Should I buy this game?

[Nethog]

I love turn-based strategy games with lots of depth, strategic options, and replay variability. I have played all generations of the Civ series, Alpha Centauri, and Space Empires IV. If I were to rank this *short list* of TBS games I would put Alpha Centauri as the best (it is an absolutely brilliant game) and rank Space Empires IV Last.

My reason for ranking Space Empires low is not due to its lack of depth and strategic possibilities, but to the user interface:
(A) There is not enough *visual* feedback to assess your overall current strategic status in the game without examining a dozen info windows each turn.
(B) It is difficult to keep track of enemy movement and aggression between turns since all you see is a snapshot of before and after.

Dominions 2 seems to have the same problem as Space Empires IV with respect to the above, however since I have only played the demo (did the walkthru twice) I don't have enough experience to make a final assessment.

So what I would see as a big improvement to Dominions 2 with respect to my specific issue is more information displayed on the world map (e.g. units), as well as dynamic information displayed between turns (e.g. see army movements between regions). Those of you who have played the Civ series or Alpha Centauri will understand what I am talking about.

So if I buy the game will I discover ways to work around my perceived problem with the game or will it become a coaster along side my Space Empires IV coaster?

[licker]

The movement system in Dom is sufficiently different from SEIV that I don't think you'll have the same problem. There is also alot of information contained on the main screen once you learn what the filters do. F1 is a great screen to help you manage your provinces and even commanders, though there is still some room for improvement.

All in all I'd say go for it, its not really that similar to SMAC, but it has its own charm.

[Arryn]

Originally posted by Nethog:
So if I buy the game will I discover ways to work around my perceived problem with the game or will it become a coaster along side my Space Empires IV coaster?

The score graphs viewable by pressing F2 should provide the info you desire, along with the Nation Overview you can get to by pressing F1.

What troubles me about your posting is that your primary evaluation of the game is how good it's histographs are and not about whether the AI is good, or the gameplay, or the depth of the strategies that you can play with, or the variety of units, equipment, and magic.

I have played SE4, and it, IMO, does not compare to Civ or SMAC. I do think that Dom does compare with those classics. The classics are more polished, but that's only to be expected given the size and budgets of the companies that made them.

In summary, if you buy Dom, and give it a fair shake, I think you will find it remaining on your HD for a long, long time.

But don't take my word for it. Play with the demo you downloaded some more. I think it'll grow on you.

[ February 12, 2004, 16:29: Message edited by: Arryn ]

[Gandalf Parker]

Well if the game does become a coaster for you this will be the first time Ive heard of it for the reasons you give.

Usually its not being able to get past the learning curve. Or a pre-disposition to only playing games with super pretty graphics.

As far as Ive been able to tell, anyone who really wants to play a strategic type of game has felt this game to be worth far more than its price in playing time it provides. In fact I think that most of us are still waiting on a coaster date so we can get a final breakdown on its worth. I had Dom1 for 3 years without reaching it.

[ February 12, 2004, 16:33: Message edited by: Gandalf Parker ]

[Saber Cherry]

The full game is exactly the same as the demo, just with more of everything. If you did not like the demo enough to be compelled to play it repeatedly, as I did, I doubt you would like the full game.

[PvK]

The interface is essentially as you see it, unless you haven't found all of the features. Its limits don't bother me, but tastes vary, and I tend to care much more about what goes on in the gameplay, than the convenience of my view of it. I like SEIV (especially the Gold Version, with mods), and wasn't particularly interested in Alpha Centauri. I've been entirely hooked on Dominions (I and II) for months now, and in general rave about it at any opportunity, though I know some people wish the interface were improved in various ways.

PvK