Spartan: innovative game?

[Trifna]

I just thaught some of you could be interested in a game called Spartan, which will be out in Spring 2004. It's starting its beta tests subscriptions now. It's historical and it's of course in Greece, with spying, armies, etc.


For more info:

http://www.slitherine.co.uk/

[Asmodean]

Looks good. I like the graphhics in that screenie. I may try to sign up as a beta tester.

Asmodean

[LDiCesare]

Looks like a promising title. Even though the set map (?)may limit replayability, having a hundred different starting locations/tribes may make up for it.
From the web site:

builds on the success of Legion & Chariots of War

Anyone knows what these were worth?

[DarkCloud]

Legion was, as the reviewers described, "a beer and pretzels type of game" I think that its war capacities played out like the old Caesar games war capacities... and it also worked a bit like the old card-game-computer game transitions.

I Never played it but you might want to check out Paradox Game's website and forums for more details. http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/index.php

[Trifna]

The developers (in the forums, etc.) seem to suppose that Spartan will really bring innovation and changes over Spartan's predecessor. So I'm curious to know what it's all about

[hexagonian]

Originally posted by Trifna
The developers (in the forums, etc.) seem to suppose that Spartan will really bring innovation and changes over Spartan's predecessor...

Of course every new game makes that claim, so don't put too much stock in that.

Beer and pretzel games is an apt description. This is not bad either...

Anyhow, the Slitherine titles (Legion, CoW, and in the future, Spartan) are not terribly complex, compared to a game like EU2 or even a civ game. Basically, you are constructing buildings to pump up your economy to build armies to conquer the world. There is currently little in the way of diplomacy and tech research in Legion and CoW.

However, they are fun and challenging, given that the AI is programmed to send masses of troops against you. The challenge is in defending on multiple fronts and preventing yourself from being overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

Of course there are a few exploits within the game that make this a lot easier...but playing the game without taking advantage of those exploits on the hardest levels keeps the game challenging.

As for civs, there are a lot to choose from, but there is little difference between one another (other than starting resources to develop and a unique units per civ). The main difference is in starting locations, and in the chance to play a historical civ (though the game takes some liberties in the timeframe each civ existed in relation to other ancient civs).

I will say this - Slitherine has the most beautiful TBS gamemaps on the market, and they are constantly taking suggestions from fans to improve, and more importantly, to patch their games, despite the fact that their games are not big sellers. It does look like that the lack of diplomacy and tech features in their current titles will be addressed in Spartan.

[Asmodean]

Hey....I have been chosen to beta test this game.

But I will be under NDA. So I can tell you guys nothing.

But I hope that it will be fun

Asmodean

[Trifna]

Then I have to admit I'm a bit disapointed to not be in...
Happy for you though!

How many hours will you be playing per week?


Edit: Wouhouhou! Finally, I received a email acceptance

[Asmodean]

Originally posted by Trifna

How many hours will you be playing per week?

5-8, depending on my work schedule.

Asmodean