GrogHeads Forum

Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Martok on February 01, 2012, 02:59:06 PM

Title: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 01, 2012, 02:59:06 PM
Link to the game site: 

http://stardrivegame.com/



Anyone else been following this one?  I pledged $10.00 during the developer's KickStarter funding project, which guarantees me a copy of the game once it's out later this year (right now we're probably looking at summer sometime). 


For anyone who's interested, here's a Q&A session with developer Daniel DiCicco: 

http://www.spacegamejunkie.com/1508/stardrive-qa-with-daniel-dicicco


I like a lot of what he's saying.  I do worry that he's being over-ambitious and reaching too far (that was part of what caused the MOO3 debacle), but there's no doubting his enthusiasm for the project. 

In that interview, I was particularly intrigued by his comments on ship design, AI, and colony development will work in the game.  I'm actually starting to get excited. 


Quote

Brian: It looks like ship design in StarDrive is pretty detailed, which space game nuts like me just love. What can you tell us about how ship design works, and how detailed can you get with your ships?

Daniel DiCicco: Ship design takes a module-based approach, where you are placing individual lego-like pieces of ship onto your ship hulls. As you unlock new ship hulls, you have bigger and better ships that can fit bigger and better modules. You can't just install any module anywhere — there are some simple restrictions. For instance, engines can only be installed in engine slots. Weapons must be installed in a slot that has exposure to the outside of the hull. Some modules must be installed in slots that are inside the hull. So I have "E" slots, "O" slots (for outside), "I" slots for inside, and "IO" for Inside/Outside slots, which are hybrid slots. This system is not super-restrictive but provides some basic rules about what goes where so I can balance the game.

Weapons and turrets all have "facings" and "fields of fire". For instance, a Flak Turret may have a 90 degree field of fire. When you install it, you need to set its facing so you know which 90 degrees it covers. In game, this translates into where you can shoot. You fire your weapons with a right mouse click where you want to shoot. All of your weapons that fit the range/field of fire requirements will fire. You can also set certain weapons to auto-fire modes like Point Defense, which will automatically attack nearby missiles, torpedoes and fighters.

Many ship modules have other options to select. Fighter Bays let you select which of your fighter class vessels it carries. Weapons can get modifications to affect their costs, like heavy mounts, increased fields of fire, and so on.

Finally, you need to build a power grid on your ship similar to how you would in Sim City. Your ship needs power plants to make energy, and these must be placed in an internal slot. These power plants have a power radius — i.e., every slot with in 4 gets powered by the power plant. So if you have one nice power plant in the middle of your cruiser, that's fine, but those lasers at the front aren't going to have any power. So what you'll need to do is use power conduits. You just drag them from your power plants to where you need power. These take up module slots and they can be disabled in combat, meaning a luck shot might knock out your forward shields and lasers.

That said, I think the best ship designs will have redundancy built into them so that losing a conduit won't spell your doom.

Quote

Brian: Your site claims that while the AI can use the stock ship designs, it can "also steal some of your ship designs". This sounds like a fairly sophisticated AI. What can you tell us about the AI, both on your own side and that of your fellow empires? For example, in the mentioned scenario, how would the AI know which ship designs to steal?

Daniel DiCicco: Stealing ship designs is the easy part! When managing your empire, you can assign an espionage budget to a certain race. If you (or an AI) gets lucky, they can steal your technology, including ship hulls. The AI will then be able to build ships using designs that you have saved in addition to the stock ships. The AI will also rate ship designs based on their overall DPS and survivability, so it's not possible to create a bunch of terrible ship designs to trick the AI into stealing and using.

Quote

Brian: Planetary colonization also looks pretty detailed, which is awesome. Can you take us through some of the steps needed to successfully colonize a planet? Also, can the AI handle planetary colonization if you're busy with other things, like combat and what not?

Daniel DiCicco: The simplest aspect of colonization is finding the planet. You can send a scout ship out to auto explore or you can visit a system yourself. Double clicking a planet brings up its stats window and you get some lore text along with a rating of its fertility and its mineral richness. Some planets also have specials depending on planet type and so on.

To colonize a planet, you just click "Mark for Colonization". Doing this will queue a colony ship in the best available shipyard. Colony ships are somewhat expensive so it's important to protect them. They bring a little bit of food and a small contingent of colonists with them to the new planet. You could also just queue a colony ship manually and right click a planet to colonize.

When your colony is set up, it's up to you how to develop it. Initially your colonies are not very self-sustaining. Base resource production is keyed to population, and starting colonies have almost no population. To increase population, you must build freighters and assign them the automated task to ferry colonists. You can also assign freighters to do automated goods transport, which will take food and production from worlds where you have excess to your newer worlds. So if you build a transport at Earth and set Earth to "export" its industrial production, and your new colony to import it, then you'll see your freighters bringing these goods to your new planet.

At the new planet, you can rush your building projects by applying this imported production. The system I am modeling here is realistic and based on how I think space would really be colonized. You send an advance ship to set up the colony, and then you import a ton of pre-fab goods and new colonists as you grow.

So the AI will, optionally, have a lot of control over this process. When you colonize a planet you will be able to select a governor who can manage the planet for you. The freighters will manage your goods and colonists for you, and all you really have to worry about is finding the planet to colonize.

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 01, 2012, 04:15:22 PM
I pledged the $25 and hope to get the beta invite within a month or so.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: spelk on February 01, 2012, 05:54:20 PM
Can you not already get into the alpha through Desura?

http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive (http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 01, 2012, 06:17:45 PM
Quote from: spelk on February 01, 2012, 05:54:20 PM
Can you not already get into the alpha through Desura?

http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive (http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive)

There was something about that... but the dev (named something awesome like Danny Diccico) said that this was misleading and that alpha invites would go out later. I expect he will get us all on board soon.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: TheCommandTent on February 01, 2012, 06:23:11 PM
Very interesting game, something to definitely keep an eye on.

I keep missing out on all these great Kickstarter projects
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on February 02, 2012, 07:15:56 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 01, 2012, 06:17:45 PM
Quote from: spelk on February 01, 2012, 05:54:20 PM
Can you not already get into the alpha through Desura?

http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive (http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive)

There was something about that... but the dev (named something awesome like Danny Diccico) said that this was misleading and that alpha invites would go out later. I expect he will get us all on board soon.

I think what happened is Desura released the alpha build to buyers earlier than the dev wanted.  As a result, he had no choice but to open the alpha program early.  I just paid and got the alpha build. There is lots of potential here.  No options yet though so I can't reconfigure my controls.  This will keep me from enjoying the game for awhile.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 02, 2012, 07:43:01 AM
You can tell Dan is a complete newbie to game development (which, to be fair, he freely admits to), as I do have to wonder at a couple of his design decisions: 


It apparently took me whining about it in the forums to convince Dan to add a pause function to the game (it's real-time like Distant Worlds).  It's almost like he wasn't aware that most RTS games have had the pause function by default for the last couple decades! 

As it is, it sounds like we won't be able to issue/change orders while the game is paused...unless maybe you guys want to help me nag him about it?  ;D 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on February 02, 2012, 08:08:36 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 02, 2012, 07:43:01 AM
You can tell Dan is a complete newbie to game development (which, to be fair, he freely admits to), as I do have to wonder at a couple of his design decisions: 


It apparently took me whining about it in the forums to convince Dan to add a pause function to the game (it's real-time like Distant Worlds).  It's almost like he wasn't aware that most RTS games haven't had a pause function by default for the last couple decades! 

As it is, it sounds like we won't be able to issue/change orders while the game is paused...unless maybe you guys want to help me nag him about it?  ;D

In truth, I don't think I have EVER used pause in Distant Worlds.  Having the option is nice, but I find typically the pacing of the game is slow enough to permit me to manage things in real time.  Stardrive may be different though because you have direct control of your flagship, in addition to strategic control of your other forces...
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 02, 2012, 09:41:14 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 02, 2012, 07:15:56 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 01, 2012, 06:17:45 PM
Quote from: spelk on February 01, 2012, 05:54:20 PM
Can you not already get into the alpha through Desura?

http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive (http://www.desura.com/games/stardrive)

There was something about that... but the dev (named something awesome like Danny Diccico) said that this was misleading and that alpha invites would go out later. I expect he will get us all on board soon.

I think what happened is Desura released the alpha build to buyers earlier than the dev wanted.  As a result, he had no choice but to open the alpha program early.  I just paid and got the alpha build. There is lots of potential here.  No options yet though so I can't reconfigure my controls.  This will keep me from enjoying the game for awhile.

Hmm... I wonder when/if the Kickstarter people will get invited. Sort of sucks, I actually plugged him more money, so it would be nice to get a little bit better treatment!
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 02, 2012, 11:05:35 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 02, 2012, 08:08:36 AM

In truth, I don't think I have EVER used pause in Distant Worlds.  Having the option is nice, but I find typically the pacing of the game is slow enough to permit me to manage things in real time.  Stardrive may be different though because you have direct control of your flagship, in addition to strategic control of your other forces...
I actually don't use pause in DW very often myself, but I do occasionally (most often if I get a phone call or have to use the bathroom). 

I think the most important thing, though, is (as you said) that the option is there if we want it.  It sounds like the pacing shouldn't be too bad -- Dan has said he's aiming for pacing similar to the Total War titles, and he's recently reduced the game speed by a hefty margin -- but there are always those like myself who will want to be able to pause things, even if it's not that necessary. 




Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 02, 2012, 09:41:14 AM

Hmm... I wonder when/if the Kickstarter people will get invited. Sort of sucks, I actually plugged him more money, so it would be nice to get a little bit better treatment!
A fair point.  I'd suggest you just post in the game's forum and ask him.  He's been straightforward with his answers so far. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on February 05, 2012, 04:21:06 PM
I've pre-ordered through Desura.
Unfortunately, this Desura client really sucks.

Anyone knows of a way to download from Desuria without using their silly Steam-wannabe client?
Or at least be able to choose where to download and install the games???
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 05, 2012, 04:57:09 PM
I really like the descriptions of Stardrive. Are there any screen shots available anywhere?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 06, 2012, 04:02:11 AM
Adam Solo from Space Sector has some screenies here: 

http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2012/01/stardrive-screens-new/


 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 10:19:13 AM
^Thanks...looking good! Except for Smokey the Bear. Hopefully that's just a concept image or a placeholder or something.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 06, 2012, 10:40:48 AM
LOL.  That's actually an image of the Kilrathi, one of the playable races in the game.   They're inspired by the Bulrathi, one of the races from the Master of Orion series. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on February 06, 2012, 10:55:22 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 06, 2012, 10:40:48 AM
LOL.  That's actually an image of the Kilrathi, one of the playable races in the game.   They're inspired by the Bulrathi, one of the races from the Master of Orion series.

"Kilrathi"?  That is the name of the cat-like race from the Wing Commander series.  Surely the name cannot be the same.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halolz.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F10%2Fkilrathi.jpg&hash=787db887fccbebac9841f6b05737baa1bce99b84)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 11:18:40 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 06, 2012, 10:40:48 AM
LOL.  That's actually an image of the Kilrathi, one of the playable races in the game.   They're inspired by the Bulrathi, one of the races from the Master of Orion series.

These are actually called the Kulrathi... a portmanteau of both the Kilrathi and the Bulrathi from Wing Commander and MOO respectively. It is intentional, a reference to the greatness of both games. I was less enthused by this as a nod, as I prefer original aliens to "inspired by" stuff. Still, the game is looking quite good.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:00:25 PM
^Can we change your handle to Son of Portmanteau?

Is there a release date or is this a 'when it's done' situation?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 06, 2012, 12:04:23 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:00:25 PM
^Can we change your handle to Son of Portmanteau?

Is there a release date or is this a 'when it's done' situation?

Portmanteau - yet another word I'm unfamiliar with. Is it Kulrathi in origin?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 12:29:44 PM
From Websters (and not Urban Dictionary, which probably defines it as some sort of deviant act):

QuotePortmanteau
2.: a word or morpheme whose form and meaning are derived from a blending of two or more distinct forms (as smog from smoke and fog)

Sometimes I feel like I'm the Roman governor tasked with civilizing the barbarians...  8)

In fact, Grogheads... the name of this forum... is a portmanteau (Grognard + X-heads).
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 06, 2012, 12:30:36 PM
I thought it was X-Men?  WTF SoM?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:31:56 PM
^Are you wearing your extra fancy smoking jacket today? The definition contained another word I have never seen before: morpheme.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 12:32:26 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on February 06, 2012, 12:30:36 PM
I thought it was X-Men?  WTF SoM?

No. This is X-Men:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F28.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_lwlu6jN1y41r86jw0o1_500.png&hash=d1c67e0e4a5a4d1b6d1b206e38df315ac4dd6101)

But we digress.

WHERE IS MY BETA INVITE!
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 06, 2012, 12:34:24 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:31:56 PM
^Are you wearing your extra fancy smoking jacket today? The definition contained another word I have never seen before: morpheme.

Me? No. But I am sitting in my extra-cool Manchair (another morpheme for you rabble) beside the fireplace holding last night's ashes. That is opposed to my normal work environ in my library. So, well, take that.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:40:33 PM
^Not you LB...you ninja'd me above. Son of Portmanteau should be required to wear a smoking jacket whenever he is online here.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 06, 2012, 12:46:15 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:40:33 PM
^Not you LB...you ninja'd me above. Son of Portmanteau should be required to wear a smoking jacket whenever he is online here.

Agreed. And a codpiece.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 12:55:42 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 12:40:33 PM
^Not you LB...you ninja'd me above. Son of Portmanteau should be required to wear a smoking jacket whenever he is online here.

More like a toga and a codex of laws.

Or I could go the "troll" route and look like this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fravenseniors.wikispaces.com%2Ffile%2Fview%2Fcacaca.jpg%2F273425266%2Fcacaca.jpg&hash=3e3bb69db709856a432c79f48fd518273ba005dc)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 01:39:22 PM
I like either. Whatever makes you feel more inflated.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 02:42:11 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 06, 2012, 01:39:22 PM
I like either. Whatever makes you feel more inflated.

I'll be honest, Napoleon's head there looks a lot like my father. And if you put a reddish beard on him, it could look a lot like me.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 06, 2012, 06:56:34 PM
Monty, how do you find the game's pacing so far?  I'm obviously hoping it's not too frenetic. 

Also, I presume the game continues to run when combat occurs (like Distant Worlds)? 




Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 06, 2012, 10:55:22 AM

"Kilrathi"?  That is the name of the cat-like race from the Wing Commander series.  Surely the name cannot be the same.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halolz.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F10%2Fkilrathi.jpg&hash=787db887fccbebac9841f6b05737baa1bce99b84)
SoM is correct, and I can't spell:  That race in StarDrive are the Kulrathi.  And yes, they are also based on/inspired by the Kilrathi from Wing Commander (in addition to the Bulrathi from MOO). 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 08:45:33 PM
I don't have access Martok.  >:(

Even though I paid the extra money for Beta, the Desura folks got straight into alpha.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 07, 2012, 04:21:25 AM
Ah, that's right.  I'm still rather annoyed with Desura over that (as are you and many others, no doubt). 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Shelldrake on February 07, 2012, 07:57:40 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 06, 2012, 10:40:48 AM
LOL.  That's actually an image of the Kilrathi, one of the playable races in the game.   They're inspired by the Bulrathi, one of the races from the Master of Orion series.

Kilrathi were also the cat-like warrior race in the Wing Commander games.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on February 07, 2012, 08:12:21 AM
Quote from: Shelldrake on February 07, 2012, 07:57:40 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 06, 2012, 10:40:48 AM
LOL.  That's actually an image of the Kilrathi, one of the playable races in the game.   They're inspired by the Bulrathi, one of the races from the Master of Orion series.

Kilrathi were also the cat-like warrior race in the Wing Commander games.

Uhhh...someone hasn't read through the thread.  ;)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.threadbombing.com%2Fdata%2Fmedia%2F30%2FPoint_over_your_head.jpg&hash=7d82aaa944f1322abff0361d7eb4042979602df5)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Shelldrake on February 07, 2012, 10:05:58 AM
 :-[
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on February 07, 2012, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: Shelldrake on February 07, 2012, 10:05:58 AM
:-[

Haha!!! Awww...I'm just having fun with you Shelly.  Glad to see you posting here.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 11:46:56 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 07, 2012, 04:21:25 AM
Ah, that's right.  I'm still rather annoyed with Desura over that (as are you and many others, no doubt).

I'm thinking there will be compensation. Even if it is only the "feel good" feeling of supporting an indie Dev in need.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on February 07, 2012, 12:05:44 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 11:46:56 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 07, 2012, 04:21:25 AM
Ah, that's right.  I'm still rather annoyed with Desura over that (as are you and many others, no doubt).

I'm thinking there will be compensation. Even if it is only the "feel good" feeling of supporting an indie Dev in need.

Your compensation is that you don't have to deal with the shitty Desura client.  :P
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 07, 2012, 12:44:26 PM
I just downloaded Unstoppable Gorg. Played through the tutorial and really liked what I saw.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 01:07:40 PM
Quote from: Tpek on February 07, 2012, 12:05:44 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 11:46:56 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 07, 2012, 04:21:25 AM
Ah, that's right.  I'm still rather annoyed with Desura over that (as are you and many others, no doubt).

I'm thinking there will be compensation. Even if it is only the "feel good" feeling of supporting an indie Dev in need.

Your compensation is that you don't have to deal with the shitty Desura client.  :P

Go figure, I actually like the Desura client!
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 07, 2012, 01:12:09 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 11:46:56 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 07, 2012, 04:21:25 AM
Ah, that's right.  I'm still rather annoyed with Desura over that (as are you and many others, no doubt).

I'm thinking there will be compensation. Even if it is only the "feel good" feeling of supporting an indie Dev in need.
True. 

As for myself, I'm fine with only having pledged enough for a release copy.  I'm not a fan of alpha/beta-testing, however necessary it is.  (It's the same reason I've stayed away from the Fallen Enchantress beta, even though I have access to it.) 


Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on February 07, 2012, 02:50:17 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 01:07:40 PM
Quote from: Tpek on February 07, 2012, 12:05:44 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 11:46:56 AM
Quote from: Martok on February 07, 2012, 04:21:25 AM
Ah, that's right.  I'm still rather annoyed with Desura over that (as are you and many others, no doubt).

I'm thinking there will be compensation. Even if it is only the "feel good" feeling of supporting an indie Dev in need.

Your compensation is that you don't have to deal with the shitty Desura client.  :P

Go figure, I actually like the Desura client!

Would you happen to know how to choose where I'd like to install my games then? :P
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Arctic Blast on February 07, 2012, 08:40:10 PM
At the very least, I would hope that SoM is wearing a monocle. Maybe the monocle-tophat-walking stick 'Mr. Peanut' combo, or is that me getting greedy?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 10:12:16 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on February 07, 2012, 08:40:10 PM
At the very least, I would hope that SoM is wearing a monocle. Maybe the monocle-tophat-walking stick 'Mr. Peanut' combo, or is that me getting greedy?

This is only my after dinner attire in the drawing room. For special occasions I wear a full two-tailed doubled breasted tuxedo and spats. For very very special occasions, I only wear the spats.

Tpek, I don't know... it hasn't been an issue for me.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 07, 2012, 10:19:29 PM
Just remember - there is *never* a special enough occasion to wear only spats.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 10:22:33 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on February 07, 2012, 10:19:29 PM
Just remember - there is *never* a special enough occasion to wear only spats.

I feel sad about your marriage.  ;)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Arctic Blast on February 09, 2012, 01:28:24 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 10:12:16 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on February 07, 2012, 08:40:10 PM
At the very least, I would hope that SoM is wearing a monocle. Maybe the monocle-tophat-walking stick 'Mr. Peanut' combo, or is that me getting greedy?

This is only my after dinner attire in the drawing room. For special occasions I wear a full two-tailed doubled breasted tuxedo and spats. For very very special occasions, I only wear the spats.

Tpek, I don't know... it hasn't been an issue for me.

Pocket watch? Tell me there's a pocket watch!
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 09, 2012, 11:09:06 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on February 09, 2012, 01:28:24 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 07, 2012, 10:12:16 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on February 07, 2012, 08:40:10 PM
At the very least, I would hope that SoM is wearing a monocle. Maybe the monocle-tophat-walking stick 'Mr. Peanut' combo, or is that me getting greedy?

This is only my after dinner attire in the drawing room. For special occasions I wear a full two-tailed doubled breasted tuxedo and spats. For very very special occasions, I only wear the spats.

Tpek, I don't know... it hasn't been an issue for me.

Pocket watch? Tell me there's a pocket watch!

That's just too anachronistic. Pun intended.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 16, 2012, 12:04:15 PM
So getting back to the topic... 



A couple interesting bits & pieces: 


Supply & logistics gets a brief mention here (http://=http://stardrivegame.com/?topic=resupplying-ordinances/#post-1696).  In addition, I believe Dan has stated that deep-space stations can be of some importance in maintaining supply lines as well. 


Dan discusses a bit of his proposed ground combat system in this thread (http://stardrivegame.com/?topic=ideassuggestions&paged=4#post-1706).  (You'll probably want to read the post by "PunkiBastardo" first, since Dan refers back to it.) 

The ground combat model sounds pretty decent, at least on paper.  My favorite part is this:
QuoteIf an enemy troop occupies a square with one of your buildings on it, then that building becomes useless to its owner. So it is possible to occupy portions of a planet and even to have drawn out occupations.


Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 12:05:51 PM
I need this to be released soon.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 16, 2012, 12:14:28 PM
Well the last I heard him mention was sometime in June, s-- 


Wait, what?  Gus, *you're* interested in a 4x game?? 

Odd, I'm not seeing any airborne porcine fleets in the skies right now... 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 12:28:22 PM
^Very. Has to be the right game though. This looks like the right game. Like the right girl, you know.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 16, 2012, 03:05:42 PM
Fair enough. 

May your choice for your first 4x game be better than my choice for my first Age of Sail game! 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:11:13 PM
^What was your first Age of Sail game?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 16, 2012, 03:31:04 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:11:13 PM
^What was your first Age of Sail game?

I know you didn't ask me, but it was Wooden Ships & Iron Men.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:35:14 PM
^That's a legendary game though. I'm thinking Martok is embarrassed of his choice.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 16, 2012, 03:35:55 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:11:13 PM
^What was your first Age of Sail game?
Empire Total War

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:36:56 PM
^Meh could be worse. Couldn't it? Mod it up and it isn't as painful.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 16, 2012, 03:48:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:35:14 PM
^That's a legendary game though. I'm thinking Martok is embarrassed of his choice.

Wanna know what's even more legendary about it? You can play online: http://www.youplay.it/play/cp_dynamicIndex2.asp
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:59:01 PM
^O snap
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: LongBlade on February 16, 2012, 04:00:05 PM
I thought you might like that :)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on February 17, 2012, 02:03:43 AM
Quote from: Gusington on February 16, 2012, 03:36:56 PM
^Meh could be worse. Couldn't it? Mod it up and it isn't as painful.
Doesn't matter how much it gets modded.  It's still the same craptastic campaign AI, and same wonky naval battles (which was -- theoretically -- the biggest attraction for me). 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 03, 2012, 03:51:41 PM
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this little tidbit: 

Both ships AND ground units will gain experience from battle.  Not only will this increase their all-around combat abilities, but -- depending on whether Dan gets the time to implement this part -- it may unlock certain special abilities as well.  Hooray! 


Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: spelk on March 05, 2012, 05:02:37 AM
I can't get this alpha title to load up without the game window being all skewed, it's like the window is centered somewhere off screen. My resolution is 1600x900. Nothing I can find (ie. a configuration setup) can cure it. I'm running the alpha distributed via Desura.

Anyone actively testing this one, have any idea?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 05, 2012, 07:24:47 AM
I have a similar issue where some of the UI buttons are locate beneath the windows task bar and are inaccessible.  Shutting down the game and restarting has cured this issue for me so far.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 14, 2012, 12:46:01 PM
Dan has put up a short "showreel", displaying both gameplay and artwork/animation: 

Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywttgj8WArs&feature=g-all-u&context=G25e1d95FAAAAAAAABAA)

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on March 14, 2012, 01:15:39 PM
^Thanks! Will have to check it out later.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 14, 2012, 01:29:38 PM
Apparently updates/news/etc. had slowed down due to Dan having attended the GDC, hence partly why there's been little to report on the game recently.  Hopefully that will change now, though! 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on March 14, 2012, 01:31:43 PM
When is the beta supposed to be ready?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 14, 2012, 01:34:20 PM
Quote from: Gusington on March 14, 2012, 01:31:43 PM
When is the beta supposed to be ready?
There's been no official word that I'm aware of.  However, if we presume that StarDrive is still on track for a summer release, I'd guess the beta should be starting sometime in the next month or so. 


Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Gusington on March 14, 2012, 01:39:19 PM
Leonard Nimoy would approve.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 15, 2012, 01:02:32 AM
Oh yeah, and Dan made this rather cryptic comment on the game's website: 

"We have some potentially exciting developments coming on the horizon as a result of our trip to GDC. Nothing to announce yet, but stay tuned!" 


Now I'm more curious than ever.  Gah! 




Quote from: Gusington on March 14, 2012, 01:39:19 PM
Leonard Nimoy would approve.
Yes, I believe he would. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 08, 2013, 09:27:10 PM
This was released to beta today for people who pre-order...has anyone pulled the trigger yet?

I'm on the fence whether to get Stardrive or Starsector (formerly Starfarer http://fractalsoftworks.com/ (http://fractalsoftworks.com/))
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Cougar_DK on March 09, 2013, 02:08:09 AM
I have Starsector and its more of a single battle thing last time I checked. The combat is a very big thung right now and pretty unforgiving, but it could be my lack of skill  ;)

I'm close to pull the trigger on StarDrive since its looks more 4x right now, but its a little expensive... Will report back.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 09, 2013, 08:41:27 AM
I ended up buying Stardrive, hope to put some time into it today.

Edit:  Just some initial thoughts.  The opening scene, music, and interface have a very Mass Effect feel to it.  Mass Effect is one of my favorite Sci-fi series' so that bodes well.  :)  No space combat yet, mostly just been exploring the interface and feeling my way about.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 09, 2013, 11:02:46 AM
I got the beta today and played around for a couple of minutes.  My initial reaction is that it is a simplified Distant Worlds.  Which is not necessarily a bad thing, since the interface is much better.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 09, 2013, 12:26:40 PM
I'm pretty miffed.  I was an early supporter through Desura.  We have not been provided with steam keys as of yet, and although there is an indication that the Desura version will be updated to the most recent beta version that is currently on steam, desura is still loaded with the alpha code.  Early supporters should never be penalized in my opinion.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Longdan on March 09, 2013, 12:35:13 PM
I never even saw it on Desura.  I had better go look again.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 09, 2013, 12:59:58 PM
Yeah that is pretty bad Jarhead; Desura is billed as the platform for funding indie games in development.  Of course, it's difficult to know who's at fault, the dev or Desura.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on March 09, 2013, 01:30:24 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 09, 2013, 12:26:40 PM
I'm pretty miffed.  I was an early supporter through Desura.  We have not been provided with steam keys as of yet, and although there is an indication that the Desura version will be updated to the most recent beta version that is currently on steam, desura is still loaded with the alpha code.  Early supporters should never be penalized in my opinion.

I'm a Kickstarter supporter and he sent out an update that stated he intended to have the keys to people yesterday, to coincide with the beta release, but that he had a snag with the Excel file of keys.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 09, 2013, 01:34:00 PM
I'm one of the people who got it from Desura back in the day.
The dev said he'd give us Steam keys as well if we wanted. (I've asked for mine :) )
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 09, 2013, 01:53:40 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 06, 2012, 12:29:44 PM
From Websters (and not Urban Dictionary, which probably defines it as some sort of deviant act):

QuotePortmanteau
2.: a word or morpheme whose form and meaning are derived from a blending of two or more distinct forms (as smog from smoke and fog)

Sometimes I feel like I'm the Roman governor tasked with civilizing the barbarians...  8)

In fact, Grogheads... the name of this forum... is a portmanteau (Grognard + X-heads).

SOM's avatar is a portmanteau!   :P
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 09, 2013, 02:30:32 PM
So one big frustration off the bat with Stardrive is that in the Shipyard design area you can't zoom in.  At least I can't figure out why, and have found a few forum posts requesting it.  I have decent vision, and at 1080p even on my 25 inch monitor 2 feet away I'm still having trouble seeing where to put things...and trying to figure out what things are.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 09, 2013, 02:36:42 PM
This is a minor quibble but I figured after so long in development and nearing actual release...this wouldn't be an issue.  Notice how Venus is lit, I'm not sure where the light source is...but its not the sun.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsEp6cJx.jpg&hash=c78462606b9ae31c47ef0f6b84c335e4cf597f05)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: bbmike on March 09, 2013, 03:14:48 PM
The thing annoying me is (and maybe I missed an option somewhere) is nothing tells me when ship/building construction is finished at a colony.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 09, 2013, 03:47:49 PM
By the by, here's the latest trailer: 




Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 09, 2013, 05:36:10 PM
Your right, it is annoying.  The game went crazy on me with ships positions not matching their 3d models...I decided to take a break.  I'll try again after it releases in earnest.  It certainly poses no danger to Distant Worlds in my mind.  It is a few patches off from being enjoyable to me.  There is no fun in designing your own ships when you can't see the components.  :\
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 09, 2013, 07:18:34 PM
Let's not forget this is still in beta.  I'm annoyed by the difficulty in placing modules in the design screen as well, but I'm hopeful it will be fixed.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 10, 2013, 12:30:57 PM
Hurmph....

Cast this one into the ever growing list of developers who enjoy support from early backers only to screw them later on for the the sake of milking a new crowd.
Turns out that the dev has decided for now that's it will be too much hassle to give all previous backers Steam keys for the newer versions, and instead we're going to have to suffer
waiting forever to see if he uploads the game to Desura.

It's quite annoying how this is quickly becoming a major trend in the gaming industry.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Bison on March 10, 2013, 01:24:41 PM
This is why kickstarter and early backing schemes are something I will never be party too.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Longdan on March 10, 2013, 01:56:28 PM
Most have turned out very well for me.  If you do not wish to participate that is your decision.
I generally do not like to assume everyone is a dirtbag and I do not wish to have all my decisions
made by EA and their ilk.  But that is just me.  You surely do not have to participate.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on March 10, 2013, 02:00:54 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 10, 2013, 12:30:57 PM
Hurmph....

Cast this one into the ever growing list of developers who enjoy support from early backers only to screw them later on for the the sake of milking a new crowd.
Turns out that the dev has decided for now that's it will be too much hassle to give all previous backers Steam keys for the newer versions, and instead we're going to have to suffer
waiting forever to see if he uploads the game to Desura.

It's quite annoying how this is quickly becoming a major trend in the gaming industry.

Odd. I got my Steam key from him yesterday. Are you a KS backer or Desura backer?

Quote from: Bison on March 10, 2013, 01:24:41 PM
This is why kickstarter and early backing schemes are something I will never be party too.

I've made some mistakes but also had some successes with KS. I think you really have to be discriminating as to the cost and the trustworthiness of the developer. For boardgames, backing a "sure thing" is likely to get you extras at a decent price (although I have found you almost never get the game for less than you would if you wait and do online retail, you just get MORE stuff like expansions or add-ons - or you get the game early). For PC games, I am starting to back away from supporting alphas. I rarely have time to play them, they rarely have enough content to be worth it, and they tend to be in development for YEARS (and blow by development goals).

If the cost if <$10, I'm more willing to gamble.

That all being said, I still use KS from time to time.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on March 10, 2013, 02:56:45 PM
While I'll continue to back KS and Desura games I find interesting, I am pretty disappointed that Zero has more or less blown off those of us who were early supporters of this games and chose to fund its development.  I can't find anything, anywhere about those of us on Desura getting Steam keys anytime soon.

So as it stands, I don't have anything good to say about this game, because I can't play the beta, and I assume I'll never get to play the released version.  Certainly I thought it looked promising or I wouldn't have backed it, but I think we have yet another Indie developer who may or may not be good at game development, but is most definitely not a good business person.  This kind of stuff is a rookie mistake.   
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 10, 2013, 03:31:19 PM
I've had good (more or less) experience with Kickstarter.
Problem is that most people don't have the International shipping properly.
So it comes out that the items get shipped long after the stores already got them.

Ohh well, at least those that bought via Steam will have to pay more  than we did back when backing it up. (If only I had real access to the game that is :P)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on March 10, 2013, 03:34:40 PM
Zero has now made it clear that Desura backers won't be getting Steam keys, because he didn't bother to keep records of who purchased the game there and now can't get those records from Desura.  >:(

http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1064&start=20 (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1064&start=20)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 10, 2013, 04:16:59 PM
Quote from: panzerde on March 10, 2013, 03:34:40 PM
Zero has now made it clear that Desura backers won't be getting Steam keys, because he didn't bother to keep records of who purchased the game there and now can't get those records from Desura.  >:(

http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1064&start=20 (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1064&start=20)

I remember him saying before that, that if anyone who had it on Desura messaged him he would grant them a  Steam key.
Turns out he changed his mind :(
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 10, 2013, 04:30:32 PM
That's...disheartening you Desura guys appear to be getting screwed.  (Like Monty, I was an original KS backer, and have received my beta key.)  I'm baffled by this sudden turnaround on Dan's part. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 10, 2013, 05:39:41 PM
I fail to see the problem here.  He said he'd upload the latest build to Desura, so those of you who bought it on Desura will be able to play the latest version, right?  Am I missing something?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 10, 2013, 05:59:52 PM
Quote from: Huw the Poo on March 10, 2013, 05:39:41 PM
I fail to see the problem here.  He said he'd upload the latest build to Desura, so those of you who bought it on Desura will be able to play the latest version, right?  Am I missing something?

If it's published and updated on Desura - I would think not.

Or is he one of the numerous devs who only tend to want to d*ck with uploading new batches to one place, and not the others.  Cutting corners like that infuriates me too.  Hell.. I kept tossing a fit on the Pdox boards when I found out that the King Arthur:RPWG set wasn't being given updates on Gamersgate, but were getting new ones on the Steam version.  It took a long time, but they eventually just gave us Steam keys so that we could play a fully-updated version.  The devs & publisher were pointing fingers at each other, nobody admitting fault.  That was seriously dropping the ball and shouldn't have happened in the first place, and I'm starting to see a trend in that direction with others, too.  >:(
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on March 10, 2013, 06:23:10 PM
He's also indicated that the release version will not be Desura.  He's promised twice now to upload to Desura, and it hasn't happened.  It seems very likely at this point that if you bought the game on Desura you won't be getting the release version - and despite promises, we've yet to see the beta version.

It seems like Desura lacks a lot of the tools to make it easy for devs to support their games.  Having said that, he's made it clear in other posts that his publishing agreement with Iceberg means he can't distribute the game through other channels.  Fair enough, give us Steam keys and we'll all go get it through Steam.  Unfortunately, he didn't keep track of who bought it via Desura, so he'd have to go manually validate that you bought the game.  The time crunch of game launch on Steam means he feels he doesn't have time to do that, so he's stopped giving out Steam keys.

So, it isn't access to the beta version that's the real sticking point, though the fact that it still isn't available on Desura is irritating.  The larger issue is that it seems that we won't get access to the finished game.

In the end I think he just made a mistake with some of the business arrangements, and he doesn't know how to get himself out of it.  Now he has a bunch of Desura buyers pounding on him for a solution at a time he's busy with a bunch of other stuff, and instead of being communicative about the situation he's only grudgingly giving out information.  As a business owner I feel for him, but the solution is to communicate more and look for a way to make your customers happy, not to bunker up and hope they'll mostly just go away.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 10, 2013, 07:17:12 PM
^more annoying, is the prevailing opinion in the official forums that desura supporters should just take it on the chin and buy the game again on steam, to "support an indie developer.". No thanks. That's what I was doing by buying on desura, now I'm just being taken advantage of.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 10, 2013, 07:25:44 PM
I hope the guy does right by those who went for the Desura version.  It sounds like he just got in over his head, which is not his fault, but another reason to not give money to an unknown entity in advance, whether it's Desura or Kickstarter.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Longdan on March 10, 2013, 07:26:49 PM
Well I will tell you this much FWIW.  I  was looking seriously at his other game and now
not so much and I am an addicted impulse buyer.  I mean I would buy a game called Space Mall Security Guard (Night Shift)
or Space Tax Accountant.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 11, 2013, 12:13:05 AM
Quote from: panzerde on March 10, 2013, 06:23:10 PM
He's also indicated that the release version will not be Desura.  He's promised twice now to upload to Desura, and it hasn't happened.  It seems very likely at this point that if you bought the game on Desura you won't be getting the release version - and despite promises, we've yet to see the beta version.

It seems like Desura lacks a lot of the tools to make it easy for devs to support their games.  Having said that, he's made it clear in other posts that his publishing agreement with Iceberg means he can't distribute the game through other channels.  Fair enough, give us Steam keys and we'll all go get it through Steam.  Unfortunately, he didn't keep track of who bought it via Desura, so he'd have to go manually validate that you bought the game.  The time crunch of game launch on Steam means he feels he doesn't have time to do that, so he's stopped giving out Steam keys.

So, it isn't access to the beta version that's the real sticking point, though the fact that it still isn't available on Desura is irritating.  The larger issue is that it seems that we won't get access to the finished game.

In the end I think he just made a mistake with some of the business arrangements, and he doesn't know how to get himself out of it.  Now he has a bunch of Desura buyers pounding on him for a solution at a time he's busy with a bunch of other stuff, and instead of being communicative about the situation he's only grudgingly giving out information.  As a business owner I feel for him, but the solution is to communicate more and look for a way to make your customers happy, not to bunker up and hope they'll mostly just go away.

Man.. that's pretty shitty.  I'd be f'ing pissed if you guys get hosed out of your buy-in.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 11, 2013, 05:58:56 AM
Quote from: panzerde on March 10, 2013, 06:23:10 PM
In the end I think he just made a mistake with some of the business arrangements, and he doesn't know how to get himself out of it.  Now he has a bunch of Desura buyers pounding on him for a solution at a time he's busy with a bunch of other stuff, and instead of being communicative about the situation he's only grudgingly giving out information.  As a business owner I feel for him, but the solution is to communicate more and look for a way to make your customers happy, not to bunker up and hope they'll mostly just go away.
Quote from: tgb on March 10, 2013, 07:25:44 PM
I hope the guy does right by those who went for the Desura version.  It sounds like he just got in over his head, which is not his fault, but another reason to not give money to an unknown entity in advance, whether it's Desura or Kickstarter.
This is my impression as well.  I've been following the StarDrive forums for quite some time now, and it sounds like Desura has done the game -- and by extension, both DiCocco and the alpha-buyers -- wrong. 

First off, Desura wasn't supposed to have allowed folks to pre-purchase the game for alpha/beta access in the first place.  Secondly, Desura (as has been previously noted) has taken a lot longer to upload patches/updates to the beta than to Steam, even though Dan has long since sent them the most recent version.  (Dan has expressed his annoyance with this several times, and he made a particularly direct statement about it yesterday.) 


Of course, none of this excuses Dan from his obligations to the Desura purchasers -- he owes you guys keys for the Steam version, if nothing else -- and he probably should've done more research and/or found out more info about Desura before putting his game there.  But Desura definitely made things more difficult -- for everyone.  Lesson learned, I guess (I hope!). 

In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he does right by you folks in the end.  I'll also see about putting a word in for you guys as well.  (It can't hurt, and KS backers/early testers seem to have a small amount of pull with him.) 




Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 10, 2013, 07:17:12 PM
^more annoying, is the prevailing opinion in the official forums that desura supporters should just take it on the chin and buy the game again on steam, to "support an indie developer.". No thanks. That's what I was doing by buying on desura, now I'm just being taken advantage of.
Exactly.  For as much as I support the game, I don't really understand why my fellow fanboys/girls are saying that.  It smacks too much of an "entitlement" attitude, which I find disturbing. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Anguille on March 11, 2013, 06:42:43 AM
I am one of the kickstarters too. I received my steam code already but it was in my spam folder, so check that folder.

Cheers
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 11, 2013, 06:54:17 AM
I just found this excellent Let's Play that has a lot of stuff not covered in the manual or tutorials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTGAxaAkOsk
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 11, 2013, 10:36:14 AM
But no version has been uploaded to Desura.
There are only early alpha builds there that aren't even standalone.

It was a tool the dev originally used to automate the management of alpha builds. But it seems that now that he's got access to Steam he simply dumped it,
and out of sheer laziness/greed decided that all the previous people who pre-ordered should now purchase the game yet again.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 11, 2013, 11:44:48 AM
I watched the LP and it appears to me that is a simpler version of DW.  I don't mean that in a negative way, but the diplomacy and tech tree seems on the thin side.  It has peaked my interest to see how it continues to be developed.


PE


Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on March 11, 2013, 04:10:50 PM
Quote from: Martok on March 11, 2013, 05:58:56 AM

Of course, none of this excuses Dan from his obligations to the Desura purchasers -- he owes you guys keys for the Steam version, if nothing else -- and he probably should've done more research and/or found out more info about Desura before putting his game there.  But Desura definitely made things more difficult -- for everyone.  Lesson learned, I guess (I hope!). 

In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he does right by you folks in the end.  I'll also see about putting a word in for you guys as well.  (It can't hurt, and KS backers/early testers seem to have a small amount of pull with him.) 

Thanks Martok, that's a stand-up thing to do. 

I do hope his game is successful and I think it definitely has potential.  Certainly I've found myself in unfortunate business situations that weren't directly my fault.  Sometimes it's hard to take your lumps and so what's right, but it's always better in the long haul. 

Agreed that Desura seems to have been the sand in the gears here. 
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Wolfe1759 on March 11, 2013, 05:15:22 PM
I've been keeping my eye on StarDrive for a few months with quite a bit of interest, however hearing how the early backers have been treated I think I'll give it a miss at least until it hits the Steam bargain bin, its not as if it is the only space 4x out there.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 11, 2013, 05:18:37 PM
Quote from: Wolfe1759 on March 11, 2013, 05:15:22 PM
I've been keeping my eye on StarDrive for a few months with quite a bit of interest, however hearing how the early backers have been treated I think I'll give it a miss at least until it hits the Steam bargain bin, its not as if it is the only space 4x out there.

My thoughts exactly.  I'm put off by the action element anyway.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 11, 2013, 07:04:46 PM
I have difficulty believing it's "all Desura's fault" since there are many other indie games there who've had no issues with updating their alpha and beta games.

I suppose most of those indies also didn't sell out their early customers so they could sign an exclusive publishing deal later on.

Sounds like Dan is blowing smoke up people's asses, and pointing the blame elsewhere for what is primarily his mistakes.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 11, 2013, 07:32:38 PM
For the record, my desura version appears to be updating now.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Longdan on March 11, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Does that mean everybody will stop crapping on him?  I wanted to look at the other game.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Cougar_DK on March 12, 2013, 09:21:32 AM
I truly understand that the Desura people isn't happy and I hope it will be fixed in the future - but the rest of you, if you like 4x then take a look. I can't stop playing  :)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: FlickJax on March 12, 2013, 09:55:33 AM
Quote from: Cougar_DK on March 12, 2013, 09:21:32 AM
I truly understand that the Desura people isn't happy and I hope it will be fixed in the future - but the rest of you, if you like 4x then take a look. I can't stop playing  :)

Have you got endless space and distant worlds? if so is this better or have the potential to be better?  I cant make my mind up on whether to buy this, get endless space whilst on sale or save up for distant worlds...


HELP!
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 12, 2013, 10:09:16 AM
Quote from: FlickJax on March 12, 2013, 09:55:33 AM
Quote from: Cougar_DK on March 12, 2013, 09:21:32 AM
I truly understand that the Desura people isn't happy and I hope it will be fixed in the future - but the rest of you, if you like 4x then take a look. I can't stop playing  :)

Have you got endless space and distant worlds? if so is this better or have the potential to be better?  I cant make my mind up on whether to buy this, get endless space whilst on sale or save up for distant worlds...


HELP!


I took the plunge as I am a fan of 4X games and Stardrive is very good at this point in beta.  I have all the mentioned games and it depends on what you are looking for.  Just some random thoughts

1) Distant Worlds
This is my favorite out of all the 4X games I own.  The game is very deep and highly customizable (not just automation, but how the game is setup).  I find that the diplomacy options are one of the best I have seen in any game and the universe is alive.  It has a very good tech tree, however the ship customization is good, but I feel could be better.  The UI is good, but it can be cumbersome in doing some task, however this is understandable because there are a lot of things going on.  The ground combat is set to get a face-lift with the next expansion which is clearly lacking. There are just so many interesting things that happen to you that it really feels like you are in control/running an empire and not just building ships and taking planets...... You cannot just rush out on your own as you will get owned quickly.  My overall experience with this game is that it is well worth the money and highly mod-able (2D helps)! Watch Das lose below, I play differently than he does but you will find many ways to play.





2) StarDrive
This game is different than Distant Worlds as it stream-lines a lot of the game mechanics and is not as deep as DW.  I like the way the game plays and it setups some interesting scenarios.  The UI is good and a lot of the game is well thought out.  The ship building/design is great and I almost think of this game as if Moo2 and GalCiv2 had a baby as it lends itself to both.  The tech tree is ok and the diplomacy is basic, but you can form Federations which are a great idea and remember that DW has had several Add-ons and is more mature.  The way it handles fleet setup is very good, maybe the best I have come across.  It is just good old fun and the different races are interesting.  It has great visuals and interesting events and artifacts.  You have ground combat that does a decent job and good planets are really tough to take so it makes things interesting...... I do not regret my purchase.  Below is a tutorial.





3) Endless Space
I like Endless Space and the devs have continued to produce free DLC content, however it still feels a little empty.  The combat in the game leaves some to be desired and the tech tree can be confusing.  I do like the clean UI, however it seems to be a sterile game with a small hint of personality.  I like that you can hire heroes in the game and the colony management is good and streamlined.  There are some very good elements to the game, however I would rank it behind the other two at this point.  I think once the next add-on is released it will get there and has steadily improved but just not as good as an experience for me as the other two.  LP below, a new free addon was released yesterday and the video is not up to date.






I rambled through so if you have specific questions just ask...

PE
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: FlickJax on March 12, 2013, 10:41:41 AM
Thanks Panzer great post, will watch the videos.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Cougar_DK on March 12, 2013, 11:47:33 AM
Thanks for the post PanzerEast!

I also own DW, EndLess space and Sots 1 & 2. Every game has something for them and I'm a sucker for 4x games.

But right now I'm bitten by the StarDrive bug  :P

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 12, 2013, 12:27:12 PM
Version 1.03 is now on Desura using their built-in client.
No other news on Desura, no other activity and no real standalone download (you still need to install it into Desura on the OS partition itself and play using it :P).

EDIT: I should also point out that 1.03 is still an obsolete version.
1.05 is the newest.

This guy is really quite a ######.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Cougar_DK on March 12, 2013, 04:56:26 PM
1.04 is the newest public version. 1.05 is what he is working on right now :)

From the official forum about 1.05:


It looks like I am pretty much going to be patching once a day for a while. I am loving the feedback and trying my hardest to respond ASAP.

Fixed issue where module overlay would desync from the ship, causing various graphical and collision issues
13% !! performance increase at turn 1000
Fixed issue where the FTL in system rule wasn't saving your slider settting; did the idiot move of only testing it when it was hardcoded
Changed Draylok Small transport to have 4 engine slots
Fixed an issue where freighters could get confused and hang out around a single world
Fixed an issue where biospheres were granting double their bonus
Added X to close to:
-- Colony Screen
-- Shipyard
-- Diplomacy Overview
-- Golden popup dialogs
-- Save / Load dialogs
-- Empire Screen
-- planet list screen
-- ship list screen
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 12, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
I've enjoyed my first dip into StarDrive

It really seems like Distant Worlds-lite, but as mentioned that's not necessarily a bad thing. 

It still needs some interface work, as there seem to be some tooltips missing for some icons.  It's also not as easy to get to a few windows, or give very location-specific fleet orders without multiple mouse clicks and map panning (which often de-selects your currently selected fleet/ship).  Another example is that I couldn't Ctrl/Shift-Click extra ships to add them to the group selection.  It just needs some more of those basic RTS interface features still.

The shipbuilding is pretty cool.  It very much reminds me of Malfador's Space Empires: Star Fury what with having to place all the modules into physical locations on the ship.

From what I've seen thus far, I've had a decent mix of diplomatic reactions from the alien races I've met.  A few asked for non-aggression treaties, while a couple of the larger & more aggressive ones invoked war pretty quickly when we kept sending ships to the same uncolonized systems.   They also stopped my expansion cold in doing so.  I don't think there is a lot in the way of diplomatic options, but the usual stuff is there.  The alien races are interesting, despite the obvious references to movies & lit in some of them (Lovecraftian tentacled space-people?  Oh yes!).

I'm glad to hear things are still progressing for the early funding customers.  Hopefully everything gets fixed up when it's all said & done.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 12, 2013, 06:49:24 PM
My two biggest complaints are the size of the vessel when designing ships (you can't zoom in, making placement a little finicky), and you can't give orders to fleets the way you can to individual ships (i.e. "defend the empire").
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 12, 2013, 08:27:40 PM
Quote from: tgb on March 12, 2013, 06:49:24 PM
My two biggest complaints are the size of the vessel when designing ships (you can't zoom in, making placement a little finicky), and you can't give orders to fleets the way you can to individual ships (i.e. "defend the empire").

You can.. select the corresponding Fleet Icon on the upper left hand side.... In the menu below on the lower left, click the yellow arrow to bring out the sub-menu and then click the Defend button.



PE
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 12, 2013, 09:01:09 PM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 12, 2013, 08:27:40 PM
Quote from: tgb on March 12, 2013, 06:49:24 PM
My two biggest complaints are the size of the vessel when designing ships (you can't zoom in, making placement a little finicky), and you can't give orders to fleets the way you can to individual ships (i.e. "defend the empire").

You can.. select the corresponding Fleet Icon on the upper left hand side.... In the menu below on the lower left, click the yellow arrow to bring out the sub-menu and then click the Defend button.



PE

Thanks, because that was bugging the everloving crap out of me.  The latest Space Secto rpreview  mentions the Ascension victory condition, but I can't find a way to access it.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Cougar_DK on March 13, 2013, 12:15:03 AM
Zero has stated that zooming when designing ships will come since so many people has asked for it  :)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 13, 2013, 07:30:02 AM
The current version he uploaded to Steam is 1.05.
The version he reluctantly half-uploaded to Desura after being pressured a lot is only 1.03.

Also, other sites are starting to sell this game as well, and they all indicate this is a Steammworks title. I.E we do not have access to the game anymore.

I've submitted an official complaint with Desura and asked for a refund.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 13, 2013, 08:01:31 AM
Quote from: Tpek on March 13, 2013, 07:30:02 AM
The current version he uploaded to Steam is 1.05.
The version he reluctantly half-uploaded to Desura after being pressured a lot is only 1.03.

Also, other sites are starting to sell this game as well, and they all indicate this is a Steammworks title. I.E we do not have access to the game anymore.

I've submitted an official complaint with Desura and asked for a refund.

I don't blame you..... I am a little surprised about the brush off he has given those who backed his game in order to be completed.  I hope this gets straightened out as it is disappointing. 


PE
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 13, 2013, 08:31:47 AM
Quote from: Tpek on March 13, 2013, 07:30:02 AM

I've submitted an official complaint with Desura and asked for a refund.

Let me know how they handle the complaint...I may do the same.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 13, 2013, 01:24:15 PM
I've been playing the Vulfen and my first game I started out with the surrounding systems that are very good for colonizing, however they were protected.  Eventually I believe because I was playing with the largest map size, the game was not very optimized and I started over. 

This time with a smaller map and again with the Vulfen and am in a better position.  I made my forum avatar with the punish in the background as I have been doing just that so far in the game, although I am starting to make everyone an enemy.  No federations formed yet, but if they do and you are not apart of one, it is tough.


PE
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 13, 2013, 01:29:39 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 13, 2013, 07:30:02 AM
I've submitted an official complaint with Desura and asked for a refund.

I don't blame you for a second, mate.  I'd do the same.  It's awful how you guys have been treated.

Please keep us updated; this will be an interesting experiment and a chance for Desura to show one way they can be ahead of Steam.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 13, 2013, 02:24:37 PM
Some hope for Desura buyers; Dan posted (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=13411#p13411) this yesterday: 



Quote
The problem is that I cannot actually retrieve a list of users from Desura to give keys to. I think they may be able to do it though. But basically Desura is going to get kept up to date with Steam and when we launch, I'll see if Desura can work with me to give out keys to all the Desura folks.


And then another fellow responded a couple posts later: 
Quote
They can. They already have key distributing system. When I bought Postal 2 on Desura and was Greenlighted on Steam later it took few days but all Desura owners had the Steam key directly on Desura's Keys page (little tricky to find). So if you provide them the keys, they should be able to add them to the owners same as they distribute keys for games sold but not downloaded on Desura (not sure how happy they are).


So you may see the full game yet.  It's still no guarantee of a happy ending, obviously, and I do wish Dan was making more of a commitment to do right by you guys, but maybe he's finally listening to some of us who've complained. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on March 13, 2013, 06:55:22 PM
Quote from: Martok on March 13, 2013, 02:24:37 PM
So you may see the full game yet.  It's still no guarantee of a happy ending, obviously, and I do wish Dan was making more of a commitment to do right by you guys, but maybe he's finally listening to some of us who've complained.

That would be great.  I've pretty much shelved this until something gets sorted out and I can play knowing I'm playing the current version of the game.  I'm actually more motivated to go back and play some more Endless Space with the new free DLC than I am to even mess with StarDrive at the moment.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 14, 2013, 07:52:44 AM
I finished my first game of StarDrive and lost..... I played as the Vulfen and the Opteris & Cordrazine both declared war on me.  The systems near me had weak planets and the only good one was defended.  I was behind in Military and eventually everything else.  I played on Medium with a Large world.  I had a couple of other races that were agreeable to me, however by the time I built my forces up it was too late and I was running a deficit.


PE
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 14, 2013, 01:27:42 PM
Quote from: Martok on March 13, 2013, 02:24:37 PM
Some hope for Desura buyers; Dan posted (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=13411#p13411) this yesterday: 



Quote
The problem is that I cannot actually retrieve a list of users from Desura to give keys to. I think they may be able to do it though. But basically Desura is going to get kept up to date with Steam and when we launch, I'll see if Desura can work with me to give out keys to all the Desura folks.

And then another fellow responded a couple posts later: 
Quote
They can. They already have key distributing system. When I bought Postal 2 on Desura and was Greenlighted on Steam later it took few days but all Desura owners had the Steam key directly on Desura's Keys page (little tricky to find). So if you provide them the keys, they should be able to add them to the owners same as they distribute keys for games sold but not downloaded on Desura (not sure how happy they are).


So you may see the full game yet.  It's still no guarantee of a happy ending, obviously, and I do wish Dan was making more of a commitment to do right by you guys, but maybe he's finally listening to some of us who've complained.

From what I understand, Desura can't freely give out their customer's purchase info to anyone but the customer, as it's in the Agreement you get when signing up for a Desura account.  There has been some concern as to whether this could be done without lawsuits flying?  So evidentally when the developer lost his sales info, and has asked Desura to cobble it up, they have resisted due to lawsuit concerns (somewhat similar to the big class-action one that got heaped on Netflix a short time ago, I imagine).   Wouldn't surprise me if there are numerous litigation concerns, especially where there are multiple contracts & agreements coming into play.  What a damn mess.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: sandman2575 on March 14, 2013, 01:54:12 PM
...is it just me, or has Space 4X become so completely devoted to the same basic set of conventions that all these games start to look alike?

On the one hand, I'm almost certain to buy this, as it's not getting 'GeminiWars'-type reviews and it does indeed look very cool.

On the other hand, I look at this and think, "Man, space 4x could really use some 'out-of-the-box' thinking to liven things up."

I know the 'explore - exploit - expand - exterminate' formula means the genre has to be, well, formulaic to some extent.  But it just strikes me looking at StarDrive that all these games are pretty much 'structurally' identical, and what differentiates them is more or less decoration.  I don't mean that in a dismissive way -- I get a lot of enjoyment out of these games and can appreciate that games like SotS or Gal Civ or Distant Worlds are unique in their own ways.  Still, it just seems like there's an opportunity for some really creative dev's to shake things up by finding a way to do space 4x in a new way -- to shift the paradigm, so to speak.

Time for a paradigm shift !!! 
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on March 14, 2013, 02:39:20 PM
What he said. ^
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 14, 2013, 04:34:30 PM
I think Distant Worlds is the only real innovation in years with the Civilian economy that you have no control of.  I really would like to see that smartened up and expanded.  It really makes you feel a part of the world rather than in a sandbox.  Its strange but less control is actually better in many occasions.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on March 14, 2013, 04:49:59 PM
I keep thinking that one day I will turn on all the automation for Distant Worlds, start a game, go to bed, and then see what it looks like the next morning.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: bbmike on March 14, 2013, 05:12:10 PM
I think you might be right, sandman. I think only Distant Worlds succeeds in being 'a little different'.

Quote from: son_of_montfort on March 14, 2013, 04:49:59 PM
I keep thinking that one day I will turn on all the automation for Distant Worlds, start a game, go to bed, and then see what it looks like the next morning.

Don't do it! One of the races will leave your PC around 3:00am and come looking for you!  ;D
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: sandman2575 on March 14, 2013, 09:42:01 PM
DW's living economy is indeed very cool and does feel like a real innovation.

Thinking about this some more -- it's really pretty amazing how the template Sid Meier created with Civilization still forms so much of the groundwork of 4X (which seems almost synonymous with 'space 4X' now -- I'm hard pressed to think of recent 4X titles that aren't space-themed).  Similar to what Gary Gygax accomplished with DnD and creating a template for RPGs as such. 

And yet it seems like RPGs have been far more creative in branching out and evolving the DnD template.  4X still sticks very close to the conventions Civilization established more than 20 years ago.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: republic on March 14, 2013, 10:26:32 PM
I think the best place for 4X's to expand, would be in the eXplore area.  I'd like to see procedural generation of universes filled with interesting things to discover and do.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 14, 2013, 10:49:41 PM
Quote from: republic on March 14, 2013, 10:26:32 PM
I think the best place for 4X's to expand, would be in the eXplore area.  I'd like to see procedural generation of universes filled with interesting things to discover and do.

This.  Definitely.

More "stuff" is always good, and having some mechanics for finding all that extra stuff would be cool.  That's rather vague, but I'd also like to see one with more focus on the exploration side.  But I'm probably thinking of something more along the lines of a more extensive FTL game, with more RPG features and more varied encounters instead of a traditional 4X.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: PanzersEast on March 15, 2013, 09:12:16 AM
There has been a constant rehash and mash of different games and ideas.... maybe just repackaged in a way that is slightly different. 

I think DW has broken the mold in a lot of ways.  As mentioned the private sector of the empire is a huge steep forward and DW does it very well.  DW also has a deeper diplomacy than other games, for example the trade embargo and the blockade are non-war methods to effecting another faction.  The presence of Strategic vs Luxury resources.  The fact that you can co-colonize a planet is just awesome.... and watch the different race populations grow.  I also like the fact of vacation spots to earn extra money.  The random events are nice as well.....  There are some draw backs to having so much in a game, but this forces you to slow down and educate yourself about the galaxy and not just point and click.  For me, DW is the best 4X game I have played and with the next expansion, I am interested to see how much further will go.

I have never seen a good implementation of ground forces/combat used in a 4X game, that has been missing.  I also think there could be more factions within a 4X game, not just limited to a handful, increase the galaxy size and the number of factions.  Expansion would be slowed depending on which races you came across (primitive vs advanced etc...).  I also believe that the exploration leave a lot to be desired, it has always consisted of just send a scout ship and then you are done.

I like how SD has federations and not just alliances..... this makes things very dangerous.  I would like heroes used better, a famous admiral etc... that would make battles interesting..... I agree it is time to break out of the conventional box of developing 4x games.



PE

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 15, 2013, 10:07:57 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 15, 2013, 09:12:16 AM

I have never seen a good implementation of ground forces/combat used in a 4X game, that has been missing.


I believe a modded and patched MOO3 does ground combat the best of any 4x game ever, except for maybe Emperor of the Fading Suns.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 15, 2013, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 15, 2013, 10:07:57 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 15, 2013, 09:12:16 AM

I have never seen a good implementation of ground forces/combat used in a 4X game, that has been missing.


I believe a modded and patched MOO3 does ground combat the best of any 4x game ever, except for maybe Emperor of the Fading Suns.

Man!  I don't even remember what MOO3 played like with all those unofficial 'fix' mods.  I know it played a good deal better than vanilla.  But I've never gone back and messed with it since the screen resolution is reportedly locked pretty low  (800x600!?).  :-\
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on March 15, 2013, 06:56:28 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on March 15, 2013, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 15, 2013, 10:07:57 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 15, 2013, 09:12:16 AM

I have never seen a good implementation of ground forces/combat used in a 4X game, that has been missing.


I believe a modded and patched MOO3 does ground combat the best of any 4x game ever, except for maybe Emperor of the Fading Suns.

Man!  I don't even remember what MOO3 played like with all those unofficial 'fix' mods.  I know it played a good deal better than vanilla.  But I've never gone back and messed with it since the screen resolution is reportedly locked pretty low  (800x600!?).  :-\

modded 1024x768
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on March 16, 2013, 12:24:12 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 15, 2013, 10:07:57 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 15, 2013, 09:12:16 AM

I have never seen a good implementation of ground forces/combat used in a 4X game, that has been missing.


...Emperor of the Fading Suns.

Man... why won't this get a remake!!! It was so buggy, but it was so good. And, from the perspective of all these rehashed 4X ideas, EotFS would be something innovative again!
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 16, 2013, 12:32:52 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on March 16, 2013, 12:24:12 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 15, 2013, 10:07:57 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 15, 2013, 09:12:16 AM

I have never seen a good implementation of ground forces/combat used in a 4X game, that has been missing.


...Emperor of the Fading Suns.

Man... why won't this get a remake!!! It was so buggy, but it was so good. And, from the perspective of all these rehashed 4X ideas, EotFS would be something innovative again!

People have been saying it for years and still... :(

Then again, weren't a couple of guys back from the WG doing a game heavily inspired by it?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Staggerwing on March 16, 2013, 12:38:30 PM
That would be, IIRC, Emperor's Bane: the Gambit. AFAIK, it's still in, umm... 'early alpha'.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on March 18, 2013, 06:21:33 AM
A couple more comments (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17594#p17594) from Dan (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17656#p17656) regarding Desura backers: 

Quote from: ZeroGuys, where on Desura does it say that you are going have Steam access? I have tried to hand out some keys manually but it's too much of a process right now.  I don't even possess steam retail keys for StarDrive.  Which means I will have to repeat the process with Beta keys and retail keys. Even if it takes me 3 hours to do this, it's 3 hours I can't spare right now. I'm trying to debug some shit and get some features in and it's just crunch time. So please be patient.

I will do what I can to get Desura users steam keys when the release rolls around. For now I have my hands full.
Quote from: ZeroWhat needs to happen is that I will get a big list of keys from Steam, and then the Desura  guys should be able to distribute them to you.
Hmm. 




Quote from: Staggerwing on March 16, 2013, 12:38:30 PM
That would be, IIRC, Emperor's Bane: the Gambit. AFAIK, it's still in, umm... 'early alpha'.
Heh. 

The Minnesota Vikings will win the Super Bowl before a reasonably playable version of that "game" is ever released.  ::) 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 18, 2013, 11:12:13 AM
Quote from: Martok on March 18, 2013, 06:21:33 AM
A couple more comments (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17594#p17594) from Dan (http://stardrivegame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17656#p17656) regarding Desura backers: 

Quote from: ZeroGuys, where on Desura does it say that you are going have Steam access? I have tried to hand out some keys manually but it's too much of a process right now.  I don't even possess steam retail keys for StarDrive.  Which means I will have to repeat the process with Beta keys and retail keys. Even if it takes me 3 hours to do this, it's 3 hours I can't spare right now. I'm trying to debug some shit and get some features in and it's just crunch time. So please be patient.

I will do what I can to get Desura users steam keys when the release rolls around. For now I have my hands full.
Quote from: ZeroWhat needs to happen is that I will get a big list of keys from Steam, and then the Desura  guys should be able to distribute them to you.
Hmm. 

He seems to consistently dodge dealing with this, and in the while contradicting prior statements.

He said on Desura multiple times that purchasing that will grant immediate access to the game and the finished product.
And as we know already the finished product will be the Steam one.

And 1) It's not 3 hours.
2) Even if it is, then yes he can and should spare them. We paid him for it. Delaying the game's release by 3 hours isn't the wrong course when it's either that
or conning all the previous backers.

Also, both Steam and Desura fully support it. People already answered that to him on his forum. Desura can be used to distribute keys, and Steam specifically states that when
one publishes a game on Steam, Valve supplies any amount of serials needed to give all previous purchasers Steam version access.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on March 18, 2013, 06:04:55 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 18, 2013, 11:12:13 AM

He seems to consistently dodge dealing with this, and in the while contradicting prior statements.

He said on Desura multiple times that purchasing that will grant immediate access to the game and the finished product.
And as we know already the finished product will be the Steam one.

I'm going to go ahead and write off my purchase of this game as a bad job and move on. I hear EA is looking for a new CEO; maybe Zero should apply.

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 18, 2013, 06:28:25 PM
Tpek, did you get anywhere with your refund?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 19, 2013, 11:59:53 AM
I got an answer from Desura alright.
They said that since I paid via PayPal and the order is over 2 months old they cannot refund it.
However they said they are discussing things with the developer, and they offered to replace the game (though I don't know of any other game they have that I want and don't already own and has a similar value :P)
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 19, 2013, 12:05:45 PM
My one experience with Desura CS was outstanding. 

I kinda feel sorry for them because the developer shafted them out of the final release.  Lesson learned, I suppose.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 19, 2013, 06:51:58 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 19, 2013, 11:59:53 AM
I got an answer from Desura alright.
They said that since I paid via PayPal and the order is over 2 months old they cannot refund it.
However they said they are discussing things with the developer, and they offered to replace the game (though I don't know of any other game they have that I want and don't already own and has a similar value :P)

Huh.  Not sure how I'd feel about that if it were me.  I wonder how the length of time since order comes into play...I mean, you bought into an alpha, so by definition you're not going to have a working product to start with!

What does buying via PayPal have to do with it though?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on March 20, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
Quote from: Huw the Poo on March 19, 2013, 06:51:58 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 19, 2013, 11:59:53 AM
I got an answer from Desura alright.
They said that since I paid via PayPal and the order is over 2 months old they cannot refund it.
However they said they are discussing things with the developer, and they offered to replace the game (though I don't know of any other game they have that I want and don't already own and has a similar value :P)

Huh.  Not sure how I'd feel about that if it were me.  I wonder how the length of time since order comes into play...I mean, you bought into an alpha, so by definition you're not going to have a working product to start with!

What does buying via PayPal have to do with it though?

PayPal won't allow them to issue a refund after 2 months.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 20, 2013, 02:05:16 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 20, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
PayPal won't allow them to issue a refund after 2 months.

Haha!  Lame.  What's stopping them making a new credit transaction?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on March 20, 2013, 07:14:10 PM
Quote from: Huw the Poo on March 20, 2013, 02:05:16 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 20, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
PayPal won't allow them to issue a refund after 2 months.

Haha!  Lame.  What's stopping them making a new credit transaction?

I've not dug into the lawyer-speak, but there was some complaining about some big list of policy changes that PayPal did not long ago.  I have no idea whether the time limit was part of that, but some PayPal users were expressing their unhappiness a few months ago.  Something about payment cancellation stuff too..
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Huw the Poo on March 20, 2013, 07:23:50 PM
My point is that if they can't use PayPal's refund mechanism after a certain time, why can't they go around PayPal and just pay money back to the customer?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on March 20, 2013, 10:04:02 PM
Quote from: Huw the Poo on March 20, 2013, 07:23:50 PM
My point is that if they can't use PayPal's refund mechanism after a certain time, why can't they go around PayPal and just pay money back to the customer?

AFAIK, there is a strange thing regarding Paypal usage and future refunds. I've heard the exact same excuse used by other retailers in other situations.

But it is likely just a convenient fiction to cover their butts.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 14, 2013, 03:21:58 PM
Aside from those who got screwed in the beta release on desura...is anyone playing this beta??? Looks kinda cool.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: bbmike on April 14, 2013, 05:18:21 PM
Just noticed that Steam updated my beta. Haven't played it in a while so I don't know where it stands.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 14, 2013, 05:23:10 PM
Seems like "distant worlds" light?
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on April 16, 2013, 09:10:22 AM
Soon as I can figure out my mouse-lag issues, am going to give this a go (finally!). 





Quote from: mikeck on April 14, 2013, 05:23:10 PM
Seems like "distant worlds" light?
That's certainly been the general impression so far.  Whether that's a good/bad thing probably depends on what you like/dislike in your 4x titles. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 17, 2013, 08:10:49 PM
Well if anyone is interested, I am in the beginning stages of a game. Graphics are similar to endless space. Combat is pretty cool, especially with game set at .5 speed. 3d models are sharp and sound effects are pretty bad ass. I haven't gotten far enough in tech to open up many buildings So not much work into planet improvement has occurred. So far I colonized 2 planets besides earth. Earth is my jack-of-all-trades; research, agriculture and resources. The other two planets are barren and I cannot grow food there. With inhospitable at atmospheres I can't build much of anything until I research biodomes...but, both are rich in resources. Right now I have 4 freighters running routes taking food from earth to these worlds and bringing back resources.

I just researched corvette chassis so I will be designing my first ship soon.
So far, complexity is between endless space and distant worlds. There is only one resource u like distant worlds and you cannot mine gas giants and such like DW. On the other hand, you can manually set up trade routes, fight ground combat and control ships during RTT battles so that's a leg up over ES.

In the end, everything seems stable and polished. Graphics are good. Seems light in the "things I have to do" dept but I think that's because I haven't unlocked any buildings.

Edit: I am playing on an "epic" galaxy with 4 races and planets on "uncommon". Research is slowed and I turned in optional rules to slow ships traveling FTL in solar systems...all designed to slow the game down. In set up, like Dominions, you get points to spend on about 25 traits. Each is a benefit or handicap costing or granting different points. So if I want a race that has "naval tradition"...which costs four points, I might decide to click "polluted homeworld" and another handicap to give me the extra points...pretty cool
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 18, 2013, 07:09:41 PM
Got to play with ship design a bit and I kinda dig it. Where you place things on the ship actually has an effect on what that ship does in battle. If you put an armored bulkhead around your power plant, the. It's less likely to explode. You can load a bunch of armor plating on one side of your ship and guns on the other. That allows you to turn an armored side to a threat when escaping or giving a huge broadside. Stuff like that. It's more than just clicking on things you want like distant worlds. Of course, speed, range and turn rate are all affected by what you add.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on April 19, 2013, 08:40:02 AM
Quote from: mikeck on April 18, 2013, 07:09:41 PM
Got to play with ship design a bit and I kinda dig it. Where you place things on the ship actually has an effect on what that ship does in battle. If you put an armored bulkhead around your power plant, the. It's less likely to explode. You can load a bunch of armor plating on one side of your ship and guns on the other. That allows you to turn an armored side to a threat when escaping or giving a huge broadside. Stuff like that. It's more than just clicking on things you want like distant worlds. Of course, speed, range and turn rate are all affected by what you add.

Ship outfitting is the big strength of this game, for sure. 
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 19, 2013, 07:20:53 PM
Great review over at IGN.

http://m.ign.com/articles/2013/04/19/is-stardrive-the-biggest-space-strategy-game-youve-ever-seen

It's really quite a good game
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: tgb on April 20, 2013, 04:03:36 AM
I've not played with the beta in several weeks, but with the release version a week away I'll look forward to the changes/improvements.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 22, 2013, 07:37:49 PM
Ok, I'm not trying to pimp this game out to anyone but let me say this: if you are a space 4x fan and  not playing Stardrive, you are missing out. Beautiful graphics, complex ship design, fleet screens that let you design formations, requisition ships and set tactics fleet wide or for individual  ships. Combat looks cool and you design has a direct impact on performance.

My favorite thing? Planet bombardment. Watching my freighter (which I made into a Q ship for bombardment) drop tactical nukes is cool. As they impact is looks like you would think nuclear explosions would look like from space. Nuke from above, take out a good chunk of enemy defenses, then land the marines.

It needs some work on the freighter trading side though. Planets can be set to export or import resources as and food. Freighters are supposed to take from one and give to the other. They do, but the way planets use and store stuff kind of messes it up at times.

This game is - in my opinion- far deeper than endless space and has much better combat, graphics, ship design and planetary improvement than Distant Worlds. There are some bugs here and there but expect a great game at release!

Edit: I should add that at .5x speed, it takes a long time for fleets to get places. Where you base them is important as is making sure you are sending them to the right place...one of the aspects I like about DW.

Diplomacy is decent but not up to DW standards...on par with ES
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Bison on April 22, 2013, 08:31:40 PM
I've got this one on my wishlist.  I'm waiting for a few patches and a clearing out of my to play pile before I get another game.  At least that's my story.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on April 25, 2013, 05:28:53 AM
It does look good so far.  I'm waiting for release plus a patch or two before I play, as there are some definite bugs and UI issues still to be worked out, but I'm definitely looking forward to this. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: steve58 on April 26, 2013, 04:17:58 PM
Official version is out on Steam...downloading.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on April 26, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
And of course, still NOT out on Desura for those early-backers :P
In fact, we are waiting for the dev to hand out Steam keys.
You know, after he supposedly claimed we'd get the game via Desura and refused to give us those keys previously.
And many people were pushed into buying a Steam copy because of that.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 26, 2013, 05:23:35 PM
Well, in his defense, he is a one man band. If the keys get emailed out, Zero has to do it all himself. He messed up, but I think it was negligence more than malice. I always buy on steam anyway but I get the frustration.

I am enjoying the game....Interested to see what others think
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on April 26, 2013, 09:09:06 PM
Quote from: Tpek on April 26, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
And of course, still NOT out on Desura for those early-backers :P
In fact, we are waiting for the dev to hand out Steam keys.
You know, after he supposedly claimed we'd get the game via Desura and refused to give us those keys previously.
And many people were pushed into buying a Steam copy because of that.

That's just terrible, whether willfully negligent or not.  I hope the guy gets all of you fixed up.

I've purchased a number of beta buy-ins, not only on Desura, and just such dickery has always been at the back of my mind when purchasing them.  Kickstarters could potentially be even worse.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 26, 2013, 09:55:34 PM
Yeah, I have not even tried to buy into one of these kickstarter things yet. I will buy a beta on occasion but that's it... Only after Steam has picked it up.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: son_of_montfort on April 29, 2013, 12:19:03 AM
Quote from: Tpek on April 26, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
And of course, still NOT out on Desura for those early-backers :P
In fact, we are waiting for the dev to hand out Steam keys.
You know, after he supposedly claimed we'd get the game via Desura and refused to give us those keys previously.
And many people were pushed into buying a Steam copy because of that.

This has NOT been my experience, as a backer. I promptly got a Desura code and then promptly got a Steam code. It could be that both my first and last name are near the beginning of the alphabet (he likely uses an excel sheet).
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Anguille on April 29, 2013, 02:06:50 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on April 29, 2013, 12:19:03 AM
Quote from: Tpek on April 26, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
And of course, still NOT out on Desura for those early-backers :P
In fact, we are waiting for the dev to hand out Steam keys.
You know, after he supposedly claimed we'd get the game via Desura and refused to give us those keys previously.
And many people were pushed into buying a Steam copy because of that.

This has NOT been my experience, as a backer. I promptly got a Desura code and then promptly got a Steam code. It could be that both my first and last name are near the beginning of the alphabet (he likely uses an excel sheet).

I had the same experience...even got the steam code twice.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Jarhead0331 on April 29, 2013, 06:17:51 AM
^You two seem to be the complete exception to the rule.  I have not received a steam code.  I've posted in the zer0sum forums, emailed zer0sum directly and emailed Dan directly, as well.  Nothing.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Anguille on April 29, 2013, 07:21:42 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 29, 2013, 06:17:51 AM
^You two seem to be the complete exception to the rule.  I have not received a steam code.  I've posted in the zer0sum forums, emailed zer0sum directly and emailed Dan directly, as well.  Nothing.
Received it again on the 27th (this saturday). Note, i am one of the kickstarters and did not purchase on Desura, this may be a reason.

Cheers
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Kushan on April 29, 2013, 09:07:24 AM
Whats the opinion about the game itself? Is it worth getting now? Wait for the inevitable Steam sale or just pass it up and wait for the next DW expansion due out within the next few weeks? Whats empire building and colony management like? From reading the steam page, I'm sort of getting the opinion that the main focus is ship design and combat and that the 4x portion is just tacked on (much like the SOTS series).
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on April 29, 2013, 09:28:35 AM
Quote from: Anguille on April 29, 2013, 07:21:42 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 29, 2013, 06:17:51 AM
^You two seem to be the complete exception to the rule.  I have not received a steam code.  I've posted in the zer0sum forums, emailed zer0sum directly and emailed Dan directly, as well.  Nothing.
Received it again on the 27th (this saturday). Note, i am one of the kickstarters and did not purchase on Desura, this may be a reason.

Cheers

I bought it via Desura.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 29, 2013, 10:42:53 AM
Quote from: Kushan on April 29, 2013, 09:07:24 AM
Whats the opinion about the game itself? Is it worth getting now? Wait for the inevitable Steam sale or just pass it up and wait for the next DW expansion due out within the next few weeks? Whats empire building and colony management like? From reading the steam page, I'm sort of getting the opinion that the main focus is ship design and combat and that the 4x portion is just tacked on (much like the SOTS series).

Few things...the empire building is more in depth than SOTS 2. You decide to build different buildings and shipyards based on what type of food/resources the world has. SOTS just has a development slider. Research is good but not as deep as SOTS.
Also, trade between worlds is not abstracted like SOTS. You actually have freighters going back and forth.

Combat is good but not as cool as SOTS 2...but also not as cartoonish

It is not as deep overall as DW so of you demand that level of complexity, this isn't for you.

Ship design and planetary management is better than DW As are the graphics.

Overall, I think stardrive is more complex and deep than endless space or SOTS. Not as good as DW.

If you are only looking for a combat/design simulator, go for SOTS2

Think DW light
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Martok on April 29, 2013, 01:10:50 PM
I'd say "Distant Worlds light" is a pretty good description. 

I like it so far, but I'm really wishing the game had larger maps; a "crowded" "epic" map contains maybe 200 star systems.  I want to play with all 8 races in, but I feel rather squeezed in with that many.  I'm enjoying it, though. 





Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 29, 2013, 06:17:51 AM
^You two seem to be the complete exception to the rule.  I have not received a steam code.  I've posted in the zer0sum forums, emailed zer0sum directly and emailed Dan directly, as well.  Nothing.
Odd -- and upsetting. 

Dan did say he just gave a bunch of Steam codes to the Desura guys, so hopefully you (finally!) get yours before too much longer.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you, man. 

Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Nefaro on April 29, 2013, 03:11:05 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 29, 2013, 06:17:51 AM
^You two seem to be the complete exception to the rule.  I have not received a steam code.  I've posted in the zer0sum forums, emailed zer0sum directly and emailed Dan directly, as well.  Nothing.

I read a post on the StarDrive forum, from the developer, where he said that he was still in the process of sending out steam keys to Desura backers.  I believe that post was from 3-4 days ago.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: panzerde on April 29, 2013, 07:20:51 PM
I gave up and bought it this weekend on Steam to see if the released version lives up to the hype.  I played a few hours. Overall I'd say it doesn't do anything as well as any of the other games out there.  Endless Space is easier to play and has a better UI.  SOTS2 has better ship design and combat.  DW just stomps all over it. 

Its not a bad game for a one person effort, but it seems like a one person effort. If you're looking for a beer and pretzels 4X game, this would serve. The second coming of MOO2 this is not.

Also, the way the map scrolls makes me want to shank someone.

If Zerosum ever gets around to issuing me a Steam key to go with my Desura purchase, I'm happy to donate it to a worthy home.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: mikeck on April 29, 2013, 08:50:15 PM
Well, I agree other games do some things better but that applies to every game. Endless has a better UI than DW. SOTS 2 has better combat than both. DW Has better diplomacy. I don't think any space 4x beats them all at everything.

DW is the best by far...but compare the price of Stardrive to DW and its expansions. You get what you pay for.

It's sort of the Panzer Corp of space 4x. Not overly complex but fun and deep enough. I guess I like it so much because I wanted to like Endless space but didn't. I tried but found it far to shallow. People see what they want to in games. But of I go I'm expecting DW complexity with SOTS combat and Endless space UI, yeah, you will be disappointed.

Star Drive is the only game however that allows you to place items on your ship and location where you place those items has a direct impact on how the ship performs in combat... right down to making sure you place bulkheads around reactors.

I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a deep 4x empire management game. Wait for the DW expansion which adds ground combat.
Title: Re: StarDrive -- 4x "action strategy"
Post by: Tpek on April 30, 2013, 10:09:36 AM
People over at Desura are still frothing over not receiving the keys :P

EDIT: Got my serial, so now I can finally download the full version from Steam :P