Gold Version - First Look

GhostBear · #1 March 18th, 2002, 05:10 PM

All,

The good:

The new sound effects are great. The first time my planet opened up on an enemy ship with Quantum Torpedoes at range 10 it was really cool. NEVER underestimate the value of "suspension of disbelief"

The new "systems" are vaguely interesting. The organic infestation was kind of cool. I'd rather have had a useful planet, or something to deal with the infestation (maybe there is something in the long run?)

Jury still out:

Drones - I launch in combat and don't seem to have ANY ability to give them a target. Maybe I'm missing something?

Seems like they are pretty good for planetary defense, but not so good for ships to carry (think Andromeda). Either allow recovery/refuel, or allow construction without a space yard (to allow replenishment without returning to base).

Of course, if the computer makes them as fast as they make fighters, the computer will certainly like them. Haven't seen them used yet...

The not so good:

Game speed: I'm running XP and the problem with SE IV with ship animations is mostly gone. I'd still like to see this (without having to turn the animations off) be adjustable. I'd also like ship speed on the screen to be indicative of the ship's game speed.

Bottom line - I really don't see anything that warrants paying for the game again. I expected major improvements in the graphics OR something to make this more than just the next patch. I realize they have to make money to keep improving the game, but this WAS NOT worth even the rebated price.

Still love the game though.

GB

Elmo · #2 March 18th, 2002, 05:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by GhostBear:
All,

<snip>

Still love the game though.

GB

Unfortunately I have to add the manual to the "not so good" Category. It's OK for newbies but worthless for veterans which I would think are mostly the people buying Gold. The Index is full of references to pages that don't exist. Must be the manual was shortened at the Last minute to cut costs.

Elmo

Wardad · #3 March 18th, 2002, 05:45 PM

Hey,

I finally opened the manual and found the REBATE COUPON!!!
I guess it's good for something.

I'm having a bLast playing gold. Has anyone looked at the MODS yet?

UPGRADES HAPPEN!

PsychoTechFreak · #4 March 18th, 2002, 05:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Wardad:
Hey,

I finally opened the manual and found the REBATE COUPON!!!
I guess it's good for something.

Just if you are owner of SE4 (non-Gold).

wr8th · #5 March 18th, 2002, 05:57 PM

I'm tempted by the mods. I figure I'll play unmodded for awhile, let the novelty wear off and thens start adding the mods to reintroduce some newness into the game. I couldn't wait to add the ST races. I copied the Klingon logo from BOTF though and updated the system name text file to include names from the series. Maybe I'll update the screen bitmaps to be more TNG-ish? Qa'plaH!

Richard · #6 March 18th, 2002, 06:36 PM

No the manual was not cut down, in fact we inflated it with several things to reach the 120 page margin. The index appears to have some incorrect info in it however.