Topic: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment  (Read 6599 times)

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Mr. Hypergol

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Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« on: July 02, 2003, 07:41:55 pm »
Check out the middle of this page:

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/index.html

Interesting to see someone complement SFC1 again.  Must be why everyone is still playing SFC1/2.  Maybe what Trek gaming needs now is Galaxies at War!!!

Now that Activision is out of the way.....maybe the chances got a little better.  

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2003, 09:25:42 pm »
hear hear!

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2003, 09:52:31 pm »
check your numbers hyper.. while there might be more gsa players for sfc.. there are by far more people playing d3 than any of the d2/op.. even during the sg3 campaign. different games, different focuses. activision leaving was a BAD thing in that i doubt anyone will pick up or try to sign a contract with paramount. i might be wrong.. lets hope i am wrong.. but for me, any way you cut it its bad.

for what its worth.. NONE of the sfc products have equaled or suppassed sfc1. yes, i like and still play sfc2/op.. but at the same time, i am not as narrow minded as to say that 2/op is better.. its different. i like both quite a bit actually.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 pm by NannerSlug »

jimmi7769

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2003, 10:13:16 pm »
Quote:

, i am not as narrow minded as to say that 2/op is better.. its different. i like both quite a bit actually.





Good-Ole-Nanner      ;-)
 

Tulmahk

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2003, 03:29:52 am »
The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line.  The line they supposedly loved so much.  This led to lower-than-expected sales.

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.

So go right ahead and keep playing SFC1, waiting for the second coming in the form of GaW.

Too bad it isn't going to happen.

What the next Star Trek starship combat sim is going to need is a new producer and a new developer.  

Cleaven

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2003, 04:15:40 am »
Quote:

The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line.  The line they supposedly loved so much.  This led to lower-than-expected sales.

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.

So go right ahead and keep playing SFC1, waiting for the second coming in the form of GaW.

Too bad it isn't going to happen.

What the next Star Trek starship combat sim is going to need is a new producer and a new developer.  




Hmmm, so by not playing a different game I won't be able to buy another rendition of something like Bridge Commander.

Well I bought my copy and SFC:TNG and got 2 other people to buy it. Now what? I bought it but I don't have to play it. Or is that your idea of contributing to the end of Star Trek games? I defy you to tell me how this SFB player could do more for your favorite game, especially since you have done squat for mine.  
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 pm by Cleaven »

WillWeasel

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2003, 09:43:54 am »
Quote:

The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line.  The line they supposedly loved so much.  This led to lower-than-expected sales.

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.






So do you think all those who do not like SFC-TNG but like EAW, OP SFC1 it's because they love Starfleet Battles?


Ok then I like SFC1, EAW, OP. I do NOT like SFC-TNG. Therefore, according to you I like SFB.
Would you like to now how many games of SFB i've played? 0 none. How many captains logs or whatever they are i've read or purchased from ADB. 0 none. The only ADB literature I have read is that which came on the SFC cd.

But yet sfc1,2, and OP have taken up more of my time then any other game, computer or otherwise, save MOO1,2 and Pirates! O and yes I have played TNG, did not buy it. Mainly because I am part of the camp that believes buying is like voting. If ya buy it then it means ya like it. As such I own 3 copies of SFC1, damn cd's wear out....   2 of EAW, and one of Orion Prates. So can I a non SFB'er turn in on myself for not wanting an arcade game? I just don't like arcades.....

I'm sure there are others like me who like SFC but are not big fans of SFB. But hey not like it matters at least I gave TNG a shot. I doubt you have played the other versions to any extent. Of course I may be wrong but probally not.  

Sten

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2003, 09:52:16 am »
Damn I knew I shouldn't have bought 2 copies of SFC3. Had I known buying this game would destroy the SFC franchise I would have passed on SFC3.

I prefer SFC1, EAW, and OP to SFC3.

Guess what my 12 year old daughter does also. She thinks the game is to easy. She only played it on D3. The only thing she wants to see from SFC3 in OP is Romulans with a real cloak. <crossed fingers>

Oh and the ability for us both to get online together and fly as a team like we can with SFC3, and thats the only selling point for me about SFC3. I can play on a D3 with only 1 IP.

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #8 on: July 03, 2003, 10:28:43 am »
Tulmahk, relax.. people on both sides need to move away from being grumpy at each other.

sfc1 was an excellent game - and was a unique ground breaking trek game. people played it and liked it. however, the numbers for 2 and op were not as much. we dont know the numbers for 3, but we can assume that it was not what they expected or planned. however, i can tell you that it did reach a new crowd and recieved the best ratings in a long time.. BUT THERE WAS NO DEMO.. nor was there any sort of official patch to rectify much needed fixes.

to me, i am really tired of seeing the split in the community.. but it will probably always be there unfortunately.

anyhow.. best thing to do is just let it go and see what happens. whether people like it or not, though, activision was a good thing that happened to the sfc series in that they at very least invested money into the project. had they not - things would be considerably more bleak than they are now.  

Mr. Hypergol

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #9 on: July 03, 2003, 03:01:58 pm »
 
Quote:

 The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line. The line they supposedly loved so much. This led to lower-than-expected sales.
 




I'm not sure I understand what you are saying?

Are you saying that SFC3 tanked because the SFB fans didn't buy SFC3?  OR....are you saying that the SFB fans criticisms of SFC3 drove new buyers away?

The latter case would not be likely because I'm sure 99% of the people who bought SFC3 don't come to this forum and have no idea what the SFB fans were complaining about.

The first case is more likely since SFC3 alienated the core support of the series and probably attracted few new people that hadn't already been interested in the previous games. (I hope I said that correctly?)  I think the number of SFB fans out there is underestimated.  There are tons of people who play SFB casually, enjoy it, but are quiet about it.  Not all SFB fans are hardcore......I love SFB but only play about once or twice a year....does that qualify me as hardcore?....I think not.  I may be vocal on this forum, but I'm still a casual SFB player.  I think there are many like me out there who play SFB occasionally but still buy up all the SFB material as it comes out .  These are the types that loved and bought the earlier SFC games.  (It's obvious that Amarillo Design Bureau is selling lots of SFB stuff.....so who's buying it if the SFB crowd is soooo small?  It would be nice to know the sales numbers at ADB but I don't think they release that info.)

I think many SFB folks like me probably went ahead and bought SFC3 anyway for the hope of a Galaxies at War.  If not for the hope of GAW, SFC3 sales might have been even worse.

Bottom line:  Pissing off your core fans is generally not good for sales.  

Lepton1

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #10 on: July 03, 2003, 03:51:32 pm »
Quote:

Tulmahk, relax.. people on both sides need to move away from being grumpy at each other.

sfc1 was an excellent game - and was a unique ground breaking trek game. people played it and liked it. however, the numbers for 2 and op were not as much. we dont know the numbers for 3, but we can assume that it was not what they expected or planned. however, i can tell you that it did reach a new crowd and recieved the best ratings in a long time.. BUT THERE WAS NO DEMO.. nor was there any sort of official patch to rectify much needed fixes.

to me, i am really tired of seeing the split in the community.. but it will probably always be there unfortunately.

anyhow.. best thing to do is just let it go and see what happens. whether people like it or not, though, activision was a good thing that happened to the sfc series in that they at very least invested money into the project. had they not - things would be considerably more bleak than they are now.  




I have a hard time believing that the sales for SFC2 were less than for SFC1 since EAW is far superior to SFC1 and followed so closely to the inital title.  I remember everyone and their brother switching over to SFC2 back in the MPlayer/early GSA days.  So that's all those sales and word of mouth for an improved expanded game.  Anybody have some official numbers???

IndyShark

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #11 on: July 03, 2003, 03:52:30 pm »
I bought SFC3 and enjoyed it for a month or so.

I bought SFC2/OP and LOVED it for a year or two.

I bought SFC1 and played it for six months or so.

Please, God let there be a SFC4 based on SFC2 or OP!!!!  Forget what I said about Christy Brinkley! I really want this and my wife would be upset if I started playing with Christy....!

 

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #12 on: July 03, 2003, 05:08:48 pm »
Quote:

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.
...
What the next Star Trek starship combat sim is going to need is a new producer and a new developer.  



No they/we didn't. Activision chose their own forms of demise without any help from SFC fans. They expected us to automatically swallow up an ahh... different game based on the title. They were wrong.
As for "driving" away people, remember one of the argument from the _producers_ was that the vast majority don't check the forum nor play online.

The Producers (if not Activision) dug their own grave and dragged the rest of us into it.

Will a GaW sell better? I don't know. But it will be a better-designed game. (remember, Game-design quality, bugginess, and "boxoffice" are completely different)

If you want another product other than SFC. Go play Dominion Wars, Klingon Academy, and Bridge Commander... Let us play SFC.


As for EAW failed to sell more... Believe it. EAW is superior than SFC1, (and OP than EAW) NOW. But when it was released EAW was quite a mess.

Magnum357

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #13 on: July 03, 2003, 08:07:14 pm »
I think I agree with you guys.  Although I do like SFC3 and still play it alot, making the game have hardly any roots from SFC1,2, and OP was not a wise move.  Like what 3Dot14 said, just because you slap the "Starfleet Command" name on it or the Star Trek name on a title, doesn't mean it will sell just aswell as before.  The game mechanics are so different in SFC3 compared to the previous versions that it literly is a whole different game.  Most fans of the earlier versions (a good chunk of which are SFB fans) saw that their was little point in buying the 3 version since EAW and OP's game systems where proven tested by the old Paper and Pencel system of SFB.  SFB's rule system has been around for over 20 years and has a large following.  A good majority of SFB fans bought SFC1, 2, and OP because its based on their rule system.  Since SFC3 has completely different mechanics, their was little point in buying the title.  

If the rumors are true that Activision is going to sue Viacom, and that Star Trek's financial worth is going down the toilet, why not make a deal with ADB and base this so called "Galaxies at War" with the blessing of that small company?  Granted, it would not be Star Trek, but with the way Star Trek is going lately its getting too expensive to buy the licence anyway and it might be a whole lot cheaper to negotiate with ADB.  Also, you know then that since it is based on the SFB game mechanics, you will certainly get the SFB crowd back.  Heck, you might even convince ADB to do make some more material for SFB based on time periods of later Generations (like their version of what ships would be like in the Next Generation of SFB).  Both Taldren and ADB could flourish together if they neogotiated with one another.  Forget Star Trek, if the franchise is really dieing, then what is the point in trying to get the licence for it?

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #14 on: July 03, 2003, 08:11:45 pm »
a better designed game in your own opinion, pi.

the demise of the series has far more involved than either side would like to admit. would GaW have sold more? HELL NO! the core of the sfc series is probably not sfb folk - but folk like my self who like star trek. the sfb engine did well and provided hours of fun - that is true... but it is also true that a good game does not have to be based on that rule set to work.

do we know how bad sfc3 went? not really.

GaW might be popular around here and a few other places.. but you ask the average person - or do your market research - would you buy a game with tholians and andros or with the borg and species whatever/ dominion.. hmm.. wonder which would get the vote..

could sfc3 play have been improved.. in hindsight, probably (i miss my t-bombs. heh) - but not for the reasons you might think.. there are many, many folk playing both the patched and unpatched servers who are enjoying the game.. and that is with no official support from activision.. and NO DEMO for sfc3..  the demo thing is a killer for me, simply put.

ask your self - do you buy a game which does not have a demo. my answer is no. i want to try the game before i lay out 50 bucks on it. the only game i have not done so is with R6: raven shield.. and that has more to do with research for punkbuster than game play (though the game play is sweet). there was a demo for sfc1 and for sfc2.. but none for sfc3.. in my opinion - i think that hurt a problem which already exisisted because of the whole beta/official patch situation. lets put sfc2/op is the same boat as sfc3 is now and see how many people would have purchased it.

finally, regarding the "core of the game." many of us simply enjoy playing a good game - what rule set it uses doesnt matter as long as the game is good. i am fairly confident that many folks didnt read the box or play the game and say *gasp* they changed the whole game on me - this is an outrage. they simply played the game and either like it or they dont. reminder: it is possible for folks to like both.. but i know that goes against some people's conventional wisdom.

in short, lighten up and play the game. either you like it or you dont.

one other thing, for the most part, you dont get the evil balance complaining threads that you did with sfc2. THAT is in its self an accomplishment. instead of focusing on all the negative things - why not point out the positives.. but that would be counter productive and actually prove that people buy the game for it being a solid trek combat simulator instead of being an sfb game (which is what i believe is the case).

i would love to see the sales numbers on each of the games at this point.  

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #15 on: July 03, 2003, 08:25:32 pm »
LOL. The Isreali and Palestinians will get peace faster than we do, Nanner. I am really beginning ro see this World (real world) conflict at a newer level. Just imagine that we can't even agree to a game design, let alone politics, and world issues.

I disagree with most of your post, and I have counters for them, and no doubt you will disagree with all my counter and counter and counter...

What we need is someone who has a vision (not Bush, right now, it's Sharon) who is willing to blink first. (Vision, Blink, get it? )

I will make a mental to avoid this subject as much as possible. (I may still be baited into it in the future, I am sorry to admit.) Peace.

Demandred

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #16 on: July 03, 2003, 09:01:16 pm »
I've noticed an interesting thing recently (may just be in the GFL but I would doubt it). More and more people are coming back to SFC2/OP from SFC3. I wouldn't really know as I haven't played SFC3, but it seems to me like the game has less staying power than the earlier versions.

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #17 on: July 03, 2003, 09:11:37 pm »
well pi, i think a lot can be done by people simply accepting that a) there is more than 1 right answer to a question regarding preferences in games we play.. its all about personal opinion. b) realize and yes, respect that the other person's likes are different - not any less than your own.

simply put - you can agree to disagree. swallow our pride and just say - hey, that might be what you like, but i might like somthing different.. it really is that simple.. (think camaro vs mustang debate.. THAT can get heated. lol)

all the nagging/slandering of sfc3 does no more than irritate me. i like sfc3. i love the TNZ and DW mods.. so sue me. that does not make sfc2 any better or worse..

here is another example.. which is better.. counter strike or rainbow 6.. battlefield 1942 or medal of honor.. its all about opinion, pi.

and i do firmly believe that the core group of this game who spend money on this game are trek fans.. but is that what there is an issue over.. the alledged soul of this group.. trek or sfb? at that point i would really, truly love to see the marketing research they did for sfc3.. and trust me, they had to do some sort of marketing research.. you dont just spend several million dollars on computer game development without doing your homework.

like wise, i also believe its true regarding the whole patch/no demo process and the impact it has had on this game/series. i also doubt that many of the sfc3 players visit here - but are out there on their own.. how many people heard of korah or pelican before sfc3? what about many of the other new folk who enjoy sfc3?

again pi - just agree to disagree.. but one thing i can do, is supportive of the OP/eaw patch process and pray for an sfc3 patch.

Mr. Hypergol

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #18 on: July 03, 2003, 10:31:44 pm »
Nanner,

I like you and respect you for standing your ground.  I disagree with you but hey.....it's a good and interesting debate.

You know what my real problem is?

They made SFC3 TNG instead of SFC3 GAW....and then SFC4 TNG.

That just irks me.

Damn them!!!  

jimmi7769

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #19 on: July 03, 2003, 10:43:30 pm »
Quote:

(think camaro vs mustang debate.. THAT can get heated. lol)




That's an easy one...Firebird.

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #20 on: July 03, 2003, 11:34:46 pm »
hyper - that is another, but seperate issue from where i am coming from. i know that there are people who want that particular expansion set for the sfc2 based engine.. should they be able to get that? sure i would simply because i think some people would have a good time with it. however, that does not mean that people should try and deligitimize and demean sfc3 in the mean time. sfc3 is exactly that, sfc3. plain and simple.

i would have loved a lot more things in sfc3 (like say more ships like in tnz).. i would love to have seen a more indepth bridge commander with its 3d combat.. (its multiplayer rocked when you got into squadron fights and could warp from system to system) i would have loved to have seen a marathon 4 instead of halo.. (dont get me wrong, halo rocks - but its not marathon) i am still waiting for a multiera star trek game.. sfc3 came darn close to being a perfect game for me.. if we can ever get a first year available and last year availble setting for it, ill be home free with the TNZ and DW mods.. thats all i need!

simply put.. history is repleat with many of us not getting things we want.. busines is business..  that doesnt make it right or wrong - and i know some folks were disappointed - but in the same breath that doesnt give people the right to start a tar and feather session.. im not sure who said it, but some one mentioned to me that the bulk of the sfc3 community doesnt even come to the taldren forums  - i dont blame them in a way.. i really wish people could just bond the wounds and support each other on issues. that is not a joke either.

right now, whether folks like to admit it or not, the lack of official support for sfc3 and no demo are the primary sources of grief.. and will probably ultimately hurt things.. but on the other hand, i thought of this.. can you imagine the elite force 2 folk?

Toasty0

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #21 on: July 04, 2003, 02:09:52 am »
In my opine Taldren tried like hell to make SFC:TNG, but some folks who had no clue used their positon to force the making of SFC:FPS (read: First Person Shooter). They simply failed to grasp the core concepts behind Trek's Trek-Space-Naval-Sim organic (if I can be so bold as to call it that).

In many ways, if you just change the SFC3 models from ships to figures what you have is a FPS game. I'm not bagging on SFC3. It's a fun, entertaining, exciting game. But, imho, it is the models only in this instance that make it a SFC universe and not the game play.

Of course I could be wrong.

Best,
Jerry  

The_Infiltrator

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #22 on: July 04, 2003, 10:50:49 am »
Nanner: the energizer bunny of the SFC world. Or is it the titanic band of the SFC world?

jimmi7769

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #23 on: July 04, 2003, 11:10:33 am »
This has become tiresome.

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #24 on: July 04, 2003, 06:10:15 pm »
Quote:

here is another example.. which is better.. counter strike or rainbow 6.. battlefield 1942 or medal of honor.. its all about opinion, pi.



Sigh, you just don't let go do you?

I agree it's a matter of opinion...

But. What is Battlefield 1942 is actually named "Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Battlefield 1942" What would you think? They are both FPS, both set in WWII... Sure the gameplay appear different, but no body would mind.

IMHO, this is what happened to SFC.

And also, you don't know what the "real SFC3" is, from the message you keep repeating. GaW (in the folklore realm) is plenty different than EAW (more so than EAW to SFC1) featuring trully alien races (unlike ISC which is just beefed up) and real electronic warfare. (battle of the minds, not just the swords) Powerful storyline. (if correctly written.)

I was hoping a calmer reaction than I got. But instead I received a "terms of surrender" post (to put it melodramatically.) Seems my offer of truce is futile, and the debate rages on...

This has indeed become tiresome, since neither side is willing to budge from the key view points...

But we do agree on one thing:
We both hope for the speedy delivery of patches to (in no particular order) OP and SFC3.
 

hobbesmaster

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #25 on: July 07, 2003, 05:32:19 pm »
Hmmm, how many years have threads just like this occured for?  

Wolf2525

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #26 on: July 07, 2003, 09:45:10 pm »
I like SFC 3, despite it's numerous annoying bugs.  It's a much more fast paced game, with far less micro managing to worry about.  I enjoy the era it takes place in quite a bit.  I'll continue to play it, especially when the new patch comes out, fixing those annoying bugs.

But what really attracted me to the SFC series was it's focus on the SFB ruleset.  Heck, I've never really played a single game of SFB, despite owning a 1979 Designer's Edition of the game.  But that was due to the fact there just wasn't anyone I knew who played the game in my area.  I now own a more recent Captain's Edition of the game, regardless of the fact I still don't have many gamers in the area.  But, this game gave me the chance to play with anyone across the world.

Granted, I don't play online much, and in fact, I'd probably have my butt handed to me by just about anyone, but I want to do it just because it sticks to the original rules.  I can do slightly better in SFC 3 where I have less to worry about, but that's not what I want.  I'm still longing to get into one of the major serversfor SFC 3, such as TNZ(But I can't at this time since I tend to stick to Fed no matter what I'm playing, and it's currently full, lolol), but I still tend to lean towards the more true to the original controls.  I'll get nuked beyond recoginition a few zillion times in the older games, but I'll still have a big flogging smile on my face when I do it.

I guess when push comes to shove, I really do understand that the new game does appeal to a broader audience with it's simplified interface, and how that is important.  I just wish there was the original interface as well for us old farts...  




<Edit>
Hehe, I can remember the first time I sat in front of my dad's computer, and decided to give SFC 1 a shot.  I hadn't bought it yet myself, but thought "Hey!  This looks cool." as I was babysitting the dogs.  Not 24 hours had passed before I made a beeline for the software store and picked up SFC II, EAW.  I was so hooked, I couldn't see straight.  I spent hour upon hour playing until my eyes were beginning to melt from the electromagnetic radiation from my monitor.  The only interruption was the birth of my son(Pretty scary, I should probably get out a bit more, lol). Took a break for while, bought SFC3, and that really started me going back into SFCII.  But I still enjoy SFC3, regardless.

And, yet, with all those hours of playing, I stink at it more than anyone has stunk before...  Go figure, eh?  
« Last Edit: July 07, 2003, 10:01:19 pm by Wolf2525 »

Mr. Hypergol

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Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #27 on: July 02, 2003, 07:41:55 pm »
Check out the middle of this page:

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/index.html

Interesting to see someone complement SFC1 again.  Must be why everyone is still playing SFC1/2.  Maybe what Trek gaming needs now is Galaxies at War!!!

Now that Activision is out of the way.....maybe the chances got a little better.  

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #28 on: July 02, 2003, 09:25:42 pm »
hear hear!

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #29 on: July 02, 2003, 09:52:31 pm »
check your numbers hyper.. while there might be more gsa players for sfc.. there are by far more people playing d3 than any of the d2/op.. even during the sg3 campaign. different games, different focuses. activision leaving was a BAD thing in that i doubt anyone will pick up or try to sign a contract with paramount. i might be wrong.. lets hope i am wrong.. but for me, any way you cut it its bad.

for what its worth.. NONE of the sfc products have equaled or suppassed sfc1. yes, i like and still play sfc2/op.. but at the same time, i am not as narrow minded as to say that 2/op is better.. its different. i like both quite a bit actually.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 pm by NannerSlug »

jimmi7769

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #30 on: July 02, 2003, 10:13:16 pm »
Quote:

, i am not as narrow minded as to say that 2/op is better.. its different. i like both quite a bit actually.





Good-Ole-Nanner      ;-)
 

Tulmahk

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #31 on: July 03, 2003, 03:29:52 am »
The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line.  The line they supposedly loved so much.  This led to lower-than-expected sales.

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.

So go right ahead and keep playing SFC1, waiting for the second coming in the form of GaW.

Too bad it isn't going to happen.

What the next Star Trek starship combat sim is going to need is a new producer and a new developer.  

Cleaven

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #32 on: July 03, 2003, 04:15:40 am »
Quote:

The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line.  The line they supposedly loved so much.  This led to lower-than-expected sales.

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.

So go right ahead and keep playing SFC1, waiting for the second coming in the form of GaW.

Too bad it isn't going to happen.

What the next Star Trek starship combat sim is going to need is a new producer and a new developer.  




Hmmm, so by not playing a different game I won't be able to buy another rendition of something like Bridge Commander.

Well I bought my copy and SFC:TNG and got 2 other people to buy it. Now what? I bought it but I don't have to play it. Or is that your idea of contributing to the end of Star Trek games? I defy you to tell me how this SFB player could do more for your favorite game, especially since you have done squat for mine.  
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 pm by Cleaven »

WillWeasel

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #33 on: July 03, 2003, 09:43:54 am »
Quote:

The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line.  The line they supposedly loved so much.  This led to lower-than-expected sales.

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.






So do you think all those who do not like SFC-TNG but like EAW, OP SFC1 it's because they love Starfleet Battles?


Ok then I like SFC1, EAW, OP. I do NOT like SFC-TNG. Therefore, according to you I like SFB.
Would you like to now how many games of SFB i've played? 0 none. How many captains logs or whatever they are i've read or purchased from ADB. 0 none. The only ADB literature I have read is that which came on the SFC cd.

But yet sfc1,2, and OP have taken up more of my time then any other game, computer or otherwise, save MOO1,2 and Pirates! O and yes I have played TNG, did not buy it. Mainly because I am part of the camp that believes buying is like voting. If ya buy it then it means ya like it. As such I own 3 copies of SFC1, damn cd's wear out....   2 of EAW, and one of Orion Prates. So can I a non SFB'er turn in on myself for not wanting an arcade game? I just don't like arcades.....

I'm sure there are others like me who like SFC but are not big fans of SFB. But hey not like it matters at least I gave TNG a shot. I doubt you have played the other versions to any extent. Of course I may be wrong but probally not.  

Sten

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #34 on: July 03, 2003, 09:52:16 am »
Damn I knew I shouldn't have bought 2 copies of SFC3. Had I known buying this game would destroy the SFC franchise I would have passed on SFC3.

I prefer SFC1, EAW, and OP to SFC3.

Guess what my 12 year old daughter does also. She thinks the game is to easy. She only played it on D3. The only thing she wants to see from SFC3 in OP is Romulans with a real cloak. <crossed fingers>

Oh and the ability for us both to get online together and fly as a team like we can with SFC3, and thats the only selling point for me about SFC3. I can play on a D3 with only 1 IP.

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #35 on: July 03, 2003, 10:28:43 am »
Tulmahk, relax.. people on both sides need to move away from being grumpy at each other.

sfc1 was an excellent game - and was a unique ground breaking trek game. people played it and liked it. however, the numbers for 2 and op were not as much. we dont know the numbers for 3, but we can assume that it was not what they expected or planned. however, i can tell you that it did reach a new crowd and recieved the best ratings in a long time.. BUT THERE WAS NO DEMO.. nor was there any sort of official patch to rectify much needed fixes.

to me, i am really tired of seeing the split in the community.. but it will probably always be there unfortunately.

anyhow.. best thing to do is just let it go and see what happens. whether people like it or not, though, activision was a good thing that happened to the sfc series in that they at very least invested money into the project. had they not - things would be considerably more bleak than they are now.  

Mr. Hypergol

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #36 on: July 03, 2003, 03:01:58 pm »
 
Quote:

 The hatred of the Starfleet Battles Old Guard finally turned in on itself, and was directed at the latest offering in the SFC line. The line they supposedly loved so much. This led to lower-than-expected sales.
 




I'm not sure I understand what you are saying?

Are you saying that SFC3 tanked because the SFB fans didn't buy SFC3?  OR....are you saying that the SFB fans criticisms of SFC3 drove new buyers away?

The latter case would not be likely because I'm sure 99% of the people who bought SFC3 don't come to this forum and have no idea what the SFB fans were complaining about.

The first case is more likely since SFC3 alienated the core support of the series and probably attracted few new people that hadn't already been interested in the previous games. (I hope I said that correctly?)  I think the number of SFB fans out there is underestimated.  There are tons of people who play SFB casually, enjoy it, but are quiet about it.  Not all SFB fans are hardcore......I love SFB but only play about once or twice a year....does that qualify me as hardcore?....I think not.  I may be vocal on this forum, but I'm still a casual SFB player.  I think there are many like me out there who play SFB occasionally but still buy up all the SFB material as it comes out .  These are the types that loved and bought the earlier SFC games.  (It's obvious that Amarillo Design Bureau is selling lots of SFB stuff.....so who's buying it if the SFB crowd is soooo small?  It would be nice to know the sales numbers at ADB but I don't think they release that info.)

I think many SFB folks like me probably went ahead and bought SFC3 anyway for the hope of a Galaxies at War.  If not for the hope of GAW, SFC3 sales might have been even worse.

Bottom line:  Pissing off your core fans is generally not good for sales.  

Lepton1

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #37 on: July 03, 2003, 03:51:32 pm »
Quote:

Tulmahk, relax.. people on both sides need to move away from being grumpy at each other.

sfc1 was an excellent game - and was a unique ground breaking trek game. people played it and liked it. however, the numbers for 2 and op were not as much. we dont know the numbers for 3, but we can assume that it was not what they expected or planned. however, i can tell you that it did reach a new crowd and recieved the best ratings in a long time.. BUT THERE WAS NO DEMO.. nor was there any sort of official patch to rectify much needed fixes.

to me, i am really tired of seeing the split in the community.. but it will probably always be there unfortunately.

anyhow.. best thing to do is just let it go and see what happens. whether people like it or not, though, activision was a good thing that happened to the sfc series in that they at very least invested money into the project. had they not - things would be considerably more bleak than they are now.  




I have a hard time believing that the sales for SFC2 were less than for SFC1 since EAW is far superior to SFC1 and followed so closely to the inital title.  I remember everyone and their brother switching over to SFC2 back in the MPlayer/early GSA days.  So that's all those sales and word of mouth for an improved expanded game.  Anybody have some official numbers???

IndyShark

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #38 on: July 03, 2003, 03:52:30 pm »
I bought SFC3 and enjoyed it for a month or so.

I bought SFC2/OP and LOVED it for a year or two.

I bought SFC1 and played it for six months or so.

Please, God let there be a SFC4 based on SFC2 or OP!!!!  Forget what I said about Christy Brinkley! I really want this and my wife would be upset if I started playing with Christy....!

 

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #39 on: July 03, 2003, 05:08:48 pm »
Quote:

Congratulations SBOG!  You've contributed to the end of the SFC line.
...
What the next Star Trek starship combat sim is going to need is a new producer and a new developer.  



No they/we didn't. Activision chose their own forms of demise without any help from SFC fans. They expected us to automatically swallow up an ahh... different game based on the title. They were wrong.
As for "driving" away people, remember one of the argument from the _producers_ was that the vast majority don't check the forum nor play online.

The Producers (if not Activision) dug their own grave and dragged the rest of us into it.

Will a GaW sell better? I don't know. But it will be a better-designed game. (remember, Game-design quality, bugginess, and "boxoffice" are completely different)

If you want another product other than SFC. Go play Dominion Wars, Klingon Academy, and Bridge Commander... Let us play SFC.


As for EAW failed to sell more... Believe it. EAW is superior than SFC1, (and OP than EAW) NOW. But when it was released EAW was quite a mess.

Magnum357

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #40 on: July 03, 2003, 08:07:14 pm »
I think I agree with you guys.  Although I do like SFC3 and still play it alot, making the game have hardly any roots from SFC1,2, and OP was not a wise move.  Like what 3Dot14 said, just because you slap the "Starfleet Command" name on it or the Star Trek name on a title, doesn't mean it will sell just aswell as before.  The game mechanics are so different in SFC3 compared to the previous versions that it literly is a whole different game.  Most fans of the earlier versions (a good chunk of which are SFB fans) saw that their was little point in buying the 3 version since EAW and OP's game systems where proven tested by the old Paper and Pencel system of SFB.  SFB's rule system has been around for over 20 years and has a large following.  A good majority of SFB fans bought SFC1, 2, and OP because its based on their rule system.  Since SFC3 has completely different mechanics, their was little point in buying the title.  

If the rumors are true that Activision is going to sue Viacom, and that Star Trek's financial worth is going down the toilet, why not make a deal with ADB and base this so called "Galaxies at War" with the blessing of that small company?  Granted, it would not be Star Trek, but with the way Star Trek is going lately its getting too expensive to buy the licence anyway and it might be a whole lot cheaper to negotiate with ADB.  Also, you know then that since it is based on the SFB game mechanics, you will certainly get the SFB crowd back.  Heck, you might even convince ADB to do make some more material for SFB based on time periods of later Generations (like their version of what ships would be like in the Next Generation of SFB).  Both Taldren and ADB could flourish together if they neogotiated with one another.  Forget Star Trek, if the franchise is really dieing, then what is the point in trying to get the licence for it?

NannerSlug

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #41 on: July 03, 2003, 08:11:45 pm »
a better designed game in your own opinion, pi.

the demise of the series has far more involved than either side would like to admit. would GaW have sold more? HELL NO! the core of the sfc series is probably not sfb folk - but folk like my self who like star trek. the sfb engine did well and provided hours of fun - that is true... but it is also true that a good game does not have to be based on that rule set to work.

do we know how bad sfc3 went? not really.

GaW might be popular around here and a few other places.. but you ask the average person - or do your market research - would you buy a game with tholians and andros or with the borg and species whatever/ dominion.. hmm.. wonder which would get the vote..

could sfc3 play have been improved.. in hindsight, probably (i miss my t-bombs. heh) - but not for the reasons you might think.. there are many, many folk playing both the patched and unpatched servers who are enjoying the game.. and that is with no official support from activision.. and NO DEMO for sfc3..  the demo thing is a killer for me, simply put.

ask your self - do you buy a game which does not have a demo. my answer is no. i want to try the game before i lay out 50 bucks on it. the only game i have not done so is with R6: raven shield.. and that has more to do with research for punkbuster than game play (though the game play is sweet). there was a demo for sfc1 and for sfc2.. but none for sfc3.. in my opinion - i think that hurt a problem which already exisisted because of the whole beta/official patch situation. lets put sfc2/op is the same boat as sfc3 is now and see how many people would have purchased it.

finally, regarding the "core of the game." many of us simply enjoy playing a good game - what rule set it uses doesnt matter as long as the game is good. i am fairly confident that many folks didnt read the box or play the game and say *gasp* they changed the whole game on me - this is an outrage. they simply played the game and either like it or they dont. reminder: it is possible for folks to like both.. but i know that goes against some people's conventional wisdom.

in short, lighten up and play the game. either you like it or you dont.

one other thing, for the most part, you dont get the evil balance complaining threads that you did with sfc2. THAT is in its self an accomplishment. instead of focusing on all the negative things - why not point out the positives.. but that would be counter productive and actually prove that people buy the game for it being a solid trek combat simulator instead of being an sfb game (which is what i believe is the case).

i would love to see the sales numbers on each of the games at this point.  

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #42 on: July 03, 2003, 08:25:32 pm »
LOL. The Isreali and Palestinians will get peace faster than we do, Nanner. I am really beginning ro see this World (real world) conflict at a newer level. Just imagine that we can't even agree to a game design, let alone politics, and world issues.

I disagree with most of your post, and I have counters for them, and no doubt you will disagree with all my counter and counter and counter...

What we need is someone who has a vision (not Bush, right now, it's Sharon) who is willing to blink first. (Vision, Blink, get it? )

I will make a mental to avoid this subject as much as possible. (I may still be baited into it in the future, I am sorry to admit.) Peace.

Demandred

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #43 on: July 03, 2003, 09:01:16 pm »
I've noticed an interesting thing recently (may just be in the GFL but I would doubt it). More and more people are coming back to SFC2/OP from SFC3. I wouldn't really know as I haven't played SFC3, but it seems to me like the game has less staying power than the earlier versions.

NannerSlug

  • Guest
Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #44 on: July 03, 2003, 09:11:37 pm »
well pi, i think a lot can be done by people simply accepting that a) there is more than 1 right answer to a question regarding preferences in games we play.. its all about personal opinion. b) realize and yes, respect that the other person's likes are different - not any less than your own.

simply put - you can agree to disagree. swallow our pride and just say - hey, that might be what you like, but i might like somthing different.. it really is that simple.. (think camaro vs mustang debate.. THAT can get heated. lol)

all the nagging/slandering of sfc3 does no more than irritate me. i like sfc3. i love the TNZ and DW mods.. so sue me. that does not make sfc2 any better or worse..

here is another example.. which is better.. counter strike or rainbow 6.. battlefield 1942 or medal of honor.. its all about opinion, pi.

and i do firmly believe that the core group of this game who spend money on this game are trek fans.. but is that what there is an issue over.. the alledged soul of this group.. trek or sfb? at that point i would really, truly love to see the marketing research they did for sfc3.. and trust me, they had to do some sort of marketing research.. you dont just spend several million dollars on computer game development without doing your homework.

like wise, i also believe its true regarding the whole patch/no demo process and the impact it has had on this game/series. i also doubt that many of the sfc3 players visit here - but are out there on their own.. how many people heard of korah or pelican before sfc3? what about many of the other new folk who enjoy sfc3?

again pi - just agree to disagree.. but one thing i can do, is supportive of the OP/eaw patch process and pray for an sfc3 patch.

Mr. Hypergol

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #45 on: July 03, 2003, 10:31:44 pm »
Nanner,

I like you and respect you for standing your ground.  I disagree with you but hey.....it's a good and interesting debate.

You know what my real problem is?

They made SFC3 TNG instead of SFC3 GAW....and then SFC4 TNG.

That just irks me.

Damn them!!!  

jimmi7769

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #46 on: July 03, 2003, 10:43:30 pm »
Quote:

(think camaro vs mustang debate.. THAT can get heated. lol)




That's an easy one...Firebird.

NannerSlug

  • Guest
Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #47 on: July 03, 2003, 11:34:46 pm »
hyper - that is another, but seperate issue from where i am coming from. i know that there are people who want that particular expansion set for the sfc2 based engine.. should they be able to get that? sure i would simply because i think some people would have a good time with it. however, that does not mean that people should try and deligitimize and demean sfc3 in the mean time. sfc3 is exactly that, sfc3. plain and simple.

i would have loved a lot more things in sfc3 (like say more ships like in tnz).. i would love to have seen a more indepth bridge commander with its 3d combat.. (its multiplayer rocked when you got into squadron fights and could warp from system to system) i would have loved to have seen a marathon 4 instead of halo.. (dont get me wrong, halo rocks - but its not marathon) i am still waiting for a multiera star trek game.. sfc3 came darn close to being a perfect game for me.. if we can ever get a first year available and last year availble setting for it, ill be home free with the TNZ and DW mods.. thats all i need!

simply put.. history is repleat with many of us not getting things we want.. busines is business..  that doesnt make it right or wrong - and i know some folks were disappointed - but in the same breath that doesnt give people the right to start a tar and feather session.. im not sure who said it, but some one mentioned to me that the bulk of the sfc3 community doesnt even come to the taldren forums  - i dont blame them in a way.. i really wish people could just bond the wounds and support each other on issues. that is not a joke either.

right now, whether folks like to admit it or not, the lack of official support for sfc3 and no demo are the primary sources of grief.. and will probably ultimately hurt things.. but on the other hand, i thought of this.. can you imagine the elite force 2 folk?

Toasty0

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #48 on: July 04, 2003, 02:09:52 am »
In my opine Taldren tried like hell to make SFC:TNG, but some folks who had no clue used their positon to force the making of SFC:FPS (read: First Person Shooter). They simply failed to grasp the core concepts behind Trek's Trek-Space-Naval-Sim organic (if I can be so bold as to call it that).

In many ways, if you just change the SFC3 models from ships to figures what you have is a FPS game. I'm not bagging on SFC3. It's a fun, entertaining, exciting game. But, imho, it is the models only in this instance that make it a SFC universe and not the game play.

Of course I could be wrong.

Best,
Jerry  

The_Infiltrator

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #49 on: July 04, 2003, 10:50:49 am »
Nanner: the energizer bunny of the SFC world. Or is it the titanic band of the SFC world?

jimmi7769

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #50 on: July 04, 2003, 11:10:33 am »
This has become tiresome.

3dot14

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #51 on: July 04, 2003, 06:10:15 pm »
Quote:

here is another example.. which is better.. counter strike or rainbow 6.. battlefield 1942 or medal of honor.. its all about opinion, pi.



Sigh, you just don't let go do you?

I agree it's a matter of opinion...

But. What is Battlefield 1942 is actually named "Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Battlefield 1942" What would you think? They are both FPS, both set in WWII... Sure the gameplay appear different, but no body would mind.

IMHO, this is what happened to SFC.

And also, you don't know what the "real SFC3" is, from the message you keep repeating. GaW (in the folklore realm) is plenty different than EAW (more so than EAW to SFC1) featuring trully alien races (unlike ISC which is just beefed up) and real electronic warfare. (battle of the minds, not just the swords) Powerful storyline. (if correctly written.)

I was hoping a calmer reaction than I got. But instead I received a "terms of surrender" post (to put it melodramatically.) Seems my offer of truce is futile, and the debate rages on...

This has indeed become tiresome, since neither side is willing to budge from the key view points...

But we do agree on one thing:
We both hope for the speedy delivery of patches to (in no particular order) OP and SFC3.
 

hobbesmaster

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #52 on: July 07, 2003, 05:32:19 pm »
Hmmm, how many years have threads just like this occured for?  

Wolf2525

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Re: Gamespot Editor's SFC1 Comment
« Reply #53 on: July 07, 2003, 09:45:10 pm »
I like SFC 3, despite it's numerous annoying bugs.  It's a much more fast paced game, with far less micro managing to worry about.  I enjoy the era it takes place in quite a bit.  I'll continue to play it, especially when the new patch comes out, fixing those annoying bugs.

But what really attracted me to the SFC series was it's focus on the SFB ruleset.  Heck, I've never really played a single game of SFB, despite owning a 1979 Designer's Edition of the game.  But that was due to the fact there just wasn't anyone I knew who played the game in my area.  I now own a more recent Captain's Edition of the game, regardless of the fact I still don't have many gamers in the area.  But, this game gave me the chance to play with anyone across the world.

Granted, I don't play online much, and in fact, I'd probably have my butt handed to me by just about anyone, but I want to do it just because it sticks to the original rules.  I can do slightly better in SFC 3 where I have less to worry about, but that's not what I want.  I'm still longing to get into one of the major serversfor SFC 3, such as TNZ(But I can't at this time since I tend to stick to Fed no matter what I'm playing, and it's currently full, lolol), but I still tend to lean towards the more true to the original controls.  I'll get nuked beyond recoginition a few zillion times in the older games, but I'll still have a big flogging smile on my face when I do it.

I guess when push comes to shove, I really do understand that the new game does appeal to a broader audience with it's simplified interface, and how that is important.  I just wish there was the original interface as well for us old farts...  




<Edit>
Hehe, I can remember the first time I sat in front of my dad's computer, and decided to give SFC 1 a shot.  I hadn't bought it yet myself, but thought "Hey!  This looks cool." as I was babysitting the dogs.  Not 24 hours had passed before I made a beeline for the software store and picked up SFC II, EAW.  I was so hooked, I couldn't see straight.  I spent hour upon hour playing until my eyes were beginning to melt from the electromagnetic radiation from my monitor.  The only interruption was the birth of my son(Pretty scary, I should probably get out a bit more, lol). Took a break for while, bought SFC3, and that really started me going back into SFCII.  But I still enjoy SFC3, regardless.

And, yet, with all those hours of playing, I stink at it more than anyone has stunk before...  Go figure, eh?  
« Last Edit: July 07, 2003, 10:01:19 pm by Wolf2525 »