OT - Favorite games

RegnorVex · #1 July 9th, 2009, 01:46 AM

Sombre, I had a similar reaction the first time I looked at LSN. But my first impression was approximately the same as dismissing chess because of the funny way that knights move. The first impression many people have of this game is the things that are *missing* from it. But after spending some time playing against much better players (and reading a couple of the more esoteric guides) I came to realize that there was a world of subtlety and nuance to the combat system that gives the game significant tactical and strategic depth. One of those rare games (like Dom) where your choices really make a difference.

Jimkehn, if you feel like playing a friendly noob game some time, send a Challenge to Regnor Vex (two words, spaced).

chrispedersen · #2 July 9th, 2009, 01:56 AM

Loved X-Com, don't like LSN.

Lacks atmosphere.

RegnorVex · #3 July 9th, 2009, 10:11 AM

Yeah, Xcom and LSN are very different games. It's probably not a good idea comparing them because it feels like comparing checkers and chess simply because they use the same gameboard. The games have the same developer and the artwork is similar, but that's about it. A game like Xcom is an experience, you against the AI and you are right, it is very atmospheric. I loved it and that was just one reason.

What I like about LSN is almost exactly what I like about chess: it's you vs. a human opponent in a game of tactics, strategy and wills. Like chess, it doesn't have much atmosphere and its appeal is defined almost solely by its gameplay. And of course, like any game, it won't appeal to everyone.

the Vanishag · #4 July 14th, 2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RegnorVex

Yeah, Xcom and LSN are very different games. It's probably not a good idea comparing them because it feels like comparing checkers and chess simply because they use the same gameboard. The games have the same developer and the artwork is similar, but that's about it.

I have to agree - I like both, but for very different reasons. I'm too busy to re-up my subscription to LSN for now, but if people are still there in the fall, I'll join in.

I think you can multiplay w/ the demo, but both players are restricted to the Marines (or something like that).

I strongly recommend taking a look at "the Grenadier's Bible", an excellent guide to the Laser Marines and to game strategy in general. The Grey Aliens are my favorite, tho.

RegnorVex · #5 July 15th, 2009, 12:33 AM

Yeah, I would second that. Grenadier's Bible is not only a great general reference work on the game, it's extremely well written (a rarity in game guides).

I like Marines, but greys are definitely my 2nd favorite.

And we did confirm that the trial account can play against subscribers. Jimkehn and I have a game going now on his trial account.

It's ironic that you've determined that you can't play now because you're busy. I considered LSN the perfect game for my busy lifestyle precisely because it's PBEM and allows me to play asynchronously. But what I've come to learn is that I spend hours going over each turn before I send it in. So in the end, I've found it every bit as time consuming as any other game I play, and the only real time advantage is the asynchronicity.

the Vanishag · #6 July 16th, 2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RegnorVex

It's ironic that you've determined that you can't play now because you're busy. I considered LSN the perfect game for my busy lifestyle precisely because it's PBEM and allows me to play asynchronously. But what I've come to learn is that I spend hours going over each turn before I send it in. So in the end, I've found it every bit as time consuming as any other game I play, and the only real time advantage is the asynchronicity.

The main thing for me is the amount of time I'd spend adding that to Dominions, especially as LSN games generally have more turns/day that Dom, where it's more like days/turn. The only time in my life that I've ever been completely on top of my email was when I was playing LSN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RegnorVex

Can you imagine playing this in real time waiting for each other to move lol?

LSN convinced me to stop trying to like RTS games. I don't actually hate them - I played a lot of Starcraft as an undergrad - but I really don't like the way they combine strategy and tactics (and "twitch"). They almost play like high-level strategy: like Dom, where you create formations and give orders and then have to see how things play out, BUT victory depends on intervening and micromanaging individual units at "videogame" speed.

On that note, Positech is coming out with a game that I'm really looking forward to: Gratuitous Space Battles

Dom-style strategic battles combined with baroque (loosely MOO 2-like) spaceshship design.

RegnorVex · #7 July 17th, 2009, 10:04 AM

Wow, that looks intriguing! I'll be keeping an eye out for that one. Thanks for the link! The multiplayer sounds kind of sketchy, but perhaps it will evolve with enough fan feedback. I don't really like this trend of "Spore-like" share-your-accomplishments "multiplayer". The great new strategy game "Dawn of Discovery" has this, too, and it's a LAME alternative to actually playing a human.