Up to date beta patch info..

[Richard]

BTW do you guys remember this game called Civ II? It had 42 patch revisions post release.

Just an observation...

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Sarge is coming...

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

[Jourin]

Freyland,

Your attack is uncalled for.

If you had been a fan of SEIII you would know the history behind SEIV. SEIV was delayed many times because it wasn't finished and MM has a high quality standard - the best I have seen from ANY company. We the customer put extreme pressure on MM to release the game even if it is not ready - with comments like - we don't care about features or bugs just release the game.

MM agreed that SEIV would be released minus some features (like a good AI) as long as it had no obvious bugs. But MM also stated that they would continue to support the game with numerous patches to add these features and also fix any bugs that were discovered.

So do not attack MM for releasing an unfinished game - attack the large vocal customer base that demanded MM release the game unfinished.

The big difference between MM and ALL other companies is that MM will keep their word and finish the game, while all the other big companies just take your money and run.

I was against an early release, but am now glad MM did it. The game is fun to play in its current state, but more important MM listens to and incorporates our suggestions. Yes we are all beta testers, but unlike other companies, MM actually listens to and uses our input. A game designed to specific customer specs is the best game there can be.

So be patient. If you do not want to play now, come back in 6 months and then drool at the game - but then don't complain that an important feature wasn't added because you choose not to participate.

The game support from MM is the standard that All other companies should copy, so be happy that you are getting the best support on the market.

[Lerchey]

Jourin,

Well said. And I could not agree more. I've been a SE IV beta tester from the outset, and Aaron at Malfador LISTENS and FIXES things when they are broken. Further, suggestions are listened to, and when both practical and good, are added to the game.

In fact, while it's somewhat off topic, I'd say that this is true of all of the game producers that Shrapnel distributes for. I'm also a WDK 2K beta tester and Boku Strategy Games is just as good. They enchance and improve their products constantly - taking guidance and feedback from their customers.

THIS is how game companies should be run.

Is SE IV incomplete? Yes, in ways it is. The AI is mediocre, but the game is FULL of tech and features. And as a PBEM game (which I prefer; my lack of dedicated time for gaming makes RTS impractical for me) it's excellent.

If you want to complain about some aspect of the game, don't ***** at each other on the forum. TELL the people at Malfador. It's their product and they DO listen.

Flame off.

John

[Resident Alien]

If you want to call somebody an idiot just write it in simple words please. The "clever" usenet over the top BS style is just so boring for the audience.

quote:

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Originally posted by Freyland:

Courageous, you are a blind fool. You speak without knowledge, and therefore without wisdom. Your comment on my experience on playing games is so foolish as to require no explanation. Now look again at the list of fixes in the first post of this thread. Go ahead, we'll wait.........
Very good. I would not be surprised if this was the first time you looked. Those are *fixes*, my ignorant friend, fixes. Things put into the game which did not work. Look through the postings on this board. The AI is a joke. Inconsistent. The experienced Modd'ers have said more than once that all the different AI respond the same, regardless of whether they are serene or Bloodthirsty. But you probably never read those threads, either, did you? Please go back to your regularly scheduled blissful ignorance and quit drooling on your keyboard.

Jonathan

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[Comar]

This isn't the place for a flame war. If you want to go after each other, take it somewhere else. If you want to talk about the game, this is the place.

Is the game perfect? No. I'm sure MM is well aware of it. Are they supporting it and making it better? Yes. In fact, they even ask for your imput to make it the game you want it to be. Are we, the players, perfect? No. Can we have a lot of fun with this game and each other? Yep. If you want to fight, join or start a game and have at it. And may the best man, plant, crystal, etc. win.

[Freyland]

Uh, Jourin? In the post to which you refer, I did not "attack" MM, I "attacked" Courageous. Furthermore, you continue to say it is not MM's fault that the game is incomplete, that it is the "fan base's" fault. Huh? Did someone hack into his machine, steal the program, professionally burn it into disks, and convince Shrapnel it was done? I think not. The responsibility rests well. Furthermore, you continue to talk about how great MM is about patches and committment. As I stated in another thread on the matter, I applaud him for that. Nothing changes that a game is supposed to be "complete" when it is released (and paid for). Your blind faith is leaving you just that, blind. I know I am angering some people, but I am allowed my opinion, and frankly, deep down you all know I am right. You just are too devoted to accept it. The word is "sycophant", I believe.

[b]Resident Alien /[b] stated, "If you want to call somebody an idiot just write it in simple words please.

Okay... you're an idiot.

Jonathan

[Arc.Smiloid]

Better smooth this over before ugly turns to fugly...

Courageous was referring to SEIV's status relevant to other games on the market that were released in worse states than SEIV.. He was implying that it could have been worse, but this is well made up for by MM's reputation of pleasing the people.. I heard something along the lines of 17 patches for SEIII!!!

While the game may not have been perfect, at least MM is putting the blood and sweat into fixing bugs and improving the game. Many people are waiting for the game to be 'completed' before they resume playing it. And we have proof that he is working on it with the posted changes they are working on.

But here's the logic to releasing the game before it was truly ready:

Having released it to the public we all have played it, and we all suggest changes to improve the game. Now instead of Aaron and a select few beta testers giving ideas, nearly a thousand brilliant minds are giving thoughts to improving the game (The Modders especially). So it gets built properly the first time without having to go back and completely overhaul the game to get it right.
(We all basically get to be Beta Testers, and we all have a voice!)

Just be thankful MM isn't going to take all our suggestions and make us pay for an expansion pack to complete the game.
(Better not give him ideas eh?)

I am not at all ashamed I bought this game in its incompleteness. I'm happy to support MM and his hard work!