How the heck . . .

moodgiesanta · #1 February 6th, 2004, 12:36 PM

This thread may seem to some to be pandering of some sort or gushing, but I really am serious when I say this. How did you people (the folks at Illwinter) pull this game off? I'm stunned by it, now that I'm really getting into it. Each race has their own intricacies, and the game is actually genuinely different depending on which race you choose, rather than each race being some manner of variation off of the same basic theme. A few games have achieved that, but none with the complexity of this one and none even approaching 17 races.

Another thing that baffles me, is how is everything so balanced? Unlike every other strategy game I've played (and admittedly I haven't played the hardcore wargames, mostly just turn-based games ala Master of Magic), every strategy has a counter, and it really is your execution of the strategy rather than the strategy all by itself that wins.

Honestly, I don't want to overstate things or sound like a fanboy. I am giving my honest opinion here. I think the game is the second best I've ever played, next to Zangband which holds a special place in my heart. Anyhow, I'd thought I'd see if anyone else has the same reaction to this game that I have had.

Sammual · #2 February 6th, 2004, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by moodgiesanta:
Anyhow, I'd thought I'd see if anyone else has the same reaction to this game that I have had.

Yes. Many of us had/have the same reaction.

The only thing I am not a big fan of is the end game.

Sammual

Gandalf Parker · #3 February 6th, 2004, 03:27 PM

In the strategy newsGroups I often make comparisons with Stars which is a space-conquest PBEM. Its popularity was much the same thing but with not nearly as many races/upgrades/options. But the people who loved Stars I feel will love Dominions for the same reasons.

Stars unfortunately is old now. Not really a problem with things like graphics or solo play for awhile but when you get into the multiplayer it feels like nothing you try hasnt already been analyzed to death. They never did find a publisher to put out their #2 Version.

I had Dom1 for 3 years and never felt it had gotten to the "no new answers" place that Stars did. I think the devs will be able to stay ahead of it with Dom2 also.

[ February 06, 2004, 13:27: Message edited by: Gandalf Parker ]

Targa · #4 February 6th, 2004, 04:46 PM

It's the Moloch Effect.

http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...;f=74;t=000459

Muhahahaha!

Kristoffer O · #5 February 6th, 2004, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by moodgiesanta:

Honestly, I don't want to overstate things or sound like a fanboy. I am giving my honest opinion here. I think the game is the second best I've ever played, next to Zangband which holds a special place in my heart. Anyhow, I'd thought I'd see if anyone else has the same reaction to this game that I have had.

Ever tried nethack (another roguelike)? It has been a source of inspiration.

fahdiz · #6 February 6th, 2004, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kristoffer O:
Ever tried nethack (another roguelike)? It has been a source of inspiration.

Nethack has been a constant companion of mine for years now. I'm still trying to ascend a strictly-played Monk after all this time...

Raz 24 · #7 February 6th, 2004, 06:45 PM

This game is truly amazing!
I could even say that its the best strategy game I have ever played!

Karacan · #8 February 7th, 2004, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kristoffer O:

Ever tried nethack (another roguelike)? It has been a source of inspiration.

Fun, when I describe Dominions to someone else, I always say it's the Nethack of strategy games. Though I personally prefer ADOM (and was astonished when I found the link on Illwinter's old website).

Targa · #9 February 7th, 2004, 04:45 PM

Want to hear something really freaky? After reading this thread yesterday, I went surfing the 'net checking out NetHack, Adom, etc... Ended up downloading Slash'em. I start the game, create an Elf Ranger of neutral alignment, and I get an "Intro Message" something like this: "After the Creation, the cruel god Moloch rebelled against the authority of Marduk the Creator".

The strength of the Moloch Effect grows stronger...

Kristoffer O · #10 February 7th, 2004, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Targa:
Want to hear something really freaky? After reading this thread yesterday, I went surfing the 'net checking out NetHack, Adom, etc... Ended up downloading Slash'em. I start the game, create an Elf Ranger of neutral alignment, and I get an "Intro Message" something like this: "After the Creation, the cruel god Moloch rebelled against the authority of Marduk the Creator".

The strength of the Moloch Effect grows stronger...

Moloch is the name of a Caananite god. The name MLK - Malek/Moloch/Melek (perhaps Melkor) means lord and is a common in semitic religious traditions.