Very Disappointed!
 

I downloaded the demo the other and was amazed at how much I disliked the new look of Dominions 2. The Graphics upgrade was worthless compared to the poor user interface. It would have been much easier to simply place a toolbar on the bottom of the screen with all the options. This way the map would not be obstructed. The pop up window and icons on the troop assignment screen are too small. The battles run too slow. The troop start off to far from one another even when placed on the front lines.

I have only played the game a few times, but I can see much of what apoger has been saying as true. The economics of the game being so depressed, changes the dynamics of the game considerably. I will play the demo a bit more before I make my final opinion, but at this point it doesn't look good for Dominions 2. I'll say this much, the price is way too high for a game of this level of quality.

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

I had quite a different experience with the UI...it seems much easier to use than the old interface and nicer looking. Try to give it some time and get familiar with it before you disregard it too quickly.
Slow battles can be fixed by new drivers & lowering detail
And I find it kinda nice that armies cant start right next to each other in combat...and the decreased income can be dealt with by just playing with high world richness to some extent...it makes you need to expand rather than finding a few rich territories, forting and patrolling them for lots of money.

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

Bleh! dominions 2 is lot better than Dom 1. I only don't like the weak strat. AI.
That will be upgraded, so this game will rock.

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

Dunno what to say. I love Dominions 2, and I am disappointed as well.

I love the new UI, the spellcasting AI rocks, the music is neat, the new graphics are very good.
I hate the weak strategical AI. I can't tell you any more bad things..however this one is a very sad part of the game.

I will preorder it, once the strategic AI will be ok. I guess if it will be upgraded, there will be a patch for the demo as well, so we can try out the new AI..

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I agree about the price. The new UI + map gfx is lot better IHMO. The AIs are good, except the strategic AI.
Overall the game will be ok, especially for multi. (Because of the weak strat AI.)

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

I've given it more time, like I said I would. I still don't like the UI, but I can live with it.

I talked to friend about it and he pretty much agrees with me. One thing he pointed out is that the Lab should be a full screen with all Lab fuctions, including Alchemy. There is no reason to go through multiple screens.

I'd still prefer a toolbar on the bottom with all the fuctions.

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

Apart from the UI, I do have another issue I'd like addressed. Why on earth can we only play a handful of nations in the Demo? The game limits of 40 turns and level 4 research is enough. Limiting the nations prevents us from getting a good idea of the game. There is no way you'll get my money till an improved demo is available. hell, make it a 30 turns limit for all I care, but let me sample all the nations.

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I agree.

Re: Very Disappointed!
 

Have you tried the Dominions I demo? It lets you play all of the nations except the ones that are new to Doms II.

I think I can relate to being disappointed about the GUI, except that it's not really important to me. The Doms I GUI had a steep learning curve, and I got used to it. I think the Doms II GUI learning curve is a little bit less, thanks to more tips, but it is also different from the Doms I interface I'm used to, and doesn't really seem easier to use. Fortunately, I don't particularly care. I'm in it for the fun I have playing the game, and the GUI isn't a big deal.

The map and battlefield graphics are nicely improved in most ways. As for other parts of the GUI, I still actually kind of like the appearance of some of Doms I, in some cases, more than the equivalent Doms II GUI. I think the bitmapped graphics often look better drawn without the new 3D engine, for example.

To me, however, it adds up to two Versions of a game I really like, and for the most part, I'm very pleased with both. There are some things to fix and improve in Doms II, but there are even more fun new things to enjoy, and the devs are clearly interested in fixing and improving Doms II, so I'm quite happy about it all. What I really want now is lots more spare time, and the full Version of Doms II to arrive. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

PvK