Distant Worlds (4x Matrix game)

[kiwi_2005]

How bad is it Caught my eye tonight 4x space stradegty where its quite difficult dont mind that but after reading this: "Extremely steep learning curve" I wonder is this one of those 4x game that only the very hardcore fans play. Graphics are suppose to be seriously outdated, well they look okay from what ive seen, nothing out of this world but okay.

The review aint good but reviews aren't always spot on. Im presuming he reviewed the game before the patches came out.

Anyone playing this game.

PROS
=========

- It's a space empire game, and you know how rare these are.
- Depth, maybe too much of it. However it suggests that if you really spend the time to learn the game and understand it, it might be rewarding in the end.
- High level of automation. The game can play itself if you want it to.

CONS
=========

- Seriously outdated graphics.
- Daunting interface.
- Overly complex. If you are anything but a hardcore gamer, avoid this game. If you are a normal to casual gamer, run!
- EXTREMELY steep learning curve. This is not the same as complexity, some games are complex and deep but have decent learning curves. A game should be easy to learn, hard to master... not the other way around.

REVIEW
===============

First thing you notice about the game are the outdated graphics, and the daunting interface.

The graphics look like something out of 2002 or worse, as they resorted to 2D sprites from the 90s for everything ingame. The ships are blurry and mostly all look alike, the icons are hardly visible, moving objects are not smooth but jump around one pixel at a time. I am all for gameplay over eyecandy, but the graphics have that "PowerPoint presentation" feeling to them which is not exactly pleasant.

As for the interface, there is a button for anything and everything. I don't think the developers ever heard of the concept of "less is more" when it comes to user interfaces. And memorizing what each of the 30+ buttons do is not easy as they all look mostly the same.

Feeling bad vibes from the the interface and graphics, I tried to ignore these 2 and jump into the gameplay to find the "fun element". In other words something that is enjoyable about the game so I can at least find some motivation to stick around and learn the ropes. What I found was a complex game, with many (too many?) stats, buttons, variables, and game concepts. (And not the fun kind mind you.)

The tutorials didn't help. They just describe things in length (feels like reading a dictionary) instead of giving you working knowledge of what to do and how to play. Ok so I know how to zoom, see my empire stats, and how to automate it. But how do I find and conquer an opponent? Where do I start? What objectives should I pursue?

I was mostly clueless as to how to play after completing both basic and advanced tutorials. I tried to break the ice with the game. I tried to find its redeeming qualities. But unable to find a shred of fun in the 8-9 hours I spent on it, I just had to give up on it and move on. Yes I gave up on this game before even fully understanding it, it is that hard to pick up.

I am a firm believer that any game deserves to be fully played and completed in order to be reviewed properly, but honestly I could not stomach the game for more than a few hours. Playing this game felt like doing my taxes... checking numbers, filling up forms, trying to figure out obscure directives / gameplay elements, and no fun at all in the end.

Why should I keep playing? This is a serious question, message me if you have the answer because I'd like that 40$+ pricetag to not have been a total waste.

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/...ader&id=716141

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/...Distant.Worlds

[kiwi_2005]

ah nvm i just watch this trailer, soon as i saw the "Space Monster" that looked like a scorpion that was it for me Did like the auto managment option and the interface but think i'll give it a miss unless someone says its a gem.

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/de...t-worlds/60901

[danzig70]

I looked at this at the Matrix games website. I was looking into a cheap Eve online substitute. While I dont mind silly character graphics, I do mind the $40-$50 dollar price tag.

[Raptor1]

Matrix Games have published some pretty awesome games (Well, mostly wargames), but they always overcharge their games and I have only ever seen them drop the price on any of their games once.

Can't see how this could be an EVE substitute though...

[Blacklight]

They have some really good and classic free games on their site that are WELL worth downloading and playing.

[Weiss Pinguin]

Any suggestions?