From reading some of the posts here I get the impression that the current version of E:RT (the one I've just
purchased) is a "partially complete" version and that the final version (both single and multiplayer) will be released
around Christmas.
I know that the MP client will be free to download, however, will there also be a downloadable patch
to update the current retail SP game to the new version, or will I have to pay another ?30 to buy it again?
I am not really interested in the MMO side of the game, more in the single-player mode, but I would definitely like to see
features like a mission editor, more ships, maps with land, etc. - whilst I know all these features are "in the pipeline"
I don't really want to have to buy the game twice. If this is the case, I will probably take the game back to the shops and save
my ?30 for when the new version is out later this year.
Please don't take this post the wrong way. It's not a criticism, I just want to know the situation for certain so I can decide whether to keep
the game or not. (the shop I purchased it from, GAME, has a 10-day return policy). From what I've seen of Enigma it looks like a really good game. Though mainly an aviation sim fan, I've often wanted
to play a decent WW2 naval sim. And maybe it won't be practical to make a patch to update the current version to the Christmas edition. But I can't really afford to "buy a game twice".
I would agree with this - a simple low price update should suffice, either that or a free download. If 'full price' updates are released, then people are going to be turned away.
This is the quote from the official sitehttp://www.warfleet.net/index2.htmHow does the subscription work?
We give our multiplayer software away at no charge. If you purchase a copy of the singleplayer game, you will receive a free 30 day subscription to the multiplayer game. After a free exposure to the game, users must subscribe to play online in return for a monthly fee.
In effect, the game functions like a cable service; we provide the game, subscribers pay to play. Every three months during the projected life of the game, we roll out expansions that add vehicles, features, and new gameplay, also at no charge beyond the usual monthly subscription.
Although East has openly said that the SP game will be supported with extra missions/campaigns
Capital ships will likely only be player controlled in multiplayer. Same with Carriers. But yes we will continue to upgrade the single-player game.
Once all the different version are out, we will release a free "add-on" to the single-player game - it's a secret what you will be getting. =)
Characters on the ships is currently not planned, but it is a continuing discussion point. If we find a way to represent crew that meets our criteria then it's possible they may appear in the future.
Walking the sub has been a goal from the beginning - not sure it's going to happen for some time, lots and lots of other work to do first.
A more extensive damage/fx/control system is under design right now.
Singleplayer won't be neglected and the bigger ships aren't always your best friend. The flyable aircraft will first appear in single-player for example. Carriers and the like will also make their first appearances in single-player.
We've begun the initial work for a free upgrade for single-player already.
Do you judge all girls by your ex girfriends good and bad? We aren't other game companies. To verify that, head to their forums and chat with their dev team - producer or CEO. It doesn't happen.
If you have been with us since the "Gigex" version, then you have already seen how the game changes with input from the players. And hey, 30 days free multiplayer - take advantage of it and then drop (if you can make yourself), it's ok with us.
Last but not least it would be good to remember that we are a very small indie studio. We don't work in some flashy office, we don't drive new cars (hell half the guys ride bicycles) and we have to work very hard to stay in business. That means tradeoffs. Some things will seem better for singleplayer, others for multiplayer. We can't do it all and we can't please everyone. We'd like to, but we can't. You already know we are planning a new chapter to Enigma this Christmas - that's an entirely new singleplayer game. Guess what, you buy that one, you get another 30 days free. Tough to make it more fair than that.
Glad to have you onboard, and don't make us keel haul you.
--East
A little clarification:
The Christmas chapter of Enigma will be a completely new game. Different campaigns, new vehicles, etc. We will be releasing "Episodes" or chapters of Enigma (we are talking about single-player) at least 1x per year and possibly 2x per year. It may also turn out that we release only 1x per year (full standalone chapter) but release a low-cost or download only add-on. We are still working on this.
The Chapter one single-player (release April 17th) is not a "partially completed game". It is a complete single-player only game. We will be releasing an add-on for it (free) after the Foreign language and USA versions are released.
Hope that helps.
That's what you call loyalty!A little clarification:
We will be releasing an add-on for it (free) after the Foreign language and USA versions are released.
Hope that helps.
Thanks East et al
OK, thanks for the feedback, looks like I'll be keeping the game!
Forgive me if you're not allowed to give out information on things like this, but are you planning to release a mission editor for E:RT? That would be the single biggest improvement to the game at the minute (IMHO)