A Slice of Civ3 Feedback From The Official MOO3 Forum

[marc420]

For all the talk about the gameplay of Civ3, I just wish they would fix the game so it doesn't crash my computer.

I'm running a nice new Pentium 4 with Win XP. Its the most stable, reliable computer I've ever had. The operating system almost never crashes. A few apps crash, but they almost never bring down the os.

I say almost in honor of the geniuses at Firaxis. So far they have produced the only application that can regularly crash my entire Win XP operating system. Somewhere, somehow this needs to get a gold star in the book of programming accomplishments.

And to earn a second gold star, their "patch" that they release two months ago crashes the system more often and more reliably than the original version did. At this rate, I can't wait to see what their next patch will do. Probably force me to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the os every time I try to play their game.

So far I've moved from the patch version to the cd version. Since Firaxis doesn't show any sign of fixing their patch (2 months and counting), I guess I'll just move further back and go back to playing SMAC. Maybe go search the internet for what Brian Reynolds is planning these days.

[Zachriel]

Originally posted by marc420
For all the talk about the gameplay of Civ3, I just wish they would fix the game so it doesn't crash my computer.

Works perfectly on my Win98 machine, very stable. Be sure you have the latest manufacturer video drivers.

[Immortal Wombat]

Originally posted by TechWins
Hence the word of "might" which implies possibility to an event. Whereas your thought process implies of only one occurrence, and that sure is hell ain't having Civ3 becoming the game it is supposed to be. I'll go with my thought process, which leaves a window open to possibilities, and you can go with your thought process, "no chance in hell".

Seriously, though, I don't see why Firaxis wouldn't want to exploit more money out of Civ3. In exploiting more money out of Civ3, Civ3 has a chance of becoming the game it was supposed to be. IMO, I see Firaxis trying to exploit more money out of Civ3 within the year, which is completely understandable for a company to do. Again, I'll go back to my word usage of "might", because as of right now Civ3 = might and only time can tell what might will equal.


Yes, I realize what I jus said probably made very little sense.

I got that after 2 readings

Ok, maybe "might". All depends on what is was supposed to be. A worthy successor to Civ2? Maybe
A worthy succesor to Civ2 and CtP2? Never. Show me the SLIC!

[TechWins]

Ok, maybe "might". All depends on what is was supposed to be.

Well, I can assure you that it's not what Civ3 currently is.

Show me the SLIC!

There might not be the need for SLIC by that time.

[CharlesUFarley]

Originally posted by OneInTen
Hardly. I don't buy many things, mainly because I decide before spending my money whether I believe something will be worthwhile. If you spent your money on civ 3, it did what it said it was going to do, and you're still unsatisfied, I say cry me a river.

Geez, pirate the game first to see if it's worthwhile if you have to! Just don't whinge after you made a purchasing decision if that purchasing decision is in retrospect one you regret, not because the goods were defective, but your decision was defective.

OiT you're making the assumption that every consumer strolls through the market with a calculator in one hand, and a small notepad listing the pro's and con's of each and every game product on the shelf. And that eventually with a well thought out decision and some practical reasoning, a game is finally purchased. Fact is, people rarely shop that way, and most of the time a game is purchased for four reasons...

1) My friend said it was a cool game.
2) I read the reviews, and they said it was a hit.
3) The box and picture artwork revealed it to appear really good.

Or in this case

4) It's a sequal to a smash hit, it's got to be good! (Civ2)

So what I'm saying is, most of us (I can't speak for everyone - I can only assume here) purchased Civ3 because of the 'name' and it's 'reputation' not because of a smart buy. So if you're saying that you feel that people should spend their money more wisely, than I completely agree with you. But if you're stating that people are "foolish" or "dumb" because they fell into the "game hype trap" that's just plain ridiculous. And believe me I'm no idiot when it comes to purchasing a game, but I shamefully admit that I too fell blinded by game hype and reputation.

Charles.

[CharlesUFarley]

" let the person without sin, cast the first stone"

Originally posted by Antonin
It's a computer game, people. If it's so important to you that the "defects" you imagine to be in it are consuming your every waking moment, then maybe it's time to seek help.

Well it may take you all you're existing life to answer messages and keep updated on here, but it takes me a few minutes a day, and occasionally I skip a day or two. So this little fixation on 'people should get a life' remarks not only reveals you to be on that same boat, but eventually drowning in the fact that this message board or any other has nothing to do with someone's personal life. "It's a computer game, get a life" well on the same token "It's a message board, don't worry about it".

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Hate Civ3? Don't play it.

If you don't like criticism, don't read it.

And of course, when you guys finish developing your own computer games, instead of just rambling on about somebody else's, be sure to let me know so I can subject your work to a little gentle criticism...

And when you're done picketing and ranting about critics on broadway & main - maybe you can only then begin to set the example for the very people you're complaining about!

Charles.

[CharlesUFarley]

Re: About this "whiner" label.

Originally posted by MarkG

Answer yes to any and Congradulations! You're a whiner too.

totally wrong definition!! it's one thing to criticise, to post your opinion. it's another to post it 30 times over and over again. THAT is a whiner...

Nonsense. Anyone with common sense knows that the term "whiner" only comes up when someone's argument dries up and they resort to childish name calling, or often in most cases these people are calling critics whiners because they simply don't like what they're reading. In other words, "Whiner" really means "I don't agree with you" or a variation of it. You can't honestly believe that the majority of users on this board (whom which are adults) are here to solely "whine/complain" about a game product! Each and every individual no matter how irrational they become (due to anger) has an objective goal or valid point to make. In the least a message board is a good place to vent you're gripes, but if it makes you sleep better at night to degrade a stranger with electrons and bits of data, at least realize that each and every adult on the face of this earth has a little childishness in them every once and a while, no one is perfect.

But put this "whiner" term to rest for god sakes, criticism is 'productive' as it focuses on what is wrong with a product in order to improve it. How is "na na - I love civ3 and if you don't - you're just a whiner!" at all productive? Put the "whiner" name calling to sleep folks. Let the critics criticise, and let the game praising continue - but don't cross the streams! It's like a monkey F!@# a football for christ's sake.

Charles.

[CharlesUFarley]

Yin's Commentary - Truth

Originally posted by Ming
One more time in simple terms...

I agree with much of Yin says... it's how he says it that is the problem. Instead of constructive criticism, he calls them idiots, or makes assine comments like "they are laying in their own crap" and other rude comments.

There is nothing wrong with not liking game... or saying that it has it flaws... But much of what he posts now are just petty insults... something I would expect from a young child... not an adult who used to be a very respected member of the gaming community.

I completely agree with Yin on all his points, and I don't blame him for insulting them, why should he treat them with respect when he feels disrespected by them? The fact is, you just proved Yin's whole cause to be worthy by reacting with insult to his comments. Every action demands a reaction. Yin is only reacting to Firaxis. Simple logic.

Charles.

[Ming]

Re: Yin's Commentary - Truth

Originally posted by CharlesUFarley
I completely agree with Yin on all his points, and I don't blame him for insulting them,

Well.. that's where we will disagree. They produced a game under restrictions placed on them by their publisher. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's fair game to insult them. I stand by my comment that it seems to not be a mature response.

Plus, I don't think it gains anything, because as even they have stated, they don't listen to people that do it. So what's the point.

[notyoueither]

Charles.

The problem, from my point of view, is not with the pointing out of problems or other shortcomings.

The problem is with the endless repetition and vehemence that the complaints are made.

I can understand your point of view. Hope you can understand mine.

Salve

[CharlesUFarley]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Charles.

The problem, from my point of view, is not with the pointing out of problems or other shortcomings.

The problem is with the endless repetition and vehemence that the complaints are made.

I can understand your point of view. Hope you can understand mine.

Salve

I agree that endless and meaningless rant and negativity is un-productive and pointless, but thats for the individual to decide as long as this is a free expression board. No one is forcing you to reply to criticism, if you don't like the noise, close the door.

Charles.

[CharlesUFarley]

Re: Yin's Commentary - Truth

Originally posted by Ming
Well.. that's where we will disagree. They produced a game under restrictions placed on them by their publisher. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's fair game to insult them. I stand by my comment that it seems to not be a mature response.

Plus, I don't think it gains anything, because as even they have stated, they don't listen to people that do it. So what's the point.

The contract and restrictions have little or nothing to do with the present issue, in fact it's common knowledge and ancient history. You debate that the consumer should show the company respect, but what if the company sets a poor example of such proclaimed levels of respect and then avoids the issue by hiding away from it's community? You can argue that this isn't the case or that never happened but the fact is it DID.

And you arm yourself with words like proffesionalism or maturity well lets take a good look at it, Firaxis has poorly demonstrated both - if they were pro's they would handle criticism and insults with firm and direct rebuttles acompanied by answers. This never happened (prove otherwise). Maturity would demonstrate that no matter how rabid or vicious the fans become, they will always be answered and treated with respect - because it's good business policy and will increase reputation. But let's look at how this really unfolded...

1) Firaxis ships a game that is felt by some - a dispointment
2) Community inquires why and how.
3) Firaxis provides lame excuse.
4) Community isn't content with response, inquires more.
5) Firaxis ignores community.
6) Community gets annoyed, tries to reason (multiple emails).
7) Firaxis provides more lame excuses.
8) Community is agitated, repeats questions.
9) Firaxis ignores community.
10) Community is pissed off, let the games begin <-- we are here.

No, you're wrong Ming. Firaxis started this, and this is the reaction. Simple. If they want respect, they should shed some and set an example. But this is business, not personal - so who cares what anyone thinks or says! Disapointment will be disapointment no matter where you go, and believe me we're disapointed. And the sooner they respond to us, the sooner the criticism and repeaticiuos complaining will evaporate. Ignore - and it will go on forever.

Charles.

[Ming]

Re: Re: Yin's Commentary - Truth

Originally posted by CharlesUFarley
No, you're wrong Ming. Firaxis started this, and this is the reaction. Simple. If they want respect, they should shed some and set an example. But this is business, not personal - so who cares what anyone thinks or says! Disapointment will be disapointment no matter where you go, and believe me we're disapointed. And the sooner they respond to us, the sooner the criticism and repeaticiuos complaining will evaporate. Ignore - and it will go on forever.
Charles.

No... you are wrong. I said nothing about respect. You are welcome to be disappointed. But, does that mean you can stoop so low as insults. "They are idiots, or they suck" isn't what I would call a mature response to your disappointment

Yeah... it's a business. Deal with it. They have done a patch, and it is highly probably that there will be another, or an expansion pack. They are working on the problems. Calling them names doesn't help anything. Criticism is OK... name calling is childish at best...

[DaShi]

Re: Re: Re: Yin's Commentary - Truth

Originally posted by Ming


No... you are wrong. I said nothing about respect. You are welcome to be disappointed. But, does that mean you can stoop so low as insults. "They are idiots, or they suck" isn't what I would call a mature response to your disappointment

Yeah... it's a business. Deal with it. They have done a patch, and it is highly probably that there will be another, or an expansion pack. They are working on the problems. Calling them names doesn't help anything. Criticism is OK... name calling is childish at best...

I agree with you Ming. They are not idiots. Maybe they made a few foolish decisions. They are a business, I just wonder where the passion for the game went (if there ever was any for CivIII).

[CharlesUFarley]

Re: Yin's Commentary - Truth

Originally posted by Ming
No... you are wrong. I said nothing about respect. You are welcome to be disappointed. But, does that mean you can stoop so low as insults. "They are idiots, or they suck" isn't what I would call a mature response to your disappointment

Name calling is a form of disrespect, therefor you want us to 'respect' them by not calling them names. Playing on my wording won't favor you're point. Although I agree with you, name calling is the mark of imaturity and low self esteem. But, when a mechanic works on you're car and screws up your egnition timing and forgets to put in a fuel pump, and you call him an 'incompitant fool' doesn't mean you're an imature name calling child. You're expressing anger by categorizing people by their actions using a form of slander derived from emotion. And it's not uncommon for game fans to slander game companies and their employees when they're let down. You of all people should know that, assuming you are a fan and still bare the emotion of disapointment - so you're still wrong.

Yeah... it's a business. Deal with it. They have done a patch, and it is highly probably that there will be another, or an expansion pack. They are working on the problems. Calling them names doesn't help anything. Criticism is OK... name calling is childish at best...

Well, you're material must be drying up, you're using mine. I told YOU to deal with it, it's a business and should be treated like a business, not a virgin child. If they take offense to our remarks, criticism, or name calling then they're not only unproffesional but also imature. Yin's remarks maybe offensive, but he's right.



Charles.