SUBSIM's totally awesome Empire: Total War thread

[GlobalExplorer]

Originally Posted by Raptor1

I agree that a lot of games nowadays are complete garbage made only to make money for the big companies, but I don't like judging games before they come out

I guess I must withold my rant until february, then :rotfl:

No seriously, I think ETW is going to be a good game, I just think the true potential is wasted because of that apparent gameyness. Still several times better than what other big companies release on the strategy sector, but imo they have already been overtaken by some indy companies (if you can live with graphics from 3-6 years ago that is).

If the issues in ETW can be modded (more realistic fleet composition, longer battles, longer gunnery distances, real wind gauge tactics etc) everything will be fine.

Finally I must add that with now two separate battle modules the cock-up potential on CA's part has also increased. I'm really curious to see if they pull if off. They were traditionally very reluctant about sea battles, and I think it was for a reason (if only not to overstretch resources in their 2-year release schedule).

[Skorn]

Well it certainly LOOKS great for a RTS, hope it plays as well too. Keeping my fingers crossed

[AJ!]

There is a game convention in germany going on for the next five days and CA have said they are going to give more info on the game and show more gameplay clips at some stage at the convention

[AJ!]

Here is more info from IGN on how the game is shaping up. There are more land battle screenshots as well

http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/901/901519p1.html

[Sonarman]

Originally Posted by AJ!

Heres a different version of the trailer that poped up.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/u...es/252537.html

It may just be my old eyes or a graphic glitch but doesn't that look like an early steamship in the above footage at 1.39 secs?

[AJ!]

It was a mistake when i posted that. It was the same trailer.

I see what you mean about the steamship in 1.39. It does look promising

Here is a link to loads more new screenshots

http://www.totalwar-zone.de/index2.php?g=etw&id=5

[Seeadler]

Originally Posted by AJ!

There is a game convention in germany going on for the next five days

Today I visited the Games Convention and beside many others I saw the presentation by Creative Assembly.

The game has now reached the beta phase and the estimated release date for Europe is the 6th February 2009.

The remaining 5 months invest the team for quality assurance, game balance and the search/fixing of bugs.

[stabiz]

The release of a TW-game is always like christmas.

[AJ!]

Yeah cant wait

the new campaign map looks great. The scale is alot bigger then the other total war games.

[Skybird]

Screenshots look great, no question. But the weak spot of the Total War series has always been the AI, especially near or inside cities. since here the combat logic seems to be in need adapting to even more complex matters as described in the interview, I will believe they get the resulting problems of the AI solved the day when I see it. Of course such things can get solved - if a producer allows the needed investement of ressources and time - is something different. so my status is I have an eye on it moving forward, but in no way I am alraedy on green lights to buy on release day.

[stabiz]

One of the great AI modders, Lusted, has joined CA, I think.

[Skybird]

I used his mods. If that info is true, is surely holds some promises. However, the critical thing still is the producer and his willingness to give things the time they need, and not rush them out.

[stabiz]

He is listet as CA staff in the forums at twcenter.

[AJ!]

Here is a preview from gamespot.

http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/e...&mode=previews

This is something that got my attention

"Incidentally, cannon balls (and just about everything else in the game) will be affected by weather conditions, so you'll have to keep that in mind. For example, when the ground is hard cannon balls will bounce and roll, and our cavalry will be able to zip around the battlefield at a good speed. If it rains, though, the ground will get muddy and cannon balls will sink into it as the cavalry rides by at a more sedate pace. Rain can also cause your gunpowder to get wet, and if it gets too cold there's even a danger that weapons can freeze".

[stabiz]

I like the stuff I have been reading about the AI even more. I`ll find the link.