Concerns

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: db99
I usually pause the AI while I take my turn which seems to eliminate any mouse hopping or brief pauses although those issues haven't been much of problem for me.

I for one am having fun playing the game

Now back to the W front...

I turned the spites off and started using the square 3d icons. That and moving a couple of sliders to a lower position eliminated any jerky movement by the mouse. I even turned the map up to full scroll speed with no problem-I was very relieved. The mouse getting caught on provinces was a little aggravating.

[Adam Parker]

OUCH!

Caveat Emptor. Anyone looking at buying this one (like me) needs to head over to the AGEOD forums and check the feedback.

Particularly the thread "This game is not ready for market yet"!

I read somewhere this game had a 16 page manual making me think "Great! Easy to play, hard to master". Oh no!

A developer has done it to itself again... [:(]

[06 Maestro]

The Matrix download has a 48 page manual. This includes about 3 pages of non instructional info.

[Adam Parker]

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

I can't really speak to that, since AGEOD in this case was in charge of development and primary testing. However, in our internal pre-release testing, we did not have hangs or crashes. Also, AGEOD's post-release support is excellent, so I expect that if anything did get through their testing, it will be fixed quickly.

- Erik

Erik, here's two posts from a gamer on the Newsgroup whose opinion I trust:

My one word summary: confusing.
And if I was allowed another: buggy.
Three words ... I'm not really sure it's worth three words ...

But I'll persist after my blood pressure goes down again. <g> Half the time
I have no idea what's going on -- this game has possibly the least useful
manual of all time, you're right -- and as soon as I think I do know what's
going on ... crash. Roughly every twenty minutes, usually during the (what's
going on!?) combat resolution ...

And this is version 1.03 already, I'd hate to have suffered through the
earlier versions ... it still looks promising, but it sure as hell isn't a
finished game. Maybe it makes more sense if you'd played the boardgame.

******

Naval combat is broken. Land combat is inscrutable & probably broken (it's
hard to tell).

Grand campaign, August turn. Germans engage the Brit BC squadron in the
north sea & win, Brit BBs don't show up. OK so far, if a little
disappointing for the RN, but then the high seas fleet turns up off the east
coast of Africa -- these guys get around -- and is engaged by reinforcements
from the Brit BBs who leave that morning & get there in less than a day.
These guys get around *more*. The Germans are wiped out, but refuse to give
up & the game gets stuck on "waiting the opponent engages his units" when he
didn't have any ... maybe they're waiting for reinforcements from somewhere
else on the other side of the planet ...


There are bugs & mysteries aplenty: There doesn't seem to be any ZOC in
land or naval combat or if there is it doesn't work, units just walk past
each other all the time; units retreat from combat forwards to besiege
cities behind the lines; sieges happen with no besiegers & no besieged units
(with the only option being to delay the siege); unit info writes over the
top of the message info now (it's like someone set out to break the old
ageod interface ); the naval combat dialog is just a mish mash of writing
over the top of itself, different messages pile up without clearing or
scrolling; there's a phase for options which says it's also about
diplomacy, but it isn't, and it's followed by the diplomacy phase (huh?);
the whole thing is *incredibly* slow ... and what is it with WWI games &
phases, why? Why? <sob>

No offense to you at all but what service is AGEOD and Matrix doing to the hobby by releasing and supporting such... a product?

Best,
Adam.

[Stwa]

Well, I think Ageod has a reputation for rushing their stuff into production. Me thinks its a money thing. But, they tend to use their volunteer system well and usually most issues get resolved quickly. Just noting the revision numbers mentioned above.

Not sure about this game, but the artwork in BoA and ACW was second to none, and the games support wide-screen monitors as a general rule. The designs are first rate too (I think), but their programmers are basically underwater, which might mean you should buy this game in about a year or two.

[darrellb9]

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro
I turned the spites off and started using the square 3d icons. That and moving a couple of sliders to a lower position eliminated any jerky movement by the mouse. I even turned the map up to full scroll speed with no problem-I was very relieved. The mouse getting caught on provinces was a little aggravating.

Thanks for the sprite tip, that smooths things out a lot. I hadn't realized those were animated but yes they do in fact gently sway in the breeze if you look long enough [:D] Good use of processing power in a game that's already struggling [8|]

[Terminus]

ORIGINAL: Adam Parker

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

I can't really speak to that, since AGEOD in this case was in charge of development and primary testing. However, in our internal pre-release testing, we did not have hangs or crashes. Also, AGEOD's post-release support is excellent, so I expect that if anything did get through their testing, it will be fixed quickly.

- Erik

Erik, here's two posts from a gamer on the Newsgroup whose opinion I trust:

My one word summary: confusing.
And if I was allowed another: buggy.
Three words ... I'm not really sure it's worth three words ...

But I'll persist after my blood pressure goes down again. <g> Half the time
I have no idea what's going on -- this game has possibly the least useful
manual of all time, you're right -- and as soon as I think I do know what's
going on ... crash. Roughly every twenty minutes, usually during the (what's
going on!?) combat resolution ...

And this is version 1.03 already, I'd hate to have suffered through the
earlier versions ... it still looks promising, but it sure as hell isn't a
finished game. Maybe it makes more sense if you'd played the boardgame.

******

Naval combat is broken. Land combat is inscrutable & probably broken (it's
hard to tell).

Grand campaign, August turn. Germans engage the Brit BC squadron in the
north sea & win, Brit BBs don't show up. OK so far, if a little
disappointing for the RN, but then the high seas fleet turns up off the east
coast of Africa -- these guys get around -- and is engaged by reinforcements
from the Brit BBs who leave that morning & get there in less than a day.
These guys get around *more*. The Germans are wiped out, but refuse to give
up & the game gets stuck on "waiting the opponent engages his units" when he
didn't have any ... maybe they're waiting for reinforcements from somewhere
else on the other side of the planet ...


There are bugs & mysteries aplenty: There doesn't seem to be any ZOC in
land or naval combat or if there is it doesn't work, units just walk past
each other all the time; units retreat from combat forwards to besiege
cities behind the lines; sieges happen with no besiegers & no besieged units
(with the only option being to delay the siege); unit info writes over the
top of the message info now (it's like someone set out to break the old
ageod interface ); the naval combat dialog is just a mish mash of writing
over the top of itself, different messages pile up without clearing or
scrolling; there's a phase for options which says it's also about
diplomacy, but it isn't, and it's followed by the diplomacy phase (huh?);
the whole thing is *incredibly* slow ... and what is it with WWI games &
phases, why? Why? <sob>

No offense to you at all but what service is AGEOD and Matrix doing to the hobby by releasing and supporting such... a product?

Best,
Adam.

None. This is yet another example of why pre-announced deadlines are so dangerous.

[06 Maestro]

I'm having an irritating situation with the game. I was able to get through the first month last night, but that was apparently due to dumb luck. The game reaches a point where it will not let you advance to the next phase because something is not completed yet. The problem is, I have no idea what I'm suppose to do. I have gone through the manual, and also scanned the window for any clue, but no luck.
Running on only 1 gig of ram may have something to do with it-not sure. I can say this is the first time I have had such a problem with a game.
I'm certainly not giving up on this game' I'm sure it will be brought up to speed. However, I think that this is another case of a manual not being adequate for a newbie to the system.
In a couple of weeks I will have my new ram set (going to 3 gigs). Hopefully this will have some positive effect. I suppose I will also be registering at Ageod to be a little closer to the wizards.

[darrellb9]

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro

I'm having an irritating situation with the game. I was able to get through the first month last night, but that was apparently due to dumb luck. The game reaches a point where it will not let you advance to the next phase because something is not completed yet. The problem is, I have no idea what I'm suppose to do. I have gone through the manual, and also scanned the window for any clue, but no luck.
Running on only 1 gig of ram may have something to do with it-not sure. I can say this is the first time I have had such a problem with a game.

I'm running 1 gig of RAM and I'm in the 4th month of the scenario I'm playing.

It's not the AI that's not done is it? I've 'unfrozen' the game a couple times by hitting the Pause key a couple times until I either got the 'AI paused' message or one of the 'AI busy' messages.

Does it give you a tool tip when you hover over the Next Phase button? Usually there's at least a clue there of where you need to look, although from there a lot of times it's just trial and error until I happen to get it right [;)].

The only one that completely stumped me so far was in a Naval battle it kept telling me I had unfilled spaces even after they were all full and all ships were within their allowed range. I ended up just checking the 'brain' box and letting the AI take over. Unfortunately it went so fast I never figured out what I was doing wrong [:(]

[Crimguy]

Some words of support from Phil at Ageod:

Hi All,

We are going to fix quickly the freezes a few of you have experienced. We'll improve also fast some of the slowlyness experienced by others...

More generally, we shall post here tomorrow a general policy declaration where we shall tell you about:

- Fixes policy
- Updates frequency and timing
- Help to players
- Commercial attitude and position of AGEOD

As was clearly mentionned earlier, WW1 is a third-party game with a new engine. It is different from our usual AGE engine and has not been "tried" with 4 different games before, therefore it's 'new' and lacking 'return of experience'... but it will have our support and full comitment and attention.

Thanks for your patience and understanding

Philippe Thibaut
AGEOD
--------------


I'd give them a bit of time to sort it out. I'm a very happy owner of AACW, and have been impressed with their patch cycle. Of course, this is a 3rd party but I expect them to at least try to live up to AGEod's reputation.

[06 Maestro]

ORIGINAL: db99



It's not the AI that's not done is it? I've 'unfrozen' the game a couple times by hitting the Pause key a couple times until I either got the 'AI paused' message or one of the 'AI busy' messages.

Does it give you a tool tip when you hover over the Next Phase button? Usually there's at least a clue there of where you need to look, although from there a lot of times it's just trial and error until I happen to get it right [;)].

The "next" button will give a "tip". Sometimes it is because the AI, or other side is not ready. The one that I'm hung on is when it says that I have not completed the phase (something like that). It does not say what else to due. In a couple of days I will post at Ageod and see if they can help.

[tran505]

Guys:

Even a new pair of shoes needs some time to break in. My initial impression is this is a serious game and will require time and thought to master. My first move tonight will be to RTFM. As far as basic play, and later, more advanced strategies, I am confident that this forum will provide many answers. If technical issues need to be addressed, I think we will be covered there as well. So sit back, and enjoy the learning process. [:)]

- P

[elmo3]

I'm going to sit back and wait for a couple of patches, the detailed manual, and a review or two, then decide whether to buy or not.

[uncc]

ORIGINAL: Crimguy

Some words of support from Phil at Ageod:

Hi All,

We are going to fix quickly the freezes a few of you have experienced. We'll improve also fast some of the slowlyness experienced by others...

More generally, we shall post here tomorrow a general policy declaration where we shall tell you about:

- Fixes policy
- Updates frequency and timing
- Help to players
- Commercial attitude and position of AGEOD

As was clearly mentionned earlier, WW1 is a third-party game with a new engine. It is different from our usual AGE engine and has not been "tried" with 4 different games before, therefore it's 'new' and lacking 'return of experience'... but it will have our support and full comitment and attention.

Thanks for your patience and understanding

Philippe Thibaut
AGEOD
--------------

I too am waiting to see how the perhaps pre-mature release of WWI plays out and have been watching the AGEOD forum pretty closely. I saw this post earlier and the line that stood out to me was "- Commercial attitude and position of AGEOD". Just seems a bit...odd.[&:] Maybe it didn't translate well...

[ETF]

Well looks like I just bought a beta..........oh well. Maybe I will have another game for my signature
&nbsp;
Time will tell.

[Stwa]

I have only bought 3 games from Matrix over the years. Two of them were bascially not finished when I got em. Here is my list, try to guess which ones were not ready for prime time upon release.
&nbsp;
1. Uncommon Valor
2. War in the Pacific
3. Birth of America

[GShock]

Everything is perfectible but nothing is ever perfect.

Ageod has brought in the industry several ultra-revolutionary concepts which i would like to list (some of these are exclusively tagged AGEod):

1) Public beta pre-buy option.
2) Patch Retro-engineering.
3) Total modding support.
4) New scenario-game concepts using AGE engine for third-party DEVs.
5) Public betas.
6) Ultra-fast development with multiple patches per week at times.
7) Never ending abandoning of old projects and their customer base.
8) 24/7 customers support with most resolutions taking place at the speed of heat.
9) Very high concern for players' requests on future improvements for existing games.
10) Importance devoted more on tooltips and interface than on manuals.

It pains to see (yet it was expected as per tm.asp?m=1914279#) such negative feedback but as time goes by the good sides I listed have always taken over the setbacks they produced in their past so i am more than just optimistic, i am positive it will be a great game.
For the moment, AGEod pays the cost of those 10 points, in the near future, it will reap the benefits. [:)]

EDIT: The link should work now.

[JudgeDredd]

That link isn't working GShock.

[Adam Parker]

ORIGINAL: GShock

Ageod has brought in the industry several ultra-revolutionary concepts which i would like to list (some of these are exclusively tagged AGEod):

1) Public beta pre-buy option.
2) Patch Retro-engineering.
...
5) Public betas.
...
8) 24/7 customers support with most resolutions taking place at the speed of heat.
9) Very high concern for players' requests on future improvements for existing games.

1. What is this? You mean pay for a game before it's out? Are you saying WW1 is a public beta?
2. Actually many other companies did this before AGEOD - HPS quite famously.
5. This is good? It means "lets have a paying customer do our dirty work for us".
8. Matrix, HPS, GMT, Lock n' Load are just as good on this imo.
9. As evidenced by this latest AGEOD "Communique":

AGEOD:
The plan is to get out the first patch as quickly as possible to address stability and hardware compatibility issues. A second patch should follow in a few weeks which will address the most serious game play bugs. Beyond that, as there have always been for our games, there will be further patches until the game realizes its full and ultimate potential. Finally, we are aware that the initial game manual is inadequate and that providing a copy of the board game rules for download is no substitute. Concurrent with coding and testing, we are working on a complete and comprehensive manual.

Umm, why did you release the game in the first place? Money? Is this a joke?

AGEOD has offered to refund unsatified customers. Nice gesture...

[Terminus]

They released it to meet the 11/11 deadline. Hopefully (for their customers), AGEOD have learned NEVER to do that again.