A Deep Philosophical Inquiry into the TW Series

[AytchMan]

Before I open a discussion that ensures much gnashing of teeth both here in the peanut gallery and at CA, let me salute CA for developing a series of products that, flaws notwithstanding, represent a significant step forward in computer gaming.

Okay. Much has been made of the state of the AI (and game depth in general) in the TW series. Upon the slightest provocation, I am quick to offer the observation that CA always chooses style over substance, graphics over deep gameplay. In their defense, CA is a for-profit company and it's always hard to argue with success. However, I have long pondered an intriguing question that I now pose to the community at large. I am not sure what will result but let's see.

Question: you walk into a game store and see three games sitting side-by-side on the shelf. They are all versions of Empire Total War, the next release in the series. All are identical except: Game A is the standard version with currently-expected improvements. Game B costs 5 bucks more but promises (and delivers) significantly-improved AI over Game A. The one on the right (Game C) costs ten bucks more but promises (and delivers) massively-better AI. Which game would you buy? Why?

Serious answers only, please.

[Ascarona]

I'd pick Game C, since were talking about E:TW, about 50 - 70$. 10 bucks more is nothing, I can handle the price and I want my money's worth.

[Old_Scratch]

Well, I pretty much play TW exclusively for the multiplayer, so the first option. I would pay $5 extra for more multiplayer options, maps, and game modes though.

I play Europa Universalis 3 for my grand strategy gaming. I don't think Empires will come close to the depth of EU3, so for me it wouldn't matter how good the AI is.

[Ascarona]

I play Europa Universalis 3 for my grand strategy gaming.the AI is.

I have no idea how to get the game to work, honestly how do you start a campaign? Im using Europa Universalis: Rome but how does the game work...

[Old_Scratch]

I have no idea how to get the game to work, honestly how do you start a campaign? Im using Europa Universalis: Rome but how does the game work...

The EU games are indeed very complicated. Ask and read around in their official forums, people there will help you out.

[johncage]

game a. the modders will fix the ai

[D.B. Cooper]

Either A or B, though I'd be more inclined to pick A because I'm strapped for cash these days and if game A has everything I expected then why pay more? And this is neither deep nor philosophical.

[Silent Assassin]

I'd say A for modding, with no modding CA as the game completely Hard Coded I would pay 10$ more to have the better AI

[Hetairoi]

A. I'm finding that while vanilla version is good for what it does, the mods are far more interesting to me, especially those that are centered around my favorite factions.

[Conquistatore]

One would like to think that CA will make the AI as best they can which would in fact rule out options B and C. Using that line of thought I would pick A, as it would be the only remaining option.

[DeMolay]

I would pick the "C" without much hesitation because i don't play many computer games except total war , a warbird sim and chess that eats most of my time

However , there are some trade-off to make for CA , if they work a lot on AI , it means they probably would work less on other things (like compatibility , bugs , graphics etc..) , or would not be able to respect the deadlines and release dates which would cost them money .

So i humbly think the most realistic is for CA to release an "A" version , then work on an add-on with some new content but emphasis on improved AI for a modest price and not long after "A" version is released . Some people might disagree though

I also agree with other posters that nowadays , it is of a great importance for games to be fully moddable , because that greatly improve their lifespan and popularity

[jahjeremy]

I have high hopes for the AI in Empire, because I read someplace that three full-time people were being put on it, whereas MTWII had one (and it shows). Also, they were looking specifically at stopping the kinds of exploits that are possible in MTWII by fooling the AI. Certainly, Empire will need much improved AI, because the AI missile troops in MTWII are pretty laughable and Empire will focus on ranged combat. So if the AI doesn't improve, it is going to be a big joke if the redcoats just stand there and passively soak up volley after volley of musket balls without doing anything about it.

[Hetairoi]

Well just to be obnoxious, they did just kind of stand there at Bunker Hill and New Orleans.

[Sascha]

Ahem. First of all, this question is neither deep nor philosophical. A deep and philosophical question into the TW series could be about the image of history it carries and as to how that might affect the way of perceiving history of the people playing it.

Anyway, the answer for me is C, 10$ is not much to me, and I like a challenge.

[Double A]

B or C, I got plenty of cash, and as of the moment, my gaming HP isn't Internet accessible.

C > B if it means the diplomacy is better, not über hard though.

[Viking Prince]

To be honest, I sincerely doubt you could get the R&D necessary for the improvements for $5 or $10 more. But, I will play the game -- kinda. I would and will choose none until there is a deal available after the initial rush. I do not buy the newest computer, the newest car, etc. Living even a single year behind the curve gives a greater value for me. I am otherwise known as cheap by some people. I prefer the term utilitarian. My avatar is Thorstein Veblen, but I am not an adherent to conspicuous consumption, but then I am not a member of the leisure class. If were a member, I would plop down the additional $10 and still expect modders to make improvements.

[Conquistatore]

I do not buy the newest computer, the newest car, etc. Living even a single year behind the curve gives a greater value for me. I am otherwise known as cheap by some people.

I know exactly what you mean and I am exactly the same. I see myself as very financially and money minded, meaning I mind my finances and what I spend my money on. To me it is very valuable, even a small amount, so I patiently wait for the sales and markdowns and then, like the crouching tiger, dash in for the purchase.

[Niterider1784]

I would choose "A" if I was really dieing to play. Eventually they come out with a special "gold edition" that comes with the expansions and updates for a better price. I'll continue to work on MTW2 and try out the Mods.