Messages

1

A Valley Without Wind 1 & 2 / Impressions from an avid gamer.

« on: November 26, 2011, 02:56:01 PM »

Hello, I tried AVWW recently after reading some information on it - I wanted to share some of my initial criticisms with you guys. It's ok if you don't agree with them, but please give them a deep thought. Arcen, please don't take offense at the criticisms, you guys are awesome!

1. Jumping seems a little too high. I was pleasantly surprised at how fluid the animations were upon starting a new world. It really is one thing to look at the screenshots and another to actually play the game. However that immersion was soon broken. When I pressed the jump button, my character amazingly jumped up from the bottom of my screen to the top of my monitor - I think that's a little too excessive. Especially from a game that tries to utilize near-realistic imagery. I mean I don't think even Mario could jump that high and he was a cartoon character. I don't think I've seen any game character jump that high, in fact.

I understand that it could be due to gameplay issues, but I honestly think a compromise can be made - we are in beta after all. If we change that early in the dev cycle, there won't be much changing in the dependent gameplay elements. I don't think gameplay would suffer drastically if it was made to complement the change. Perhaps it's just me, but I really would like it if AVWW controlled near similarly to our classic 2d favorites - or at least not cringe-inducing in the art department...so much so that it hampers immersion.

2. Zoom level seems a little too close. I really would like to see more of the level. Compared to the size of the character, I feel a bit cramped up even in open areas. On top of that, looking that closely into generated textures isn't all that interesting. High view distance would help us see the world more naturally - a common element present in many open-world, sand-box games. But, of course, this is a platform game so I don't expect the view distance of five miles. Nonetheless, for even a platform game, the zoom level seems a bit too close. I think connecting with the environment is a key factor in these types of games. I would prefer to see a bit further than the current distance worth of one classroom length. This issue also contributes to the jump issue mentioned above by making the monstrous jump that much in-your-face.

I think I wanted the game to represent as closely to our platform favorites while still retaining its core characteristic charms. I realize this is very difficult to do. I just hope that this game turns out beautiful - both in gameplay and in the art-department when it's released. Those criticisms seemed like the most pressing concerns impeding upon this.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would appreciate your thoughts!

2

Tidalis Technical Support / Non-Steam Mac client Can't Update Beyond 1.016

« on: November 26, 2011, 05:08:57 AM »

First of all, awesome game! I just bought it not long ago. The music is also very good! However, I have a minor problem...

I downloaded the Mac client from your site. Noticed there was an update. I updated to 1.016. Success. Restarted. Noticed there was another update (beta). Seems it updated just fine, but upon restarting, the version is the same (1.016) and the beta update availability box is still there. I tried multiple times, both in game and manually outside the game. Is the beta update only for Steam?

3

AI War / Fresh, unexpected impressions from a new player

« on: February 10, 2011, 06:03:31 AM »

I found this game some time ago in steam, and being a fan of challenging strategy games, I had to get it (men of war, etc). I was initially turned off at the lackluster graphics, but the sight of 9001 units was just too awesome - as well as the monumental developer support and the incredible fan following.

I went through the tutorials soon after and was beginning to grasp the feel of the game. But I got distracted and stopped at the tutorial campaign. That was around two months ago. Right now my spark of interest is reignited by the help of watching Battlestar Galactica for the first time - and I realize how similar the story was between the series and the game. Sadly, I probably have to go through the tutorials again, but that's ok because this time I plan on playing this game more frequently.

With that said, I wanted to tell you guys some things on my mind about the game.

First thing that occurred to me was the main menu. Unfortunately, it seems bland and off place. Especially at the top right where the name and expansions are listed in different fonts and sizes. The star movement in the background was a nice touch, but something isn't right with them - I think it's the speed of different star layers moving isn't quite right.

Second thing that I noticed was the music. It was surprisingly good and a pleasure to listen to. I'm actually looking forward to hearing it again.

Third thing was actually in game. The particle effects were lackluster. Bad explosion effects, misaligned shots from units, and static missile trails clashed heavily with some impressive 2d art of units and planets. But I understand it's to increase performance. However, I'm hoping that there can be at least some small ways to improve upon this area? I think this alone will add tremendous immersion.

Fourth thing occurred later. Having seen Battlestar Galactica and how they're in short supply of trained pilots, where do all these pilots come from in AI War? I realize story is not important but it's really bothering me that a small surviving group can churn out thousands of pilots at will.

Final thing that I just thought of...what about adding some kind of alert announcer or sound when you are being attacked or waves are inbound? I think it'll add a lot of immersion.

That's about all the unexpected impressions I got from playing the game so far. Don't be misled into thinking I don't like AI War. I like it a lot. Just pointing out a few areas where improvements can be made in. Thanks for the game Arcen and I'm also looking forward to your next game!