The standard demo question (sorry)

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

I have to be honest, the screenshots not only suck, they actually detract from my interest. The movies help a bit, but they are such a pain to download (and that from a guy that enjoys broadband).

Can't locate any obvious mention of a demo, so I will risk asking a normally burdensome question (possibly for the umpteenth time, apologies).

Is the game being given a demo?

Much as the game likely will differ from it, it looks to CMish from all the material I have to look at.
Much as the table flatness of the terrain might actually be geographically accurate, it still doesn't come off looking good.
A demo might at least counteract what I see as being the negative impact of those two elements.

I would like to see the game be more than what I seem to be seeing. But, all that I have viewed, has placed the game significantly far down on the scale of interest for me.
Even considering my well known disinterest in the world of 3d wargaming, you have to expect my viewpoint might not be so isolated.

[Erik Rutins]

Les,

We will not have time for a demo for the initial release, but I expect we'll have something along those lines ready later this summer. Note that some of the screenshots are a bit old and will be removed this week and replaced by new ones. We'll also be posting a new movie up.

To me, the game looks very nice as far as the 3D side, but we'll be providing more shots so you can evaluate for yourself, as well as more gameplay info.

Regards,

- Erik

[Erik Rutins]

FYI, I just posted some of the new screenshots, take another look at the Games section and let me know what you think.

Regards,

- Erik

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

Looked at the additional screenies, but it's still too hard to say.

But, I'm glad a demo will in time appear. I'm sure a lot of us are happy that in time we can make a better judgement call after seeing the game run.

[Erik Rutins]

Les,

Sure. It may just not be your cup of tea, which is fine.

I know that a lot of the testers had fun with it and I'm greatly enjoying playing it by PBEM when I get a chance, so I think that it will be well received. We've also received a lot of compliments on the graphics, but I realize that can be a subjective thing.

Regards,

- Erik

[pad152]

I really hope Matrix gives us a real demo of this one and not some test drive or preview.[:-]

I'll gladly wait for a demo, Matrix has been very busy releasing games all at once it seems, my wallet needs a break.[:D]

[Yoozername]

Its a demo wait now. I would not think many CM fans would want it given the 'CM-lite' design goals.

I suspect it will be a 'T72' demo experience. Download demo, futz around with it and then delete it from the hard-drive. Good luck guys!

[Erik Rutins]

Yoozername,

I realize you're upset with us, but we've been honest about the design goals all along and answered questions in a straightforward manner. Many gamers have expressed to us that our designs goals are right where they should be, that there's room for a fun 3D tactical campaign game that's not as detailed as CM but still historical. CM will remain CM and we will be in our own niche.

When the first 2D board wargame was released, would that preclude future releases because they would look similar but not be the same? No, and neither should it preclude other 3D games just because CM exists.

Regards,

- Erik

[Yoozername]

And I will be honest with you.  Its a misdirected product.
 
The best analogy I can think of is someone 'designing' a car named a Korvette.  It has a 1.8L diesel engine and a 2 speed auto transmission.  Its body lines are nearly the same as a Corvette.  It has a few features the Corvette owners have always wanted, 4 wheel steering lets say, but its such a slow, wimpy car when driven that the real Corvette fans are disappointed.  Luckily, the could take it for a test drive before buying.
 
So when's the test drive available?
 
PS I am not upset with you.  I am just insulted.  Thats my fault for giving you the benefit of the doubt about having any integrity.

[Erik Rutins]

Yoozername,

With all due respect, you're now speaking on two topics on which you are not nearly as informed as you think. Let's leave it at that.

Regards,

- Erik

[DuckofTindalos]

Erik, congratulations on not losing your temper with this guy... Nice thick hide you've got going there...[;)]

[pvthudson01]

I'll be getting it, Yoozername can take a hike. Nothing like rude people that dont understand the target of a product.

[jcribbs]

I'm mostly a lurker on these forums.  Something has to really get my goat before I get off my butt and reply.  Congratulations, Yoozerman, you've done it!

Look, Yooz, we all know by now how you feel about this game.  You have made it crystal clear in other threads that you are disappointed with how certain things are being modeled in this game.  I think Matrix fully understands (based on Eric's replies) your positions on these things.

I have to admit that I'm not totally happy with some of the things I've read about the game, most notably infantry modeling.  But, and pay attention here Y-Man, 'cause this is my main point, there comes a time when expressing your opinion crosses the line over to becoming a major a**hole.  And, unfortunately, you've crossed that line.

Ok, you don't like parts of the game.  Eric has acknowledged that and stated that parts of the game are going to be modeled in a more detailed fashion in later installments, other parts are maybe going to stay the way they are.  What's the use of continuing to bash the game?  After you have stated your case in *many* other threads, why jump into a thread about whether there is going to be a demo and post stupid comments about your being insulted because Matrix has no integrity?

I haven't agreed with everything Matrix has done in the past, but I can say one thing, I have *never* seen any company spokesman stand up to relentless criticism over many years the way Erik has and remain as professional, yet still open and honest as he has.  To me, Erik has integrity coming out the wazoo.

So, back off UserMan.  We get it, you don't like the game.  Don't buy the game.  Just quit floggin' the horse.  You're starting to get really annoying.

[ravinhood]

Yeah Lozerman why don't you go over to the Paradox forums and bash away. If you don't like it, you don't like it that's as plain as that.  See, I come here to bash Paradox lol, so you go over there and get some love from those guys. Personally I'm buying it. You just obviously expected some "Combat Mission III" or thereabouts and didn't obtain enough knowledge or background about the game or the developers that made it. Yeah I'd like to have individual modeling of the infantry myself, but, I'm not going to whine or cry about it. I've seen some of the work these guys at Koios have done and I expect this to be more good quality of the same. They aren't about making "Combat Mission III" (though it would be nice)
 
In one respect I thank goodness it's not like other games. I'm pretty tired of the same ole same ole copy cat engines and copy cat designs. This is a twist that "looks" like a Combat Mission, but, is a "minatures" style game all it's own with neat 3D graphics. Just please tell me it doesn't have any "bonus cards" or stuff like that hehe Erik??

[Erik Rutins]

No, no cards Ravinhood. [8D]

Everyone, I appreciate your help but let's not pile on Yoozername. We welcome all opinions on the game and as for personal attacks, it's best not to practice "an eye for an eye" on the internet or things quickly degenerate. Please keep the discussion on the high road and we'll be fine.

Yoozername is upset with me because there was a screw-up with his NDA, as a result he didn't get onto the test team before release and he took it personally. I can take the heat for that, let's just focus on the game.

Regards,

- Erik

[Yoozername]

I took it in a business manner.  And if you read the NDA, by signing and returning it, you owe me a game.  It is not my responsibility to make you deliver a product for me to test.  That's your business obligations.  You can't track day to day operations?  That is not my problem.  You want to turn your back on a business agreement?  Then its my obligation to point it out.
 
You do not send out NDA's that require personal information/signature, and treat it like a yard sale.  Just because you are in the game business, does not permit you to behave in an unprofessional manner.
 
Good luck.
 
 

[Marc von Martial]

[8|]

Thread closed.