RTS reboot of Cossacks..
http://www.polygon.com/features/2015/5/18/8615339/cossacks-3-announcement-release-date-gsc-stalker
Cossacks always was RTS, no?
Yes - it was one of the earliest games I reviewed for this crew, back in 2002 or 2003 IIRC. I did love the earlier Cossacks games.
this is really nice news...looking forward to it. O0
It will support Linux, splendid. I missed out on the Cossacks series so far. A primer would be nice! :)
Quote from: Cyrano on May 18, 2015, 12:36:31 PM
Cossacks always was RTS, no?
Oh yes, apologies. I should have said, hey theres a reboot of that old RTS Cossacks... my impatience to post up, has me mumbling single words out of order like a banana cocktail addled Tarzan (or Yoda). :)
I remember them doing the ACW in the Cossacks engine.
Hopefully, the AI will be able to play the historical battles. I only had the first Cossacks and the AI for historical battles would just sit there and do nothing (in their defense, they stated this would happen). Very disappointing. However, I loved playing the rest of the game.
Spelk I think you're talking about American Conquest...unfortunately that game sucked donkey testicles.
More Renaissance goodness.
This may or may not be good news, I'm not sure if such a game is still enjoyable at this time.
They'd need a much better skirmish mode in order to keep the singleplayer part interesting. In the original Cossacks and its expansions, the AI would often just send units at you one by one.
It wasn't as braindead as the AI in the historical battles that bobarossa mentioned, but the skirmish AI wasn't great.
The singleplayer campaigns were enjoyable, though.
spelk/Gus: that would be American Conquest: Divided Nation. It wasn't a good game.
I actually liked American Conquest and American Conquest: Fight Back, with its gameplay somewhere between Cossacks 1 (which I liked a lot and of which I own 3 copies due to buying various game of the year/anthology editions) and Cossacks 2 (which I didn't like and don't own) with smaller armies and with a chance that units could miss. Cossacks was a fairly traditional RTS as even though your units carried muskets, they nearly always hit. The damage might be variable, but there was not much of a chance of an attack not doing some damage.
Cannons could miss as they fired an actual cannonball with its own movement path (which I thought was neat at a time where most games used generic shells that always hit the targeted area), but the infantry generally hit something. Archers could also miss, but to counter that being hit by an arrow was often an instant kill on units not wearing armour.
^Welcome back.
Cossacks 3 does have their own website and even some new screens which look impressive.
http://www.cossacks3.com/
This is on my watch list as I spent a fair amount of time playing the first title/s.
Watching developments here with interest.
Quote from: ComradeP on May 21, 2015, 12:50:26 AM
Cannons could miss as they fired an actual cannonball with its own movement path (which I thought was neat at a time where most games used generic shells that always hit the targeted area), but the infantry generally hit something. Archers could also miss, but to counter that being hit by an arrow was often an instant kill on units not wearing armour.
One of the reasons I always liked total annihilation, theoretically any unit could attack another however the likelihood to hit say a flying unit with a heavy ground defense cannon was almost nil. Altitude also played a roll with artillery.
Judging by what ive read on the official forums pre-orders will be accepted soon{?}with a release date around the end of the year if not sooner hopefully. It appears to be at this point Steam only with physical copies only being available in certain areas, aka the United States lol.
Quote from: AchillesLastStand on September 06, 2015, 02:04:17 AM
Judging by what ive read on the official forums pre-orders will be accepted soon{?}with a release date around the end of the year if not sooner hopefully. It appears to be at this point Steam only with physical copies only being available in certain areas, aka the United States lol.
Looking forward to see how this one turns out....
I loved the original Cossacks, so this is really good news. Sadly, it doesn't play on Windows 7 without getting into a mess on screen. I still have the disks, but need to find a way to get the game to work. Will Dosbox do it?
Cossacks wasn't a DOS game so probably not. Try using win95/98 compatibility mode.
Quote from: Huw the Poo on September 09, 2015, 05:20:22 PM
Cossacks wasn't a DOS game so probably not. Try using win95/98 compatibility mode.
IIRC, I did, but after the startup video I got a load of scrambled graphics. Pretty yuk, and undecipherable.
I think the same thing happened to me last time I tried to play on a Vista machine, years ago.
Bugger. Well, GoG claim that their version is compatible and their anthology is only £4, you could always pick that up.
Quote from: Huw the Poo on September 10, 2015, 12:45:38 AM
Bugger. Well, GoG claim that their version is compatible and their anthology is only £4, you could always pick that up.
Yeah, I know. But it's pretty galling when you have paid for all the disks in the first place. :( Thanks for mentioning it though. :)
The Cossacks 3 site just got updated with new info today............
1. Will you develop the game further after the release, not counting the Mod's support?
The release of Cossacks 3 is not the end of our work on the project, but the beginning of a new stage. We are planning to release a whole range of large free updates and DLC, which will bring new nations, additional missions and full campaigns to the game. Patches for the games balance and error corrections will be released regularly.
2. Will the pre-order version differ from the main release of the game?
Yes, the pre-order version will contain some additional bonuses for gamers. Which bonuses, we can't say for now, but it's going to be something worthy.
3. Which 12 nations will get into the release version?
Austria, France, England, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, Prussia, Venice, Turkey, Algeria
4. Still, why the game mechanics of the first Cossacks?
After release, the game can be developed in an unpredictable script, obtaining new and interesting changes, additions to the game mechanics, balance and so on. However all this will become possible only after the game comes out. Thousands of gamers will be able to express their wishes and remarks. We consider the game mechanics of the first Cossacks to be the best starting point, the base from which to move forward. For in our opinion and in the opinion of the majority of the gamers, the game-play of the original game proved to be the most successful.
5. What about the fans of Cossacks 2 and American Conquest? The gamers liked the innovations of these games.
As we already said, the game mechanics and game-play elements of Cossacks 3 will be very close to the original Cossacks.
However with the help of the free toolkit coming with the game, the moders will be able to make absolutely any changes to game-play, balance and sets of units they desire.
We will support the promising and demanded modifications at the official level. Which include promotion, polishing quality and coding at the level of the engine and the script.
6. Will the AI in Cossacks 3 also be taken from the first Cossacks?
No, the Artificial intelligence of your future computer adversary is written from scratch.
7. Will the game have a mission editor?
The script editor will be based on the trigger concept (comdition -> action) in which we gather all our missions. It will be available with the release version of the game.
8. The new Cossacks3 is in full 3D. What level of freedom will the camera have?
In the release version we are planning to make the range of camera motion standard for classic real-time strategies games, it will provide for optimal overview and ease of operation. The limitations of the camera can be easily changed or even removed in the modifications. But we don't support the idea of free camera.
9. Will it be possible to add the new units?
The simple toolkit in the game will allow for easy import of 3D models into the game and to configure its cooperation and options.
10. Will Ukraine possess melee infantry?
In the release version it will not.
Looks like it will ship with 12 nations with more being added via DLC. Remember when DLC used to be called an expansion? Id like to find the gaming Einstein who came up with "DLC" and "Digital Copy" and beat them with a common sense baseball bat. Anyhoos this looks like an insta buy for me.
Does this have a release date or when pre orders start?
The release was scheduled for late 2015 but has been pushed back to early 2016. :tickedoff:
Thanks
For those interested, they are accepting beta testing applications...
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UGbggoaGSHL26ffWvViHsKku9L9RY6SQ6hxwRNAGH_c/viewform?pref=2&pli=1&edit_requested=true
Done, and TY.....
Looks like Cossacks 3 will be released on September 20 2016.......
http://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2016-19-07-cossacks-3-brings-back-classic-rts-warfare-this-september
Here are the minimum requirements, please take with a grain of salt.
• OS: Microsoft Windows XP
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6320, 1860 MHz
• RAM: 2048 Mb (DDR2 SDRAM)
• Video card: ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO (256 Мб)
• Screen resolution: 1280x1024
• Processor and video card manufactured in 2007.
For the normal operation of the game 1024 Mb RAM will be eno
Man...this thing has been in development for years. It does look great, though.
Are the campaigns listed anywhere?
Quote from: Gusington on July 19, 2016, 06:04:14 PM
Are the campaigns listed anywhere?
Not in detail no..........
It's been a long time since Cossacks laid siege to historical warfare--well over a decade, in fact--but it looks to make a triumphant march back to home computers on September 20. Billed as a remake of the classic game, Cossacks 3 will retain the elements that set apart the RTS franchise and combine them with modern 3D graphics.
You'll construct buildings, gather raw materials, and recruit units as you strategize for success in combat, making sure to remember the battlefield and how the landscape will affect your efforts. You'll be able to take control of twelve nations and 70 unit types, and over 100 research points and 140 historical buildings are available for your war effort.
You can take command in five historic single-player campaigns, or challenge other human opponents in multiplayer matches for up to eight players. Not only will your armies march against each other on land, you can also build armadas for epic naval combat.
Cossacks 3 will launch on September 20 for PC. Developer GSC Game World created both the original titles and this new entry, but they are perhaps better known to gamers today as the creators of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise.
The one thing that concerns me is why is the price only 20$ USD, most games at that price point are usually early access, unfinished, buggy or a combination of the three. I was expecting it to be around 40$
Quote from: Anguille on May 18, 2015, 04:57:14 PM
this is really nice news...looking forward to it. O0
+1 O0
Thanks for posting Achilles...I don't know why the developers would not post some campaign details.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/333420/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/333420/)
Going to get this!
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Following the strong Steam's administration recommendations we will not open digital pre-order for Cossacks 3. Instead of this we will give planned pre-order bonus as an Early Bird Bonus for those who run Cossacks 3 within the first two weeks of the game's release.
Early Bird Bonus will contain:
- Additional mini campaign for single player.
- 2 unique mercenary units that could be hired from the every nation's Diplomatic Centre.
- A special Early Bird Badge visible in multiplayer shell.
Besides that we would like to offer the Digital Deluxe Edition that will contain 4 post-launch DLC's adding in total 6 single player campaigns, 12 additional single player missions and 8 historical multiplayer battles, as well as Original Soundtrack in lossless format.
As a free DLC all the players will receive 8 additional playable nations with the unique music main themes.
Cossacks 3 will be released on September 20th 2016
Also a couple new screenies! Above^^^^
Great...most likely a buy for me
Really waiting for this one!
Played a lot of Cossacks over the years and I loved the setting and look. I am also very interested in the naval aspect of the game.
One of the first reviews I ever wrote was for the first Cossacks over at WG. The add ins above make this very tempting to pre-order.
I still remember the Russian spearmen Zerg rush.
The biggest problem with the series was the totally absent unit AI. The player had to micromanage the entire battlefield because units would not open fire unless directly controlled and ordered to do so on a specific target. I hope they fixed this.
And the AI doesn't use the formations properly so it doesn't turn into nice line battles. Looking forward to what's in store for this iteration.
And also just like the first Cossack, there will be no moral system at all.
Managing expectations... managing expectations... :D :D :D :D :D
If anyone looking to pre order for a little cheaper, cdkeys has it for $16...this is the standard version, not deluxe....I think I'll buy deluxe so I am holding out:)
http://www.cdkeys.com/pc/games/cossacks-3-pc-steam-cd-key
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on September 15, 2016, 04:36:38 PM
If anyone looking to pre order for a little cheaper, cdkeys has it for $16...this is the standard version, not deluxe....I think I'll buy deluxe so I am holding out:)
http://www.cdkeys.com/pc/games/cossacks-3-pc-steam-cd-key
I am going to wait until that night to{possibly}buy it so I can see what some reviews say. I find 3 things concerning,
1. Steam advised them to not take preorders on the game
2. No gameplay videos{that aren't scripted}
3. They cancelled the public beta testing and apparently did it in house.
I hope these red flags turn out to be false and the game runs stable and bug free.
Way to ruin the hype:)
Good points though, likely will be waiting too...although Steam has refund anyway (assuming you buy from them).
AchillesLastStand what are you some kind of mature, logical adult?
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on September 15, 2016, 05:28:42 PM
Way to ruin the hype:)
Good points though, likely will be waiting too...although Steam has refund anyway (assuming you buy from them).
O yes I know, I have already received 2 warnings from Uncle Gabe about abusing the refund system so I am going to wait{or not}.
Quote from: Gusington on September 15, 2016, 05:48:07 PM
AchillesLastStand what are you some kind of mature, logical adult?
I am one of those yes. :2funny:
Just read this on the Steam forums from a developer.
"On the day before release there will be a lot of the gameplay video on the numerous youtube channels".
So looks like we will be getting some videos and not a minute to soon.
Well done!
Quote from: AchillesLastStand on September 15, 2016, 08:05:23 PM
Just read this on the Steam forums from a developer.
"On the day before release there will be a lot of the gameplay video on the numerous youtube channels".
So looks like we will be getting some videos and not a minute to soon.
*weeps* Let me be one of them!
Well, day before release and still no videos or information.....strange marketing plan. Really hope not signs of trouble:(
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on September 15, 2016, 05:28:42 PM
Way to ruin the hype:)
Good points though, likely will be waiting too...although Steam has refund anyway (assuming you buy from them).
Be wary of Steam's refund system.
I bought Starbound for my daughter. It ran fine in early access, then on or around 27th July the devs did an update that rendered it unplayable. I tried to contact the devs on the forum as a lot of people were having the problem - press play, it says running in the library for a couple of secs, then drops out. No loading screens - nothing. Well the devs never bothered to reply, so after a month (ample time to respond), I asked Steam for a refund. Well first I was told I had it for more than 14 days, then that it had been played for more than 2 hours - all true. But Steam's own refund policy says that they will consider refunds outside of that narrow definition, although when I asked I just got the robot tech keep reiterating the 14 days/2 hours thing, although I pointed out that the circumstances were unusual in that it was sold in a working state, but now didn't work at all - not because of me, but because of the devs. So I thought fine - let the small claims court decide, but Steam is registered in Luxembourg to avoid paying much in tax, and the European small claims system has no jurisdiction in Luxembourg. Thank you EU for your fuc*ed up level playing field. I'm not going to bear the costs of litigating over a £11.99 game in Luxembourg, and I suspect they know it. Anyway, I'm left with a broken game that used to work, broken by the devs with their update (this is for a Mac OSX Mountain Lion). Thanks Steam, your idea of fair dealing with your customers sucks.
Just be aware that the Steam refund system is only applied very narrowly, and if anything is done by a dev outside of those parameters Steam will just show you the finger. They've got their money from you, and that's all that counts with them.
I have only assumed it is good for 2 hours or 14 days so it has worked out well for me so far...I haven't returned a lot, but what I have has been accepted right away. Its a better system than no refund system but I can understand how in some circumstances it may not be perfect.
This was posted 4 days ago from the Cossacks 3 Steam forums by a developer.
"On the day before release there will be a lot of the gameplay video on the numerous youtube channels".
Still nothing, either they have the worst PR ever seen or the game is riddled with bugs/etc. Guess we will find out in about 10 hours.
I think it will be full of bugs and lack of features, that reminds me of Stronghold 3 release but the case here is even worse, not even one gameplay video, or even screenshot of how the UI looks like.
I hope I am wrong though...
Quote from: Raied on September 19, 2016, 11:18:32 PM
I think it will be full of bugs and lack of features, that reminds me of Stronghold 3 release but the case here is even worse, not even one gameplay video, or even screenshot of how the UI looks like.
I hope I am wrong though...
Nothing could be as bad as Stronghold 3, remember the Knights on invisible horses and the bears that could{magically}climb ladders.
Quote from: AchillesLastStand on September 19, 2016, 11:33:46 PM
Quote from: Raied on September 19, 2016, 11:18:32 PM
I think it will be full of bugs and lack of features, that reminds me of Stronghold 3 release but the case here is even worse, not even one gameplay video, or even screenshot of how the UI looks like.
I hope I am wrong though...
Nothing could be as bad as Stronghold 3, remember the Knights on invisible horses and the bears that could{magically}climb ladders.
Yes I remember those, and how there was no Skirmish mode and how multiplayer never worked, was a nightmare for me as I was super hyped for it before the release, I just hope that this experience wont happen again with Cossacks 3 release or at least not as bad.
Anyway, 9 hours left, I dont think they have time to show any gameplay before release, lets wait and see.
I'll be crainly reading feedback on this one before I pull the trigger, but hoping they are just bad at marketing.
Well prepare for some video spam tomorrow. It releases soon buuuuut Ill be asleep cos its at FRIGGIN MIDNIGHT
Rather excited about this release. Really hope the amount of bugs etc. remain limited. I was a great fan of the original and this one looks solid!
Not sure what to think about initial feedback, seems all over the place....haven't found any actual game video yet, that might help me make up my mind.
found some
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2y1LYujUlk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmVE17gSgMU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTmrRGnO6Oo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZW0AEupCaI
Waiting for a groghead feedback.
Pulled the trigger on Oriental Empries just now.
Looks disappointing to me. Cannons without crews? Environment that isn't animated and is not destructible? Poor AI? Really seems to be Cossacks 1 with higher res graphics. I'm going to hold off for now.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on September 20, 2016, 09:21:28 PM
Looks disappointing to me. Cannons without crews? Environment that isn't animated and is not destructible? Poor AI? Really seems to be Cossacks 1 with higher res graphics. I'm going to hold off for now.
Same here, I think it should be named Cossacks HD edition/ remake.
Even though not that expensive, might turn out to be a game that I'll wait until goes on sale for a few dollars if even then. Nothing I have seen or heard since yesterday is making me rush out to purchases, besides my normal impulsive nature:)
Quote from: Raied on September 20, 2016, 11:19:29 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on September 20, 2016, 09:21:28 PM
Looks disappointing to me. Cannons without crews? Environment that isn't animated and is not destructible? Poor AI? Really seems to be Cossacks 1 with higher res graphics. I'm going to hold off for now.
Same here, I think it should be named Cossacks HD edition/ remake.
It should be because that's exactly what it is.
But it wasn't marketed as a gfx update with some Coss1 things taken out and some extra campaigns and missions, right? Am I misremembering? :-\ There were supposed to be gameplay improvements.
No improvement in gameplay as I see from the various youtube videos, American Conquest and Cossacks 2 brought a lot of good improvements to the gameplay and animations/ graphics, none were utilized in 3.
Hmm, I am gonna try and hold off for now, even though a remade Cossacks 1 does not at all sound like a bad thing to me
Me either; we often say we'd be glad for an update of Beloved Game X if they would just make the gfx better and maybe add some content. If Cossacks 1 looks better and doesn't run away with my processor anymore even on 'slow' speed, then I'm not against giving it a try.
Still, the original game was quirky. Really, really quirky. Not always in a good way. I basically gave up trying to finish the tutorial campaign in the original Coss1, and it isn't like I'm dirt-stupid or inflexible about game mechanics.
Review by James Allen (Out of Eight)
Besides the multiplayer issues yesterday my time in game has been relatively bug free. I knew I was basically getting a graphical coat of paint on the original game and for 19.99 cant argue.
That being said I do have a few issues........
Multiplayer stability{while improved is still not 100%} I suspect most bought this for online play and if that isn't fixed cant see the game lasting long.
Some of the maps in the original were HUGE, these are just ok. Bigger maps please.
Not sure if they fixed the copy paste trick but came across this yesterday and was like {wth?}. Wont post the trick here but searching the steam forums will find it.
Love the different architecture for each nation and the amount of upgrades through the academy and blacksmith are almost staggering. The horses gait look a bit strange and cannons with no crews look odd but overall like the game.
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 21, 2016, 11:02:55 AM
Review by James Allen (Out of Eight)
um. For someone who seems to be saying he played the original Coss1 with its expansions (and Coss2), James doesn't seem to remember that for formations to work properly without quite so much micro, they need to be properly built with a drummer and a... commander or sergeant or something, I forget what it's called.
Also, albeit by accident, his few cav troops in that group were in fact doing something useful by running ahead -- they were scouting for his advance. Of course they aren't supposed to be fighting, and would die quickly. (And James himself understood that one of their functions is to harass players by stealing their outlying econ quickly unless a few troops are stationed nearby -- which he didn't do. Granted, the mechanic is a little silly, but it makes some sense in the quirky combat system of the game.)
Also, as far as outproducing, he really had already outproduced his AI opponent, so I don't know why he was complaining about not being able to out-produce. But if he had wanted a third barracks (and yes I agree it's stupid in-world for exponential costs to that degree), he could have had one relatively soon with three fields full up with workers like that, if he had invested in a tech upgrade or two for each field.
On the other hand, man I was shocked at how much unlike the promotional screenies that gameplay looked. I didn't see the slightest difference in-game from Coss1. ??? :(
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, just look at the early success of GOG. There have been numerous re-releases of old games, like Baldurs Gate and Icewind Dale, using terms like 'enhanced edition'. My experience with them has been less than satisfying. Under the hood (new graphics) they are the same old game. Not that that's a bad thing, it's just that I already played them so the experience isn't as satisfying as when the games were new.
Not sure everyone feels the same way. Me, I still play Imperialism and would shell out $'s for an "enhanced edition"! :smitten:
For me the nostalgia works. Age of Empires II HD, Stronghold HD, all were well worth it.
Cheers,
Surtur
But for that to work shouldn't they have marketed this as 'Cossacks HD' instead of implying it's a new game
Quote from: bbmike on September 22, 2016, 09:25:37 AM
Not sure everyone feels the same way. Me, I still play Imperialism and would shell out $'s for an "enhanced edition"! :smitten:
No doubt but that you are correct. GOG was a huge success and is still cranking out old games playable on new computers. I'm probably in the minority on this one.
Quote from: undercovergeek on September 22, 2016, 11:23:38 AM
But for that to work shouldn't they have marketed this as 'Cossacks HD' instead of implying it's a new game
I tend to agree with you. Using the title of a new sequel instead of an HD upgrade designation indicates deception and, therefore, dishonesty.
This was posted 9 hours ago by a developer,
"Dear friends, by the today's evening we will release a big patch
after which many of your problems will be gone forever!
We understand that caused a lot of dissatisfaction with the fact that the game has a very disturbing live bugs, but we'll do everything possible to ensure that very soon you have rejoiced product without any complaints.
Please wait for the evening news"
Quote from: Greybriar on September 22, 2016, 12:07:35 PM
Quote from: undercovergeek on September 22, 2016, 11:23:38 AM
But for that to work shouldn't they have marketed this as 'Cossacks HD' instead of implying it's a new game
I tend to agree with you. Using the title of a new sequel instead of an HD upgrade designation indicates deception and, therefore, dishonesty.
This would have made more sense indeed.
So this is Cossacks HD and not a real Cossacks 3?
Went into the first mission of the first campaign, where you build an army.
Waiting for the unit production queue zzzzzzz
Quote from: Hofstadter on September 23, 2016, 03:13:08 AM
Went into the first mission of the first campaign, where you build an army.
Waiting for the unit production queue zzzzzzz
It's hard to tell from your lets play video whether you are enjoying it or not. Seems frustrating at times. What do you think? Disappointment, or worth it?
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on September 23, 2016, 04:18:52 AM
Quote from: Hofstadter on September 23, 2016, 03:13:08 AM
Went into the first mission of the first campaign, where you build an army.
Waiting for the unit production queue zzzzzzz
It's hard to tell from your lets play video whether you are enjoying it or not. Seems frustrating at times. What do you think? Disappointment, or worth it?
Honestly I havnt played that much of it yet. One of my main gripes is the lack of a production queue. But theres a lack of meat to the combat. Imagine age of empires without a soul. Its hard to describe
Hope I'm not changing the topic too much, but are any of the original Cossacks game still good to play as Gamersgate gate has all of them on sale at 60-75% off?
Gamersgate Cossacks sale (http://www.gamersgate.com/games?prio=relevance&q=cossacks)
A lot of steam reviews of this game say you may as well get the package you've linked to as it's more value for money
"Age of Empires" without a soul...I can understand that. I will pass until heavily discounted and even then...
I liked the original Cossacks, although it wasn't without its faults. Does anyone know if the original Cossacks Steam or GOG pack plays ok on a non XP computer?
My original disk versions created a horrible mess of colours on the screen when I attempted to install them in Win 7.
I enjoyed the original too, in 2002.
The Steam version of Cossacks: Back to War played well enough on my Win 8.1 machine, aside from the graphics and general pace being artificially fast thanks to super-computing speeds of the future. ;) That's the standalone full Coss1 experience; no need to get any other Coss1 game (i.e. any game just called "Cossacks").
AoE without a soul? Hm. I wouldn't go that far, but it doesn't really compare to AoE anyway or any other such developmental RTS like Empire Earth or Rise of Nations. It compares much more with Stronghold 1, just set a few centuries later (and with exactly one age-tech tier upgrade whereas Stronghold never had any). There's less actual village/city building, strictly speaking, so I didn't ever feel like I had a community in Coss. (Not that I played it long, since I never finished the tutorial campaign. Which doesn't have the best design, btw.) On the other hand, military formations really do mean a lot in Coss1, even if you have to be quite fiddly in order to get them up and running to begin with. Also, as James upthread noted in his Out of 8 video demonstration, there are a number of gamey things that seem to exist for balance purposes after the fact which don't make sense in-game.
A game with Stronghold's community flavor, for the village/city you're building, and an improved version of Cossack's formation system, would slay. Which is really what I thought would be on offer for Cossacks 3 plus truly updated 3D graphics. :-\
But... yeah, okay, on further consideration, I can kind of see the 'without-a-soul' evaluation. The military machine probably does have some soul once you get it running, but the civilian side seems dry as a bone.
Quote from: Gusington on September 23, 2016, 07:38:10 PM
I enjoyed the original too, in 2002.
Clearly you are a son of Punarchy! O0
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 23, 2016, 08:26:42 PM
The Steam version of Cossacks: Back to War played well enough on my Win 8.1 machine, aside from the graphics and general pace being artificially fast thanks to super-computing speeds of the future. ;) That's the standalone full Coss1 experience; no need to get any other Coss1 game (i.e. any game just called "Cossacks").
How fast? Fast or borderline unplayable fast as when I tried to play Capitalism 2, which was too fast to keep up with and make sensible decisions with. Is it worth buying, or will it ruin the memories at the pace it plays?
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 23, 2016, 08:26:42 PM
A game with Stronghold's community flavor, for the village/city you're building, and an improved version of Cossack's formation system, would slay. Which is really what I thought would be on offer for Cossacks 3 plus truly updated 3D graphics. :-\
But... yeah, okay, on further consideration, I can kind of see the 'without-a-soul' evaluation. The military machine probably does have some soul once you get it running, but the civilian side seems dry as a bone.
That's very disappointing. I hoped for the things you mentioned as well. :(
To me (in my memory of a few months ago), it just seemed fast on the animations (once I set the gamespeed down to slow, but it defaults to "fast" whenever you load a mission). I mean the 'work' animations; movement wasn't too bad.
Then cavalry charged into my base from a direction that the tutorial didn't really give me leeway to adjust for, and in ten seconds my whole base was converted to enemy control. I mean between the time the attack was announced and I selected my standing army and tried to scroll the view around my base to find the encroachmenTOOLATEUFAILNOOB! :buck2:
In its defense, had I been putting two or three spears on guard at all points, that wouldn't have happened, or not so quickly anyway, and the tutorial did advise me to do so. But it seemed a notch or two too fast even so.
I do like the game mechanic of seizing resource suppliers like that: some buildings, like barracks, you have to destroy (and your troops aren't so great at destroying buildings, which is a nice balance touch), but you aren't expected to wage an anti-civilian war, just capture them and the resource collection buildings.
I feel confident saying that if you dedicate a clean hour and a half of no interruptions, you should be able to tell if the game is too fast for you, and then refund it on Steam.
I will also add that, although I uninstalled it, I've been toying with going back to it and just waiting to see what Coss3 would be like. At this time, I feel like I have no good reason yet to get Coss3 when I can play Back to War which I've already bought. HOWEVER, if the game speed is better on Coss3, and granting more campaigns are available (and maybe unlocked from the beginning, or more of them), I could see grabbing it on a sale this winter and migrating over. But I'd want to invest a lot more time in BtW first. If I can't like the first game enough to see the few improvements as worth it, I don't think I'd ever buy Coss3.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 24, 2016, 10:56:42 AM
...Then cavalry charged into my base from a direction that the tutorial didn't really give me leeway to adjust for, and in ten seconds my whole base was converted to enemy control. I mean between the time the attack was announced and I selected my standing army and tried to scroll the view around my base to find the encroachmenTOOLATEUFAILNOOB! :buck2:
This is exactly why I do not like most real-time games, old or new.