1801

Gotcha. If you’re interested, I’ll let you know my impressions on the 24th (as I’m sure others here will) when the game comes out. Most of the descriptions in game were filler while the Random House stuff was getting finished up, and as for the Beta changelogs, well… Stardock betas are an interesting experience.

For better or worse, I don’t think the Betas have too much bearing on what the final product is going to feel and play like.

1802

My thoughts exactly ;-)

1803

You say that like it’s a bad thing. I don’t think it is, and if the game’s general reception is any indication, almost everyone agree with me. Presentation aside, though, the missions are more varied and mostly more interesting than than in any other RTS I can think of. That in itself should make it a sale to an RTS campaign gamer. The only thing that really sucks about SC2 is the DRM.

As for Elemental, the betas made it seem like it might sort of be the SC2 of 4X games. It probably will be very old-school in the ways that really matter, but with a pile of stuff the ancestors didn’t have. And a high degree of modability. It’s also the game I would pick if I were choosing. Mordrak, however, gave the impression he’s not too crazy about the previously mentioned “pile of stuff”, and did give the impression he’s fond of RTS campaigns.

Mordrak, never ask multiple gamers to recommend you one of a limited selection of games. Because they’ll recommend the game they prefer to play regardless of your preferences, and they’ll most likely end up arguing over who sucks more for liking X over Y.

1804

Stardock has announced Elemental has gone gold. Not much longer to wait now. :)

Jon

1805

As exciting as that news is, Jon, Elemental is my #2 strategy game this year… when does YOUR game go gold, again? :)

1806

Now they can get to work on the day one patch to the gold version :-\ Hope they have that ready by the 24th! (I’m sure they’ll have SOMETHING ready by then…)

Sorry to be cynical, but given the amount of last-minute-itis here, I am not sanguine. But I will be visiting my parents on the other side of the country until the 27th, so I’ll get at least three days of post-release patches before my earliest possible install opportunity :-)

1807

It’s hard to believe it’ll be a bad game. Stardock just doesn’t make bad games. Maybe some aren’t AAA, but I’ve never regretted giving them my money for any game. Given their dedication to post-release updates, I’m pretty convinced that even if it has some last minute-itis issues, it’ll be evolved into something awfully good without too much delay.

On the long term, the mod tools are insane and I’m actually looking forward to what the cream of the crop will be of the mods.

1808

Stardock just have a different way of doing things. You can’t compare their beta/dev process to what you typically see as a beta tester.

1809

Will Impulse do any kind of preloading before the game is released?

1810

I’m looking forward to getting enough time off to play Starcraft 2 and Civilization V. I’m not sure I’ll have time to play other games this year (other than Elemental AI coding).

Re in game text: The lameness of GalCiv II’s text is why we worked with Random House for Elemental.

1811

Grats on GOLD Brad! My buddies and I are chomping at the bit to see what the final version looks like!

1812

Awesome! Looking forward to playing the real thing.

1813

Looking forward to the game, Brad!

PS - if someone happens to “forget” and ships my limited edition out today instead of waiting, I won’t tell ;)

1814

According to Brad’s latest journal post on the Elemental website, it looks like us beta people might be able to play it a bit earlier than the release. They’re also planning to start preloading next week. :) :) :)

1815

I am trying to moderate my expectations. It’s not working :) I expect great things from Elemental! Easily my most anticipated game of the year.

1816

Odd. I sat down yesterday to give the beta one last bash before tucking it away and awaiting the finished product. It was the most unstable version (for me) yet. Thing is, I never got a crash in game until now.

Anyway, good luck Brad and the rest of the Stardock crew. Hopefully no day one nightmares for you all.

Also, do us overseas people get our limited editions shipped a little earlier? Pretty please? There is only a small window of time which I am home for over the next few weeks.

1817

I was a little surprised to receive an offer to preorder considering I already did that. Sales and marketing don’t talk much?

1818

Yes, and Brad says maybe even earlier. :)

http://forums.elementalgame.com/390764

1819

Excellent, thanks! With my relatively slow connection and the predictable server overload on release day, I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t get to play until a week after release… I’ll definitely start preloading as soon as possible.

1820

Awaiting this with very muchness.