ORIGINAL: icitrom_y
I posted a poll asking who will buy the game and/or the maps set on BoardGameGeek.com (BGG) in the General section of the forum for WiF:
"WiF-ers, are you going to buy Matrix-WiF?" (I'm not allowed to post a link. (Because I'm new?))
I think the results are interesting. Thirty-four WiF-ers responded.
Regarding the maps, 55% selected, "Pretty damn cool. Unfortunately, I don't live in a school gym."
Regarding the Matrix-WiF, the responses were spread across the spectrum. Only 38% said they're definitely picking up the game.
Another 35% said they'd be willing to buy the game only when MWiF solidifies. My personal take on it is that, yes, MWiF is a grand huge achievement but that's the nature of this beast. So, having said that, with no AI and perhaps especially that the game cannot be played by more than two players, plus the price point, has a significant number of people balking.
My personal view is that WiF is WiF and is defined by ADG. I'm not especially interested in a new variant, called Matrix-WiF, that branches off from here and will only continue to vary from ADG's WiF. I'm guessing that Factories in Flames just missed the development boat. I'm disappointed that Days of Decision is not there, i.e. that it is not at least a definite on the way element.
America in Flames and Patton in Flames would be nice to have but I'd be OK without them if ADG's WiF itself was completely circumscribed. I seems like a fair number of us are willing to pass on an amazing computer WiF implementation if it's only 95% complete, not withstanding that the 95% is very well done.
I would add that I don't expect the world in one basket nor expect people to work for free. I'd pay separately, for example, for a Days of Decision module. But, I'd like to know that it's definitely on the way. I look at it as this new amazing Cadillac, super in every respect but it only comes with vinyl seats. Some things are just naturally a quantum, such that a lot of people will pay the $100,000 for the Cadillac but it doesn't follow that they'd also pay $95,000 for a 95% version.
.
If I can do the same.
I'd say Wif is a horse and buggy. A time-proven system of transportation for the ages. Does everything you need and want it to do and has even had some good innovations put on it through the years. Heck, just last year they came out with a wheel brake. Everyone knows them and everyone loves em.
Enter Henry Matrix. Ole Henry is an enterprising young man with a love of horse and buggies. Even though Mr. Matrix didn't invent the early automobile, he believes he can mass market a better way for people to travel. So Mr. Matrix devises a plan to do just that and sets out work on his drawing board. His ambitions are big and reality tells him that while he can do most things he wants, he wont be able to do them all for his first production roll out. Things are going well for Mr. Matrix, stumbling blocks and all. Even though his project is past budget and far exceeded the time to produce, his work carries on. Internally his top engineers say 'look Henry, you're going to have to scale a few things back initially. We have no doubt that we can retrofit these items in, but the investors are getting nervous and they demand that you put something out on the production line.
Mr. Matrix, being the innovator he is with a reputation for following through on things he deems important, and feeling pressure from all sides, accepts the challenges.
Fast forward a bit.
Matrix Motor Co. is ready to sell its newly made item. A horse and buggymobile if you will. He named it the MWiF. Similar to the WiF with revolutionary new features that allow you to travel farther distances in a single sitting without the hassles from before. Even though consumers wanted a back seat and more trunk room the thing chugs out of the factory with a certified voucher that entitles every customer to come back in and let Mr. Matrix add those items that are important to everyone, including himself, at a later date.
Now this upset the Horse and Buggy Association of America. They said, 'I told you this thing was a flop and would never catch on.' and 'I have no need for this thing as I am fine with the added work of shoeing my horses, finding adequate shelter and pitchin' hay. I'll continue to do so.'
Mr. Matrix says 'I hope you'll reconsider and understand that my product isn't a replacement for your love, it is an addition. To all of us involved there is just no better feeling of rounding the hilltop in the open air, man and beast with room for everyone. But I promise that if you give it a try you to will one day appreciate the modern amenities I have included here. Look right there. That is a cup holder next to a glove box to hold your possessions. and there, why that keeps you from falling out the sides. etc.etc. Besides, who actually enjoys cleaning up all that horse manure and all the room it takes to store the oats, hay, and provisions. When I go to start my MWiF, I don't have to get it up, saddle the team, get the buggy and deal with a stubborn animal that wants to fight me the whole way. I just pull my MWiF up, load up my passenger, and very soon passengers, and go for the drive we all love. Give it some time to grow on you.'
Now don't get me wrong, when all those MWiF came rollin out of the factory many little flaws were discovered by their new owners. Mostly minor of course, and hopefully none too big that the baby wouldnt run. Heck, my neighbor had paint chipping and a torn headrest. But Mr. Matrix constantly worked on improving the assembly and anyone who had a factory defect were honored to have Matrix Motor Company fix it for free, no questions asked. In time these flaws were weeded out due to a diligent customer and lovers of fine items everywhere.
As far as those items that Mr. Matrix wants to add, he has made considerable advancements and has great blueprints on the ones that aren't. Still, the promise stands. Bring in your MWiF when he gets this to where he is happy with it and he will retrofit them onto yours for free. Of course auto-pilot was more work than thought and while it won't be free to add on later, the original price was lowered to compensate for it not being there as planned. And if you don't want that retrofit, no one is forcing you to add it later. You do the driving and let those that prefer one to do so later. Both of you can still enjoy driving together. That won't change.
Now me, I'm just a factory clean-up boy. I never had an interest in a horse and buggy nor a MWiF until recently. Mr. Matrix let me drive it around the factory and I fell in love. Heck, I even ordered a horse and buggy to get the feeling that so many other great people before me had. But my fist love is that newfangled MWiF.
I have these suggestions at times too. Mr. Matrix has me write them down and stick them into a box. I assume he comes by to read them from time to time, but I hardly know. I'd assume that if they were good ideas Mr. Matrix might say so, but that isn't why I do it. I want the best MWiF money can buy and I know if I just save a little bit of my wages, I can have one too.
Mr. Matrix says we can have any color we want as long as it's black. We'll just have to see about that. I've always been partial to metallic flake candy apple red.
..don't forget that part.