World in Flames (Matrixgames) looking for beta testers (multiplayer)

[GJK]

I have WiF4 and WiF5 (Final Edition) but have never played it.  I want to, but just haven't invested the time to learn it.  I'd be interested in the PC game (with rules enforcement) for the learning experience.  I'll just play it solitaire in order to get a grasp of the rules and then perhaps seek out a pbem opponent.  I think that the ultimate WiF experience though will be actually sitting at the table with a small group and playing.  Hard for many to organize such a thing but I'm fortunate to have a local gaming group that would be all for it.

[smittyohio]

I'm really hoping the PBEM doesn't suffer to much from having certain reactions handled by player settings, for lack of a better phrase.   I'm just not sure i could do an online multiplayer with a game of this length and complexity.

[SgtRock]

Computer games with no AI are all over the place. Especially the multilayer shooters.

Yeah.  they include  AI but it can't cope.   Then people complain. Never ending whining.

Actually without AI, would people buy this if they can do Vassal?
Maybe if you are lazy enforcing rules.

This game isn't a shooter, name one computer strategy game without an AI?  A computer game that works through Vassal, Huh?

How are they going to price this, sell it full price and promise an AI later or sell it half price and sell the AI as on add-on?  Either way, I just don't see this working out. You can't just slap an AI on a game, it's like designing a car with no engine, no drive train and no place for a gas tank and then tell the customer you can just add them later.

[GJK]

It's almost like it's a "Game Assist Program"; it assists WiF players by facilitating pbem play and handling rules enforcement.  Something similar would be "Warplanner" for "A World at War" (but with rules enforcement).  I think that it becomes a whole different product if an AI is added.  That said - I think that $100 for a "GAP" is way over priced but they would counter that the programming that was needed to include the rules enforcement warrented that cost.  I would hope that Matrix would include the AI as a free download for people that purchase the "GAP" version but seeing an AI produced for the thing probably wouldn't happen in my lifetime and if it did, it would be a miracle if performed a the competency level of a 6th grader.

[smittyohio]

Where are you guys seeing a $100 price tag?

[GJK]

I made the assumption from Jomni's post - which I shouldn't do without checking for myself.  I don't know what the MSRP will be once it's ready. 

[jomni]

$100 is my speculation. But many think it is plausible given the time it took to make and the price of the board game ($500!).
I definitely hope I am wrong.

[undercovergeek]

im sure i read itll be up there in their premier release library - witp, wite, the command ones and the Command one - all hefty price tags

[smittyohio]

im sure i read itll be up there in their premier release library - witp, wite, the command ones and the Command one - all hefty price tags

It'll be interesting to see if it sells very well without an AI.   Sure, people who play WIF already maybe won't mind too much, since they might be more inclined to tackle multiplayer, but it's kinda a hard sell for people who haven't ever played.  Maybe they are just trying to get some income rolling in to finish the AI.

[undercovergeek]

id love to play it PBEM with someone, and the massive advantage i can see to this over board game and vassal is hopefully the game applying all the penalties, bonuses, add ons and re rolls without me having to consult a multi layered bible everytime i need to make a move, and then for me as a newbie its a way of easing into the game if the game itself does all the hard work whilst i just play 'awesome General' - how many of these people there are is a different matter

[smittyohio]

Btw, I was looking at the matrix forums, and I think at some point PBEM got cut from the initial release also.  So, online multiplayer only at launch, unless I'm missing something.   Or solitaire / hot seat I guess...

[GDS_Starfury]

Wow. I figured it for vaporware.

Im still holding out for Road to Moscow.  8)

[jejo68]

its still coming and atilla60 and I are going to try to get a Group together once its out *hint hint*

[SgtRock]

$100 is my speculation. But many think it is plausible given the time it took to make and the price of the board game ($500!).
I definitely hope I am wrong.

You can't sell a computer game for a $100, with or without an AI. Can anyone imagine Gary Grisby selling one of his games without an AI for $100? I think selling the game without an AI is just dooming it to failure. Matrix should either help the developer with additional resources to complete the AI or just cancel it.

$100 computer game, the only game that comes to mind is Steel Beasts, a military simulation also sold as a game.

[LongBlade]

There are other games out there over $100.

VBS2 comes to mind. But again, it's a sim that's also sold commercially.