November Update

[kylenapoleon]

[font="Verdana"][/font]I have been waiting for the computer version of this game for what seems like a long time. I would really like to have it now, but I prefer to wait until it is done right. I for one do not care if there is a PBEM aspect to the game, but I can understand why some would want it. I have decided to check the forum about once or twice a month. I am just so happy that hockey is back. I never knew how much time I devoted to the Bruins until the NHL came back this season. If all goes well, then I should be able to hold off on EiA until June of 2006.

[Windfire]

ORIGINAL: pasternakski

ORIGINAL: Camile Desmoulins

I don't be able to understand where it is the problem of expecting a little more time.

I think we all need to remember what a sh1t sandwich Marshall was handed. This game started out as a new design with no connection with EiA. It failed, and the designer bailed. Matrix decided to climb into bed with ADG. Marshall came along. He had a crappy little pile of code, an only partially successful board game in a threadbare old box, and a bunch of doubtful people muttering, "How did we ever get ourselves into this?" Marshall will likely make no money out of this thing if it ever does see the light of day, so you can't expect his motivation to finish the project at this point to be particularly high. He faces delays and worse from lack of resources. If he were to walk away at this point, I can't say that I would blame him.

But, that's not the Marshall Ellis I have perceived through his postings on this forum. He has what my old man the police officer used to call "PIG - pride, integrity, and guts."

So, Marshall, I vote with Camile. Do what you think best with this thing. Do not, however, delude yourself into believing that it will be a crowning achievement or that Matrix will engage in the necessary marketing effort to put you on Easy Street. I'll buy what you create because I believe in you and your efforts. Just don't let 'em do it to you again ... (there's a guy out there named Frank who appears to be going through similar anguish).

Concur wholeheartedly

[Ursa MAior]

I've been visiting this site more or less frequently since 2000. I live in a small backwater country where wargaming not to mention military boardgames are unheard of. I had a dream when I first read replays of EiA, and I felt like a dream came true when I read about the computer game. Since organizing 7 or so people to play a boardgame is next to impossible here, my only chance fro good Napoleonic game is to have a PC EiA.

Dont give up and like Windfire, pasternakski and other said we are with you.

[pasternakski]

Yeah, Marshall, how could you possibly think of disappointing the country that gave us the Gabor sisters, Jan Hus, and that great goulash?

[StCyr]

Matrix Games and ADG To Bring Empires in Arms to the Computer!

Deal Signed to Develop Classic Napoleonic Wargame

Staten Island, NY, September 23rd, 2002- Matrix Games and Australian Design Group (ADG: www.a-d-g.com.au ) are pleased to announce that the classic game of Napoleonic Grand Strategy, Empires In Arms, will be adapted for computer play with some new enhancements and features. Development is already well underway, with an expected release date of mid-2003.

Empires In Arms was first published as a board game in 1983, nominated "Game of the Year" at Origins and quickly licensed to the Avalon Hill Game Company. Empires In Arms remains an extremely popular Napoleonic board game, with a worldwide following and a best-selling reputation for excitement and depth of play.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "We have been developing a strategic Napoleonic wargame for some time. We always found ourselves talking about ADG’s Empires In Arms. Harry Rowland and Greg Pinder are excellent designers and I’m delighted that we have this opportunity to bring one of our personal favorites to a new generation of wargamers."

Harry Rowland, Managing Director of Australian Design Group, said "Empires in Arms was our first ever design, is one of our most successful releases and has always been one of our favourite games to play. Matrix Games has a fine reputation and we are very excited about them introducing the incomparable glory of the Napoleonic era to computer gamers throughout the world."

Empires In Arms allows players to recreate the Napoleonic Period (1805-1815) as one of the major European powers (Austria, France, Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, Spain, Turkey). Each nation has unique military, diplomatic and economic challenges on the path to power and glory. For those with an interest in intelligent strategy gaming or the Napoleonic period, there are few more rewarding or engrossing experiences.

Game Features

Faithful adaptation of Empires in Arms
Network play
Play by Email support
Intelligent computer opponent
Many optional rules and game system enhancements

[Murat]

Thanks for the update [:)]

As for a down payment, NO WAY! [:-] I have read the other forums and seen the horror stories about prepayments years ago for games that are still in development (or worse turned vaporware). If somone wants $$$ up front it would need to be discounted heavily. While I will pay U$60 or so for this in a store, I am only willing to gamble U$20 on it finishing. If you want to offer a low price for presell (not a downpayment, actual sale of the full finished product) I will think about it but this game is what brought me to these forums and 2.5 years ago it was "ready to go" and here we are.

Still EiA fans are diehards and I know at least 10 other people who will buy this imediately upon release. You want incentive to finish? Make it and it will sell. Word spreads fast in the EiA world.

[Ursa MAior]

Just a quick side note. Jan Hus was from Czechia, but the others are OK. Thanks for the support. Some of the "austrian" leaders were also hungarian Alvinczy comes to my mind first.

[Pippin]

If you want to offer a low price for presell

As I recall, most companies charge MORE than the average price for a presell these days don't they? I remember pre-sell price for WarCraft III, it was almost $100 here at EB. Highest price I"ve seen a game go for there to this day.

[NeverMan]

ORIGINAL: StCyr

Matrix Games and ADG To Bring Empires in Arms to the Computer!

Deal Signed to Develop Classic Napoleonic Wargame

Staten Island, NY, September 23rd, 2002- Matrix Games and Australian Design Group (ADG: www.a-d-g.com.au ) are pleased to announce that the classic game of Napoleonic Grand Strategy, Empires In Arms, will be adapted for computer play with some new enhancements and features. Development is already well underway, with an expected release date of mid-2003.

Empires In Arms was first published as a board game in 1983, nominated "Game of the Year" at Origins and quickly licensed to the Avalon Hill Game Company. Empires In Arms remains an extremely popular Napoleonic board game, with a worldwide following and a best-selling reputation for excitement and depth of play.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "We have been developing a strategic Napoleonic wargame for some time. We always found ourselves talking about ADG’s Empires In Arms. Harry Rowland and Greg Pinder are excellent designers and I’m delighted that we have this opportunity to bring one of our personal favorites to a new generation of wargamers."

Harry Rowland, Managing Director of Australian Design Group, said "Empires in Arms was our first ever design, is one of our most successful releases and has always been one of our favourite games to play. Matrix Games has a fine reputation and we are very excited about them introducing the incomparable glory of the Napoleonic era to computer gamers throughout the world."

Empires In Arms allows players to recreate the Napoleonic Period (1805-1815) as one of the major European powers (Austria, France, Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, Spain, Turkey). Each nation has unique military, diplomatic and economic challenges on the path to power and glory. For those with an interest in intelligent strategy gaming or the Napoleonic period, there are few more rewarding or engrossing experiences.

Game Features

Faithful adaptation of Empires in Arms
Network play
Play by Email support
Intelligent computer opponent
Many optional rules and game system enhancements

OK, there you have it. After that refresher, I don't care what anyone says.... how the hell did this debacle occur? What went so horribly wrong (or right, COG) that MatrixGames just totally blundered this one (and many others too really)?

Faithful Adaptation? LOL. Yeah, right!!
Release Date expected mid-2003? LOL. Yeah right!!

Matrix made a HUGE mistake picking this one up. It's a real shame to all of the EiA fans that Matrix has let this thing go. Simply Incredible.

[Ursa MAior]

While keeping up all of my support towards Marshall it is a bit suspicious, that no matrixgame employee has replied in these forums since a while.

Although some of the CoG betatesters have been diverted to EiA still the silence is too deep.

As for me I would be happy with a statement that EiA will be released in 2006 celebrating the anniversary of the battle of Jena lets say, or will be completely abandoned if not ready until that date. Period.

Sorry Marshall, but IMHO it would the best for all of us. For you too.

[ktotwf]

Just don't give up on the game. I really want to play it.

[Ursa MAior]

No way sir! I just would like to see the light at the end of the tunnel no matter how far it is.

[Pippin]

After being burned by crap release products numerous times.... I told myself I would never push a company to RELEASE a title they prefer to improve on.

[ktotwf]

I am just impatient because I want to PLAY, not because I feel like Matrix is doing a poor job. This will be an extremely polished job when all said and done I have no doubt.

[donkuchi19]

I have noticed that the forum for EIA is moving up the page. That is usually a good sign. [:)]

[Ursa MAior]

I dont wanna be a negative, but I remember it was on the top of the list in August or September.

[1LTRambo]

Very well stated, and very much true. I know that I have been waiting for this game to be released since 03 and others longer. I would rather be satisfied with playing the board game with a few friends when we can get together and never have CEiA, than have a crap game come out.[:-] They tried to release "The Lord of the Rings" movie in 1978 and it was awful. It took another 20+ years before somebody was able to create a worthwile effort. For me, if it takes 10 more years for the computer technology to rise to the level needed to have CEiA, then so be it. However, Marshall, you can't stop work during those 10 years![:D]

[1LTRambo]

ORIGINAL: pasternakski

Yeah, Marshall, how could you possibly think of disappointing the country that gave us the Gabor sisters, Jan Hus, and that great goulash?

Yes, REAL goulash, not that elbow noodle stuff that in the states is called goulash!!!

[Pippin]

They tried to release "The Lord of the Rings" movie in 1978 and it was awful.

Was that the animated one?

[ktotwf]

That abomination should not be spoken of.