Dark Avatar review by Solver

[RitaCarterJ]

The new expansion adds so much that it's hard to know just where to begin. New civ options, more complex star systems, new espionage elements and improved diplomacy, an entirely new campaign, better graphics, and a number of other improvements make Dark Avatar a sure bet for fans of space strategy games. Perhaps the most significant and satisfying gameplay change is the inclusion of environmental restrictions for colonization. In Dread Lords we, like many players, preferred to grab as many habitable planets as possible before worrying too much about things like infrastructure or technology or warships. Sure, it sometimes left you open for a massive attack, but it was the surest way to establish a solid foundation for the middle game.

[Hydro]

Yes, and they said it was one of the most detailed yet, which is notable considering all of the reviews that GalCiv DA has gotten!

Congrats!

Hydro

[Solver]

I'm also proud to say that the review has been noted on GalCiv2's official website at www.galciv2.com

[Solver]

Thank you .

[Island Dog]

Great review, and very throough!

[Hydro]

I noticed the Hive didn't automatically build factories in one turn. Rather, I thought they simply got to buy them in one turn at list (instead of the rush) price.

I did notice they don't have unlimited range. This wasn't a huge deal for me, but it could be an issue.

I'll have to pay better attention!

I have to say I was underwhelmed by the Super Spy. So far spies are interesting but not a critical part of the game. The only time they made a difference is when the Spy Event occurred and each of my planets got a spy. What a pain since I had to get rid of ~50 of the bloody things. Of course, it seemed to cripple the AI.

Hydro

[tetley]

Some of those Super Abilities are wrong.

Super Hive gets increased range (not unlimited) and their factories cost 25% of normal cost.

Super Spies start out with counter espionage tech--not immunity to spies altogether. In other words they suck.

[Stuie]

Excellent review, Solver!

[Grandpa Troll]

Impressive Solver

[Solver]

Hey, as I've mentioned in the other thread, it was largely to cut down on the review's size. Believe me when I say that my musings on super abilities could be half as long as the whole review turned out to be.

If talking required electricity, I'd have to be hooked up to a nuclear power plant .

[Main_Brain]

There I was hoping you would specifically mention all Super Abilities

The only one I found were these:

Each civilization is really unique at doing something. The super abilities are:



Super Diplomat. Civilization is able to secure much better deals through negotiation that other civilizations.
Super Dominator. When they go to war, they receive a group of Corvette class ships. The number they receive is based on their military power.
Super Organizer. When they are attacked, all races of the same ethical alignment will come to their aid.
Super Warrior. When in battles, they get the first strike ability. That is, their ships attack first and if their opponent survives only then do they return fire.
Super Breeder. If their approval is 100% their population increases at 4X the normal rate
Super Isolationist. Can colonize barren worlds and no foreign ship can travel more than 3 spaces per turn in their area of influence.
Super Trader. Gets all the trade techs at start of game and gets 2X from trade.
Super Manipulator. Is very good at getting other races to go to war with each other.
Super Hive. Unlimited range and all factories are built in 1 week.
Super Adapter. Starts out with aquatic and toxic world technologies.
Super Annihilator. Can build spore ship which when used on a defenseless colony will eliminate all population and turn it into a toxic world of the same class.
Super Spy. Gets an agent to start with and worlds are immune from agents.

besides of that Mishap nice Review (as far as i got reading this morning)

[Solver]

Thanks guys .

[Jvstin]

Indeed, its a great review, Solver. I've not played as much DA as you have, but my experiences thus far have mirrored your observations in terms of the AI.

[LordTheRon]

Great review as ever Solver! Very in depth, reasonbale and good criticism with some very good solutions. I think these could help Brad and the devteam a great deal to make DA even better.

[Solver]

It should also be noted here that this thread contains a bunch of interesting discussion on Dark Avatar.