is it not too much?

[Pocus]

Just realized that summer lions, after having doubled in cost, were also reduced to 75% of their doms I HP (33 versus 44). Fall bear remained at 52 hits on the other hand.

I feel it is far too much. Summer lions in doms I were powerful, but not as unbalanced as some can think. They were very vulnerable to damage spells (blade winds will make short work of them) for example.
I see them as so toned down that I think they will be mostly deprecated, and nobody will use them. Balance yes, but not like that!

to end on a more positive tone, what people now think of the 3 drakes? They remained at 11 gems, so overall they are more interesting. Would you get some now, or do you feel they are too costly? A fire drake now cost only 2 fire lions eg.

[ November 05, 2003, 16:10: Message edited by: Pocus ]

[Wendigo]

I think that the hps of seasonals vary with the season now, maybe you should hit end button a few times and keep an eye on them.

[apoger]

I don't like the seasons or the seasonal effects of the seasonal spirits. It's unnecessary complexity.

Even at the (effectively) reduced costs, the only drake I like is the cave drake.

[johan osterman]

Dominions is shockfull of similar unnecessary complexity, it's part of it's charm I think. And I think the seasons and the seasonal variations adds flavor.

[licker]

Originally posted by johan osterman:
Dominions is shockfull of similar unnecessary complexity, it's part of it's charm I think. And I think the seasons and the seasonal variations adds flavor.

I don't know if I'd call seasons unnecessary complication. Complication yes, but minor, and balanced over a longer game. There have been other suggestions that would really have added unnecessary complications, but let's not bring those ghosts back to life eh?

PS, Pocus, check your PM please

[apoger]

It's my game philosophy that complexity should only be added when it adds to the enjoyment of the game.

What we have to ask ourselves is:
Does having some "flavor" from the seasons add enough enjoyment to counter the hassle of having to pay attention to seasons in order to optomize your magic creatures.

Honestly I don't think so.

I also don't see any additional benefit from the slight dominion shifts due to seasons.

What I do see is arguments that four seasons make a year and thus four turns is a year and [blah blah blah] isn't realistic in a year. "This % of growth isn't realistic in a year". "My troops shouldn't have to spend all of three months to pillage a province". None of this was an issue when using "turns". Having generic turns allowes suspension of disbelief for many things. By declaring 1 turn = 1 season you have backed yourself into a design corner and must now justify things according to time.

It's only my opinion, but my opinion is that seasons added little if anything to the game, and created perception issues that haunt your game design. I think it was a bad choice.