Distant Worlds: Universe annouced!

[sandman2575]

That's it - I'm revved up for this. Bring on tomorrow.

You won't regret it.  This is one of the real jewels among space 4x titles.

[Ian C]

That's it - I'm revved up for this. Bring on tomorrow.

You won't regret it.  This is one of the real jewels among space 4x titles.

Thank you - I'm looking forward to it. It's unusual that I miss a game that's a real classic but discovering one all over from scratch is a rare experience –and a really fun one.
Recently had the same thing happen with a sci-fi series I've never seen before - Farscape (and I'm rapidly becoming a Claudia Black fan).

Back to Universe, I can't wait. I don't know how this slipped passed me.

[Jarhead0331]

That's it - I'm revved up for this. Bring on tomorrow.

You won't regret it.  This is one of the real jewels among space 4x titles.

Thank you - I'm looking forward to it. It's unusual that I miss a game that's a real classic but discovering one all over from scratch is a rare experience –and a really fun one.
Recently had the same thing happen with a sci-fi series I've never seen before - Farscape (and I'm rapidly becoming a Claudia Black fan).

Back to Universe, I can't wait. I don't know how this slipped passed me.

Farscape was an awesome series. I mourned when it was cancelled.

[Staggerwing]

There's a great bit in the last season of Stargate SG1 where they insert a little Farscape parody which includes both Ben Browder and Claudia Black (who had joined the SG1 cast by then):

[Ian C]

Farscape was an awesome series. I mourned when it was cancelled.

They are showing it on a channel from season 1 onwards one episiode per weekday so I'm discovering it for the first time. It's one of those rare show that everyone goes on about and you say "yeah...whatever.." and then you see it and it changes your mind. Like Buffy. That was also a real surprise.

There's a great bit in the last season of Stargate SG1 where they insert a little Farscape parody which includes both Ben Browder and Claudia Black (who had joined the SG1 cast by then)

Ha!



Two questions about Distant Planets:

1. Space Monsters on or off for my first game? What do they add strategically (or tactically) ?

2. What is the hi-res planet graphics mod I read about? There is one in particular that has been mentioned on some vids.

Thanks.

[sandman2575]

I have always played with monsters off.  Too cartoony for me -- giant space scorpions floating around gas planets... A bit of an immersion killer, IMO.

Just my 2 cents. Didn't know about the high res mod -- now I'm intrigued.

[tgb]

It's up now over at the Matrix store, if you don't want to wait for Steam to unlock it. Saved games should be compatible from one version to the other.

[steve58]

http://www.matrixgames.com/news/1430/Distant.Worlds:.Universe.Release.Today

It is today that Distant Worlds: Universe will hit the Matrix, Slitherine and Steam Stores. Distant Worlds: Universe is the latest in the popular Distant Worlds Series. The game will be available on our stores around 12.00 GMT and the Steam release will be around 4.00PM PDT. Distant Worlds: Universe combines all previous content in a single $60 package and expends on it by adding the Ancient Galaxy storyline, lots of balance changes and technical improvements and vastly expanded modding capabilities, making this the ultimate Distant Worlds experience! To celebrate this joyous occasion, we are giving you a $10 discount for everyone who purchases Distant Worlds: Universe within the first week of release.

Upgrade

For those who already own one or more games/expansions in the Distant Worlds series, we have created a system for you to upgrade to Universe. You will be able to get a $10 discount for every Distant Worlds game/expansion you own. This means that, if you Distant Worlds plus all three expansions, you will be able to generate a $40 coupon code for Distant Worlds: Universe. This is then added to the $10 release discount we are giving for a total of $50 off the regular price.

In order to generate this coupon, you must register your Distant Worlds content on the Matrix games Members Club. After you have done this, click the "My discount coupons" button on the right side. Here you will be able to get your coupon.

Note:Make sure to register ALL your Distant Worlds content before generating the coupon. It can only be done once, so if you do it before you registered all Distant Worlds keys, you will not be able to use the full discount!

After you have your discount, just add Universe to your card and enter the coupon code when required.

This upgrade system will remain in place until the end of August.

Steam

Today (or Saturday, depending on where you live), Distant Worlds: Universe will also be released on Steam. Everyone who buys Universe from our own stores will be able to redeem their Steam keys as soon as the game is released there. In order to do this, you must register your copy here. Next you can click the "Steam Keys" button in your profile page (on Slitherine.com) and press "Redeem Key". You now have a Distant Worlds: Universe key you can activate on Steam.

[PanzersEast]

Done.... Purchased and have redeemed Steam Key and received discount.   O0


PE

[Kushan]

Done. Purchased, downloaded, and installed.

1. Space Monsters on or off for my first game? What do they add strategically (or tactically) ?

I generally turn them off. If you play with the story turned on, I would keep them since it explains their origins. The only problem with turning them down is that their is a Unique legendary creature that won't show up if you turn space creatures off. You can also adjust their frequency low or high instead of simply on or off.

2. What is the hi-res planet graphics mod I read about? There is one in particular that has been mentioned on some vids.

Think there are a few of them floating around on the Matrix forum. Here is one I found:

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2537349

It might be a bit out of date, with universe you might be able to install it in a theme folder without replacing the default images.

[steve58]

So, to also get a Steam key, you must register your DW:U serial number at Slitherine.com as well [which is currently having issues apparently]...yet another login/password to keep track of... :-\

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3615511

[Boggit]

Hi Guys! I've just received this press release today

Matrix Games Press Announcement

For Immediate Release

The Universe is in Your Hands!
New Distant Worlds stand alone series package adds modding, storyline and also releases on Steam

Arlington, VT, May 23, 2014.
 

After months of beta-testing, Distant Worlds: Universe is now on the launch pad. This sci-fi series praised as "a worthy successor to Master of Orion" (Eurogamer.dk), "a true space empire game" (Gamers Hall), "a small revolution in 4X strategy game" (PC4War), is bound to push the boundaries of the universe once more.  Distant Worlds: Universe releases today on the Matrix Games Online Store as well as on Steam.

Distant Worlds Universe is a new release as well as the long-awaited stand-alone package that combines all previous Distant Worlds releases in a single kit and expands on it with plenty of balance changes, engine improvements and brand new modding tools that will allow the players to set up their ultimate customized sci-fi experience! This collector's edition also introduces a new storyline setting covering the ancient galaxy and the first war between the Freedom Alliance and the Shaktur Axis in which players will get access to powerful technologies and new weapons, including the ability to build planet destroyers.

In order to thank the Distant Worlds community which has been supporting the series for years now, we are pleased to announce that players will be able to get a $10 discount for every Distant Worlds game/expansion they own.  All Universe owners are also eligible to receive a Steam Key.  For a limited period of time, there is also a launch discount of $10 off the regular price on both stores in order to celebrate the release and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Distant Worlds.


Get more information on Distant Worlds Universe from its epic trailer and its official product page.

 
Matrix Games is part of the Slitherine Group


About the Slitherine Group

The Slitherine Group is the world's leading producer and publisher of digital wargames and strategy games. Under the Slitherine (www.slitherine.com), Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Ageod (www.ageod.com) brands it has published literally hundreds of games, with many award-winning titles in its portfolio and spanning all digital platforms, from home consoles to modern Smartphone's and Tablets. Slitherine is also involved with book publishing, board gaming and works with a wide array of key licensing partners, such as HISTORY®, MILITARY HISTORY®, Games Workshop®, Horrible Histories™, Showtime, BBC, Osprey, Scholastic, Buzz Aldrin Enterprises and many others to deliver the best blend of historical accuracy in an exciting and entertaining way. Together the Group companies form the world's largest organization specializing in this important and vibrant niche. The Slitherine Group's mission over the coming years is to lead the way in innovation and growth in an ever expanding segment of the entertainment industry.

[steve58]

So, to also get a Steam key, you must register your DW:U serial number at Slitherine.com as well [which is currently having issues apparently]...yet another login/password to keep track of... :-\

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3615511

...got the Steam code finally.  Had to resort to the "I forgot my password" link to get Slitherine to send me a password that worked.

[Martok]

Argh!  Cannot purchase this just yet, as I'm still waiting for my new card to arrive (had to cancel the old one when a fraudulent charge appeared on my account). 

I hate waiting. 

[Anguille]

Argh!  Cannot purchase this just yet, as I'm still waiting for my new card to arrive (had to cancel the old one when a fraudulent charge appeared on my account). 

I hate waiting.

I have a similar problem...i have to pay what i owe to the card before using it again... :(