Be patient!

Master Belisarius · #1 December 9th, 2000, 12:05 AM

Jason2: I can understand your frustration, because I agree with you, about that the AI must be improved (hey, have you played the first demo? hehehehe, the current AI is Einstein compared with the first Versions!).

But... seems to be that you don't knew about Malfador and the SE series before SE4. Malfador (or should say Aaron?), always listened their fans in the past, and I'm sure about that they will continue working with the game during a long time, killing bugs and adding more features to the game.

Warlord Adamus · #2 December 9th, 2000, 12:51 AM

Yep, and MM has worked significantly on the AI and multiplay options since the Last player patch. Just sit back and relax, do some mods if the AI isn't challenging enough. The beta has been going on for months and months playing pre-demo AI and I never once heard any of the testers say it's shelf-ware, or some of the other comments I've read here.

Talenn · #3 December 9th, 2000, 01:01 AM

Yup, good advice.

I think what has people so frustrated (me included) is that the game is SOOO close to being fantastic but a few very important items are missing or incomplete. If the game sucked from the get-go, not many people would care or post here, but its so good overall that people hate to see it relegated to mediocrity by the AI's ineptitude.

It is actually a mind form of compliment to have people be frustrated like this. It shows that people WANT to like and play the game at least.

I'm enough a realist to know that obviously, no game will be able to please everyone in every way. But there seems to be a very common link with what people are unhappy about and so far, there has been no 'official' response. I guess that just leaves people feeling a little uncertain as to what (if anything) is going to be changed.

One thing is for sure, (to quote a stupid commercial) you dont get a second chance to make a first impression. The sooner major things like the AI problems are handled, the better for MM and SG. I'd hate to see the game start receiving unfavorable reviews or 'second opinions' as a result. I think that would be grossly unfair to MM, but unfortunately, thats the way things work.

Well, FWIW, I think people are far more willing to be patient when they KNOW that their concerns are being addressed. If any of you folks also play 'Combat Mission' you know just how much it helps to keep people informed of what changes are being made and what items are under development. I think its was really sets the best games and publishers apart from the usual company lines...

Talenn

Warlord Adamus · #4 December 9th, 2000, 01:20 AM

Talenn I agree, I think if MM consisted of more than 2 people you'd see them post more. Also if you're interested you should also see these options coming. I think it's ok to post because these were ideas I suggested that were approved via email.

Colony setup options.

-Can only colonize original planet type.

-No Domed colonies. Can only colonize planets with the correct atmosphere.

-Colony cap. Cannot construct more than a set number of colonies.

-Hazardous colonies. If your colony's conditions are unpleasant or below, your colonists die off each turn or year, until you get climate control tech.

-No ruins

Voidhawk · #5 December 9th, 2000, 02:24 AM

Well said, Talenn. And yes, that is a VERY stupid commercial.

Really, despite all my moaning and groaning I for one am not the least bit worried that MM will ignore the AI issues. However, it would be nice to know that the AI is being given priority status for the next patch. IOW, new features and minor non-critical bugs should be put on the back burner for now. Way back.

It takes a while actually playing the game to notice how infernally stinky the AI is, as there's plenty of other fun stuff going on to distract the player from the obvious. So let's not take it for granted that Aaron is fully aware of the scope of the problem. Send e-mail!

Every time I read a new wishlist thread I'm sitting here saying "Yeah, that! Ooo and that too!" So I can only imagine what Aaron must be going through trying to think of ways to implement all this cool stuff you guys come up with.

Keep it simple for now! Fewer features, more AI! Artificial intelligence is the opposite of genuine stupidity! Let freedom ring! Er... Don't forget to e-mail him...

Sorry, had a long day.

Freyland · #6 December 9th, 2000, 07:00 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Master Belisarius:
Jason2: I can understand your frustration, because I agree with you, about that the AI must be improved (hey, have you played the first demo? hehehehe, the current AI is Einstein compared with the first Versions!).

But... seems to be that you don't knew about Malfador and the SE series before SE4. Malfador (or should say Aaron?), always listened their fans in the past, and I'm sure about that they will continue working with the game during a long time, killing bugs and adding more features to the game.

Ummm... Hello? Reality check, please. You can be thankful that your game's developer is adept and frequent with patching, but that joy is completely out-weighed by the fact that SOME THINGS SHOULD NOT NEED FREQUENT PATCHING! LIKE THE FUNDAMENTAL AI! THIS IS WRONG!!! If the game is not complete, DON'T SELL IT AS A COMPLETE GAME!!

sheesh

Jonathan

Voidhawk · #7 December 9th, 2000, 08:12 AM

Dr. Freyland I presume?

It's Koth from the Warlords Battlecry forum here. Given up on multiplayer WBC yet?

Don't worry, MM has the same reputation for quality patches as SSG does. I could also complain that I bought an incomplete game, but I just wouldn't feel right seeing as I've already enjoyed the hell out of it well past the 30 hour mark, which is more entertainment than I usually get out of "complete" games. I anticipate very little spare time away from my computer once the AI starts kicking my butt (I don't think I've ever been so anxious to lose...).

Remember all the crap Steve and the SSG guys caught over the pre-patch WBC AI? Same thing here, and I'm sure MM will come through with some quality stuff much in the same way SSG did. Keep the faith!

Freyland · #8 December 9th, 2000, 05:50 PM

Hi Koth

Nice to see you again!

Be well, Dr's orders!

Jonathan

Richard · #9 December 9th, 2000, 11:30 PM

One thing to remember guys is that sometimes late changes to a game can break other features.

Also frequently a game may have been working fine for most testers but then we get it to the larger audience (who play differently) and suddenly you guys have problems with the game.

We'll get there guys....

------------------
Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

Jourin · #10 December 11th, 2000, 08:25 PM

MM has been working on this for a long time. MM didn't want to release the game until it was finished so the date kept on being pushed back. This summer, many of the fans put a lot of pressure on MM to release the game early. Some comments were - we don't care about bugs or features just release the game. The general consensus was release the game even if it was missing parts as long as it had no obvious bugs. Yes, the game was released early, but WE demanded that MM release it early. The same pressure felt by all major gaming companies. The big difference is that MM supports its games after release while most other companies just take your money and run. I don't pre-order games, but I did pre-order SEIV because I know MM will continue to support the game and fix the problems - look at the SEIII support.

Some advice: Play the game and learn its depth even with the weak AI

Don't put pressure on MM to release Beta Versions of the patches.

Don't spend a lot of time trying to fix the game yourself. Unlike other companies, MM WILL support the game and fix the problems and not depend on the customers to fix the problems.

Do send MM suggestions. If you think you have found a way to fix some of the problems through customer modifications, send them to MM - maybe you have an idea they did not think off.

The best games are the one's built for the customer. MM will listen to the community and try to build this game for us, unlike most other gaming companies who take our money and run.

Be patient! This game will be a keeper to rival Civilization. Trust MM to get it right. They have in the past and they will with this game.

With all the complaining this current Version is better than BOTF and Imperial Galactic II combined - both of which had NO support after release. SEIV is better plus it has support!

So relax and enjoy the game and be patient.

PS: I do not work for MM, I am not a beta tester. I am just a fan who appreciates the quality work MM has done and wishes ALL other companies (Microprose, Activision, Frixas,etc) would follow MM's example.

The only one's who can ruin this game is us the community by being too impatient.

Merry Christmas.