Spee - strategy, logistics, and WWI-era naval combat

[mbar]

LT Gaming on YouTube brought this game to my attention. I haven't found any video other than what is on the Steam store page. It looks interesting to me.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3992010/Spee/

About This Game
The game takes place on a vast map covering the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with 50 colonial ports, each offering unique bonuses and strategic value.
You can choose to play as one of seven nations:
British Empire
French Republic
German Empire
Russian Empire
Empire of Japan
Kingdom of Italy
United States of America
Each faction commands ships, planes, and ground forces, supported by a deep logistics system that includes:
Ship equipment and customization
Trade and resource management
Port development and expansion
In addition to faction warfare, the game world features pirate bases, naval missions, and a research system that expands your military and economic capabilities.
With its blend of strategy, logistics, and WWI-era naval combat, the game challenges you to balance historical authenticity with engaging gameplay.

[JasonPratt]

War Plan Spee: Admiral's Edition   

[Sigwolf]

I know it's named after the German admiral, but to simply name the game "Spee", and then fail to reference said admiral in the description anywhere is an, interesting, choice. 

[Destraex]

The dev in response to somebody complaining about A.I. art on the steam forums.

"
SerdcederX  [developer] 30 Jan @ 8:30am 
I'm currently unemployed and homeless—my city was completely destroyed by the war. Unlike most of my compatriots, I don't want to rely on benefits from other countries, which are paid for by taxes paid by ordinary people. I don't have the budget to realize my dream, but I want to create a game that people will love.
There are two types of people in this world: those who create, and those who hate. Unfortunately, there are more of the latter. Create something better than my game. And I'll buy it."

[Tripoli]

The dev in response to somebody complaining about A.I. art on the steam forums.

"
SerdcederX  [developer] 30 Jan @ 8:30am 
I'm currently unemployed and homeless—my city was completely destroyed by the war. Unlike most of my compatriots, I don't want to rely on benefits from other countries, which are paid for by taxes paid by ordinary people. I don't have the budget to realize my dream, but I want to create a game that people will love.
There are two types of people in this world: those who create, and those who hate. Unfortunately, there are more of the latter. Create something better than my game. And I'll buy it."

I was on the fence about this game, but that statement from the developer made me a "Day One" purchaser.

[steve58]

Its out as Early Access for $40. Based on the discussions, it sounds like its got a few birthing pains.

[Tripoli]

Its out as Early Access for $40. Based on the discussions, it sounds like its got a few birthing pains.

Where do you see the discussions?  I'm only seeing a single review on Steam.  While I want to purchase, the $40 pricetag for early access is giving me some pause.

[mbar]

I agree about the price. I get it. Single dev hard on their luck. But $40 is a steep ask in early access.

[steve58]

Under the Discussions.  3 users complaining of crashes.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/3992010/discussions/0/809096595266243055/

[mbar]

First look from The Historical Gamer

[mbar]

I already know I'm not buying Spee for now after watching The Historical Gamer video, but the developers reaction to the video and to criticism has me wanting to give up following it too.  :redflag:

Do you consider this a good overview? Someone frantically clicks on one ship for minutes, repeating, "I don't know what else to do here?" Or on the map. Seriously, what could possibly be on the map in a naval strategy game, besides transports, if you haven't created a squadron? y. Or trying to build something you haven't mastered yet? I'm amazed there are no ships in the docks at the start of the game. Serisoly? Or why you can't declare war at the start of the game.

[Tripoli]

I already know I'm not buying Spee for now after watching The Historical Gamer video, but the developers reaction to the video and to criticism has me wanting to give up following it too.  :redflag:

Do you consider this a good overview? Someone frantically clicks on one ship for minutes, repeating, "I don't know what else to do here?" Or on the map. Seriously, what could possibly be on the map in a naval strategy game, besides transports, if you haven't created a squadron? y. Or trying to build something you haven't mastered yet? I'm amazed there are no ships in the docks at the start of the game. Serisoly? Or why you can't declare war at the start of the game.

I'm not going to give up yet on Spee.  I want to support the developer, and it is an interesting concept.  However, for $40, I'm going to wait until the game has gotten a little closer to release.

[steve58]

There is now a demo available. Gonna be next week before I can give it a go.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3992010/Spee/

[Boggit]

I already know I'm not buying Spee for now after watching The Historical Gamer video, but the developers reaction to the video and to criticism has me wanting to give up following it too.  :redflag:

Do you consider this a good overview? Someone frantically clicks on one ship for minutes, repeating, "I don't know what else to do here?" Or on the map. Seriously, what could possibly be on the map in a naval strategy game, besides transports, if you haven't created a squadron? y. Or trying to build something you haven't mastered yet? I'm amazed there are no ships in the docks at the start of the game. Serisoly? Or why you can't declare war at the start of the game.

I'm not going to give up yet on Spee.  I want to support the developer, and it is an interesting concept.  However, for $40, I'm going to wait until the game has gotten a little closer to release.

I think that's a pretty fair approach.