Finally got it!..now a question on manual use?

[ttomm46]

Hi
To learn the game besides doing the tutorial, should i read the whole before attempting a game?

thanks in advance
Tom

[Edratman]

Yes. This is a very complex, intricate, involved game. Reading the manual before playing probably won't make you an expert player, but at least it will expose you to the foundation of the game. After playing (and probably getting overwhelmed) the game a few times, go through the manual again because it will make a lot more sense. Also run through the forum and you will learn a hell of a lot more about the gameplay than the manual provides.

You will see on the forums that most players are constantly referencing the manual.

Start on small maps.

[PashaDawg]

Or... you could take my approach... jump right in and splash and flail around without reading the manual (after the initial tutorial).

I still have not read the entire manual... only parts here and there... and well, I am still splashing and flailing around, but having a lot of fun.

(Of course, I started playing with Dom 2, and its manual was not as extensive.)

Pasha

[Zeldor]

Nah, play few months and you will know how to play, on average level. 2-3 years more and you are a skilled player

[ttomm46]

Ok..I actually like manuals..lol

[thejeff]

Nah. Start with the tutorial. Then play around. Dig into the manual when you get confused. I wouldn't start getting into the detailed mechanics until you've had a chance to see them in action for a bit.

Look at the nations section when you start and when you run
into other nations.
Go through the strategy section when you get the chance.

"Read the manual before playing" sounds to much like homework.

I do second the start with small maps with only a few other nations. Probably a few less than recommended for the map to have a little breathing room before meeting other nations.

[hoo]

Read the pretender set up. Read the turn order b/c that's a crucial part of the game. Then play.

As you go, start reading more about the spells/ construction items.

you don't have to read the whole manual and know all the formulas, but know the turn order, pretender creation, effect of dominion and the spells is just key.

[ttomm46]

thanks all.

[NTJedi]

I advise playing the tutorial, then starting a game with a large map and a few stupid AIs, smaller maps with more AIs will be more difficult. Read the manual during commercials of your favorite TV_show, in bed at night and during a non-messy meal.

[Lyzra]

Mhhh, my approach in games usually is to play them at start without touching any manuals.

Bear with me, being older gamer and testign allmost every game I bother to try over time you become familiar with UI's and various ways things are allmost ALLWAYS set in games, thus manuals often aint all that important.

Yet, dominions does require some need for manual. For instance its bit hard to decipher how the actual sense for building forts/cities work. Its explained in the manual well but without it your kinda blind to that aspect. Another one is perhaps the little bonuses from various magic paths to an individual knowing them, aswell how the pretender bless works from paths.

Basics are pretty much just that, you create armies of varying forces and position them so you dont screw yourself up.

I do recall one of my 'ace' associates playing dominions and creating a pretender for abyssia, one that used blood magic. He went into battle with plenty of bloodslaves and all abyssian troops in a cluster around himself. Needless to say the heat aura of his troops killed all of the slaves.
Did I mention to raise the issue of him being 'ace' with games in general.

Manual is also very useful in determining WHICH paths of magic you need to have for certain intem construction, otherwise you never know until you have the appropriate paths.