Am I having fun yet?

from GalCiv2 Forums
Hi, I'm a veteran of GC I and II. I really enjoyed GC I! I liked GC II, especially the graphics, but didn't have such a barrel-full of monkeys as with GC I, and after a while it became a bit stale. OK after reading all the raves I decided to try Dark Avatar.

I've been playing a while but aside from asteroid fields to harvest and some planets not being immediately available for colonization (which to me feels like an additional hurdle, not much fun), the game feels exactly like Dreadlords. So, did I plunk $35 for asteroids and toxic planets? Ouch.

But I'm willing to give the game a chance (I better). Could someone please summarize what's new and cool in Avatar? How does it improve over Dreadlords? That way I can focus on these things and hopefully start enjoying my investment.

6,689 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well it is supposed to be an expansion to DL, and expansions are never all that different - not for any game!

I havn't bought it yet myself, there is not that much to draw me to do that... except to continue the story of the campaign in DL. Also i like the new mega events but they are a random thing so i dunno why i would buy a game to enjoy features that may or may not happen so their not much use either.

Also i think DA is more difficult than DL as well so it is good for people looking for more of a challenge from DL.

Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Wow, 35$ for DA? I got Gold Edition for 40$ :O
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I would add that the super ablities can be pretty fun to play with.

I, in particular, like the Torian and the Thalan abilities. Others have found the Korath spore ships to be pretty fun....
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If the game's gotten a bit stale, that's probably because you've gotten better at it and it's not as much of a challenge for you.

The super abilities and mega events make the game more interesting, and usually a bit harder for the player, as well. Less well-documented changes include:

- The increase of size and cost of engines, which slows your fleets down and gives the AI more of a chance to counter your moves.

- Factories produce fewer 'hammers', so you have to plan your builds more carefully.

- Tech trading, freighter trade income, and the diplomacy ability have all been clamped down to the bone. You won't be able to keep the AI off your back so easily with diplomacy any more, and you'll have a hard time getting techs from them.

- Your economy in DL is a Ferrari. In DA, you have to run the same race in a Ford Escort with sprung suspension and busted headlights.

There are more, mostly more subtle changes. I like the difference and will probably not switch back to DL for a long time. On second reading, this may not be a good 'sell'... but all in all it has brought new life to the game for me.



Spore. When you absolutely, positively got to kill every motherfrakker in the galaxy. Accept no substitutes.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks. How are super abilities used (I don't mean switched on but actually used in-game) or are they passive? As Human, the Thorian once told me he accepted an interview only because of my superdiplomacy, but I don't know how to "use" it otherwise.

Also, I always like to play as Human but they seem to be at a great disadvantage in DA because of the toxic planet abilities that other races already have (and don't like to trade despite my "huge advantage in diplomacy" mentioned in the trade window). Coupled with most other races already having Stellar Cartography too... Comments?

Geminisama: $35 due to S&H. I bought the disk version.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
This will get you started:
Super Abilities

It is a touch dated and doesn't completely answer your questions, but it definitely provides some clues...
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Geminisama: $35 due to S&H. I bought the disk version.



So did I. O.o