Link (http://www.ageofwonders.com/aow3live/)
Giggity! Suddenly autumn can't come fast enough...
I've never played any of the previous iterations but this does look interesting.
GREAT GOOGILY MOOGILY!
Yay! :)
HOLY SHIT! :o
*fap fap fap fap fap*
Indeed. I've been soooo tempted to get the original trilogy pack on steam, but now I'd rather wait for this. Drool!
I will buy it if it's as good as Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic (https://secure.gog.com/gamecard/age_of_wonders_shadow_magic).
Quote from: Greybriar on February 06, 2013, 04:36:30 PM
I will buy it if it's as good as Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic (https://secure.gog.com/gamecard/age_of_wonders_shadow_magic).
Aye. One of the best strategy games of all time.
And here I logged in hoping to be able to be the one dropping the news... >:(
;)
Great news it is! And it's still the same studio as well, not some other vague eastern european studio happening to get the rights on the IP.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcoachdawnwrites.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F08%2Fexcellent.jpg&hash=6dcbfa45b619a929d331102cc451a8bcb1ced9f4)
Quote from: Nefaro on February 06, 2013, 06:36:00 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcoachdawnwrites.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F08%2Fexcellent.jpg&hash=6dcbfa45b619a929d331102cc451a8bcb1ced9f4)
+1
PE
I have to say that between this,
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes, and
Eador: Master of the Broken World, 2013 has the potential to be a banner year for fantasy 4x games. If even one of them turns out decent, though, I'll be a happy camper!
Quote from: TheCommandTent on February 06, 2013, 11:37:20 AM
I've never played any of the previous iterations but this does look interesting.
I played the original over at a friend's place a few times. It was good fun.
I owned
AoW2: The Wizard's Throne, and while it wasn't bad, neither was I impressed. However, I've always heard mostly good things about
Shadow Magic (although I never got around to actually getting it for some reason).
Thanks for the post Martok! I played Age of Wonders to death and still have the original on CD-ROM somewhere. Brilliant game and I can't wait to see the new one :D
The word is out - Triumph's "big partner" in this venture is none other than Notch himself! He has helped fund it, apparently!
I've read that, but hate to ask: Who is Notch?
And I played Shadow Magic. I see where Warlock Master of the Arcane got some of its inspiration. And I don't know who Notch is either.
Notch is the guy behind Minecraft.
I don't know what the relation between Triumph, AoW and Notch is, that it makes it such a glorious thing. Talk about a man's reputation. :)
Still, if he helped fund the project I am glad he did!
Now let's hope the game will become as great as Shadow Magic.
Quote from: Yskonyn on February 10, 2013, 04:02:03 PM
I don't know what the relation between Triumph, AoW and Notch is, that it makes it such a glorious thing.
None that I'm aware of. Apparently Notch is just a fan of the series and wanted to see a third instalment. :)
QuoteNow let's hope the game will become as great as Shadow Magic.
Amen to that, brother!
Notch is now the Master of Magic. ;D
If you need an AoW fix until AoWIII is available, Gamersgate (http://www.gamersgate.com/DDB-AOWT/age-of-wonders-trilogy-with-soundtrack-bundle) has 'em on sale...
Age of Wonders $3.00
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic $4.98
Age of Wonders II: The Wizards Throne $4.98
Age of Wonders Trilogy with Soundtrack $9.98
Peter Sahui from Matchsticks For My Eyes is having a Q&A with the Age of Wonders III dev, and is requesting questions to pose to him.
http://www.matchstickeyes.com/2013/02/12/be-part-of-my-age-of-wonders-iii-qa/
Quote from: Yskonyn on February 10, 2013, 04:02:03 PM
I don't know what the relation between Triumph, AoW and Notch is, that it makes it such a glorious thing. Talk about a man's reputation. :)
Still, if he helped fund the project I am glad he did!
Now let's hope the game will become as great as Shadow Magic.
it would appear by some small miracle the AOW team contacted him and he has decided to throw his millions behind the development - reading up on it it means there wont be a pushy publisher behind the scenes poking for early release and the team will be allowed to just get on with the writing of the game
Quote from: spelk on February 13, 2013, 08:44:49 AM
Peter Sahui from Matchsticks For My Eyes is having a Q&A with the Age of Wonders III dev, and is requesting questions to pose to him.
http://www.matchstickeyes.com/2013/02/12/be-part-of-my-age-of-wonders-iii-qa/
I would participate in that, but I can't honestly say that squeeing like a teenage girl over and over would count as a 'question'.
an article from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5982082/after-a-decade-off-the-age-of-wonders-series-is-returning) with some ingame footage...
...sorry, old article with same old trailer footage...my bad :-[
Quote from: steve58 on March 27, 2013, 09:43:08 AM
an article from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5982082/after-a-decade-off-the-age-of-wonders-series-is-returning) with some ingame footage...
...sorry, same old trailer footage...my bad :-[
You might have been looking for this. :)
:) Yup, thanks. Saw the new info on Kotaku, but looks like I clicked the wrong link ::)
It's looking very nice already...
Quote from: Pocus
Graphically speaking yes, but old fans of AOW1+2 will notice that the stack limit seems to be down to 6 (was 8 before).
I just hope that the feature of having stacks adjacents to the attacked hex (both for defenders and attackers) joining the battle is not lost either. With the craze these days of very constrained battlefields (FE: Legendary Heroes anyone?), I would not be surprised.
Grumpy mode ON, I guess that's in the air. Immediate pleasure and reward. Start to fight 3 hexs apart and kill the enemy unit in one blow, etc. ;)
The quote was so appropriate that I couldn't resist adding it to this thread. Thanks, Pocus!
Quote from: FlickJax on March 27, 2013, 11:17:24 AM
It's looking very nice already...
It is indeed. I'm wanting this one more every time I see it.
When I look at their way of doing the tactical battles and the cloth map when zooming out, I kinda feel sorry for Brad Wardell. While I enjoy Fallen Enchantress, Stardock can learn a thing or two from the AoW devs as far as presentation and immersion goes. Even now, when the footage is only pre-alpha.
Quote from: Martok on March 27, 2013, 01:37:49 PM
Quote from: FlickJax on March 27, 2013, 11:17:24 AM
It's looking very nice already...
It is indeed. I'm wanting this one more every time I see it.
+1 <Nods head>
Wasn't sure if this deserved a separate thread or not, but here's some first screenshots (http://www.facebook.com/WorldsOfMagic/posts/493661657359989) of Wastelands Worlds of Magic (http://wastelands-interactive.com/index.php/games/worlds-of-magic).
Quote from: steve58 on March 29, 2013, 01:16:41 PM
Wasn't sure if this deserved a separate thread or not, but here's some first screenshots (http://www.facebook.com/WorldsOfMagic/posts/493661657359989) of Wastelands Worlds of Magic (http://wastelands-interactive.com/index.php/games/worlds-of-magic).
Why yes, it deserves its own thread, Steve.
Worlds of Magic (http://www.wastelands-interactive.com/index.php/games/worlds-of-magic) is a different game than
Age of Wonders III (http://www.ageofwonders.com/aow3live/).
What was I thinking :P (been a long week). New thread incoming....
Quote from: Yskonyn on March 28, 2013, 03:45:02 AM
When I look at their way of doing the tactical battles and the cloth map when zooming out, I kinda feel sorry for Brad Wardell. While I enjoy Fallen Enchantress, Stardock can learn a thing or two from the AoW devs as far as presentation and immersion goes. Even now, when the footage is only pre-alpha.
+1
I've been playing
FE for about a week now. I like the underlying game system that they have, and I like a lot of the game play dynamics that they use, but even after having spent an hour or more reading the
Fallen Enchantress background lit, nothing about their fictional rendering of the world (or the graphical imagery of it on the PC) really resonates with me.
Brad has always been very into back story. Reading his posts going back to the original
Galactic Civilizations, it's obvious that the personality and back story of the races was very important to him. And he tended to wax very enthusiastic about those back stories. He also channeled more resources into developing and publishing details on the back story. He has publicly stated that he loved to write and hopes to become a published and accomplished author at some point in his career (either sci fi or fantasy).
Sadly, whether we're talking
Gal Civ or
FE, I just don't get it. None of those archetypes resonate with me, and none of the back stories that emerge--elaborate as some of them are, and featured as abundantly in the games as they are--really interest me.
AoWIII developer interview (http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2013/06/interview-with-triumph-studios-on-age-of-wonders-3/) up at Spacesector...
Thanks for the link! Must go read now...
Quote from: steve58 on June 05, 2013, 02:54:17 PM
AoWIII developer interview (http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2013/06/interview-with-triumph-studios-on-age-of-wonders-3/) up at Spacesector...
Thanks for the heads up
Quote from: Martok on June 05, 2013, 06:03:23 PM
Thanks for the link! Must go read now...
I like their response regarding AI & diplomacy -- two features always close to my heart when it comes strategy games. The options for interacting with independent/neutral towns sounds especially appealing.
Quote from: Martok on June 05, 2013, 06:53:45 PM
I like their response regarding AI & diplomacy -- two features always close to my heart when it comes strategy games. The options for interacting with independent/neutral towns sounds especially appealing.
Sweet mother of God yes! We need real diplomacy in 4x games. If Civ5 BNW actually adds diplomacy I might never be heard from again! In not, maybe AoW III will!
<Martok casts Lesser Thread Resurrection>
I kinda lost track of this one for a while, but I'm playing catch-up now.
First off, is the announcement (http://www.ageofwonders.com/age-of-wonders-iii-set-to-release-q1-2014/) that they're now aiming for a release date of Q1 2014. Disappointing news if you've been chomping at the bit for this one to be released, but I'm glad they're not hesitant to delay if they feel they need more time.
Then, there are also some pretty cool dev journals to wade through. A few examples:
Monster Dwellings and Independent Settlements (http://www.ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-monster-dwellings-and-independent-settlements/)
Heroic Quests and Epic Loot (http://www.ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-heroic-quests-and-epic-loot/)
Unit Types and the Character Sheet (http://www.ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-unit-types-and-the-character-sheet/)
While all this is more than enough to excite me, and bearing in mind I try very hard not to be blinded by a game's visuals, I have to say I'm absolutely loving AoW3's art style. Whoever Triumph has working on that has got some serious skill!
on a purely personal note it was on my 'Huws excel spreadsheet of spending money' (TM) to track but after playing AOW: Shadow Magic for at least 6 hours now, and still not getting what everyone else gets im going to give it a miss - which is sad as i feel im missing out somehow
Can't win 'em all I suppose, Geek, but at least you tried. You're definitely missing out. ;)
+1
Gah! I meant to post this gameplay video, but I obviously forgot:
Also, some more dev journal entries (I've skipped a few, so feel free to check out the rest at the website):
About Dragons (http://www.ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-about-dragons/)
Exploring wonders of the Third Age (http://www.ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-exploring-the-wonders-of-the-third-age/)
^Thanks for the update and links. As I said in the other thread about this game. I can't stop throwing money at my computer screen waiting in the hopes this game comes out sooner rather than later! ;D
You and me both, pal. :)
I'm not sure which game I'm looking forward to more -- this, or War of Magic. Either way, though, between those two titles plus Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes, we may be entering the halcyon days of fantasy strategy gaming!
Info on the Sorcerer class has been revealed (https://ageofwonders.com/introducing-the-sorcerer-class/)!
Quote
"After the ascension of the ancient Wizard Kings at the end of the Second Age, a new breed of magicians, called Sorcerers, claimed power. Seeking to unravel the mysteries of cosmos, they've learned to directly tap into the mana currents and wield magic in its purest form. The Sorcerer summon magical creatures ranging from shock Wisps to extra-dimensional Eldritch Horrors. Being the most magically focused of all the classes, the Sorcerer wields a wide arsenal of combat invocations and unit and domain enchantments. Sorcerer's domains tend to be loaded with protections such as anti magic domes and guarding glyphs, while they cast corrupting magic on their enemies. Needless to say Sorcerers favor mana over gold and rely on spells instead of brute force. With their arcane knowledge, they strive restore the dominance once held by the Wizard Kings." — "Gifted Lords of the Third Age" by Ralinstone Pedant, Chronicler
A few more details regarding the Sorcerer can be found here (https://ageofwonders.com/classes/sorcerer/).
Also: While I hate admitting it, I've apparently become enough of a graphics whore that the game's screenshots are making me just tingle with glee. I mean seriously:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1108.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh412%2FRotarrin%2FGame%2520screenies%2FEldritchHorror_zpsc80b2049.jpg&hash=86cdb07747cb265b6c5ce9751e9e8667b795480e) (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/Rotarrin/media/Game%20screenies/EldritchHorror_zpsc80b2049.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1108.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh412%2FRotarrin%2FGame%2520screenies%2FMananode_zpsd6ed685c.jpg&hash=88888d4df558f09ea1862027b74a92aa6731f981) (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/Rotarrin/media/Game%20screenies/Mananode_zpsd6ed685c.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1108.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh412%2FRotarrin%2FGame%2520screenies%2FworldCast_zps62f5ad45.jpg&hash=f894415e1e9aaeeda6be92b43bdf648eba40cdaf) (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/Rotarrin/media/Game%20screenies/worldCast_zps62f5ad45.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1108.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh412%2FRotarrin%2FGame%2520screenies%2FBlizzard_zps70dfcd3e.jpg&hash=c5890fa3b5cc66bfec1afa450429e27ffc8bb4f1) (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/Rotarrin/media/Game%20screenies/Blizzard_zps70dfcd3e.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1108.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh412%2FRotarrin%2FGame%2520screenies%2FChoasRift_zps6259cf2d.jpg&hash=c89913e7ee386138e62ebc4aa8847a95f8ce8bc5) (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/Rotarrin/media/Game%20screenies/ChoasRift_zps6259cf2d.jpg.html)
I dare you to say this doesn't look effing cool!
If Age of Wonders III were available, I'd buy it right this minute. It really looks beautiful.
Quote from: Martok on December 19, 2013, 08:19:42 AM
I dare you to say this doesn't look effing cool!
Ok, that's not effing cool.
That is effing unbelievably indescribably amazingly cool!!!!!
Soo....
When???
looks kind of unrealistic.
Lol...Well in their defense, sorcerers and unicorns and elves aren't real so...
Quote from: Marty Ward on December 19, 2013, 09:44:17 AM
Quote from: Martok on December 19, 2013, 08:19:42 AM
I dare you to say this doesn't look effing cool!
Ok, that's not effing cool.
That is effing unbelievably indescribably amazingly cool!!!!!
I stand corrected. ;D
Quote from: Tpek on December 19, 2013, 10:06:12 AM
Soo....
When???
I know the release date had been pushed back to at least Q1 2014. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't come out til spring.
Quote from: Martok on December 19, 2013, 12:54:30 PM
Quote from: Marty Ward on December 19, 2013, 09:44:17 AM
Quote from: Martok on December 19, 2013, 08:19:42 AM
I dare you to say this doesn't look effing cool!
Ok, that's not effing cool.
That is effing unbelievably indescribably amazingly cool!!!!!
I stand corrected. ;D
As long as my computer can run it I do think this could end up eating up a lot of my time. I really liked Age of Wonder 1 but was less than thrilled with 2. This looks like it is closer to 1 than 2 and that is a good thing!
I concur. Not that I played either AoW1 or TWT a ton, but I do recall liking the first one more. The gameplay in the first one was better IMO, and it had a certain charm the second one lacked.
This is one of those games that I will buy as soon as it's released. I may not have time to play, or need it, but by God I want it. 8)
Info on the Rogue leader class has been revealed (http://ageofwonders.com/classes/rogue/)!
QuoteRogue Lords are masters of stealth, manipulation and theft. Any foolish citizen who makes trouble, disappears without a whisper in the middle of the night. Rogues employ charm, poison, assassinations, and the magic of the shadows to appease their subjects and manipulate rival leaders. Rogues have two faces: one they wear in public, while the other is a ruthless schemer behind closed doors, directing sinister forces that wait in shadow for the perfect moment to strike.
Well, I'm still waiting for it... and waiting.... and waiting...
...and squeeing... and squeeing...
(I should just not visit this page. It only weakens my resolve not to buy any more computer games for a while.)
Just a few more months. ;D
juicy tidbits
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/12/hands-on-age-of-wonders-iii/#more-189359
Excellent; thanks for the link geek.
I don't mind at all that AoW3 isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. As long as whatever the game does, it does well (and it sounds like this is the case), I'm quite content. :)
Quote from: Martok on February 12, 2014, 09:38:13 AM
Excellent; thanks for the link geek.
I don't mind at all that AoW3 isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. As long as whatever the game does, it does well (and it sounds like this is the case), I'm quite content. :)
i got that feeling - theyre staying safe but i think thats exactly what the majority of AOW II fans will want - more of the same
When...that's all I care about... When
Hmmmm... I'm very intrigued by this game and plan to purchase it shortly after it's released and proven to not be bug-crippled and/or just a plain crappy game that uninstalls Windows when I try to remove it from my hard drive.
But I'm not as on-board with some as "the exact same game with higher polygon count". Shadow Magic was a very good game, but it also had a certain grindy feel to me. Certain exploits seemed to work every time against the AI (e.g., "Fighting Orcs? Buy a Nymph or two to Charm his Orc Warlord and you're home free.") and the game play felt repetitive. It was a very good game, but I eventually stopped playing because of a "been there, done that" sense.
I don't think they needed to reinvent the whole thing. They only need to make a couple fairly basic tweaks (inserting a more satisfying Player-vs-Environment component like Legendary Heroes has, or designing spells and game play so that you don't pick the exact same spells each time you play with a certain school of magic), and it'll be fresh enough to be new.
But there have been a lot of innovations in TBS fantasy in the last decade. I hope these guys don't stay too true to a game that I largely stopped playing 10 years ago.
Shouldn't this be Age of Wonders IV? There were 3 other Age of Wonder games.
Crafting/Forge?
- I haven't see anything about the ability to craft/forge equipment, (this is in AOW shadow magic).
Quote from: SgtRock on February 14, 2014, 12:08:07 PM
Shouldn't this be Age of Wonders IV? There were 3 other Age of Wonder games....
Yes, if
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic had been named
Age of Wonders III: Shadow Magic. But it wasn't.
Quote from: Greybriar on February 14, 2014, 03:32:23 PM
Quote from: SgtRock on February 14, 2014, 12:08:07 PM
Shouldn't this be Age of Wonders IV? There were 3 other Age of Wonder games....
Yes, if Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic had been named Age of Wonders III: Shadow Magic. But it wasn't.
By that logic, they could call it Age if Wonders I because the first Age of Wonders game didn't have a number either! ;)
I guess they didn't know how to number the games in the Age of Wonders series (http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/age-of-wonders-series) properly. Personally, I would consider Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic an expansion to Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne. It added a lot of things, but the look, feel, and gameplay are identical for the most part.
Once I purchased Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic, I never had much of a desire to play any other game in the Age of Wonders series.
Like many others, I am looking forward to Age of Wonders III with great anticipation. Hopefully we won't be let down.
Agree Shadow Magic was the best of the lot, which makes me wonder what will AOW III have that Shadow Magic doesn't, besides updated graphics?
By the by, info on the Archdruid leader class has been released (http://ageofwonders.com/classes/archdruid/):
Quote
Archdruids lead from natural sanctuaries in remote locales. Their cities are natural self-sufficient places founded on the bedrock of natural balance. Their lands burst with life. Their domains are well guarded by hunters, shamans, and wild beasts. To master the forces of nature, they do not blindly protect life, for death is the natural consequence of life.
...And this game has Dire Penguins as a military unit. Sweet!!
Will
Age of Wonders III be a
Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/226840/?snr=1_7_15__13)-exclusive release? I would prefer to get it from GOG.com.
Edit: I found the answer to my query on the
Age of Wonders forums (http://ageofwonders.com/forums/topic/steam-exclusive/):
Quote from: SikBokHi, posting here to confirm what Tanchiro and JeanLucPicard have already said.
We'll be on Steam, but not exclusively.
We'll also be on GoG for people who prefer that service.
In some countries you can even find us on a good old disk : )>
What is this "disk" of which they speak? :D
Quote from: Greybriar on February 16, 2014, 07:47:47 PM
Will Age of Wonders III be a Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/226840/?snr=1_7_15__13)-exclusive release? I would prefer to get it from GOG.com.
Edit: I found the answer to my query on the Age of Wonders forums (http://ageofwonders.com/forums/topic/steam-exclusive/):
Quote from: SikBokHi, posting here to confirm what Tanchiro and JeanLucPicard have already said.
We'll be on Steam, but not exclusively.
We'll also be on GoG for people who prefer that service.
In some countries you can even find us on a good old disk : )>
Great news! Thanks for posting that,
Greybriar.
Thanks Greybriar. I hope we can get it on disk in the US.
You're welcome, Martok and Gus.
The devs have released a new walk-through that provides a lot of nice details around combat. Some of the mechanics they have look subtly different, but they are the kind of tweaks that can profoundly alter the nature of combat so long as the units are well-balanced. (tweaks include flanking attacks, and units get up to 3 counterattacks per turn which count against next turn's actions)
They're now talking about a late March release, but here are the details on the tactical combat for those who want 'em now!
http://ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-tactical-combat-bonanza/ (http://ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-tactical-combat-bonanza/)
"....a unit gets it's action points refilled at the end of its turn...."
I don't like that.
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
"....a unit gets it's action points refilled at the end of its turn...."
I don't like that.
AoW2 also used action points to regulate movement and combat.
I think they meant that they refill before your next turn. ;)
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2014, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
"....a unit gets it's action points refilled at the end of its turn...."
I don't like that.
AoW2 also used action points to regulate movement and combat.
Sorry, but I meant that I did not like having the action points refilled
at the end of a unit's turn. AoW2 refilled the action points at the
beginning of a unit's turn.
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2014, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
"....a unit gets it's action points refilled at the end of its turn...."
I don't like that.
AoW2 also used action points to regulate movement and combat.
Sorry, but I meant that I did not like having the action points refilled at the end of a unit's turn. AoW2 refilled the action points at the beginning of a unit's turn.
I ninja'd you.
Doubt it makes a difference since you can't use them until next time anyway. They may have to do it that way if some of the opponent's abilities can do Action Point "damage" and slow you down (and vice versa if you have such).
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2014, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2014, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
"....a unit gets it's action points refilled at the end of its turn...."
I don't like that.
AoW2 also used action points to regulate movement and combat.
Sorry, but I meant that I did not like having the action points refilled at the end of a unit's turn. AoW2 refilled the action points at the beginning of a unit's turn.
I ninja'd you.
Doubt it makes a difference since you can't use them until next time anyway. They may have to do it that way if some of the opponent's abilities can do Action Point "damage" and slow you down (and vice versa if you have such).
It will make a difference if the unit is attacked, especially by multiple attackers. Each unit get three movement/attack points. So if an enemy unit moves one square and attacks twice, the defending unit will retaliate twice and have one movement point remaining. If a second attacker advances two squares and attacks the defending unit once, the defender will use its last movement point to retaliate. So at the beginning of its next turn, the defending unit--having already exhausted the movement points it was given
at the end of its turn--will be unable to retreat and will have to undergo another round of attacks which could result in its being destroyed.
If I'm reading it right, that method is unacceptable.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on February 25, 2014, 10:28:04 AM
The devs have released a new walk-through that provides a lot of nice details around combat. Some of the mechanics they have look subtly different, but they are the kind of tweaks that can profoundly alter the nature of combat so long as the units are well-balanced. (tweaks include flanking attacks, and units get up to 3 counterattacks per turn which count against next turn's actions)
They're now talking about a late March release, but here are the details on the tactical combat for those who want 'em now!
http://ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-tactical-combat-bonanza/ (http://ageofwonders.com/dev-journal-tactical-combat-bonanza/)
I read that journal as well, and I have the same concerns as
Greybriar. Unless they're changed, these combat mechanics will make attacking way too overpowered. It'll become a game of "he who gets to go first, wins" -- something I've always despised in turn-based battles.
By the by, a new gameplay trailer is out.
Age of Wonders III is now available for pre-order from GOG.com (https://secure.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3) for $39.99 U.S.
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 03:34:36 PM
Age of Wonders III is now available for pre-order from GOG.com (https://secure.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3) for $39.99 U.S.
There's also the Deluxe Version at:
http://www.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3_deluxe_edition
It seems to be one of the 3 major promised pre-orders (the other 2 are obviously Witcher 3 and Divinity Original Sin).
...and both versions also available for pre-order on Steam. (I'd love to be able to get this (and Piercing Fortress Europa), but I've put my game buying on hold until I pick up one of the new nvidia GTX750Ti video cards.)
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:49:25 PM
It will make a difference if the unit is attacked, especially by multiple attackers. Each unit get three movement/attack points. So if an enemy unit moves one square and attacks twice, the defending unit will retaliate twice and have one movement point remaining. If a second attacker advances two squares and attacks the defending unit once, the defender will use its last movement point to retaliate. So at the beginning of its next turn, the defending unit--having already exhausted the movement points it was given at the end of its turn--will be unable to retreat and will have to undergo another round of attacks which could result in its being destroyed.
If I'm reading it right, that method is unacceptable.
I could have sworn that was exactly how it was done in AoW:SM. I seem to recall if your defending unit retaliated, then it would "use up" potential action points for the subsequent turn. This meant you could effectively "pin down" a unit with an assault (fairly realistic concept in warfare).
If this wasn't AoW:SW, then it was another TBS game that was fairly popular. I know I have seen the idea of burning up APs in defense before.
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:49:25 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2014, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2014, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
"....a unit gets it's action points refilled at the end of its turn...."
I don't like that.
AoW2 also used action points to regulate movement and combat.
Sorry, but I meant that I did not like having the action points refilled at the end of a unit's turn. AoW2 refilled the action points at the beginning of a unit's turn.
I ninja'd you.
Doubt it makes a difference since you can't use them until next time anyway. They may have to do it that way if some of the opponent's abilities can do Action Point "damage" and slow you down (and vice versa if you have such).
It will make a difference if the unit is attacked, especially by multiple attackers. Each unit get three movement/attack points. So if an enemy unit moves one square and attacks twice, the defending unit will retaliate twice and have one movement point remaining. If a second attacker advances two squares and attacks the defending unit once, the defender will use its last movement point to retaliate. So at the beginning of its next turn, the defending unit--having already exhausted the movement points it was given at the end of its turn--will be unable to retreat and will have to undergo another round of attacks which could result in its being destroyed.
If I'm reading it right, that method is unacceptable.
I see.
I didn't know that it expends your points when it's not your turn. I understand the concern.
This does make it easier to attack, I guess. But it really emphasizes the importance of not letting one unit get too far out in front of the others, and of not parking it too close to opposing units who can then move one hex and get 3 attacks next turn.
It does suggest that certain units are much more likely to fill a "shock troop" role where casualties are expected and unit losses are high. I enjoy games where a lot of the challenge revolves around keeping all your units alive so that they can level up, but I also think that doesn't have to be hardwired into a wargaming experience.
I think looking at that combat mechanic in isolation from others (e.g., how do Attack stats compare to Defense and HP stats?) seems a bit simplistic. And, if a unit is completely embroiled in hand-to-hand combat with a nearby unit, how feasible would an easy withdrawal really be?
I'm not saying that this mechanic is superior. I'm just saying that we ought to wait to see how it meshes with the other mechanics in the game (and the AI in particular) before jumping to conclusions about whether it works or not.
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 25, 2014, 04:38:29 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on February 25, 2014, 01:49:25 PM
It will make a difference if the unit is attacked, especially by multiple attackers. Each unit get three movement/attack points. So if an enemy unit moves one square and attacks twice, the defending unit will retaliate twice and have one movement point remaining. If a second attacker advances two squares and attacks the defending unit once, the defender will use its last movement point to retaliate. So at the beginning of its next turn, the defending unit--having already exhausted the movement points it was given at the end of its turn--will be unable to retreat and will have to undergo another round of attacks which could result in its being destroyed.
If I'm reading it right, that method is unacceptable.
I could have sworn that was exactly how it was done in AoW:SM. I seem to recall if your defending unit retaliated, then it would "use up" potential action points for the subsequent turn. This meant you could effectively "pin down" a unit with an assault (fairly realistic concept in warfare).
If this wasn't AoW:SW, then it was another TBS game that was fairly popular. I know I have seen the idea of burning up APs in defense before.
I am pretty sure you are correct,SoM.
^^ Agreed.
A preview;
http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2014/03/age-of-wonders-3-preview/
- Still no mention of crafting or City Building/Improvements?
- Age of Wonders 3 does not use an initiative system for its units. The defender always goes first. - that seems odd?
- No Spell to reveal the map?
After what Russian developers did to Disciples III, I'll need a lot more than a preview, hopes there's a demo!
Just to confirm regarding the AP and defense discussion, a friend on another forum posted this when I asked if counter-attacking used up APs for subsequent turns in Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic:
QuoteI've actually been re-playing Shadow Magic, so I can answer this.
Yes, if a unit counter-attacks more than their "free" amount, that's subtracted from their actions on their following turn. Every unit gets one free counter, and there's a unit special ability which allows unlimited counters for free. Otherwise, you get a total of four counterattacks, and any past the first reduces what you can do on the next turn. Use all four and you're sitting there like a stone. It's a good way to handle nasty enemy units if you outnumber them and have a couple high-defense units.
Here's a video showing off some gameplay, along with running commentary from the narrator. The guy is a newcomer to the series, so a lot of what he says is retreading old ground for some of us, but it's perhaps worth noting he's obviously enthralled with the game so far, even in its beta state.
I try not to be shallow, but I still can't get over AoW3's visuals. It has to be the most stunning-looking fantasy strategy title I've ever seen.
Thanks for sharing this! I didn't have the time yet to view the whole video but if I thought I wanted this game before really bad I now claim that if I don't get this game in all of it's awesomeness I WILL DIE!
CiV set in a fantasy setting with fully customizable faction leaders? That alone other than the gorgeous eye candy* is enough to sell this game in my opinion. I really am intrigued by that screen where he has his army arrayed in a beautifully neat and orderly formation as well. This game looks way more deep than Warlock and Warlock is a rocking good game too.
*I'm with you on this Martok. Sometimes it's ok to be shallow especially if there is substance to a game like AoW3 appears to have. ;)
I have always found the AOW games to be absolutely beautiful for their time! This one seems to be just like that.
I can't wait for releaseday!
Have to say I honestly wasn't that bothered about aow3 but the 4 let's plays on YouTube have made me really want the game - it looks great
To wait for a sale or not to wait for a sale...
Gods help me, I just pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition from GOG. I'd promised myself I'd never pre-order a game again, but my willpower simply fails every time I look at this one.
Quote from: Martok on March 24, 2014, 10:31:45 AM
Gods help me, I just pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition from GOG. I'd promised myself I'd never pre-order a game again, but my willpower simply fails every time I look at this one.
im close
Quote from: Martok on March 24, 2014, 10:31:45 AM
Gods help me, I just pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition from GOG. I'd promised myself I'd never pre-order a game again, but my willpower simply fails every time I look at this one.
I will do the same later this week.
Is there an advantage for pre-ordering? Of not, I will probably grab it from Steam
Quote from: mikeck on March 24, 2014, 02:35:23 PM
Is there an advantage for pre-ordering? Of not, I will probably grab it from Steam
Says it has an extra scenario or something.
If GOG has it, I'll get it there at some point. I'm still happy to avoid Steam, especially with it's varied login issues lately.
Quote from: mikeck on March 24, 2014, 02:35:23 PM
Is there an advantage for pre-ordering?....
According to the GOG.com description of
Age of Wonders III (http://www.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3_deluxe_edition):
"Unique preorder DLC: Elven Resurgence, a standalone scenario.
The Deluxe Edition includes: the Dragon's Throne standalone scenario, and the two hour official soundtrack."There is quite a bit more information on the webpage I linked to.
Meh...I only play sandbox anyway so I will wait and see. I took the opening dive on several games lately so I will wait a day or two and see what we have
I still badly wish they were doing an English-language boxed edition. I envy the Germans.
Quote from: Martok on March 25, 2014, 01:37:47 PM
I still badly wish they were doing an English-language boxed edition. I envy the Germans.
+1 It does look a nice game.
Info on the sixth (and final) Leader class -- Warlord -- has been released (http://ageofwonders.com/classes/warlord/).
Quote
Warlords rule by the Law of the Sword, establishing a chain of command based on battlefield glory. Their armies consist of highly specialized, mobile troops and powerful beasts. Warlords are master tacticians, and often legendary warriors unto themselves. Though they tend to trust the power of their hardened armies over supernatural forces, Warlords have mastered arcane skills that strengthen their armies.
I've already decided on dwarf dreadnought - seems to fit with my lore knowledge on dwarves
Thanks Martok for the video link, glad to see there is a forge in AOWIII, this now has interest.
Quote from: undercovergeek on March 26, 2014, 12:13:36 PM
I've already decided on dwarf dreadnought - seems to fit with my lore knowledge on dwarves
They're supposed to be called "Little People Dreadnoughts" these days.
Didn't you get the memo from the PC-Police?
:P
^Yeah really.
Any background on the dreadnought? That is the class that has really caught my eye.
It's very mechanicum..... steam and iron.... right up your street
They could've saved some of the Civ5 comparisons by not using the exact same damn colors and art-deco style UI as the Civ game. ::)
Steams lists the release as March 31st?
Quote from: SgtRock on March 26, 2014, 09:59:25 PM
Steams lists the release as March 31st?
Gonna wait until after it's released? Think I will.
It may sound odd to some, but not having an Early Access period makes me wonder if there may be issues they don't want to be public. ???
I never buy early releases & release day has become patch day for 99% of releases, so I'll wait.
How come I only see this at Steam & GoG and not Amazon? ???
Quote from: SgtRock on March 26, 2014, 11:40:18 PM
I never buy early releases & release day has become patch day for 99% of releases, so I'll wait.
How come I only see this at Steam & GoG and not Amazon? ???
Probably because they are a Tiny studio with limited marketing funds.
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/03/26/wot-i-think-age-of-wonders-iii/
has only made me want it more
Quote from: undercovergeek on March 27, 2014, 07:03:26 AM
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/03/26/wot-i-think-age-of-wonders-iii/
has only made me want it more
If this game lives up to what's being said about it my productivity is about to drop significantly! 8)
Just from Undercover's one sentence description of the dreadnoughts, I must have this.
Quote from: Gusington on March 27, 2014, 07:18:27 AM
Just from Undercover's one sentence description of the dreadnoughts, I must have this.
from the aricle -
'the dreadnaught class ensures that everyone can get involved with some steampunk sorcery rather than just the dwarves'
I love it when you talk dirty!
I don't know what's wrong with me..actually considering picking this game up....usually not into the fantasy stuff...but this has my attention .
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on March 30, 2014, 03:22:31 PM
I don't know what's wrong with me..actually considering picking this game up....usually not into the fantasy stuff...but this has my attention .
I just caved. Sorry, I cannot offer you moral support.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 30, 2014, 03:32:08 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on March 30, 2014, 03:22:31 PM
I don't know what's wrong with me..actually considering picking this game up....usually not into the fantasy stuff...but this has my attention .
I just caved. Sorry, I cannot offer you moral support.
Darn..might not be too far behind you.
More I watch the videos the more it looks good....now I will start the big debate....where did you all pick up from, Steam or GOG? Leaning towards Steam myself since I am guessing it will usually get the updates of content/DLC faster....thoughts?
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on March 30, 2014, 04:02:26 PM
More I watch the videos the more it looks good....now I will start the big debate....where did you all pick up from, Steam or GOG? Leaning towards Steam myself since I am guessing it will usually get the updates of content/DLC faster....thoughts?
There are advantages to both, but I'm going GOG when I dive in.
1) I don't have to log into a client.
This also helps when I want to download something big in Steam - I can still play this game on one of my other computers while it does so. One problem I have with it is not being able to d/l on one computer and play on another.
2) Hopefully don't get the 'Buggy-Patch-Every-Two-Days' syndrome, as Steam has encouraged with developers. Also keeps them from screwing up my current campaign/mods if I want to continue.
3) I just like GOG better overall. While I've not had to deal with their CS yet, it can't be anywhere as dismal as Steam's. I really appreciate their DRM-free stance too.
I think that if it gets Steam Workshop support, there could be an argument for getting it there but I'm not sure if that's the case.
Quote from: Nefaro on March 30, 2014, 04:25:36 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on March 30, 2014, 04:02:26 PM
More I watch the videos the more it looks good....now I will start the big debate....where did you all pick up from, Steam or GOG? Leaning towards Steam myself since I am guessing it will usually get the updates of content/DLC faster....thoughts?
There are advantages to both, but I'm going GOG when I dive in.
1) I don't have to log into a client.
This also helps when I want to download something big in Steam - I can still play this game on one of my other computers while it does so. One problem I have with it is not being able to d/l on one computer and play on another.
2) Hopefully don't get the 'Buggy-Patch-Every-Two-Days' syndrome, as Steam has encouraged with developers. Also keeps them from screwing up my current campaign/mods if I want to continue.
3) I just like GOG better overall. While I've not had to deal with their CS yet, it can't be anywhere as dismal as Steam's. I really appreciate their DRM-free stance too.
Good points....my biggest concern is how they will keep up with patches and DLC.....whether they will be released at the same time or well after the Steam version. I am an impatient person:) Plus if any mods come out, would they be able to use the steam workshop which also makes that process a bunch easier....what to do:)
Also curious what version people are going with....deluxe or standard...seems for the extra $5 you get an extra scenario and the soundtrack(care less about this).
Nefaro's Point #1 is persuasive to me, as well. Especially since Steam's improved download manager doesn't let you download in the background anymore.
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on March 30, 2014, 04:36:40 PM
Nefaro's Point #1 is persuasive to me, as well. Especially since Steam's improved download manager doesn't let you download in the background anymore.
That part don't bother me much, many of my other games are already on Steam...unless of course they continue to have random login issues like they have encountered over the last couple of weeks:)
^I have really slow dsl. I mean, there are women faster than my download speed. Contestants at a pie eating contest would die -- happy mind you -- but die if they held one simultaneous with one of my downloads. Gwyneth Paltrow Consciously Couples and Uncouples faster than my download can say Pretentious Bitch. The ACA will actually close enrollment before I finish downloading Rome II. Noah, Noah II: Electric Boogaloo, and Noah III: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat will we produced, screened worldwide, and released to video sooner than I can download an ARMA scenario. Prince George will be gazing fondly at girls with big brown eyes instead of puppies by the time Skyrim's Even More Naked Stuff VXIVVIII mod downloads. . .
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on March 30, 2014, 04:50:51 PM
^I have really slow dsl. I mean, there are women faster than my download speed. Contestants at a pie eating contest would die -- happy mind you -- but die if they held one simultaneous with one of my downloads. Gwyneth Paltrow Consciously Couples and Uncouples faster than my download can say Pretentious Bitch. The ACA will actually close enrollment before I finish downloading Rome II. Noah, Noah II: Electric Boogaloo, and Noah III: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat will we produced, screened worldwide, and released to video sooner than I can download an ARMA scenario. Prince George will be gazing fondly at girls with big brown eyes instead of puppies by the time Skyrim's Even More Naked Stuff VXIVVIII mod downloads. . .
way too funny:)
Seriously though, I have really never had a download speed with Steam, seemed to be fairly good for me. Of course I don't buy Steam games everyday, so it certainly could be slow at times. Worst case scenario for me, I start the download before I go to bed and wake up with a new game:)
To me the deciding factor will be who has it when I wake up for my 4AM gaming sessions tomorrow - if I have to wait 6 hours for it to unlock on Steam, GOG wins.
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on March 30, 2014, 04:02:26 PM
More I watch the videos the more it looks good....now I will start the big debate....where did you all pick up from, Steam or GOG? Leaning towards Steam myself since I am guessing it will usually get the updates of content/DLC faster....thoughts?
I pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition of
Age of Wonders III (http://www.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3_deluxe_edition) from GOG.com. The standard version (http://www.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3) is $5 cheaper, but I wanted to show my support for a website that deals exclusively in DRM-Free games.
If I were a Steam fan, I would have purchased the Steam version due to Steam's automatic patching.
Quote from: Greybriar on March 30, 2014, 06:00:35 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on March 30, 2014, 04:02:26 PM
More I watch the videos the more it looks good....now I will start the big debate....where did you all pick up from, Steam or GOG? Leaning towards Steam myself since I am guessing it will usually get the updates of content/DLC faster....thoughts?
I pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition of Age of Wonders III (http://www.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3_deluxe_edition) from GOG.com. The standard version (http://www.gog.com/game/age_of_wonders_3) is $5 cheaper, but I wanted to show my support for a website that deals exclusively in DRM-Free games.
If I were a Steam fan, I would have purchased the Steam version due to Steam's automatic patching.
I am really on the fence...Steam is a much more known system for me, I know what I will get and how quick things come. Just not sure of GOG support, meaning how fast they get patches and such. That likely is the way I am going to go, gotta make a decision soon:) My next big decision, standard or deluxe:)
Saw this at the official forms, a megathread on the debate for steam versus GOG...here is a link to the full posts, but here is a general synopsis.
http://ageofwonders.com/forums/topic/gog-or-steam-megathread/
Steam and GOG both have:
The same content (i.e. no Steam or GOG-specific DLC)
Regional pricing
The same price
Steam offers:
Auto-patching
Access to Steam Overlay while playing
Steam goodies – Achievements and Steam Trading Cards
GOG offers:
No DRM
Free game for people who pay extra due to regional pricing. Selection from: Master of Magic, Lords of Magic, Eador: Genesis, King's Bounty (the 2008 remake, not the original), Disciples 2, Etherlords 2
Things we're 100% not sure of yet:
As online play will be through Triumph's own servers, it seems very likely that there will be no difference between Steam and GOG when it comes to multiplayer functionality. AFAIK this is not known for sure yet though. I'm guessing that Steam will still allow you to invite Steam friends.
It is possible that players will be able to post custom mods and maps on Steam Workshop. It is worth noting that this content would still be available from outside sources as well – meaning that while it's more convenient for Steam players, they wouldn't actually get any bonus content.
The GOG version could possibly still be able to use the Steam overlay if run via Steam as a non-Steam game. This works for some games, but not others, so there's no way to say for sure. I would bank on it not happening, but who knows.
Usually in these cases I go with GOG. But the convenience of Steam auto-patching and the fact I've had zero problems with Steam in the years I've used it, I decided to buy through Steam. Yes, I have been assimilated. :)
I really want it, but my funds -of lack thereof- keep me from jumping in right now. Holiday needs to be paid for if we want to go next month, so I will be reading you guys' reports like a rabid dog chewing on my keyboard in anticipation for when I do get to order myself!
I don't like it... but I have to restrain myself.
Just purchased the deluxe edition and waiting until 10:00 PST.
well im here, card in hand but steam still says 'available march 31st'
got physio and some jobs to do - ill check later
Pre-orders end at 10:00 PST so I'm guessing that's when it hits.
However, it's not pre-loading which might mean STEAM bandwidth mayhem at 10:00 PST.
I ended up pre-ordering from GOG, but it appears the rumor mill was wrong - the game didn't unlock at 7AM PST. It will probably be a simultaneous release.
Quote from: tgb on March 31, 2014, 06:38:08 AM
I ended up pre-ordering from GOG, but it appears the rumor mill was wrong - the game didn't unlock at 7AM PST. It will probably be a simultaneous release.
Read my sig. ;)
The devs had stated that they were all going live at the same time.. around 2PM Eastern. The usual time when Steam releases new stuff every day.
GOG had theirs up, and a d/l link listed an hour before that, but it was dead until that time. I guess there were exact release time stipulations since some of the vendors didn't wanna get pre-empted.
D/L'd a copy from GOG a bit ago.. getting ready to play after getting some things done.
If anyone is getting a 203 error or some such when attempting to download Age of Wonders III from GOG.com, try refreshing your account by using this link: https://secure.gog.com/account/refresh/
It helped me.
downloading now
Despite running my vid card a bit hot even with Vsync on, I'm digging the depth. Glad they kept all the detail from the series and didn't try to break something that wasn't really broken.
Only played for a few minutes but it's enough to know it's high quality stuff and there has been a lot of polish. Minus perhaps some video performance/compatibility optimization.
Unfortunately, Gus and his black plague gave me the evil eye. Been getting increasingly ill today, the lymph nodes in my neck are about to 'splode along with my sinuses. Gettin a damn cold or something. What shitty timing.
Thanks Gus, you evil bastid.
Your Love Mummy "Cuuu-uuurse" has struck again!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.cdn.turner.com%2Fasfix%2Frepository%2F8a25c39212c8bcf30112c99af0910001%2Fathf_ep012_04.jpg&hash=9aa54cdcdc73d587a9272f2779f41986a4ff0807)
The dev studio is from my country. Not many great games are made here, so I feel obligated to jump in right now.... but I just have to restrain myself.... patience.... argh!
Quote from: Nefaro on March 31, 2014, 02:00:52 PM
Unfortunately, Gus and his black plague gave me the evil eye. Been getting increasingly ill today, the lymph nodes in my neck are about to 'splode along with my sinuses. Gettin a damn cold or something. What shitty timing.
I think someone is trying to justify a "
sick" day to stay home and play more. Looking forward to more impressions.
Damn, this must be some virulent stuff coming from my eye. Going to the doctor in an hour. Then maybe a rabbi. Sorry Nef.
Sorry you caught the HIV from Gus...but I'm glad to hear the game is deep
played for 10 mins just so i could post some shots in screenshot thread - its great, loving the classes and the way they effect the spells you get, and a biggie for me was the production if units - if you build a dwarf axeman unit - you actually get about 10 in the unit so from the get go it looks like a little warband - i could never get over your army of 7 people rushing a fortress in the old game - this time round army, not gang - hooray
Just watched the video on GOG, looks pretty cool!.. wish the CC wasn't stretched so far, darn tax season!... hmmm maybe I can talk my son into going halves..
Quote from: Tuna on March 31, 2014, 03:52:09 PM
Just watched the video on GOG, looks pretty cool!.. wish the CC wasn't stretched so far, darn tax season!... hmmm maybe I can talk my son into going halves..
I think a lot of us need to see how far we have to bend over for Uncle Sam this year! :P
Seems to be some complaining about the game hitting video cards hard or running slow on higher end machines. Anyone here playing it have problems? Lots of those that do seem to have the kind of rig that necessitates you put it in your sig so everyone knows how cool you are
Dynamo 8 gig 16 core nuclear charged CPU
5 gig 2 spool steam powered video card turbo-
Charged with lithium batteries
Peavy stadium surround with 12' speaker
Windows 7-64 (but not the kind you have...mine is better)
Lol, is Peavey prestigious now? Back in the day, Marshall and Ampeg ruled over it!
Quote from: mikeck on March 31, 2014, 05:03:29 PM
Seems to be some complaining about the game hitting video cards hard or running slow on higher end machines. Anyone here playing it have problems? Lots of those that do seem to have the kind of rig that necessitates you put it in your sig so everyone knows how cool you are
Dynamo 8 gig 16 core nuclear charged CPU
5 gig 2 spool steam powered video card turbo-
Charged with lithium batteries
Peavy stadium surround with 12' speaker
Windows 7-64 (but not the kind you have...mine is better)
lol, those guys make me laugh everytime - massive e-penis contest
its running ok here on mine, i cant be arsed with my specs but i can play Rome II on ultra (jesus, does that sound just as bad or worse?)
anyway - its fine
'Arse' and 'ultra' in one sentence just makes your whole post awkward no matter how you look at it... ;)
I played enough of the first chapter of the Elf campaign (tutorial) to confirm this is indeed Age of Wonders with a modern veneer - which is a good thing. Battles are a lot more tactical than I remember (was there flanking in the previous game?), and there are tons of tool tips and hotlinks to appropriate articles in the Ageofwondersopedia. Tomorrow I plan to play around with character creation, get my Draconian Sorcerer on, and fire up a random map.
As to performance, I've had no issues with everything set to High. I'll try Ultra later to see how it goes. I'm running a 3.4GHz I3 with 8Gb RAM and a GTX Geforce 650-TI superclocked under Win 8.
Quote from: SgtRock on March 31, 2014, 04:19:56 PM
Quote from: Tuna on March 31, 2014, 03:52:09 PM
Just watched the video on GOG, looks pretty cool!.. wish the CC wasn't stretched so far, darn tax season!... hmmm maybe I can talk my son into going halves..
I think a lot of us need to see how far we have to bend over for Uncle Sam this year! :P
That's no kidding. Been having to bend noticeably further every year. If that trend continues, there will be some tea being dumped.
I had to scrape to get AOW3 but it looks to be worth it from what little I've played thus far.
Quote from: mikeck on March 31, 2014, 05:03:29 PM
Seems to be some complaining about the game hitting video cards hard or running slow on higher end machines. Anyone here playing it have problems? Lots of those that do seem to have the kind of rig that necessitates you put it in your sig so everyone knows how cool you are
Dynamo 8 gig 16 core nuclear charged CPU
5 gig 2 spool steam powered video card turbo-
Charged with lithium batteries
Peavy stadium surround with 12' speaker
Windows 7-64 (but not the kind you have...mine is better)
It runs a tad hot on the desktop I built late last year. The performance seems to be fine, but I was a bit surprised at how much it was obviously struggling to do so, when the fans were ramping up just on the 'High' gfx setting.
I'll probably just chalk it up to the Nvidia GTX7** series drivers likely still needing some refinement before they play well with most everything. In my experience, it takes almost two years of driver updates before a new video card series hits it's peak efficiency.
I have a issue running the game at 2560x1440 where text is blurry and some of the information is missing to a black box. Apparently this has been reported and is being fixed.
So far just looking around there seems to be some lag on the map screen, however it maybe just me. Still just looking around the menus and other options before I dive in.
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 31, 2014, 07:05:32 PM
I have a issue running the game at 2560x1440 where text is blurry and some of the information is missing to a black box. Apparently this has been reported and is being fixed.
So far just looking around there seems to be some lag on the map screen, however it maybe just me. Still just looking around the menus and other options before I dive in.
PE
I was also getting a little blurriness on the text at 1680x1050. I had chalked it up to the post-processing effects, which sometimes does this.
Quote from: Nefaro on March 31, 2014, 07:11:37 PM
Quote from: PanzersEast on March 31, 2014, 07:05:32 PM
I have a issue running the game at 2560x1440 where text is blurry and some of the information is missing to a black box. Apparently this has been reported and is being fixed.
So far just looking around there seems to be some lag on the map screen, however it maybe just me. Still just looking around the menus and other options before I dive in.
PE
I was also getting a little blurriness on the text at 1680x1050. I had chalked it up to the post-processing effects, which sometimes does this.
I went through the forums and the dev answered that there are some res issues they are looking at. It appears they are working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible and is nice to see them on the fourm... well, they will get beat up on the Steam forum for sure.
Note from Devs:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/226840/discussions/0/540737414998448574/
PE
Can anyone recommend a good book to read in conjunction with playing AoWIII? I'm looking for something that has traditonal fantasy with nations and armies in combat that is not LOTR, GoT or Warhammer...is there such a thing?
Feist, Brooks, Eddings, Weiss and Hickman or my personal favourite Gemmel
Quote from: Gusington on April 01, 2014, 08:33:09 AM
Can anyone recommend a good book to read in conjunction with playing AoWIII? I'm looking for something that has traditonal fantasy with nations and armies in combat that is not LOTR, GoT or Warhammer...is there such a thing?
You're looking to read so hopefully that means the eye doctor visit was good. :P
[edit] Dammit FlickJax, I looked up David Gemmel's Legend and now I want to read it!
Malice i finished recently - very good story, clearly the first of many
Quote from: bbmike on April 01, 2014, 09:07:52 AM
Quote from: Gusington on April 01, 2014, 08:33:09 AM
Can anyone recommend a good book to read in conjunction with playing AoWIII? I'm looking for something that has traditonal fantasy with nations and armies in combat that is not LOTR, GoT or Warhammer...is there such a thing?
You're looking to read so hopefully that means the eye doctor visit was good. :P
[edit] Dammit FlickJax, I looked up David Gemmel's Legend and now I want to read it!
You cant go wrong there mate Druss was excellent, Gemmel was so good at heroes.
One thing that speaks well for the A.I.is that independents are not just speed bumps. Twice in the early turns of my first game I had to fight back invading armies from independents who had DOWed me.
"Legend of Huma" by Richard Knaak and NY Times bestsellet set in the Dragonlance series. Exceptional story about a common foot knight that becomes a revered legend and champion of the armies of good.
"Emperor of Ansalon" is also a Dragonlance novel about Ariakis and how he became the General for the armies of evil.
Trey
Quote from: Gusington on April 01, 2014, 08:33:09 AM
Can anyone recommend a good book to read in conjunction with playing AoWIII? I'm looking for something that has traditonal fantasy with nations and armies in combat that is not LOTR, GoT or Warhammer...is there such a thing?
oh oh..... >:(
hes cracking
lol
I actually am. :(
Not yet - but ...oh dear oh dear oh dear!
Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 01, 2014, 02:16:47 PM
lol
I actually am. :(
Not yet - but ...oh dear oh dear oh dear!
I meant to pre-order it the other day but work came up and detracted me from making the purchase. Still very interested and I am usually not a fantasy guy.....so eagerly waiting more impressions to determine if a non-fantasy guy like myself would enjoy this game....seems to be getting generally favorable reviews and feedback.
JD is easier than the girls I went to junior high with. And prettier.
Thanks for the above recommendations...off to Amazon. And yes the eye is getting better! Thankfully. It was quite gross.
*blush*
Had about 2 hours with it this afternoon, and that doesnt happen often, i love my games but i dont usually have the attention span unless im pulled in - its a blast, building the spell deck and learning the nuances of the TBS battle map
Lost my capital to spiders and had to fight back in, founded a town by the cave entrance so you dont go up top or down below with out my permission, and got my first mission from some friendlies
Is there a tutorial or is the campaign a tutorial thing where it gets progressively more difficult?
There are 2 campaigns, the elven one is the tutorial one
Hmmmm...I don't see what all the raving is about. It's a pleasant game for sure with a 'just one more turn' quality, but it's really not what I was expecting, especially with all of the positive feedback. It still feels pretty simple to me. Maybe the tutorial campaign is limited?
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 01, 2014, 09:41:04 PM
Hmmmm...I don't see what all the raving is about. It's a pleasant game for sure with a 'just one more turn' quality, but it's really not what I was expecting, especially with all of the positive feedback. It still feels pretty simple to me. Maybe the tutorial campaign is limited?
I am standing there as well and I think I'll be passing on it, Jarhead. Doesn't seem to much different from the original Age of Wonders (which was probably a better game than any Heroes of Might & Magic, but not quite close to Master of Magic). It's much less deep than Fallen Enchantress vanilla, let alone the expansions. But AoW one doesn't seem to have the pacing problems I've observed in FE since forever.
It does indeed look good, also looks like it plays smooth and there's a fair bit of nostalgia value in it. It's probably going to be a smash hit.
Quote from: Bletchley_Geek on April 01, 2014, 10:41:55 PM
It's much less deep than Fallen Enchantress vanilla, let alone the expansions. But AoW one doesn't seem to have the pacing problems I've observed in FE since forever.
In what way is it not as deep? Based off my first impression it seems just as deep as FE. I played about 5 minutes of the tutorial, lost the second battle, then decided to start a random map game. My only real complaint so far is the small army size. 6 units just doesn't feel right to me. Hopefully there is a tech that increases it.
Gus, I'd second the Feist nomination. His characters are a bit one-dimensional, but his bad guys are interesting, especially in the first 4 or 5 books. And he has a number of military conflicts, but not so many that the book turns into a total grind.
Some folks also love The Emperor's Edge. I know you're a fan of steampunk, but I found it "meh". Not about battles and war, really. Just a fantasy steampunk adventure.
I'm sure I'll end up getting this one, but might let other folks serve as the "gamma testers" first.
Quote from: Kushan on April 02, 2014, 12:51:50 AM
My only real complaint so far is the small army size. 6 units just doesn't feel right to me. Hopefully there is a tech that increases it.
I don't think there's a tech that increases army size, but don't forget that when a hex gets attacked, any armies in the hexes surrounding it get drawn into the battle as well, so a battle can potentially involve 42 units.
Given how much tactical combat there is in the game, that's fine with me.
Quote from: Kushan on April 02, 2014, 12:51:50 AM
Quote from: Bletchley_Geek on April 01, 2014, 10:41:55 PM
It's much less deep than Fallen Enchantress vanilla, let alone the expansions. But AoW one doesn't seem to have the pacing problems I've observed in FE since forever.
In what way is it not as deep? Based off my first impression it seems just as deep as FE. I played about 5 minutes of the tutorial, lost the second battle, then decided to start a random map game. My only real complaint so far is the small army size. 6 units just doesn't feel right to me. Hopefully there is a tech that increases it.
Yes. Army size is ridiculously small. However, you can fight battles with more than one army. So keep armies close together for support.
If I've never played any other Age of Wonders games before but really enjoyed FE is this something I should look in to getting?
Quote from: Kushan on April 02, 2014, 12:51:50 AM
Quote from: Bletchley_Geek on April 01, 2014, 10:41:55 PM
It's much less deep than Fallen Enchantress vanilla, let alone the expansions. But AoW one doesn't seem to have the pacing problems I've observed in FE since forever.
In what way is it not as deep? Based off my first impression it seems just as deep as FE. I played about 5 minutes of the tutorial, lost the second battle, then decided to start a random map game. My only real complaint so far is the small army size. 6 units just doesn't feel right to me. Hopefully there is a tech that increases it.
As far as I know, it doesn't have a tech tree, nor the ability to design units. But that's what I can tell from looking at screenshots and reading reviews.
Note as well that not being as deep might not be a problem. FE depth saddles the game badly for me, and it feels like one of those Total Masochism mods for Medieval Total War.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 02, 2014, 03:43:10 AM
Quote from: Kushan on April 02, 2014, 12:51:50 AM
Quote from: Bletchley_Geek on April 01, 2014, 10:41:55 PM
It's much less deep than Fallen Enchantress vanilla, let alone the expansions. But AoW one doesn't seem to have the pacing problems I've observed in FE since forever.
In what way is it not as deep? Based off my first impression it seems just as deep as FE. I played about 5 minutes of the tutorial, lost the second battle, then decided to start a random map game. My only real complaint so far is the small army size. 6 units just doesn't feel right to me. Hopefully there is a tech that increases it.
Yes. Army size is ridiculously small. However, you can fight battles with more than one army. So keep armies close together for support.
With the combined army mechanic Battles in AOW3 can be significantly langer than awhat I have played in Fallen Enchantress.
Can anyone confirm there is or is not a techtree or some form of research in aow3? How do you get to the higher level spells? Is that just an ability that comes with a character?
I've seen AoW3 being described as Civ5 Fantasy. Civ 5 has research, but AoW3 does not?
Not to be rude, BG, but I rather get this confirmed from a player than from speculative screenshots and or internet discussion. Not a very reliable source if taken seperately from actual player input. ;)
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 02, 2014, 05:37:20 AM
If I've never played any other Age of Wonders games before but really enjoyed FE is this something I should look in to getting?
I would say yes. It's too early to say but it's probably an advantage to not have any AoW experience. I like FE and AoW!
I've not played Fallen Enchantress or any AoW either. Are the two comparable?
And thanks for the book recommendations, still poking around looking...might get Malice.
Really don't want to get hooked on a book series though, but it doesn't look like I have much of a choice.
There's no "tree" per se, but there is definitely research. At the start of the game you get a random selection of spells and abilities to research. The selection is based on race and class of of your main hero. As each is researched it is replaced by another random spell or ability, again race/class based.
So like in Warlock?
Quote from: Tuna on April 02, 2014, 07:45:59 AM
So like in Warlock?
No, it is a totally different game. Would be closer to Fallen Enchantress. Warlock is more along the Civ game mechanics.
PE
Quote from: Gusington on April 02, 2014, 07:23:53 AM
I've not played Fallen Enchantress or any AoW either. Are the two comparable?....
For what it's worth, both
Fallen Enchantress (http://www.stardock.com/about/newsitem.asp?id=2298) and the
Age of Wonders series (http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/age-of-wonders-series) started out as
Master of Magic wannabes.
Man, I can't wait to crack this baby open! Any suggestions for difficulty level? (Bear in mind that I'm a long-time strategy gamer, but have never considered myself an expert.)
Quote from: Gusington on April 02, 2014, 07:23:53 AM
I've not played Fallen Enchantress or any AoW either. Are the two comparable?
As much as any two games can be, yes. They're both fantasy 4x titles with at least intermediate depth, plus (as
Greybriar noted) both series hold MOM as the game they're attempting to succeed.
Metacritic (http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/age-of-wonders-iii) has given Age of Wonders III a Metascore of 83 and a User Score of 8.1.
Hmm decisions decisions. Did I read the above posts correctly when I saw that Fallen Enchantress has customizable units?
Quote from: Martok on April 02, 2014, 11:03:38 AM
Man, I can't wait to crack this baby open! Any suggestions for difficulty level? (Bear in mind that I'm a long-time strategy gamer, but have never considered myself an expert.)
Quote from: Gusington on April 02, 2014, 07:23:53 AM
I've not played Fallen Enchantress or any AoW either. Are the two comparable?
As much as any two games can be, yes. They're both fantasy 4x titles with at least intermediate depth, plus (as Greybriar noted) both series hold MOM as the game they're attempting to succeed.
I know this is sacrilege but it's my opinion....these comparisons of current games to an the ancient MOM have me scratching my head in disbelief. I got MOM on GOG and found it to be just OK at best. These newer games like FE: Legendary Heroes, the Age of Wonders and others are far superior in all regards....graphics, depth of gameplay, interface, etc. I know I'm in the minority here but I am finding this to be the case with most of those oldies, including the revered original Xcom....the newer ones blow it away. Nostalgia back to the 'good old days' can be quite forgiving and forgetful of glaring faults.
Someone at another board pointed out that units with reduced health (let's use 1 hit point as an example) often do less damage - cumulatively. Flanking attacks, etc. aside, a unit at full health can retaliate 3 times in addition to their attack. That unit down to it's last hit point or two will only retaliate once, if at all.
Quote from: Gusington on April 02, 2014, 11:20:50 AM
Hmm decisions decisions. Did I read the above posts correctly when I saw that Fallen Enchantress has customizable units?
Yes, you can customize your units based on your technologies and available resources. So for instance, I may have heavy infantry with magic items and the same heavy infantry with no magic items if I don't have enough crystals to build them.
I suppose that I'd like Fallen Enchantress more if it weren't for the terribly cartoonish character models which reek a bit of Japanese anime. I'm repelled by that stuff. Trying to be too cutesy. Also makes it feel rather generic and lifeless, despite all the options and randomization of the map.
Thanks RedArgo...trying to remember if I've seen customization like that outside of the Warhammer games...I don't think I have.
Nefaro you pretty much just sold me on AoW instead of Fallen Enchantress. I don't like cartoony either. I think Civ V does a good job on its units...just realistic enough but still fun without being dopey.
Saw this at Q3 forums, looks like patch coming soon....
*** patch info ****
Hi everybody,
The dust is settling after launch; so it's time for an update! The team is very happy and humbled with the overall reception so far: reviews, sales, but most importantly we're happy with overall fan reaction. But of course we can always do better. We've spent 39 months developing Age of Wonders III, and we're planning on supporting the game for a long period of time. We'll release patches, free new features and dlc/expansion packs and we're looking forward to implementing lots of feedback from the community. For the first update/patch, which will go live in the coming days we are looking at the following items:
Likely fixes:
WQHD / QHD (up to 2560 x 1440 / 2560 *1600) native resolution display support (the Black & White boxes and blurry text should disappear)
Frame Drops, particularly when having an army selected removed.
AI Difficulty lowered for "Squire" – people dying in the first Elven Court mission is not good.
AI Global Spell Disjunction Spamming is limited
AI Leaving their walls less quickly in combat
Disabling of controller / joystick input to avoid camera drift
Saving profile – e.g. graphics settings – fixed for the 'Guest' account.
New Features:
Previous/Next Button for Cities (added to the city header)
Quick Save Option.
This update should drop in the next couple of days. Steam versions will update automatically, and a patch will be downloadable from GoG. This is just a start! We have many other updates and fixes in the works, including an option to disable observing multiplayer tactical combat between other players.
We are also looking for additional fixes for people having troubles with the online account system, folks getting the game to run through their routers, and compatibility with certain integrated Graphics Laptops / Tablets. Please check the Support Forums and Knowledge base for updates and don't hesitate to contact us when you have trouble getting the game running smoothly on your equipment.
Thanks for your support!
The Team @ Triumph
Thanks for the feedback guys. This is certainly tempting but I might try and wait until it has been patched a few times.
The disabling of being forced to watch mp battles is a great move
I love the FELH system, but I find the game play to be fairly uninspiring. There's an extensive tech tree, and great unit customization, and different weapons afford different special abilities (e.g., a Spear allows an occasional special attack that affects two units in a straight line from the attacker, while a Hammer's special attack allows a double-strength attack (followed by skipping the next turn)).
However, the way the units and tech trees work out, everything ends up feeling the same. A group of soldiers equipped with Flaming Swords doesn't attack any differently than a group armed with Electrical Maces, unless you happen to be fighting an enemy with resistances (or vulnerabilities) to those two. It's a brilliant concept, but the implementation makes it feel a bit like I'm playing "Spreadsheet Fantasy Simulator".
I also am not crazy about the races and monsters they established for FE. I appreciate the effort to diverge from the traditional High Fantasy tropes (Orcs & Goblins vs Dwarves & Elves, with Humans in the middle). Brad Wardell puts a lot of attention to the backgrounds and histories in his games, but I don't find that detail really resonates with me. I can't even keep many of the different races straight.
They probably play different, but after 50 hours of playing FELH, I still don't really understand how. I suspect that the aforementioned graphics have a lot to do with it. The units just aren't interesting looking.
I love the FELH system. But the whole is no more than the sum of the parts. I hope AoW 3 turns out differently.
Quote from: FlickJax on April 01, 2014, 09:05:06 AM
Feist, Brooks, Eddings, Weiss and Hickman or my personal favourite Gemmel
See, this is why I love this site. Turns out they have
Legend in the library so I just downloaded it for my Kindle. I've been in a real reading slump...this is just what I needed!
Thanks FlickJax! :-*
Quote from: Toonces on April 02, 2014, 10:20:12 PM
Quote from: FlickJax on April 01, 2014, 09:05:06 AM
Feist, Brooks, Eddings, Weiss and Hickman or my personal favourite Gemmel
See, this is why I love this site. Turns out they have Legend in the library so I just downloaded it for my Kindle. I've been in a real reading slump...this is just what I needed!
Thanks FlickJax! :-*
NP sir another excellent character for Gemmel is the Jerusalem man - Jon Shannow a post apocalypse Gunslinger - http://sfbook.com/jon-shannow.htm
Quote from: FlickJax on April 03, 2014, 02:21:35 AM
NP sir another excellent character for Gemmel is the Jerusalem man - Jon Shannow a post apocalypse Gunslinger - http://sfbook.com/jon-shannow.htm
I knew Gemmel seemed a little too familiar to me! I actually have a copy of The Jerusalem Man I bought years ago but never read it. I'll have to dig it out from wherever it may be. In the meantime I now have Legend on the Kindle as well.
Quote from: bbmike on April 03, 2014, 09:15:58 AM
Quote from: FlickJax on April 03, 2014, 02:21:35 AM
NP sir another excellent character for Gemmel is the Jerusalem man - Jon Shannow a post apocalypse Gunslinger - http://sfbook.com/jon-shannow.htm
I knew Gemmel seemed a little too familiar to me! I actually have a copy of The Jerusalem Man I bought years ago but never read it. I'll have to dig it out from wherever it may be. In the meantime I now have Legend on the Kindle as well.
Never read it ....you missed out there.
Quote from: Rayfer on April 02, 2014, 11:29:03 AM
I know this is sacrilege but it's my opinion....these comparisons of current games to an the ancient MOM have me scratching my head in disbelief. I got MOM on GOG and found it to be just OK at best. These newer games like FE: Legendary Heroes, the Age of Wonders and others are far superior in all regards....graphics, depth of gameplay, interface, etc. I know I'm in the minority here but I am finding this to be the case with most of those oldies, including the revered original Xcom....the newer ones blow it away. Nostalgia back to the 'good old days' can be quite forgiving and forgetful of glaring faults.
That's been my experience as well and even more so with Master of Magic which as I recall was pretty broken, and still had issues after patching, ie balancing. What it did offer was customizability which fuelled players imagination. I like Legendary Heroes and think it is an excellent game. I'm on the fence yet with AoWIII - this review http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/02/age-of-wonders-3-review (http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/02/age-of-wonders-3-review) has some significant bad mixed in with the good. Anyone here playing care to comment on the weak strategic aspect of the game?
I think the reviewer was looking for a fantasy version of Civ or EU. I would like one of those as well, but Age of Wonders has never been that. Everything on the strategic map is geared to one thing - making your armies bigger and badder than the other guy's and going out to chew some bubblegum.
Think of this as more the equivalent of early CA titles like the first Shogun or the first Medieval, but with turn-based battles.
Looking at the forums, I think the biggest complaint with the game (once they solved blurred text and some other graphics issues affecting select subsets of systems) is that the game moves too quickly towards building stacks exclusively of Tier 4 units. Since each stack can only have 6 units, and Tier 4 units are way better than T3 units, and they're not that expensive to produce, the AI just ends up fielding a huge number of T4 units by late mid-game and that's all you fight any more.
There are various solutions out there, but initial indications from the Devs are that none of them seem easy to implement (e.g., putting a cap on the number of T4 units in a stack would completely confuse the AI). Still, it seems like something that needs to be solve. Tier 4 unit spam is a serious issue, for a game with such a wide variety of interesting lower-tier units.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 04, 2014, 12:04:02 AM
Looking at the forums, I think the biggest complaint with the game (once they solved blurred text and some other graphics issues affecting select subsets of systems) is that the game moves too quickly towards building stacks exclusively of Tier 4 units. Since each stack can only have 6 units, and Tier 4 units are way better than T3 units, and they're not that expensive to produce, the AI just ends up fielding a huge number of T4 units by late mid-game and that's all you fight any more.
There are various solutions out there, but initial indications from the Devs are that none of them seem easy to implement (e.g., putting a cap on the number of T4 units in a stack would completely confuse the AI). Still, it seems like something that needs to be solve. Tier 4 unit spam is a serious issue, for a game with such a wide variety of interesting lower-tier units.
Haven't played this new version of the game but if I remember correctly didn't the older versions had this same issue or something very similar to it? As new tiers opened up you had to build armies full of them or you would never survive the AI's attacks.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 04, 2014, 12:04:02 AM
Looking at the forums, I think the biggest complaint with the game (once they solved blurred text and some other graphics issues affecting select subsets of systems) is that the game moves too quickly towards building stacks exclusively of Tier 4 units. Since each stack can only have 6 units, and Tier 4 units are way better than T3 units, and they're not that expensive to produce, the AI just ends up fielding a huge number of T4 units by late mid-game and that's all you fight any more.
There are various solutions out there, but initial indications from the Devs are that none of them seem easy to implement (e.g., putting a cap on the number of T4 units in a stack would completely confuse the AI). Still, it seems like something that needs to be solve. Tier 4 unit spam is a serious issue, for a game with such a wide variety of interesting lower-tier units.
I think if they narrowed the gap between the unit or at least mixed them a little more that would help. The game has a way of sneaking up on you as well..... So far I am not having the issue, but I am facing a mix of 3 and 2 tier with some 1 tier units lurking around.
Ranged units as the older version play a big part of the game.....
PE
I am definitely going to pick this one up, though I am really busy at the moment. That's probably a good thing, allowing the devs the time to patch is always a good thing. Sort of like I never touched FE or EWoM until Fallen Heroes came out and was patched. I love playing games as they were meant to be played, not games that are rushed to the presses.
http://ageofwonders.com/all-about-the-age-of-wonders-iii-level-editor/
editor opened to masses
the race to a GoT map or a Warhammer one and their races starts now!
I have managed to stay away ;D
for now sunshine!
Me too. But I am weak. Not as weak as JD. But weak.
Weak as well... I might have to ask my 15 year old if he wants to go halvesies
I'll ask my 8 year old.
I have now conquered 1/4 of the map.... kneel before me you weak independent nations and I will spare you.
So far I am enjoying it, I have conquered one other rival and myself and Merlin are at war, however we are busy with independents.
Ranged units can be deadly if used correctly and teleporting units are fun to flank enemies.
PE
^Should we call you Zod? Is there no one in AoWIII to even challenge you?
Heck, I'll bow down to Zod! I can't even beat myself at this game. I was surprised to discover that one of my custom-created leader characters was auto selected as an AI opponent. Unfortunately, she's a sorceress hottie, and has clearly conspired with evil powers to gain forbidden and high level sorcery beyond my ken.
She wiped my II & III-tier stack with a couple of IV's, and I'm still pleading with her to be nice to me.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.svpply.com/large/336057.jpg?1393301769)
I had some Orcs make me a t-shirt for all my subjects I conquer....
@skeptical.platypus
What difficulty are you currently playing at?
PE
Sounds like the game is quite fun...haven't seen much negative info. My resilience as usual is slowly weakening.
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on April 07, 2014, 11:37:43 AM
Heck, I'll bow down to Zod! I can't even beat myself at this game. I was surprised to discover that one of my custom-created leader characters was auto selected as an AI opponent. Unfortunately, she's a sorceress hottie, and has clearly conspired with evil powers to gain forbidden and high level sorcery beyond my ken.
She wiped my II & III-tier stack with a couple of IV's, and I'm still pleading with her to be nice to me.
Are you saying that if you create a character and save it, it may be chosen as a random opponent on a random map? That's freaking AWESOME!!!!
Quote from: tgb on April 07, 2014, 01:15:58 PM
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on April 07, 2014, 11:37:43 AM
Heck, I'll bow down to Zod! I can't even beat myself at this game. I was surprised to discover that one of my custom-created leader characters was auto selected as an AI opponent. Unfortunately, she's a sorceress hottie, and has clearly conspired with evil powers to gain forbidden and high level sorcery beyond my ken.
She wiped my II & III-tier stack with a couple of IV's, and I'm still pleading with her to be nice to me.
Are you saying that if you create a character and save it, it may be chosen as a random opponent on a random map? That's freaking AWESOME!!!!
Yep, the computer will choose a random opponent including those you have created in the past. Allow myself to introduce myself...
PE
Quote from: tgb on April 07, 2014, 01:15:58 PM
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on April 07, 2014, 11:37:43 AM
Heck, I'll bow down to Zod! I can't even beat myself at this game. I was surprised to discover that one of my custom-created leader characters was auto selected as an AI opponent. Unfortunately, she's a sorceress hottie, and has clearly conspired with evil powers to gain forbidden and high level sorcery beyond my ken.
She wiped my II & III-tier stack with a couple of IV's, and I'm still pleading with her to be nice to me.
Are you saying that if you create a character and save it, it may be chosen as a random opponent on a random map? That's freaking AWESOME!!!!
Agreed ten times over. It was a completely accidental discovery for me, but a very ZOMG moment.
Oh, did I forget to mention -- she also got chain lightning? There's something mildly ironic about getting your stack handed to you by AI traits you selected and agonized over abandoning in lieu of the traits that you just lost with. (Grogzak the Voluminous went fire mastery and expansion over air mastery and light water sports.)
Quote from: Gusington on April 07, 2014, 12:56:17 PM
Sounds like the game is quite fun...haven't seen much negative info. My resilience as usual is slowly weakening.
It's enjoyable but I keep feeling that it's rather thin on content, even compared to previous versions. I've not played terribly far into a game yet, so I can't say for sure. I'm judging mainly by the amount of races, the variety of troop types, etc.
The random campaign options/setup and the map exploration is it's strength IMO. Everything is pretty compact on the map so it doesn't have a bunch of open dead space as other games which similarly use action point movement on the campaign map. I like that there is always something new close by.
I'm sure we'll be critted by a wall of DLC that will add other races & such so it may eventually get filled out more to my liking on the content end. I'm just wondering how much it will end up costing to get there.
I find unity variety thin, too. Diplomacy isn't going to get anyone excited. Variety of stuff to discover while exploration is on par with Fallen Enchantress. It becomes choreish too quickly in both games.
In AoW, Independents will only come off their Camps to attack you. This facilitates exploration, but the vast majority of them aren't particularly challenging past the early game.
I'd also agree that pursuit of Tier Four, Fast, and Furious is too easy and too successful. My friend was able to smack me pretty good by spamming me with tier 1 and 2 units early, but I think that had more to do with my poor play.
Just to chime in here, AOW 3 has a lot of potential... especially with mods. If they are on par with the last games, we are in good hands.
PE
Quote from: tgb on April 07, 2014, 01:15:58 PM
Are you saying that if you create a character and save it, it may be chosen as a random opponent on a random map? That's freaking AWESOME!!!!
I'm not quite as thrilled. In fact I would love to see that made optional.
Quote from: bbmike on April 07, 2014, 07:04:04 PM
Quote from: tgb on April 07, 2014, 01:15:58 PM
Are you saying that if you create a character and save it, it may be chosen as a random opponent on a random map? That's freaking AWESOME!!!!
I'm not quite as thrilled. In fact I would love to see that made optional.
Can't you delete the character you created if you are not using it?
So, now that you guys have had an opportunity to mess around with it, which would you say is the deeper and more complex game: Fallen Enchatress with all the expansions or AOW III?
^Yeah great question, I'd like to know that too.
Also - AoW III worth 40.00 right now?
To me, they are pretty much on par in terms of depth and complexity, almost across the board. They are VERY similar games. I prefer AOWIII mostly for the graphics, but I also waited until it was under $10.00. I'm happier with that price than currently $40 for AOW3.
Quote from: mikeck on April 07, 2014, 07:36:01 PM
Can't you delete the character you created if you are not using it?
So, now that you guys have had an opportunity to mess around with it, which would you say is the deeper and more complex game: Fallen Enchatress with all the expansions or AOW III?
You probably could delete the character but I wouldn't really want to do that either. Maybe there's a way to move the character files into an archive.
For me, FE seems deeper and more complex than AoWIII. But I'm having more fun with AoWIII at least for now.
Fallen Enchantress <> Age of Wonders III
I have played both and I have played a lot of both. Just some observations for those who are wondering.
In terms of complexity and features the games are very similar, however they differ in some areas.
Unit/Hero/Ruler Customization - Fallen Enchantress allows a more robust method of customizing your units, both allow customizing your heroes and ruler and are similar. Unit variety to me are close with neither really having the edge. I like the options given to me in AOW3 where I can absorb cities I conquer and then produce their unit types, however there is no real penalty other than just waiting turns to absorb then and then we are all one happy family..... however, I really like the option of unit customization in FE so it is a trade off.....
Map - I feel AOW3 map is more robust with independent towns and creatures and plenty of areas to explore both above and below ground. Also you can use water ways. I also think the random map is better in AOW3 than FE. The map graphics itself are far better in AOW3. The wondering creatures in FE are ok but can become annoying and in AOW3 it can get a little tedious once some independent nations go to war with you.
Combat - I feel that AOW3 combat system is better, however both are similar. The tactical maps are better on AOW3 and FE maps feel very repetitive. AOW3 has many features like flanking, line of sight bonuses/penalties outside the basic buffs etc.... and I feel AOW3 gives you more feedback when trying to make decisions. As in all 4X games, as the game goes on it becomes a grind to the finish.
Diplomacy - Right now I fell the diplomacy is better in FE and needs some adjustment/work in AOW3. Both have the basic features, but as of right now AOW3 need a little more time in that area.
I like how AOW3 where everyone starts as neutral and there is not defined Good or Evil... it evolves over time from decisions that are made... so you never know who is good or bad. In FE they are clearly defined.
AOW3 has a randomized Spell research method..... FE is pretty straight forward.
AOW3 lets you possibly face rulers you have created... which I think is a very cool option.
Modding has not been opened up for AOW3 right now, however it is suppose to with the possibility of Steam Workshop.
As I think of more I will post them.
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on April 08, 2014, 09:01:10 AM
Modding has not been opened up for AOW3 right now, however it is suppose to with the possibility of Steam Workshop.
As I think of more I will post them.
PE
the editor has just come on line - it shouldnt be long now
Thanks for the above PE. I have a feeling I will prefer AoWIII because I have enjoyed Civ V so much.
Quote from: Gusington on April 08, 2014, 09:08:13 AM
Thanks for the above PE. I have a feeling I will prefer AoWIII because I have enjoyed Civ V so much.
No prob.
Also, you can gain loot on both games from exploring or doing quests. One feature AOW3 has is that once you have a forge you can begin creating unique items and FE allows you to craft certain items once the appropriate research is done. Crafting in AOW3 seems a little overpowered to me, but that is just me.
I also like when you defeat certain heroes/units in AOW3 you gain their loot from a drop. I don't remember having that option in FE.
When your domain grows in AOW3 like FE you can absorb certain resources on the map that offer bonuses in addition to the buildings you create. AOW3 however will force you to take those areas as they are normally occupied with a creature/creatures, once defeated you gain the bonus/resource.... in FE you simply have to build on that area.
PE
Thanks PE...I think I will dive into AOW3.
If my Son's machine plays Rome II ok, it should be fine with this right? (think his CPU might be just below min requirements)
Quote from: Tuna on April 08, 2014, 12:08:58 PM
If my Son's machine plays Rome II ok, it should be fine with this right? (think his CPU might be just below min requirements)
I would think so.... but I am not sure. I would not think that AOW3 would take more resources to run than Rome II. You will want to use the Beta patch, there are some reported issues with performance or resolution issues. The beta patch corrected the res issue for me.
One thing I forgot to mention was that on the tactical battle maps there are some random effects that can change the environment in which the battle takes place.... for example strong winds that cause archers to have some negative effects etc....
My border skirmish with Merlin is now a full scale war... I have lost 2 heroes fighting him and had to retake a town to my North. I am now brining in 2 armies from the east and raising another to begin to go on the offensive... but, he does have some powerful units and I looked at one army with multiple heroes....
PE
Quote from: Tuna on April 08, 2014, 12:08:58 PM
If my Son's machine plays Rome II ok, it should be fine with this right? (think his CPU might be just below min requirements)
Yes. I would think so.
Rome 2's campaign side runs like crap IMO. This one could use more optimization too but it seems to run fine.
I had to turn down the gfx on my i5 laptop with the slow GT640M, but I also lowered it on my new i7 desktop because it was running the processor warmer than I think it should on that one. Someone mentioned forcing it to run on only one core, in the latter case, until they patch it. I've seen mention that it does this with some i7 processors. Probably runs better on older ones - that seems to be the case with some games lately.
I have an I3 with 8Gb RAM and a superclocked Geforce GTX 650 TI, and it runs just fine. Loading times are especially fast.
I'm enjoying AoW3 so far, but it feels less like "fantasy Civ", and more like a wargame. Everything -- cities, research, spells, economy, resources, special sites, etc. -- feel like they're geared towards a single goal: building a military machine to grind your enemies to dust. Conquest is the only way to win (although you can also win with allies if you enable that particular option). I do like the game overall, no question, but it clearly focuses more on the military aspects IMO.
In contrast, FE:LH is much more like Civilization in a fantasy setting. Combat is still important, of course, and designing your Sovereigns and units are fun, but there's no question the game has a greater emphasis on, well, building your civilization (or in this case rebuilding civilization) and reclaiming the world from the Cataclysm that broke the land.
Those are my impressions for now, anyway. I've not played AoW3 as much as some, so you should feel free to take my words with as many grains of salt as you're comfortable with.
Interesting. It doesn't bother me that it is geared towards combat . I mean Dominions 4 is one of the most complex fantasy games ever created and it is completely geared towards military and destroying your enemies. That's not a bad thing but I do see what you're saying in terms of "it's just a different kind of game". Sometimes you want to build a civilization other times you just want to kill stuff
Quote from: Gusington on April 08, 2014, 09:08:13 AM
Thanks for the above PE. I have a feeling I will prefer AoWIII because I have enjoyed Civ V so much.
If you want fantasy Civ then FE:LH is the better option imo. Like Martok said, AoW is heavily focused on combat. I like FE better because the game allows you also to build peaceful and trade oriented kingdoms if that's what you prefer.
The patch is now final and can be downloaded from GOG
Damn now I am back to square one. I thought that AoWIII was more Civ like.
It's difficult for me to say if AOWIII or FE:LH is more Civ-like, because Warlock is so obviously Civ-like, and both AOWIII and FE:LH are much deeper and more satisfying than Warlock. None of the three come close to the depth and strategy of at least the last three Civs; none of the three can scratch my Civ itch. If you are not interested in a combat-focused 4x, then ultimately both AoWIII and FE:LH will be uninteresting disappointments.
(But still far more interesting than Warlock.)
(And I strongly suspect that if somebody wants a fantasy strategy game that is similar Civ, a Civ mod is the best option. I, personally, would love to see Civ with tactical battles similar to either AOWIII or FE:LH.)
(I once saw a picture of a rabbit with a pancake on its head.)
Gusington, just get them both, FE is often on sale. :)
Get them both?? Inconceivable!
Quote from: tgb on April 09, 2014, 12:19:08 PM
The patch is now final and can be downloaded from GOG
Thanks for the heads-up
tgb! Downloading now. :)
Quote from: Gusington on April 09, 2014, 01:06:28 PM
Damn now I am back to square one. I thought that AoWIII was more Civ like.
I badly wish FE:LH had AoW3's visuals -- not only for myself, but also because I know that would make it a no-brainer decision for you. :) As it is, I suspect you'd enjoy both games, just in different ways.
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on April 09, 2014, 01:34:50 PM
It's difficult for me to say if AOWIII or FE:LH is more Civ-like, because Warlock is so obviously Civ-like, and both AOWIII and FE:LH are much deeper and more satisfying than Warlock. None of the three come close to the depth and strategy of at least the last three Civs; none of the three can scratch my Civ itch. If you are not interested in a combat-focused 4x, then ultimately both AoWIII and FE:LH will be uninteresting disappointments.
I don't entirely disagree with what you're saying here. However, it does sound as if you & I have divergent opinions regarding the difference in depth between the Civ series and fantasy-strategy titles in general, as I don't find the Civ series to be *that* much beyond games like FE:LH and AoW3. (I'm curious what your take on things would be if the Civ games had tactical battles, but I suppose that's neither here nor there...)
Quote from: Gusington on April 09, 2014, 02:12:14 PM
Get them both?? Inconceivable!
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means
Putting it another way, though:
Are ANY of the games under discussion on a par with Master of Magic?
I have had it on my hard drive(s) since its release on 3.5'' disks and many have tried, but none have o'er-topped that particular mountain.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Quote from: Gusington on April 09, 2014, 02:12:14 PM
Get them both?? Inconceivable!
Someone's loins getting moist?
Easter's soon, probably a big Steam Sale coming!
Quote from: mikeck on April 09, 2014, 03:59:55 PM
Quote from: Gusington on April 09, 2014, 02:12:14 PM
Get them both?? Inconceivable!
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means
Whilst I'm almost sure Gus is inconceivable.... I don't want to try
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on April 09, 2014, 01:34:50 PM
It's difficult for me to say if AOWIII or FE:LH is more Civ-like, because Warlock is so obviously Civ-like, and both AOWIII and FE:LH are much deeper and more satisfying than Warlock. None of the three come close to the depth and strategy of at least the last three Civs; none of the three can scratch my Civ itch. If you are not interested in a combat-focused 4x, then ultimately both AoWIII and FE:LH will be uninteresting disappointments.
I don't entirely disagree with what you're saying here. However, it does sound as if you & I have divergent opinions regarding the difference in depth between the Civ series and fantasy-strategy titles in general, as I don't find the Civ series to be *that* much beyond games like FE:LH and AoW3. (I'm curious what your take on things would be if the Civ games had tactical battles, but I suppose that's neither here nor there...)
[/quote]
Civ is leaps and bounds more complex than AoW or FE. In unit and structure variety alone it's an order of magnitude. I'd argue that even against AI, there is no sure fire way to win in Civ. A player will win against the AI, but there are a huge variety of choices in how they get there. In both FE and AoW, there is one sure fire way to win -- race to the most powerful units -- and the rest of the game is built around mild tweaks to how and when you get to the uber units.
That's the 10,000ft view.
At the 1,000ft view, Civ has a vastly more complex set of balancing variables that force to you make tough choices at almost every point you are thinking about doing something. FE and AoW offer vastly fewer decisions or options at every point. This is by design.
So yeah, I think you're onto something there with the divergent opinions on complexity thing. :)
My interest in tactical battles in Civ is simply that I'd like to see how what they have accomplished technically and graphically in AowIII and FE might be implemented in Civ. I don't think Civ needs tactical battles to increase it's substance, and I don't think adding tactical battles would add much more depth to Civ. I just think it might be cool. It might be horribly bad (essentially the graphical equivalent of the famous knight vs tank battles of elder civs).
So the tactical battles are best in...Master of Magic? And I tossed my 3.5" drive in the trash just yesterday. Loins still moist and getting danker, however.
Quote from: Cyrano on April 09, 2014, 04:15:55 PM
Putting it another way, though:
Are ANY of the games under discussion on a par with Master of Magic?
I have had it on my hard drive(s) since its release on 3.5'' disks and many have tried, but none have o'er-topped that particular mountain.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Get me the trolls, with their regenerate skill, and I will take over the world. GREAT game.
Quote from: Cyrano on April 09, 2014, 04:15:55 PM
Putting it another way, though:
Are ANY of the games under discussion on a par with Master of Magic?
I have had it on my hard drive(s) since its release on 3.5'' disks and many have tried, but none have o'er-topped that particular mountain.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
I have yet to find a PC game that was on a par with
Master of Magic. I, too, have had it on the hard drive of my PC since I purchased it new from MicroProse on 3.5" floppies.
Quote from: Greybriar on April 10, 2014, 02:19:17 AM
Quote from: Cyrano on April 09, 2014, 04:15:55 PM
Putting it another way, though:
Are ANY of the games under discussion on a par with Master of Magic?
I have had it on my hard drive(s) since its release on 3.5'' disks and many have tried, but none have o'er-topped that particular mountain.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
I have yet to find a PC game that was on a par with Master of Magic. I, too, have had it on the hard drive of my PC since I purchased it new from MicroProse on 3.5" floppies.
To each his own GB.....for me, both FE:LH and AoW are far, far better than Master of Magic ever was. And that says a lot because, in its day, Master of Magic was a very good game...I put many hours into it.
To each his own indeed, Rayfer. I own and have played both FE:LH and AoW and consider them to be inferior to Master of Magic.
As the old saying goes: "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."
Quote from: Greybriar on April 11, 2014, 07:37:29 AM
To each his own indeed, Rayfer. I own and have played both FE:LH and AoW and consider them to be inferior to Master of Magic.
As the old saying goes: "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."
LOL...."Eye of the Beholder"...remember that old gem? You had to get out the graph paper to plot the dungeon.
Quote from: Rayfer on April 11, 2014, 03:10:09 PM
LOL...."Eye of the Beholder"...remember that old gem? You had to get out the graph paper to plot the dungeon.
Yes! I remember
Eye of the Beholder. It was the first game I bought a cluebook for. I kept running into those teleportation traps and couldn't figure out what was going on. Those were tricky people at SSI, but good-hearted (one of the told me where the vampire was when I was stumped while playing
Pool of Radiance.
Just finished my first game as a High Elf Arch Druid.... I made a push to the west and had Merlin on his heals and currently have 50K + Gold 20K + Mana and have maxed out all of the research. I also have a ton of The Horned god units which are Tier IV units. It was just a matter of time so I decided to start a new game.
PE
One critique I would make: It seems like lower-end units become virtually useless after you reach a certain point, as they simply cannot compete with Tier IV units. Either the former need to be beefed up considerably, or the latter need to be nerfed and/or made *much* more expensive to balance things out IMO.
Actually I moved in for the kill.... For the Win!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fforthewin.jpg&hash=08ecd23282912fecabd4e49ea0b561028c968e0f)
Quote from: Martok on April 18, 2014, 09:35:26 AM
One critique I would make: It seems like lower-end units become virtually useless after you reach a certain point, as they simply cannot compete with Tier IV units. Either the former need to be beefed up considerably, or the latter need to be nerfed and/or made *much* more expensive to balance things out IMO.
Tier I units become scouts for me later on in the game... I use them to scout a head of my larger armies. Tier I ranged units can be ok when buffed, but later on you have to have pretty strong units. I also hate the global spells that allow you to spam strike units as well.
PE
Congrats on your victory PE!
Quote from: Martok on April 18, 2014, 10:23:13 AM
Congrats on your victory PE!
Many thanks! Feels good to get the first one under my belt.
PE
Quote from: Martok on April 18, 2014, 09:35:26 AM
One critique I would make: It seems like lower-end units become virtually useless after you reach a certain point, as they simply cannot compete with Tier IV units. Either the former need to be beefed up considerably, or the latter need to be nerfed and/or made *much* more expensive to balance things out IMO.
They should probably add some kind of Upgrade equipment in a DLC, specific to each unit. Perhaps have those upgrades unlock with some buildings or something. Or more involved experience upgrades?
I think the experience & equipment upgrades in
Warlock were a nice way of upgrading your early units. Even though they may not be able to stand up to some of the bigger/later stuff, they could still improve a good deal with use and extra equipment purchased from some buildings you could construct.
Okay dumb question here how do I get access to higher tiered units? I'm building all of the barracks and what seems like all the military buildings but I'm still pumping out regular tier one swordsman and longbow units. Am i doing something wrong? Is there a building or some spell I have to cast to get tier two units or something?
I would ask on the steam forums but-as usual- the 14 year olds are too busy posting about how everything sucks. (I love this one: "this game is so boring. I was able to just sit in 3 cities and do nothing for 100 turns and then I started spamming units"...yeah, no kidding...if you don't interact with the game, it will be boring)
Also, I can build a port in my elf city but not my dwarf city of human city. In both I have the prerequisite building (builders something-or-other)
Higher tier units come from higher tier buildings, which are unlocked through research. Rt-clicking on research options in you spell book should reveal which spells/abilities you need.
As to being able to build a port in one city and not another, (I don't mean to be insulting), but are they both on the shore?
Lol...yep, both on shore. I was thinking maybe goblins and dwarfs can't build baits but then my human city couldn't. Ok, so in order to get higher tired units I need to build the proper buildings made possible from research. So far I don't see any spells tang do that but I will try to right click
Thanks
Edit: can you think of the name of a spell that would open up buildings? All I see are spells that do damage, change land or do something to cities (like reduce happiness, increase gold, etc)
Also, I saw something about tier 4 units only being able to be produced in a metropolis? Does city size determine unit types two.
Finally...I'm getting frustrated with these games that don't have a manual. I'm sorry but in game "encyclopedias" are insufficient. I shouldn't have to scour forums to figure out basic mechanics. In this day and age, you can make it in a PDF so cost isn't the issue. I chalk it up to laziness
As a dwarf one of the research options I see is sea faring or something maybe elves already have this?
I can't think of a specific spell, since the research tree is randomly generated based on race and class. My suggestions is to look it up in the Ageofwondersopedia for your specific character.
Quote from: undercovergeek on April 20, 2014, 11:19:50 AM
As a dwarf one of the research options I see is sea faring or something maybe elves already have this?
Already researched that. I will just have to fish around a bit. Turns out I don't need ships to transport armies. Just walk them into the ocean like Rome 2. Of course, I didn't know that because there is no manual *sigh*
Edit: okay nevermind I'm a moron I been building two or three and tear two units this whole time and didn't realize it..the human knight and a couple to working I was making her actually tier 3 units
Keith Turner from Space Sector has posted his (thorough as usual) review (http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2014/04/age-of-wonders-3-review/). He gives AoW3 a solid, if unspectacular, 7/10.
Quote from: Martok on April 21, 2014, 08:48:05 AM
Keith Turner from Space Sector has posted his (thorough as usual) review (http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2014/04/age-of-wonders-3-review/). He gives AoW3 a solid, if unspectacular, 7/10.
Pretty fair review. I am about 15 hours into a sandbox play and I agree with everything he says. The building part is disappointing if only because there is no limit. I build everything I want. Would be nice if there we racial restrictions or city size restrictions limiting what you can build where. Other than that, I am enjoying it
Same here. While I'd rate AoW3 a bit higher than what Keith did, fundamentally I think his review is sound.
It's a fun, solid game, but the AI is lacking, and the strategic layer isn't as deep as it could be. All in all, I still enjoy FE:LH more (even if its combat system isn't as enjoyable), although I'll continue to play both titles.
AOW3 can use some refining.... for example, if am playing an Elf and then try to absorb a Orc city, there should be major penalties for this... I mean the Orcs are not going to say "ah, that's alright we will l just all get along and go out and fight for you now". There needs to be some more effects on the way the different races interact in the game.
The AI could use some more balancing as well... however that usually is always the case.
PE
1.10 - should have been steamed today
Change Log:
To prevent Players from rushing to and mass producing T4 units:
Add an additional city upgrades that act as prerequisites for class T3 and T4 unit production.
Also added additional city upgrades for classes without class specific T3 and T4 units that can be build in cities, to maintain cross class balance.
Added new Arch Druid city upgrade "Henge". This city upgrade increases Mana Capacity by +100, allowing you to store more mana. This upgrade requires the Arch Druid's Dolmen.
Added new Arch Druid city upgrade "Megalith". This city upgrade increases Population by +100. This upgrade requires the Henge.
Added new Dreadnought city upgrade "Blast Furnace" which is needed to produce the Cannon unit. This city upgrade also gives an additional +5 production. This upgrade requires the Dreadnought's Foundry.
Added new Dreadnought city upgrade "Juggernaut Factory" which is needed to produce the Juggernaut unit. This city upgrade also heals garrisoned machine units. This upgrade requires the Blast Furnace.
Added new Rogue city upgrade "Planar Gate" which is needed to produce the Shadow Stalker and Succubus units. This city upgrade generates an additional +5 mana. This upgrade requires the Rogue's Palace.
Added new Rogue city upgrade "Shrouded Altar". Monster units produced at this city gain an additional medal Rank. This upgrade requires the Planar Gate.
Added new Sorcerer city upgrade "Mana Vault". This city upgrade increases Mana Capacity by +100, allowing you to store more mana. This upgrade requires the Sorcerer's Conflux.
Added new Sorcerer city upgrade "Wizard's Academy". This city upgrade gives an additional +10 Knowledge. This upgrade requires the Mana Vault.
Added new Theocrat city upgrade "Celestial Chamber" which is needed to produce the Exalted units. This city upgrads also gives an additional +100 happiness. This upgrade requires the Theocrat's Conclave.
Added new Theocrat city upgrade "Holy of Holies" which is needed to produce the Shrine of Smiting. Also increases Mana Capacity by +100, allowing you to store more mana. This upgrade requires the Celestial Chamber.
Added new Warlord city upgrade "Gladiator Pit" which is needed to produce the Blood Phalanx and Warbreed units. This city upgrade also gives an additional +100 happiness. This upgrade requires the Warlord's Command.
Added new Warlord city upgrade "Manticore Lair" which is needed to produce the Manticore Rider unit. This city upgrade also gives an additional +5 Reasearch. This upgrade requires the Gladiator Pit.
Reduce the need to rush for T4.
Reduce AoE bust damage for T4 units and reduce protective abilities to make them easier to counter when used without support.
The Shrine of Smiting now has 20% Fire Weakness.
The Juggernaut's Fire Mortar ability now starts on cool down, Fire Broadside now does 25 physical – was 30 – and Fire Mortar now does 18 physical, 18 fire – was 20 physical, 20 fire.
The Eldridge Horror now has Mind Control Immunity and 60% Spirit Protection, instead of Strong Will.
The Horned God now has 20% Blight Weakness and it's Call Lightning ability starts on cool down, now has cool down of 1 – was 2 – is a Full action – was single action. The damage amount not being displayed in game was also fixed.
To prevent the AI Player from rushing to T4 units:
Changed research priorities to reduce AI rushing up the unit tech-tree.
To extend the duration of the mid game. I.e. the period focused on T2-3 unit production.
Reduce the city growth speed.
Changed population growth for cities to 250 – was 300.
Changed required population for a City to 12000 – was 10000.
Changed starting population for a City to 14000 – was 11000.
Changed rebel spawn population loss for a City to 3500 – was 2750.
Changed rebel spawn population requirement for a City to 7000 – was 5500.
Changed required population for a Metropolis to 22000 – was 18000.
Changed starting population for a Metropolis to 24000 – was 20000.
Changed rebel spawn population loss for a Metropolis to 6000 – was 5000.
Changed rebel spawn population requirement for a Metropolis to 11000 – was 10000.
Changed rebel spawn population requirement for a Metropolis to 11000 – was 10000.
Reduce city production.
Changed the production value of the Siege Workshop to 10 – was 20.
Changed the production value of the Master Guild to 15 – was 20.
Lower income where needed – focusing on Mana – to prevent surplus mana.
Reduce frequency of occurrence of mana generating structures on RMG maps as a factor of distance from Player's starting positions.
Reduce mass City Founding.
Producing settlers now stagnates city growth, making it more of a choice in the early game.
Changed cost for the Pioneer: Gold cost 200 – was 150 – Population cost 2000 – was 750 – Recruit cost 400 – was 300.
Reduce surplus mana.
Tests in the office showed that play style was a large factor in the reported mana surplus issue. To prevent issues with superfluous mana, while not impacting players with a more exploration, expansion or magic based play style.
Players can now hold a limited amount of mana at once. A player can hold 500 mana, researching a casting point skill or building a great temple will increase mana cap by 100.
To increase the mana spend on spells we've reduced the casting cost of maintained spells – to make them more worthwhile to cast – while increasing the maintenance cost – to make which spells to maintain a more deliberate decision.
Changed the cost of the Arch Druid's 'One with the Elements' to maintenance 10 – was maintenance 6.
Changed the cost of the Arch Druid's 'Fertile Domain' to cast 40, maintenance 20 – was cast 60, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Arch Druid's 'Insect Plague' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 80, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Arch Druid's 'Poison Domain' to cast 100, maintenance 30 – was cast 140, maintenance 16.
Changed the cost of the Arch Druid's 'Thorn Hedge Walls' to cast 120, maintenance 30 – was cast 180, maintenance 18.
Changed the cost of the Arch Druid's 'Nature's Eyes' to cast 80, maintenance 40 – was cast 120, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Dreadnought's 'Suppress Nature' to cast 100, maintenance 40 – was cast 140, maintenance 16.
Changed the cost of the Dreadnought's 'Dragon Oil' to cast 120, maintenance 30 – was cast 180, maintenance 20.
Changed the cost of the Dreadnought's 'Great Mobilization' to maintenance 80 – was maintenance 64.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Poison Mastery' to cast 50, maintenance 20 – was cast 60, maintenance 8.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Iron Grip' to cast 40, maintenance 20 – was cast 70, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's Treasure Raiding to cast 60 – was cast 80.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Incite Revolt' to cast 60, maintenance 40 – was cast 100, maintenance 15.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Corpse Looting' to cast 60, maintenance 15 – was cast 100, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Network of Scrying Eyes' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 100, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Spy Network' to cast 150, maintenance 50 – was cast 300, maintenance 36.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Night Wish' to cast 100, maintenance 20 – was cast 180, maintenance 18.
Changed the cost of the Rogue's 'Age of Deception' to maintenance 80 – was maintenance 64.
Changed the cost of the Sorcerer's 'Glyphs of Warding' to cast 40, maintenance 15 – was cast 60, maintenance 5.
Changed the cost of the Sorcerer's 'Dread Omen' to cast 60, maintenance 40 – was cast 90, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Sorcerer's 'Dome of Protection' to cast 100, maintenance 20 – was cast 120, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Sorcerer's 'Enchanted Walls' to cast 120, maintenance 30 – was cast 180, maintenance 18.
Changed the cost of the Sorcerer's 'Summoner's Aura' to cast 100, maintenance 20 – was cast 120, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Sorcerer's 'Age of magic' to maintenance 80 – was maintenance 64.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Beacon of Faith' to cast 50, maintenance 10 – was cast 90, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Paid Absolution' to cast 80, maintenance 20 – was cast 100, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Prayer for the Hurt' to cast 100, maintenance 30 – was cast 150, maintenance 15.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Sanctified Sites' to cast 100, maintenance 30 – was cast 160, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Denounce City' to maintenance 20 – was maintenance 16.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Hallowed Domain' to cast 100, maintenance 20 – was cast 120, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Great Purge' to cast 100, maintenance 40 – was cast 300, maintenance 32.
Changed the cost of the Theocrat's 'Armageddon' maintenance 64 – was maintenance 80.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'Authority of the Sword' to maintenance 5 – was maintenance 6.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'Dread Siege' to cast 60, maintenance 30 – was cast 80, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'Inspire Loyalty' to maintenance 20 – was maintenance 15.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'The Draft' to cast 120, maintenance 30 – was cast 160, maintenance 18.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'Conqueror's Feast' to cast 120, maintenance 40 – was cast 240, maintenance 24.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'Hero Slaying' to maintenance 30 – was maintenance 24.
Changed the cost of the Warlord's 'Global Assault' to maintenance 80 – was maintenance 64.
Changed the cost of the Air Adept's 'Domain of Winter' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 80, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Air Master's 'Arctic Empire' to cast 80, maintenance 40 – was cast 100, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Earth Adept's 'Domain of Earth' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 80, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Fire Adept's 'Domain of the Sun' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 80, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Fire Master's 'Tropical Empire' to cast 80, maintenance 40 – was cast 100, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Creation Adept's 'Domain of Life' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 80, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Creation Master's 'Temperate Empire' to cast 80, maintenance 40 – was cast 100, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Destruction Adept's 'Scorched Earth' to cast 40, maintenance 15 – was cast 60, maintenance 9.
Changed the cost of the Destruction Adept's 'Domain of Corruption' to cast 60, maintenance 20 – was cast 80, maintenance 12.
Changed the cost of the Destruction Master's 'Blight Empire' to cast 80, maintenance 40 – was cast 100, maintenance 12.
and............
Reduce the period of unhindered early game expansion in Random Maps
The distance between player start positions now take into account the amount of players with regards to map size. Few players on a large map will result in a significant nearer distance. Likewise, many players on a smaller map will result in a slightly larger distance.
Made Random XL maps more closely follow the setup of other maps
XL map feature distribution now more closely resembles the smaller maps.
Other Balance Fixes
Berserkers: Removed Martial Arts as a level up reward, they now get the Tireless ability
Rogue Infiltration squad Hero Upgrade now filters on Machines
Rust Strike can now be used twice on same unit.
Order of Healing now gives correct Healing Ability
Suppress nature no longer negates the effects of Domain of ... spells
Units can now attack an enemy after using Sprint.
Rogue Assassin now has Wall Climbing, Removed Pass Wall and Sprint Abilities.
Dwarf Hunter base hp 35 – was 40
Yeti now has Regeneration
Befriend Animal Ability now correctly displays its strength in the unit panel
The Explorer's Skill Trail Running move bonus was changed to +8 – was +12
Theocrat Exalted hp set to 50 – was 55 – and no heal ability on levelling.
Sabotage is now a type 'Touch' ability – was Melee
Dwarf first born now has Mind Control Immunity – was Strong Will
Heal Ability now has a Cooldown of 2 – was 1
Throw Curse now has a Cooldown of 1 turn – was 0
Sorcerer Chaos rift now costs 70 – was 50
Shrine of Smiting now has Ram (was Melee Strike)
ArchDruid Summon Beast Horde now summons Blight Tusk Boars, Bleak Wargs, Dread Spider Babies, Hunter Spider Babies, Vampire Spider Babies and Dire Penguins.
Sprint now has a cooldown of 3. Units may now attack after using sprint.
Trebuchet and Giant Hurl Boulder ability now requires 3 action points to use
Graphics
Fixed an issue where the Node Serpent's death animation glitched when hit by 'Huge' attacks, such as the Hellfire spell.
Fixed an issue where some structures – e.g. hasteberries – showed an incorrect state after loading a save game.
New Features
Improved VPN support to local multiplayer.
Added a new advanced game option to give all leaders and heroes Resurgence, this is disabled by default
Campaign: All heroes and leaders will have Resurgence, allowing them to return from the dead if their side wins the battle. This is disabled in "Hard" mode.
Campaign: Implemented named saves when a campaign scenario is won
Added tier level to unit info, allowing preview of the tier level in the city production panel in both the popup and the unit panel.
Added an overlay image for items being couriered
Added keyboard shortcuts for next/previous city. Defaults bindings are ";" and ",".
Interface Fixes
Fixed an interface dead state for the item forge by closing the interface when the city is deselected.
Fixed an interface dead state in the Tome of Wonders after combat was completed.
Fixed a glitch so spell icons now no longer go beyond the bounds of the overview panel.
Fixed a bug where the vision fog area on the mini-map did not match the actual vision fog area on the world map.
Fixed a bug where dwelling icons in the Tome of Wonders were not refreshing.
Added a 'Save Game' and an 'Exit Game' button in the player disconnect window.
Fixed an issue where the damage values in the abilities list would disappear after changing tabs.
Fixed a bug where the icons in the dragon dwelling text in the Tome of Wonders were clipped in-correctly.
Fixed the French tool-tip for "order of sacred support".
Localized the report feedback button.
Fixed an issue where tooltips would remain visible in Tactical Combat
Improved the scrollbar: holding the mouse down on the buttons now keeps scrolling and the scrollbar in the tome of wonders now also support scrolling by clicking on the scrollbar background.
Enabled word cutoff for tabs, fixes an issue in polish where the custom leader tab would have text overflowing
Fixed an issue in the key binding screen where the entire row would receive input.
Fixed an issue that caused problems with the vertical alignment of the text on combo-boxes
Fixed a bug where multiline quest headers would be unreadable due to wrong vertical alignment
Enabled double clicking to confirm in the Lobby screens
Fixed an issue where the icons in the overview panel weren't clipped correctly when opening the overview directly from diplomacy
Fixed the leader death glow – star night sky – in diplomacy
Fixed an issue where the small quest dialogs would use the large dialog hit boxes
Fixed an issue where the events would slide in again after a resize of the screen
Fixed an issue where the decorations on the hero join panel weren't clipped correctly
Added a close button to the "item has arrived" event panel
Translated the close button on the refugee camp event panel
Fixed an issue where replacing selected text was impossible if the text was already at max length
Fixed an issue where the dwelling icon wouldn't render in the Tome of Wonders
Enlarged the textfield of the target text to fix a bug in Russian where the text would be cut off.
Enlarge the textfield of the "Search local" text to fix a bug in Russian where the text would be cut off.
The save and load menu cannot be opened anymore when the new turn panel is opened. This fixed unresponsiveness of the game in this instance.
When the reward from a dwelling opened up and a battle interrupted this screen, the reward was lost. The reward screen now re-opens after the battle has finished.
Fixed an issue with the courier items screen: the hero icons would not show up when sending a second item right after sending the first.
Audio Fixes
Added multichannel (i.e. 5.1) audio support.
Fixed an issue preventing ambient sound from being enabled when leaving the diplomacy screen
Fixed an issue with event sounds being audible for all players.
Changed new turn sound trigger to new turn instead of end turn, allows players to hear when it's their turn in hot seat.
Random Map Fixes
Fixed an issue where water structures were able to be generated on river hexes, thereby blocking ships
Fixed a bug in the 'Land' type maps where the map edges were temperate fertile instead of the intended terrain
Mini-expansion player site which is generated for each player starting position has been moved from ~6 hex to ~8 hex distance from starting location.
Fixed a bug in underground where cave exits were only being generated near player spawn area, and never on a more global level.
Fixed a bug in the 'Land' type random map where Monster Dens and Haunted Boneyards were never being generated.
Fixed a bug in the Underground where too many unit spawning structures were being generated.
Increased chances of Haunted Boneyards being created instead of Brigand Hideouts and Monster Dens
Fixed a clustering issue with unit spawning structures; they should be spaced out more now.
Slightly increased chances of Flow Rock Quarry and Trading Posts being generated at expansion sites, instead of tier 1 structures like gold mines and mana nodes.
Map Specific Fixes
Campaign: Fixed various issues with 'capture' quests.
Campaign: Fixed a crash when retreating heroes and leaders from campaign battles.
Campaign: Fixed the level cap in the campaign maps.
4th Elven Court map: Fixed an issue where Bormac was set loose by AI.
4th Commonwealth map: Prevented a situation where you could kill Carishar without it triggering your victory.
One of the last Commonwealth map: Fixed the 'Help the Dwarves' and 'Slay the Frost Dragon' quests, they did not always trigger correctly.
The last Elven Court maps: Made sure fairies spawned correctly in one of the final Elven Court maps, provided you had done the necessary quest in an earlier scenario.
Taming of the Great Khan: Quests now give the intended rewards.
Elven Resurgence: Removed the defenders from player 2′s heart of blight.
Elven Resurgence: Reduced Player 1′s starting units, to match the strength of the other players.
Elven Resurgence: Increased the gold income for players 3, 5 and 6, , to match the income the other players.
General Fixes
The game doesn't crash anymore when a hatched egg of a dead hero is selected.
The game doesn't crash anymore when a game is loaded which was saved before patch v1.09 in which an egg had just hatched.
The game doesn't crash anymore when an item is sent to a hero who just died.
Changed allied victory so only human players need an alliance to all other players
"Research Not Set" event is now also shown when research pickup is used or when vault of knowledge is cleared
Fixed issue where empire morale would not be used in TC
Fixed issue with throne tooltip showing incorrect owning player
Fixed a bug where seasoned achievement was not properly applied when a unit would gain a level in TC
Fixed treasure raider achievement
Fixed issue where structure's random defender strength was not resolved during activation resulted in out of syncs on user made maps
Fixed issue where quest would not correctly have their rewards set
Fixed hot seat issue where an AI player would not correctly end turn when it had won/lost
Fixed auto combat crash
Fixed bug in AI trade analyzer code
Made cities way more valuable in trades
AI will no longer trade its throne city
AI will not trade accept cities from the other player when at war, because these are to easy to recapture
Fixed issue bug where quests were given when a player was at war with the city
Fixed players being able to build cities and fortress on top of map hazards, such as briar patches and cobwebs
Strategic AI will no longer build a settler if doing so would cause a city to become underpopulated.
Fixed issues where the the AI would wait behind city walls while player killed it with spells and long range weapons
Tactical AI will no longer spam dispel on abilities bestowed by structures on the world map
Fixed issue in classic turns which caused turn order to be handled incorrectly in some cases, when a player is defeated.
The AI will no longer target concealed stacks with damage spells on the strategic map
Fixed camera controls being affected by tactical battle speed up
Fixed certain structures still giving income to cities when occupied by enemy armies
Fixed a crash occurring when an item is traded and the item owner died before the trade was resolved.
Fixed an input control issue to allow 3rd party software to map gamepad button.
Fixed an issue where second player of classic turn MP game would get a new hero every time you load a save file.
Fixed an out of sync issue with the Freeze Water spell.
Fixed a bug where disabling the 'Remember Password' check-box didn't have any effect the next time the launcher was started.
Play as guest check-box is now remembered for the next time that the launcher is started. This also ensures initial settings – e.g. graphics settings – are taken from the Guest profile, preventing players that only played as 'Guest' from having their settings be reverted to default settings..
Fixed minor issue for players with a '.' (dot) character as the final character of their account name.
When the profile data is corrupted then the user will be notified when launching the game.
Fixed a crash for players that are loading corrupted save games.
Player now gets a notification when the connection to the server is lost.
Fixed a mouse clipping issue that sometimes occurs when having multiple monitors.
Fixed issues with camera clipping through floor in tactical maps
Fixed issues with camera bounding area being to small or to large for tactical maps
Fixed various graphical issues in tactical maps
Fixed an issue where units could stand on hexes surrounded by blocking obstacles in tactical battles
Adjusted Line of Sight settings for various objects on tactical maps
Fixed an issue with auto-move which could cause the game to crash on pressing the end turn button.
Fixed an issue with custom hero names not showing up properly in the event that shows up when an egg hatches.
Fixed an exploit where concealed units in a visible stack could be found through the morale tooltip.
The statistic screen now shows data of the last turn – the one that's selected – correctly.
Fixed an issue with the select next hero shortcut: the hero now gets selected instead of the city when the hero is standing on a city.
Fixed a bug with the cycling through the heroes when the player first selects a hero stack with the mouse.
Fixed issue with item bags not being rendered correctly when they spawned on top of mountains, which made it seem as if no reward would spawn.
That's a big list!
You can say that again! ;D