I would just like to chime in and say that the demo worked on me. It gave me just enough to learn what the game was about and get involved with some games. By the time I was able to max out all paths of research within the 40 turn limit, I was hungry for more.
I don't see anything wrong with a turn limit. The limit allows you to get involved in a game, but not to finish it - perfect for enticing sales. Neither do I see anything wrong with the research cap. It gives you a taste of what the magic system has to offer, while keeping tantalizing morsels just out of reach. Again, perfect for enticing sales.
Of course, it was frustrating when the AI cast Burden of Time and you couldn't Dispel it, because Dispel is a level 5 spell!
[ August 04, 2004, 04:03: Message edited by: Schmoe ]