Matrix Games Forums

Hey there. I am just wondering about how many people would play this Napoleonic game if it was ONLY play by email. That is, you could not play against the AI. Only against a player by email. I am just curious.

Please note... "Napoleon in Italy" is NOT only play by email. It does have everything. I am just wondering what if it were only play by email. How many would still have to have this?

QUESTION 1: That is... would you buy without AI, yes or no?

QUESTION 2: And what if it cost half as much without AI? Would you buy in this case, and would this change your decision? Yes or no?

QUESTION 3: Now, what if you had to email your turn to another location where the AI was processed and a file were returned to you? Thoughts?

QUESTION 4: What if Matrix were the only game company allowed to make "Napoleon" campaign games, and you knew you would never be able to play Napoleon's campaigns in any other way than PBEM? Thoughts?

Yes. This is market research. [:D]

Due to time constraints, and my habit of flitting from game to game every few weeks I only play against the AI. I would not buy a game that was only PBEM.

Likewise, I only play against AI and would not purchase an only PBEM game.

I also agree with jeffreys and Johnnie.

Same here, I am only interested in a game with AI, drop all the multiplayer options, I never use them.

1. Probably not. Even though the AI isn't wonderful it's still a good way to get to grips with the game.
2. Still probably not. The game cost me £25, which would be £15 'half price' (extended downloads). The AI is easily worth a tenner to me.
3. Almost certainly not. Worst of both worlds.
4. To be honest I don't really see the point of this question, it's way too hypothetical. Sorry.

Bottom line: PvP is what the game is all about really but the AI is something I find extremely useful both as a 'training aid' and for a 'relaxing' game.

I never play the AI. Although, sometimes I might play a few moves against the AI to test game mechanics.
 
All serious games are PBEM
-

QUESTION 3: Now, what if you had to email your turn to another location where the AI was processed and a file were returned to you? Thoughts?

Am I the only one imagining poor chinese children hiding inside a machine and secretly playing the game as "AI"? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Turk [;)]

Seriously,

if you asked the question in a PBEM club, you'd probably get different answers.

For me
1) probably not
2) probably not
3) don't understand why
4) obviously priorities in a "what would you take with you to a desert island?" scenario change.

No. AI only.

Both preferable for me.