Stardrive 2

[Martok]

Yeah, I saw Sector Zero was released today.  I'm obviously not going to buy it right away, but I can't make myself rule it out eventually getting it either.  It really does look pretty snazzy. 

I'm still excited for this one, but I have at least two criticisms right now: 


1.)  Small map sizes/lack of "epic-ness":  Even the largest map size consists of only a maximum of 100 stars, which feels awfully small after playing other 4x titles like Armada 2526, Distant Worlds, and even Birth of the Federation (once modders figured out how to create the super-large maps).  Now it does sound like modders will be able to increase this limit pretty easily, but I'm still a bit disappointed that larger maps aren't simply available with the original version of the game. 

2.)  No victory modes other than Conquest.  Dan has said this is because he feels Stardrive 2 to be more of a wargame, but the fact is most 4x gamers these days want options other than straight-up wiping out the other players.  Fortunately, a lot of folks have already been clamoring for additional victory conditions, so hopefully we'll see more get added on in the future. 



Still and all, I mostly like what I see in SD2.  There's a lot that Dan seems to be doing right this time around, and most folks who are playing preview copies seem to be having a blast doing so.

You have been heard (me too)...see the list of the DLC

Yes, most of the new features are quite welcome, including/especially those addressing what I mentioned earlier. 

I did notice, however, that the increased size of the star maps was dropped from 400 to 200 stars with no explanation.  ???  I wonder if it a technical idiot like me can mod that. 


I also really hope Dan does something about making the AI less insanely aggressive.  It sounds like it might still be overly warlike, even in the SZ DLC. 

[ghostryder]

From the player reviews I'm reading on steam-mostly posative -one of the big plus's was the reworked ground combat. It's just a $10 DLC so I'll probably get it but don't know when I'll have time to try it out.

[Anguille]

I did notice, however, that the increased size of the star maps was dropped from 400 to 200 stars with no explanation.  ???  I wonder if it a technical idiot like me can mod that. 

I also really hope Dan does something about making the AI less insanely aggressive.  It sounds like it might still be overly warlike, even in the SZ DLC.

You're right, i forgot about that. I am playing a campaign with 150 stars and 8 races and there's about 300 turns left till the end. So far, i find it big enough and it runs fine (i usually also like big enough)....200 is still a lot more than what the new MOO does. On the other hand, while 500 turns seem like forever in the new MOO, 1000 turns passes too fast in Stardrive 2....i think he will allow for more. In my game i've met only one race with which i am in good relation. I know he's at war with some other race but don't know which...i occupy one side of the galaxy (not in the center). So i've been able to build up my empire nicely (despite losing a couple of planets to the events in game). I am playing on easy but don't think i'll be able to win this game...i am ahead in the tech victory but far away in the others...so far, i really don't regret it. While the new MOO is more polished, i still had more fun with Stardrive 2 so far. EA2 for MOO will come soon so we'll see.

The release has different bugs but he's been very quick so far at solving most of them.

[Labbug]

There have been a series of patches starting on March 10; including one today.

[ghostryder]

I started it up and created a new game for the DLC- but have really not made it very far. One thing I will note-the update didn't affect my own modding of the base game-where i replaced all races with Star Trek Races. All those races remained intact as I started a new with 200 stars. Aside from the hexes-mechanics wise nothing seems to have changed much gameplay wise- but again it's too early to experience much new anyhow--and it's a good sign the DLC didn't wipe my Startrek Races.

[Tanaka]

I did notice, however, that the increased size of the star maps was dropped from 400 to 200 stars with no explanation.  ???  I wonder if it a technical idiot like me can mod that. 

I also really hope Dan does something about making the AI less insanely aggressive.  It sounds like it might still be overly warlike, even in the SZ DLC.

You're right, i forgot about that. I am playing a campaign with 150 stars and 8 races and there's about 300 turns left till the end. So far, i find it big enough and it runs fine (i usually also like big enough)....200 is still a lot more than what the new MOO does. On the other hand, while 500 turns seem like forever in the new MOO, 1000 turns passes too fast in Stardrive 2....i think he will allow for more. In my game i've met only one race with which i am in good relation. I know he's at war with some other race but don't know which...i occupy one side of the galaxy (not in the center). So i've been able to build up my empire nicely (despite losing a couple of planets to the events in game). I am playing on easy but don't think i'll be able to win this game...i am ahead in the tech victory but far away in the others...so far, i really don't regret it. While the new MOO is more polished, i still had more fun with Stardrive 2 so far. EA2 for MOO will come soon so we'll see.

The release has different bugs but he's been very quick so far at solving most of them.

Agreed Stardrive 2 is much more fun to me and has so many more options and strategic choices at this point. I am really enjoying it and Zero is throwing out patch fixes very quickly.

[Anguille]

Here's a nice review at spacesector:

http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2016/03/stardrive-2-sector-zero-review/