SoaSE-2----
Who has it?
Is it any good?
How is it different from SoaSE-1?
Past thread on it, some posts near the end where some folks had impressions so might be worth checking out.
https://www.grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=26554.msg716745#msg716745
Solops I have it and it's pretty good. It's sins1 with better graphics and a few changes like orbiting planets and moons. Another cool feature is
Thanks to you both. I will hope for a sale soon!
I thought I remembered a thread on SoaSE2. I wonder why it did not turn up in the search I did before starting this one?
That sale will be a while as the game is not even out of early access yet. It'still missing one side iirc.
Quote from: Destraex on April 23, 2024, 11:17:47 PMThat sale will be a while as the game is not even out of early access yet. It'still missing one side iirc.
Ah! Sadness :(
Well, I have 30+ games I've never played and two or three I cannot quit. I am sure I can keep busy until the game is done!
I looked into this game a bit more. Although work does seem to be ongoing, the devs don't seem really too intent on it. Anyone keep up with it any better?
The devs are pretty dedicated and interact with the community daily. I have had a fair amount of interaction with them.
They are definitely hard at work on sins2 from what I have seen. The game is already very polished and just needs a final third faction to complete it as far as I know. That faction is though due out later this year. It is tending to take them 6 months to a year per faction.
It should be noted that the developers do interact on their forums but interact more apparently on their discord server.
I am betting that once this last faction (the advent) are released the game will almost be ready to release.
I have not kept up with sins2 since the Vasari came out some months ago though.
I should also note that the developers do seem unlike homeworld3 to be a lot of the same sins1 ironclad games developers. I recognise a lot of the names. Blair Fraser and his brother Iirc, Yarlen etc. I think the hey might be a Canadian studio?
From what I have seen the devs are very well grounded and not much phases them or rattles them. They just carry on at their own pace and always seem to be polite and professional. A pretty impressive team if you ask me.
Thanks! I do not do the Discord thing, so anything there passes me by. The regular forums did not seem really active.
All that is good news. I am hovering over the "buy" button.
Yeah as you can see below from the example I posted, even on the weekend the devs seem very active. Blair Fraser is one of the original ironclad devs from sins1.
Most game devs use discord these days as it is favoured by the younger crowd. Personally I think forums are much better for structural reasons. Discord is very hard to find anything on usually. Even when the devs make special areas for feedback and try to make things more forum like.
Blair Fraser — Today at 10:22 AM
No, it should not have broken saves.
Blair Fraser — Today at 10:23 AM
Saves should be fine.
Send me one of your save games and I'll verify, otherwise fix it.
it should zip up nice so it can be sent to me here on discord via DM.
Blair Fraser — Today at 10:25 AM
same as with rpare, send one to me as a zip via DM. this should not be happening.
rpare001 — Today at 10:27 AM
sure one moment, thank you!
Blair Fraser — Today at 10:27 AM
(to be clear, send me one of the ones you can't load, not a new one that works :P)
Logion567 — Today at 10:54 AM
lol, doing a 8 player PVE thing this time as Exodus, other players are 1 Tec Loyalist, 1 Rebel, 1 Vasari Exodus, and *4 Alliance
talk abouta lopsided spread.....
Blair Fraser — Today at 10:56 AM
we screwed up and will make a hotfix for loading save games. however, here is a work around.
first, your recent save games are safe and will load with 1.21.6.
you need to go to "%username%\AppData\Local\sins2\settings\settings.json"
change "front_end.enable_strict_saved_game_filtering" to false instead of true
then restart the game and you should see your save game show up in the load menu
Sins2 out this summer on steam unfortunately if you are from the southern hemisphere this means your get it six months later than the north does.
...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
Quote from: Destraex on May 01, 2024, 09:27:52 AMSins2 out this summer on steam unfortunately if you are from the southern hemisphere this means your get it six months later than the north does.
Wait. What? Six months later? I didn't know there were delays like that for regions.
Quote from: mbar on May 01, 2024, 11:25:20 AMQuote from: Destraex on May 01, 2024, 09:27:52 AMSins2 out this summer on steam unfortunately if you are from the southern hemisphere this means your get it six months later than the north does.
Wait. What? Six months later? I didn't know there were delays like that for regions.
I was just joking as I thought the Canadians who developed this game would be more inclusive, but instead chose to describe a release date via weather patterns that excluded the lower half of the world. ;)
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
I hope not as I really respect these developers.
I found it interesting that steam needs devs to declare A.I. derived content:
" Originally posted by Fyst:
As required by steam at the bottom of the store page:
AI GENERATED CONTENT DISCLOSURE
The developers describe how their game uses AI Generated Content like this:
This game used AI to help quickly iterate through designs for some UI elements using our own artwork as a baseline.
This statement applies to that particular image (it was seeded from own artwork and then a lot of hand painting as well.) It's also not complete as we need to include more ships from Vasari, Advent, and some other touch ups before the next major update this summer.
Edit for clarification: the ships and background elements and some of the character elements have zero Ai generation."
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
Oh, hell. I just bought Sins2 on Epic and NOW I find out about this?
Quote from: Destraex on May 02, 2024, 12:10:49 AMI found it interesting that steam needs devs to declare A.I. derived content:
" Originally posted by Fyst:
As required by steam at the bottom of the store page:
AI GENERATED CONTENT DISCLOSURE
The developers describe how their game uses AI Generated Content like this:
This game used AI to help quickly iterate through designs for some UI elements using our own artwork as a baseline.
This statement applies to that particular image (it was seeded from own artwork and then a lot of hand painting as well.) It's also not complete as we need to include more ships from Vasari, Advent, and some other touch ups before the next major update this summer.
Edit for clarification: the ships and background elements and some of the character elements have zero Ai generation."
These kind of disclosures will become more common as the use of AI spreads. Laws will also be adopted requiring these disclosures. I've started using AI in my law practice and some courts are requiring as part of their revised rules to require disclosure when papers are submitted that were prepared or drafted using AI technologies.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
I thought I read on steam one of the developers indicate people who bought on epic prior to the release announcement yesterday would 99% likely get a steam key. Of course, he didn't say 100%:)
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on May 02, 2024, 04:35:37 AMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
I thought I read on steam one of the developers indicate people who bought on epic prior to the release announcement yesterday would 99% likely get a steam key. Of course, he didn't say 100%:)
That would be amazing, but hard to believe given the whole point of Epic funding development so people to use their platform. I guess Epic could not stop them but I assume it would be against the spirit of the agreement. Besides, how would they distribute the keys? I guess by linking your epic account to sins website directly.
Quote from: Destraex on May 02, 2024, 08:09:45 AMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on May 02, 2024, 04:35:37 AMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
I thought I read on steam one of the developers indicate people who bought on epic prior to the release announcement yesterday would 99% likely get a steam key. Of course, he didn't say 100%:)
That would be amazing, but hard to believe given the whole point of Epic funding development so people to use their platform. I guess Epic could not stop them but I assume it would be against the spirit of the agreement. Besides, how would they distribute the keys? I guess by linking your epic account to sins website directly.
This wouldn't be the first time a game was on a different platform (or moved to Steam) and then keys were given out for Steam so don't suspect it's a problem, although could be work on their end. All I can say is a developer within the Steam forum stated it was their goal to provide the keys to people who bought prior to May 1st and was 99% sure it would happen. Guess we will see.
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on May 02, 2024, 09:58:46 AMQuote from: Destraex on May 02, 2024, 08:09:45 AMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on May 02, 2024, 04:35:37 AMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
I thought I read on steam one of the developers indicate people who bought on epic prior to the release announcement yesterday would 99% likely get a steam key. Of course, he didn't say 100%:)
That would be amazing, but hard to believe given the whole point of Epic funding development so people to use their platform. I guess Epic could not stop them but I assume it would be against the spirit of the agreement. Besides, how would they distribute the keys? I guess by linking your epic account to sins website directly.
This wouldn't be the first time a game was on a different platform (or moved to Steam) and then keys were given out for Steam so don't suspect it's a problem, although could be work on their end. All I can say is a developer within the Steam forum stated it was their goal to provide the keys to people who bought prior to May 1st and was 99% sure it would happen. Guess we will see.
You're making me very happy right now :)
Returned Sins2 the other day and got a refund. No Galciv4 screw job for me.
What happened with galciv?
A recent game I played.... lots of changes and the game feels great now.
(https://i.imgur.com/IOyPNyi.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/36WVDz3.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/svS14EV.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/W3aODbe.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/4KhAnJ7.png)
Quote from: Destraex on May 04, 2024, 07:30:48 PMWhat happened with galciv?
See post #11
Hard to imagine anyone making such a poor business decision.
Quote from: solops on May 05, 2024, 02:09:04 PMQuote from: Destraex on May 04, 2024, 07:30:48 PMWhat happened with galciv?
See post #11
Hard to imagine anyone making such a poor business decision.
Guess didn't see a huge deal myself. Originally purchased in 2021 for $29.99, with a coupon that had $10 off. People that own the Epic version can upgrade to Supernova for $15.99. That brings my total cost to $45.98. Supernova version on steam for the base version is $49.99, which my total investment is less for the same thing. Even if didn't have the coupon, I guess my cost would have been around $55. So at worst case $5 more for playing the game much earlier than Steam release. At least for me, a non issue based on the cost and ability to play during early access. Understand others may not feel same way. but nothing that left a huge bad tastt in my mouth.
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on May 05, 2024, 02:37:55 PMQuote from: solops on May 05, 2024, 02:09:04 PMQuote from: Destraex on May 04, 2024, 07:30:48 PMWhat happened with galciv?
See post #11
Hard to imagine anyone making such a poor business decision.
Guess didn't see a huge deal myself. Originally purchased in 2021 for $29.99, with a coupon that had $10 off. People that own the Epic version can upgrade to Supernova for $15.99. That brings my total cost to $45.98. Supernova version on steam for the base version is $49.99, which my total investment is less for the same thing. Even if didn't have the coupon, I guess my cost would have been around $55. So at worst case $5 more for playing the game much earlier than Steam release.
That's fair when you break it down like that. However, it would have been really nice if Stardock had thanked early adopters on Epic by giving them a key on Steam. After all, the Supernova version is not available at all on Epic, and as far as I understand, the Epic version is no longer receiving updates. Thus Epic owners are forced to buy on steam if they want to experience the most up to date supported version. Stardock easily could have turned this into a big win rather than rubbing a lot of players the wrong way.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 05, 2024, 02:44:29 PMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on May 05, 2024, 02:37:55 PMQuote from: solops on May 05, 2024, 02:09:04 PMQuote from: Destraex on May 04, 2024, 07:30:48 PMWhat happened with galciv?
See post #11
Hard to imagine anyone making such a poor business decision.
Guess didn't see a huge deal myself. Originally purchased in 2021 for $29.99, with a coupon that had $10 off. People that own the Epic version can upgrade to Supernova for $15.99. That brings my total cost to $45.98. Supernova version on steam for the base version is $49.99, which my total investment is less for the same thing. Even if didn't have the coupon, I guess my cost would have been around $55. So at worst case $5 more for playing the game much earlier than Steam release.
That's fair when you break it down like that. However, it would have been really nice if Stardock had thanked early adopters on Epic by giving them a key on Steam. After all, the Supernova version is not available at all on Epic, and as far as I understand, the Epic version is no longer receiving updates. Thus Epic owners are forced to buy on steam if they want to experience the most up to date supported version. Stardock easily could have turned this into a big win rather than rubbing a lot of players the wrong way.
But even if required to buy, still about same cost as people who buy directly on steam. I understand might have been nice to get a steam key, but don't think they ever promised anything like that so I guess I just assume risk when I knowingly buy into games early. Certainly respect others feel differently, but for me not really a huge deal as any minor extra cost i chalk up to playing much earlier (around 2 years) than others. In sins case, they have stated strong desire to provide the steam key, so let's see what they do this time.
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on May 05, 2024, 02:51:02 PMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on May 05, 2024, 02:44:29 PMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on May 05, 2024, 02:37:55 PMQuote from: solops on May 05, 2024, 02:09:04 PMQuote from: Destraex on May 04, 2024, 07:30:48 PMWhat happened with galciv?
See post #11
Hard to imagine anyone making such a poor business decision.
Guess didn't see a huge deal myself. Originally purchased in 2021 for $29.99, with a coupon that had $10 off. People that own the Epic version can upgrade to Supernova for $15.99. That brings my total cost to $45.98. Supernova version on steam for the base version is $49.99, which my total investment is less for the same thing. Even if didn't have the coupon, I guess my cost would have been around $55. So at worst case $5 more for playing the game much earlier than Steam release.
That's fair when you break it down like that. However, it would have been really nice if Stardock had thanked early adopters on Epic by giving them a key on Steam. After all, the Supernova version is not available at all on Epic, and as far as I understand, the Epic version is no longer receiving updates. Thus Epic owners are forced to buy on steam if they want to experience the most up to date supported version. Stardock easily could have turned this into a big win rather than rubbing a lot of players the wrong way.
But even if required to buy, still about same cost as people who buy directly on steam. I understand might have been nice to get a steam key, but don't think they ever promised anything like that so I guess I just assume risk when I knowingly buy into games early. Certainly respect others feel differently, but for me not really a huge deal as any minor extra cost i chalk up to playing much earlier (around 2 years) than others. In sins case, they have stated strong desire to provide the steam key, so let's see what they do this time.
They didn't promise that, but they also didn't put Epic buyers on notice that the Steam version was going to have a major game changing update that the Epic version was not going to receive nor that the Epic version was going to be, in essence, abandoned once released on Steam. This is what really pissed me off the most. Had I known, I would not have bought on Epic at all.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 05, 2024, 04:24:56 PMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on May 05, 2024, 02:51:02 PMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on May 05, 2024, 02:44:29 PMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on May 05, 2024, 02:37:55 PMQuote from: solops on May 05, 2024, 02:09:04 PMQuote from: Destraex on May 04, 2024, 07:30:48 PMWhat happened with galciv?
See post #11
Hard to imagine anyone making such a poor business decision.
Guess didn't see a huge deal myself. Originally purchased in 2021 for $29.99, with a coupon that had $10 off. People that own the Epic version can upgrade to Supernova for $15.99. That brings my total cost to $45.98. Supernova version on steam for the base version is $49.99, which my total investment is less for the same thing. Even if didn't have the coupon, I guess my cost would have been around $55. So at worst case $5 more for playing the game much earlier than Steam release.
That's fair when you break it down like that. However, it would have been really nice if Stardock had thanked early adopters on Epic by giving them a key on Steam. After all, the Supernova version is not available at all on Epic, and as far as I understand, the Epic version is no longer receiving updates. Thus Epic owners are forced to buy on steam if they want to experience the most up to date supported version. Stardock easily could have turned this into a big win rather than rubbing a lot of players the wrong way.
But even if required to buy, still about same cost as people who buy directly on steam. I understand might have been nice to get a steam key, but don't think they ever promised anything like that so I guess I just assume risk when I knowingly buy into games early. Certainly respect others feel differently, but for me not really a huge deal as any minor extra cost i chalk up to playing much earlier (around 2 years) than others. In sins case, they have stated strong desire to provide the steam key, so let's see what they do this time.
They didn't promise that, but they also didn't put Epic buyers on notice that the Steam version was going to have a major game changing update that the Epic version was not going to receive nor that the Epic version was going to be, in essence, abandoned once released on Steam. This is what really pissed me off the most. Had I known, I would not have bought on Epic at all.
Fair being upset about them not supporting on epic. I guess for me, I typically get the latest versions beyond base so I would have done any way, which I did for the $15 and total cost was still cheaper for me versus buying when released on steam. But I get it.
Let's hope they do better this time.
In almost all businesses company reputation and customer relations are paramount. I am unfamiliar with the incident other than what was related here, but this seems like an easily avoided, self inflicted wound. Just the mention of it is enough to put this potential customer off. Regardless of whatever real or potential expense may have been involved, the perception of mistreatment has very high damage potential to a company. I do not want to do business with a company that does not value me as a customer. I have over 30 unplayed games. I do not NEED to buy another. The seller had better convince me that that his product is good and that he values me as a buyer of his product, that he cares about my satisfaction and lives only to make me happy. Yeah, i know he's probably lying, but he has to sell it to me and make an effort to make it so. Companies live on repeat customers! Its not just the money, it is how i am treated. I am a sensitive guy!
- sniffle -
Yep, everyone has to decide who they want to invest in and for what reason. In this case, at least for me not enough reason for me to not ever do business with the company, in the end worked out cheaper for me so really don't have a major issue at this time, but I certainly agree if the company knew they were headed in this direction they should have informed their customer base at the time they knew so people could have made an informed purchasing decision.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 01, 2024, 09:54:52 AM...and let me guess...it will include some kind of an update that will not be provided to those who bought early access on Epic. Stardock and Wardell screwed everyone over like this with Gal Civ IV.
Actually there is a rumour going around that epic owners who purchased before a particular date might get a steam key.
But no difference in content that I know of and ironclad are ensuring the title is platform neutral for modding and crossplay.
Yep, mentioned a few times above about developers stating they were 99% sure about prior purchases before the steam announcement on may 1st would get steam keys and so far no mention of different versions,
A good write up by the devs on some of the differences between earlier sins titles and sins2:
https://forums.sinsofasolarempire2.com/527795/page/1/#3930114
I am loving the new feature the devs added that allows you to adjust your defences to the changing planetary alignment and phase lane changes by moving your defences. This is a slow process and your defences will not fire and are not operational for any other functions while being transported under basic thrusters.
(https://i.imgur.com/C48HGJS.png)
Have to say I am a little bummed that streamers are showing off the advent while early access supporters are left to wait for release. I hate spoilers and love to get in early, but when this sort of thing happens it just leaves a bad taste i the mouth.
I knew it was going to happen but now that it's happened and others get to play in front of me with my toys, teasing me after I already own the game. I dunno, I guess I must just feel entitled. Am I being a brat? For being able to get access to the latest public beta and stable builds and then all of a sudden have another party get exclusive rights to another form of early access?
Quote from: Destraex on May 06, 2024, 10:32:22 PMA good write up by the devs on some of the differences between earlier sins titles and sins2:
https://forums.sinsofasolarempire2.com/527795/page/1/#3930114
I remember watching some youtube videos of this a few month back being excited it was announced, then after seeing the videos I thought man this looks just like the original sins. This document was helpful, thank you. So many sequels get screwed up because they try to change the formula that made the original games so good, looks like this is just a case of keeping the same formula but just enhancing the gameplay and UI. This is how sequels should be done, if you want to completely change a game then don't create a sequel, create a new game.
Coming to Steam on August 15, 2024.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1575940?emclan=103582791474504856&emgid=4372516065077757061
Quote from: rss334 on July 31, 2024, 11:11:08 AMQuote from: Destraex on May 06, 2024, 10:32:22 PMA good write up by the devs on some of the differences between earlier sins titles and sins2:
https://forums.sinsofasolarempire2.com/527795/page/1/#3930114
I remember watching some youtube videos of this a few month back being excited it was announced, then after seeing the videos I thought man this looks just like the original sins. This document was helpful, thank you. So many sequels get screwed up because they try to change the formula that made the original games so good, looks like this is just a case of keeping the same formula but just enhancing the gameplay and UI. This is how sequels should be done, if you want to completely change a game then don't create a sequel, create a new game.
I actually have a different take on this. There was so much potential this had that exists in the engine that they're not realizing. Long screed follows.
The new systems that track where each individual weapons system is pointed and so forth could have in theory allowed for really interesting emergent gameplay resulting in fleet-style maneuvers like at Jutland or other real-world naval battles.
Opportunities for this to enhance gameplay seem boundless. Where is the button to arrange your capital ships and titans to take missiles to their broadside and defend the rest of the fleet? Where the option to orient my ships such that lasers, or point turrets, are brought to bear against the enemy in one direction, perhaps leaving another open to attack? Why can't I order my cruisers to go out of plane in the z direction so that I can fire my lasers past the line of heavily shielded vessels the enemy has lined up in front?
It would seem that, for example, a simple set of buttons could enhance the tactical options greatly. Just as for example in Sins I there were buttons for tight and loose fleet formations, you could imagine buttons ordering ships to turn turrets in a certain direction, to line themselves up in linear formations in 2 or 3 dimensions, line up capital ships in front, hide them in the rear, etc.
The possibilities for emergent gameplay are boundless. Rather than being based primarily on who can arrange the largest deathball, battles would be far more tactical in nature, where an extra element of strategy has to be brought to bear in order to win. Slipped that destroyer between the enemy's capital ships? Now they can't easily fire at for fear of hitting other friendlies (My Conquest is the Sea of Stars is a good piece of science fiction that shows this exact situation and how difficult it is for the enemy to combat the tactic even in a three-dimensional battle). "I was going to lose that Titan but was able to send my flak ships in a line in front of it, soaking up the missiles and giving the Titan a chance to use its ability to and turn the tide of battle". The enemy has a formidable fleet of battleships? Good luck attacking your cruisers as they arch over them in the Z dimensions and they have to make big lumbering turns to bring their weapons to bear.
Sorry to go so long on this topic, but I'm really frustrated because the technical machinery seems to be there in the engine to do all of this, but at some level they're just slapping a new coat of paint on it and calling it a day. I don't get it.
Quote from: CaptainKoloth on August 02, 2024, 05:26:05 PMQuote from: rss334 on July 31, 2024, 11:11:08 AMQuote from: Destraex on May 06, 2024, 10:32:22 PMA good write up by the devs on some of the differences between earlier sins titles and sins2:
https://forums.sinsofasolarempire2.com/527795/page/1/#3930114
I remember watching some youtube videos of this a few month back being excited it was announced, then after seeing the videos I thought man this looks just like the original sins. This document was helpful, thank you. So many sequels get screwed up because they try to change the formula that made the original games so good, looks like this is just a case of keeping the same formula but just enhancing the gameplay and UI. This is how sequels should be done, if you want to completely change a game then don't create a sequel, create a new game.
I actually have a different take on this. There was so much potential this had that exists in the engine that they're not realizing. Long screed follows.
The new systems that track where each individual weapons system is pointed and so forth could have in theory allowed for really interesting emergent gameplay resulting in fleet-style maneuvers like at Jutland or other real-world naval battles.
Opportunities for this to enhance gameplay seem boundless. Where is the button to arrange your capital ships and titans to take missiles to their broadside and defend the rest of the fleet? Where the option to orient my ships such that lasers, or point turrets, are brought to bear against the enemy in one direction, perhaps leaving another open to attack? Why can't I order my cruisers to go out of plane in the z direction so that I can fire my lasers past the line of heavily shielded vessels the enemy has lined up in front?
It would seem that, for example, a simple set of buttons could enhance the tactical options greatly. Just as for example in Sins I there were buttons for tight and loose fleet formations, you could imagine buttons ordering ships to turn turrets in a certain direction, to line themselves up in linear formations in 2 or 3 dimensions, line up capital ships in front, hide them in the rear, etc.
The possibilities for emergent gameplay are boundless. Rather than being based primarily on who can arrange the largest deathball, battles would be far more tactical in nature, where an extra element of strategy has to be brought to bear in order to win. Slipped that destroyer between the enemy's capital ships? Now they can't easily fire at for fear of hitting other friendlies (My Conquest is the Sea of Stars is a good piece of science fiction that shows this exact situation and how difficult it is for the enemy to combat the tactic even in a three-dimensional battle). "I was going to lose that Titan but was able to send my flak ships in a line in front of it, soaking up the missiles and giving the Titan a chance to use its ability to and turn the tide of battle". The enemy has a formidable fleet of battleships? Good luck attacking your cruisers as they arch over them in the Z dimensions and they have to make big lumbering turns to bring their weapons to bear.
Sorry to go so long on this topic, but I'm really frustrated because the technical machinery seems to be there in the engine to do all of this, but at some level they're just slapping a new coat of paint on it and calling it a day. I don't get it.
I agree. In fact I have seen it advertised that their is more tactical gameplay than sins1. But this is really debatable. What their are, are more options to customise your deathball ships.
The one thing that does stand out though is that some ships have turrets now which means you can roll past with your deathball and keep shooting. Another cool thing I am not sure was in sins 1 is that dedicated anti fighter ships also shoot missiles down.
Releases in 4hrs apparently on Epic and Steam simulateously.
Quote from: Destraex on August 02, 2024, 06:07:33 PMQuote from: CaptainKoloth on August 02, 2024, 05:26:05 PMQuote from: rss334 on July 31, 2024, 11:11:08 AMQuote from: Destraex on May 06, 2024, 10:32:22 PMA good write up by the devs on some of the differences between earlier sins titles and sins2:
https://forums.sinsofasolarempire2.com/527795/page/1/#3930114
I remember watching some youtube videos of this a few month back being excited it was announced, then after seeing the videos I thought man this looks just like the original sins. This document was helpful, thank you. So many sequels get screwed up because they try to change the formula that made the original games so good, looks like this is just a case of keeping the same formula but just enhancing the gameplay and UI. This is how sequels should be done, if you want to completely change a game then don't create a sequel, create a new game.
I actually have a different take on this. There was so much potential this had that exists in the engine that they're not realizing. Long screed follows.
The new systems that track where each individual weapons system is pointed and so forth could have in theory allowed for really interesting emergent gameplay resulting in fleet-style maneuvers like at Jutland or other real-world naval battles.
Opportunities for this to enhance gameplay seem boundless. Where is the button to arrange your capital ships and titans to take missiles to their broadside and defend the rest of the fleet? Where the option to orient my ships such that lasers, or point turrets, are brought to bear against the enemy in one direction, perhaps leaving another open to attack? Why can't I order my cruisers to go out of plane in the z direction so that I can fire my lasers past the line of heavily shielded vessels the enemy has lined up in front?
It would seem that, for example, a simple set of buttons could enhance the tactical options greatly. Just as for example in Sins I there were buttons for tight and loose fleet formations, you could imagine buttons ordering ships to turn turrets in a certain direction, to line themselves up in linear formations in 2 or 3 dimensions, line up capital ships in front, hide them in the rear, etc.
The possibilities for emergent gameplay are boundless. Rather than being based primarily on who can arrange the largest deathball, battles would be far more tactical in nature, where an extra element of strategy has to be brought to bear in order to win. Slipped that destroyer between the enemy's capital ships? Now they can't easily fire at for fear of hitting other friendlies (My Conquest is the Sea of Stars is a good piece of science fiction that shows this exact situation and how difficult it is for the enemy to combat the tactic even in a three-dimensional battle). "I was going to lose that Titan but was able to send my flak ships in a line in front of it, soaking up the missiles and giving the Titan a chance to use its ability to and turn the tide of battle". The enemy has a formidable fleet of battleships? Good luck attacking your cruisers as they arch over them in the Z dimensions and they have to make big lumbering turns to bring their weapons to bear.
Sorry to go so long on this topic, but I'm really frustrated because the technical machinery seems to be there in the engine to do all of this, but at some level they're just slapping a new coat of paint on it and calling it a day. I don't get it.
I agree. In fact I have seen it advertised that their is more tactical gameplay than sins1. But this is really debatable. What their are, are more options to customise your deathball ships.
The one thing that does stand out though is that some ships have turrets now which means you can roll past with your deathball and keep shooting. Another cool thing I am not sure was in sins 1 is that dedicated anti fighter ships also shoot missiles down.
While disappointing to hear in some respects I'm also somewhat happy to hear it. So many sequel end up ruining what made the first game so great. This is one of those dammed if they do and dammed if they don't things. If they change the gameplay too much they take heat, not enough take heat.
They priced it @ $40 to release usd which if not much has changed I'd say it about $10.00 too much for current SOS1 people. For anyone who's never played it I would say it's priced about right at $40 - $50. What a treat to people who never played a sins solar empire game, I'll be curious to watch reviews and see how prior version players feel about the new release.
I need to correct my statement above, I've just turned negative on the game. I see they are doing a premium edition to add in more content. Here is another example of greed and cut content. So if you pay double the price you will have access to future DLC including a new faction, single player campaign, few ships, and a ma but you will have to pay extra for it! This is such a bad look when you release a game and fail to add more content to it than the original, then announce the additional content will be sold as a DLC.
NOPE I AM OUT. should have been included in the base game.
While I agree with your negative comments, I also have to add this: I see nothing in the "premium" addition that entices me. I never play the campaigns in any game, sandbox all the way for me. And two more ships for each faction? Meh... The only thing of interest is is a new faction, which should be in the base game. All in all it is a wait for 75% off sale situation. Or maybe I'll be bored and get it now. Waffling. Definitely not paying $50 for it.
The problem with Stardock in my view is that they always punish their early supporters rather than rewarding them. Why are those who purchased on Epic made to wait for some code that may or may not come for steam access? If anything, Epic owners should have received early steam access. Why are early supporters who buy on Epic often times left with less content and less support once the game is released on steam? This is at least the second or third time Stardock has done this to its early access crowd on Epic.
I'm starting to learn the lesson.
Quote from: solops on August 15, 2024, 11:19:53 AMWhile I agree with your negative comments, I also have to add this: I see nothing in the "premium" addition that entices me. I never play the campaigns in any game, sandbox all the way for me. And two more ships for each faction? Meh... The only thing of interest is is a new faction, which should be in the base game. All in all it is a wait for 75% off sale situation. Or maybe I'll be bored and get it now. Waffling. Definitely not paying $50 for it.
Agree with you, I can wait a year for a huge sale, until then SOS1 is just fine for me.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on August 15, 2024, 12:16:28 PMThe problem with Stardock in my view is that they always punish their early supporters rather than rewarding them. Why are those who purchased on Epic made to wait for some code that may or may not come for steam access? If anything, Epic owners should have received early steam access, if anything. Why are early supporters who buy on Epic often times left with less content and less support once the game is released on steam? This is at least the second or third time Stardock has done this to its early access crowd on Epic.
I'm starting to learn the lesson.
They did that with galactic civ too right? I remember an uproar because the steam version was different and better than what was on epic - last I head people had to pay for the steam version too (not sure on that but recall hearing it).
Montu likes it quite a lot with a couple of caveats:
Regarding Epic vs Steam, this info is in the FAQ on Steam.
Q: What is the difference between what is being released on Steam and what was available on Epic?
The version that's been available on Epic was equivalent to Sins of a Solar Empire I (v1.0). However, we knew that most people who have played Sins of a Solar Empire were actually playing Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion (released 4 years after the original game) so we decided to make the Steam release be akin to Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion II but we didn't want to call the game Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion II (that's a mouthful). Players with the Epic version will also receive this version for free as well. Hence, the August 15 release of Sins II contains over a year's worth of new features and content over what was previously available.
Q: If I bought the game on Epic, can I get a Steam key?
A: We plan to have a link soon after release to allow players to transfer their key over if you bought the game prior to June 2024.
^WTF does the above even mean?
Crap like that makes me so angry. How the hell is SoSE II on Epic equivalent to SoSE I?
Either the Epic version and the Steam version are the same or they are not. Just say it straight.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on August 15, 2024, 03:06:17 PM^WTF does the above even mean?
Crap like that makes me so angry. How the hell is SoSE II on Epic equivalent to SoSE I?
Either the Epic version and the Steam version are the same or they are not. Just say it straight.
I've never played SoSE, but I was intrigued by what I saw in the Steam release until I read Geezer's and your posts. I'm going to pass for now, as it sounds like they are mis-representing the Epic and Steam versions of the game, giving them similar/identical titles but having different games. If this is correct, then I have serious problems with the company's ethics
FWIW here is my take on what I posted above. And I could be completely wrong.
What they are saying is that the version of SoSE 2 that released on Epic was like the original release of SoSE 1. In the last year there have been many changes to the original release of SOSE 2. So what just launched on Steam is like SoSE Rebellion compared to the original SoSE 1. At some point, and maybe they did it already, the Epic version of SoSE 2 will be the same as what is now on Steam.
Both steam and epic versions are the same and can be played in multiplayer together at release. Both epic and steam versions got the latest update at the exact same time on release. I was there and downloading at the time exact same time as the guys who had just purchased on steam.
The only annoying things for me was that influencers got early access to the advent race on a newer build up until release than normal people who had purchased early access and been playing the early builds and providing feedback for many months could get their hands on.
Additionally I wish I was able to get a steam key at release and play on steam instead of epic.
With regard to calling the game sins of a solar empire 2 instead on sins of a solar empire rebellion 2. Then having sins of a solar empire 2 have most of the content from sins of a solar empire rebellion 2.
I think they were trying to illustrate that sins of a solar empire 2 was not a step backwards from sins of a solar empire rebellion.
Sins2 is though still missing some things like the ceilo command cruiser for example. This was a game mechanic design decision rather than missing rebellion content though.
But it in general is not a step backwards from sins1 rebellion. It's got the garrison ships mechanic in some form for example.
Imho They are trying to say sins2 is actually rebellion 2 and then we are adding even more with dlc later.
I think they thought that some people would stick with sins1 rebellion thinking their would be a sins2 rebellion.
Quote from: Destraex on August 15, 2024, 05:39:22 PM...
Imho They are trying to say sins2 is actually rebellion 2 and then we are adding even more with dlc later.
...
Possibly. If so, they
really need to work on the wording of that post in the Steam forum, because I've read it several times, and it is completely unclear.
I dunno...the UI is elegant for sure, but the game just does not grab me (like almost all Stardock games don't for some reason). i don't like the way ships move and fight. I don't see strategy in it. Its just build as many ships as you can, amass as much firepower as you can, move these mobs into fleets and than use them to wear the other sides down.
They are definitely thinking outside the box with conventions like orbiting planets and changing phase lines, but for me, it still does not make the actual combat any more exciting.
I'll still give it some time, but I find myself wanting to play other things.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on August 15, 2024, 08:11:07 PMI dunno...the UI is elegant for sure, but the game just does not grab me (like almost all Stardock games don't for some reason). i don't like the way ships move and fight. I don't see strategy in it. Its just build as many ships as you can, amass as much firepower as you can, move these mobs into fleets and than use them to wear the other sides down.
They are definitely thinking outside the box with conventions like orbiting planets and changing phase lines, but for me, it still does not make the actual combat any more exciting.
I'll still give it some time, but I find myself wanting to play other things.
I agree with your comment about the game being about "blobbing" fleets and simply steamrolling from their. If you really boil things down to their base gameplay you see it's kinda like tower defence.
Personally I love it at the start, hate it by the end and come back to it occasionally. But it's a must for me. Multiplayer especially will be a blast.... Because if you can even save and come back to multiplayer games any time like the last one. It will make this long game possible in multi.
I wished they had 2-3 more factions.
Edit: the premium edition seem to include futre DLCs including a new faction.
Quote from: Destraex on August 15, 2024, 05:31:18 PMAdditionally I wish I was able to get a steam key at release and play on steam instead of epic.
Customers who purchased the base game of Sins of a Solar Empire II through the Epic Games Store are eligible to receive a Steam key for the base game of Sins of a Solar Empire II for a limited time. Keys will be available for redemption from 8/15/2024 - 9/15/2024.
Please provide your Epic Account ID (must own Sins of a Solar Empire II with this Epic Account ID) and Email Address to check your eligibility.https://www.sinsofasolarempire2.com/keytransport
Thx Pete. I double posted.. :)
1 month is all we have!! Gotta get it done.
Question is do we have it on steam and epic now?
Quote from: Pete Dero on August 16, 2024, 03:05:36 AMQuote from: Destraex on August 15, 2024, 05:31:18 PMAdditionally I wish I was able to get a steam key at release and play on steam instead of epic.
Customers who purchased the base game of Sins of a Solar Empire II through the Epic Games Store are eligible to receive a Steam key for the base game of Sins of a Solar Empire II for a limited time. Keys will be available for redemption from 8/15/2024 - 9/15/2024.
Please provide your Epic Account ID (must own Sins of a Solar Empire II with this Epic Account ID) and Email Address to check your eligibility.
https://www.sinsofasolarempire2.com/keytransport
Excellent, was able to claim my steam key without an issue.
^it's a shame I had to dig up that link in the steam forums. Stardock should be emailing the link directly to Epic customers or at least conspicuously posting it someplace.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on August 16, 2024, 09:23:15 AM^it's a shame I had to dig up that link in the steam forums. Stardock should be emailing the link directly to Epic customers or at least conspicuously posting it someplace.
I only knew about it from the past above so glad I saw it:)
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on August 16, 2024, 09:23:15 AM^it's a shame I had to dig up that link in the steam forums. Stardock should be emailing the link directly to Epic customers or at least conspicuously posting it someplace.
Well, if they did THAT, then the customers would know! No sales in that.
Think like a VP, Jarhead, think like a corporate VP.
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on August 16, 2024, 09:50:52 AMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on August 16, 2024, 09:23:15 AM^it's a shame I had to dig up that link in the steam forums. Stardock should be emailing the link directly to Epic customers or at least conspicuously posting it someplace.
I only knew about it from the past above so glad I saw it:)
This is my source for game related news : https://www.bluesnews.com/
Updates twice a day.
Quote from: Pete Dero on August 16, 2024, 11:21:25 AMThis is my source for game related news : https://www.bluesnews.com/
Updates twice a day.
That's in my list of daily site visits right after Grogheads. :ThumbsUp:
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on August 16, 2024, 09:50:52 AMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on August 16, 2024, 09:23:15 AM^it's a shame I had to dig up that link in the steam forums. Stardock should be emailing the link directly to Epic customers or at least conspicuously posting it someplace.
I only knew about it from the past above so glad I saw it:)
Same here...
Quote from: Pete Dero on August 16, 2024, 11:21:25 AMQuote from: Grim.Reaper on August 16, 2024, 09:50:52 AMQuote from: Jarhead0331 on August 16, 2024, 09:23:15 AM^it's a shame I had to dig up that link in the steam forums. Stardock should be emailing the link directly to Epic customers or at least conspicuously posting it someplace.
I only knew about it from the past above so glad I saw it:)
This is my source for game related news : https://www.bluesnews.com/
Updates twice a day.
Nice site, didn't know about them but will become part of my browsing routine.
Blues News is an ancient site actually. It's been around since people actually purchased gaming magazines monthly. I had no idea it was still around.
Just had a multiplayer game where a team of 4 people left a game open for people to join in on the other side at will and take over from the other side. Because that is a default setting and you have to pay attention and turn it off, perhaps they did not know they had left the game open. Anyways they all eventually quit and us ring ins were playing 4 hard AI enemy. We won pretty quickly actually.
Quote from: Destraex on August 21, 2024, 04:42:26 AMBlues News Clues
Used to watch that with my kids way back when. During a more civilized era.
^Me too
Just finished a game with a friend over a few nights nights. Had to wait a week for him to be available to finish it near the end.
End game can be very bland if you are just finishing up painting the map. I am in favour of larger gravity wells to allow more tactical gameplay and less siege warfare. That would potentially encourage people to sail around looking to engage enemy fleets rather than the planets and starbases per sae.
(https://i.imgur.com/eWWKefm.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/oG4vY3j.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/bIqalvn.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/W6H6JWG.png)
Been playing sins2 a bit again lately and it looks like the devs are starting to promote the next update. That promotion includes teasers for new ships. They look like they might be a step up in size even from Titans? Not sure yet. I am not really interested in more "hero" ships and would rather sizes in between what we have now and some game fixes especially to the way fleet supply works. I find it untenable to play large maps with 200 fleet supply to defend multiple star systems.
(https://i.imgur.com/cPzGOY2.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ULW4ddo.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/F8kZX3y.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gAwnXhj.jpeg)
I agree with your observations on fleet size, sieges, etc. I have had a hard time getting into it. Is there a way to mod the fleet supply?
Quote from: solops on September 03, 2025, 10:42:01 PMI agree with your observations on fleet size, sieges, etc. I have had a hard time getting into it. Is there a way to mod the fleet supply?
I just discovered their is a fleet supply modifier setting. Fleet supply settings are x1.0, x1.5, x2.0 and x5.0.
There is supposed to be a way to be able to manage your ships in battle via the sidebar. I am going to try that.
I have been reliably informed that the six new ships are in between capital ship and titan sized and you will be able to build 3 of them where a titan can only be built once per match.
I'm still disappointed that an engine that seems to have the potential to be much more has been mostly relegated to a face-lift over Sins 1. It's very good, but could have been great.
Quote from: CaptainKoloth on September 04, 2025, 11:59:06 AMI'm still disappointed that an engine that seems to have the potential to be much more has been mostly relegated to a face-lift over Sins 1. It's very good, but could have been great.
I agree. It's got a lot of really nice advancements but overall they have been careful to "re-invent" the same game. A lot of people would say that this is a good thing. I mean the new engine is 64bit, looks great and now has turrets that track and physical missiles that can be shot down. The interface is super streamlined and things can be done a lot faster because of it.
You additionally have rotating planets, if you leave them enabled. A lot of people hate them. That to me is a major advancement that really adds a lot to the game. The problem with rotating planets though is that people get frustrated because their chokepoints are less reliable. To me the game was never supposed to be about tower siege defence. But that is what people are used to. Part of the solution to this was something I suggested and was implimented in that even the static space stations can be moved on their access to face a different direction should rotation affect the phase lane direction. Of course it is slow to move them to the other side of the planet and they are disarmed while doing so.
However, some features of past games I really liked are gone, mainly in the form of some fleet stances. A lot of the other missing stuff will eventually come back in a more refined state as DLC. The diplomacy for example at the moment is bare bones and usually results on the A.I. ganging up on you if you play on your own.
We are getting a campaign and a 4th race eventually as DLC. So "eventually" sins2 will grow beyond sins1. It looks better and it's great fun. But the late game which was getting me down is much better with the fleet popcap modifier.
Finished a great game recently
(https://i.imgur.com/xVhSk7C.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/C76jvrd.png)
Ok. So Sins of a Solar Empire 2 has a new faction coming and then a Campaign.
Because of this Ironclad have been teasing the new faction with a series of story snippets over the last few weeks.
I have been following and it has been a lot of fun. Here are the storyboard pictures in order for your reading pleasure.
(https://i.imgur.com/g1XWJrK.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DdXW7pY.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/PpHZUiM.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ySXBUxS.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/j3DyiK6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/j3DyiK6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/c0Lujkz.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/CvnuhoE.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/vQvYtZT.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/5QvLt9P.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/kEbIqGX.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/dsUrAY9.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2YUAW8r.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/fJ09EN4.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/UIoOwkw.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/gfiJrgf.png)
"their alphabet and grammar was written and design around their anatomy. More will become clear as things come out"
"END TRANSMISSION
The Transmission Log E-Series has now come to an end. We thank you all for following along, and enjoying this different approach. It's been a fun time for myself and the team. We've loved watching everyone theory craft and share their thoughts. Now, keep your eyes open tomorrow for some news."
The news tomorrow... it's tomorrow :)