I can't begin to tell you how wrong that is.  There are many haters that will whine no matter what updates Stardock makes.  But most on here are having a blast with Elemental.

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I think there was some truth in what that guy said - that in general, the regulars on these forums are abnormally forgiving.  However I don't think the game can be bankrolled and successful just based on us Stardock forum-goers (as much as it would stroke our egos )  So I think arstal makes some very pertinent points here.  Remember, there are still many, people who have bought Elemental and updated it without ever coming on the forums.

What do other people think?

Best regards,
Steven.

I know that's not true.  However, the perception is out there now, and that's what has to be fought.  It's going to take more then Stardock fixing the game- the people who have that perception are never going to see those fixes unless something else is done.

And yes, we're probably some of the easiest customers (almost said costumers) out there. 

I'm getting incredibly sick of the stock fanboy response that anyone who's not deliriously head over heels into Elemental is a "hater" (English please), PC gamer shill or hasn't played the game.

I've been following the game since it was originally release, hell since Stardock first made inquiries to purchase/use the MoM license, and am still a huge fan of Master of Magic, Age of Wonders (up through Shadow Magic), Heroes of Might and Magic, etc.  I'm a dedicated proponent of the ever so rare fantasy TBS games and have played the overwhelming majority.

That said, Elemental needs a tremendous amount of work as it stands now.

I'm overjoyed (without the slightest trace of sarcasm) that a handful of you truly love Elemental with no reservations.  You are in an incredible minority as are the handful who hate it with great vitriol and can't say enough bad things about it.

The vast remaining numbers in the forum *LOVE* the concepts and have great hope that it will turn into the great game it's been hyped to be.  But that day isn't today.  Nor tomorrow.  Perhaps six months down the road, maybe longer.

So please, please, *PLEASE* stop jumping into every single constructive criticism thread and crapping all over the well meaning and quite frequently very well thought out posts outlining what fans want to see done with this game.

It doesn't help.

At all.

I am not a regular poster here - I think the discounting / standalone expansion is over the top.  Just needs tuning - unplayable is a major exaggeration.

the game is unplayable past 150 turns. it's bug ridden. Game mechanics don't work. i'm glad you can have a blast playing broken products

calling the game unplayable \= constructive criticism.

inaccurate statements like that may give potential new players the wrong idea.

That is not "the perception."  It is some people's perception.  After seeing 1.06 in action after 2 days, and what an improvement it was after day 0, this game was ready for release.  Yes, it's still rough around the edges and needs some polish, but the game is solid and very enjoyable, already reaching the point of addicting.

Stardock's reputation will get people back.  They don't need so set up any dog and pony show.  The premature reviews did all that for them.  The spotlight is on them now, and they were already shining.

That's about the most ignorant thing I've ever read.

See  my above reply, it's not what you or I think, it's what the general buying public for this type of game thinks.

Standalone expansion isn't that unusual.  The discounting is mostly to keep those who pre-ordered Elemental happy, it may not be necessary, as (was said) Stardock fans are an extremely forgiving bunch.

One game that did this to success in the past couple of years: The Witcher.  It had a horrible launch, released an "Enhanced Edition" after launch- which was a patch to those who bought the original.

This.  Even when the engine bugs don't rear their ugly head, a ton of the mechanics are pure placebo at the moment.

Hating on "fanboys" for calling the detractors "haters."  Legendary hypocracy.

Actually he offers solid advice.  A stand alone expansion in 9 months will warrant new reviews.  Good reviews could attract new customers.   But then again we aren't telling Stardock something they don't already know.  This is why Mr. Frog has said on several occasions that they will support this game regardless of sales or reviews.  They have long range plans for this new IP and TBS game engine.  Even I'm going to shelve this game for a few patches and I've been very vocal in my support of the game and this company.

I was very disappointed at the release game.  The only reason I'm still here is that I see the potential and I see that Stardock employees are working very hard to correct a bad situation.  Personally, Frogboy and Co., I think arstal is right on the money here.  I honestly think if Stardock stuffs up again, they won't be able to sell many games even if they paid people, and they'll never be able to do games ever again.  It doesn't have to be that bad if they really change, but that is contigent on biting the bullet now.

I agree 100% with arstal's OP.  It's all or nothing now.  As they say, "Change or die".

Best regards,
Steven.

Not in the slighest.

I'm just as disinterested in the hardcore detractor who thinks the game is pure dreck and has to belittle anyone who enjoys...  see a trend here?

I desperately want the game to succeed, but the only way this will happen is if the glaring flaws are addressed not covered up under the banner of "It's the best game ever!  If you don't like it you suck!" that's coming out of a few rabid fanboys.