacy must be nr.2 on the "to do" list.
Dominions II. needs a lot better AI, than the current one. The devs must work on this first of all.