When AoEO launched it received a lot of backlash for how it implemented PvP. The radical transformation of AoE from a serious historical RTS series to which many perceived as a pay-to-win, micro-transaction mobile game was devastating to customers’ initial impressions. For example:
The original AoEO allowed the use of gear and items in PvP matches which created the impression that the game was pay-to-win (especially because a pay wall blocked the best items).
If memory serves it had no post-game stats (if you can believe this).
Long queues and poor match-making.
No modern RTS features.
The AoEDE team really, really needs to make sure to not allow any semblance of micro-transaction that affects game-play. If there will be micro-transaction it should only affect aesthetics or content, not unbalance the game.
At launch the game must have some kind of matchmaking, hopefully with a player-base large enough to have a few league levels. There is simply no joy in noob-bashing or being noob-bashed on the regular.
The game should have post-game stats (hopefully with charts and APM) and replays.
I really hope they look at some of the work Blizzard is doing to modernize SC for their HD release this summer. If they play their cards right they could have AoE and SC competing for nostalgia and PvP greatness.
@Dvlos said:
While I agree with everything you are saying, I’m a little confused is DE just a reskinning in 4k of AOE or is this a remake on a new engine?
I’m not totally sure. It’s more than a re-skin but perhaps less than a complete rebuild (I can’t see as the ORIGINAL engine could support HD or even be run on a modern system though). Even so they can still implement the features regardless.
The videos show a more modern look but also smoother animations and motions. It’s possible its a completely new engine, and thus can make room for bigger and better PVP.
At least that’s what I am hoping for. They are talking about Xbox Live support (probably for multi), so I am assuming new engine, new deal, just mimicking the original. No need for micro transactions for this game, but could accommodate bigger maps for MP play. Who wouldn’t take that over any thing else?
@Dvlos said:
The videos show a more modern look but also smoother animations and motions. It’s possible its a completely new engine, and thus can make room for bigger and better PVP
Yeah I don’t know enough about game design to tell you what certain things indicate, I just know that if they push the game out to launch without key PvP features it will not attract serious players and it will simply become a niche product to add to a gaming library.
@rhrmn said: @Cysioncommented on Reddit that AoE:DE is built on the original Genie engine.
The closed beta for AoE:DE was referred to as a “multiplayer beta” during the PC Gaming Show at E3.
That engine thing is amazing, I hope it feels polished and responsive and most of all stable. Also the comment about multi-player beta definitely gives me hope.
From what i picked up, around Reddit and other websites. The AoE 1 DE engine, is brand new. Everything u saw on the video/photos are from a 100% legit new engine. The old engine, would be able to run on modern computers, but it would glitch a lot, and may freeze your pc/GPU etc.
When it comes to MP, u got to understand 1 key feature. The MP was really difficult to play back in the day, thus the lack of videos on youtube showing AoE 1 MP Gameplay. You were better off playing on a LAN then on the internet at that time.
So when it comes to micro transactions: There is no physically possibility for them to add in such a system, on a old yet legendary game as AoE 1 DE. Why? That would ruin the WHOLE purpose of them remaking the AoE 1 to AoE 1 DE. By all means, they could do it. But it would add in yet another whole month or 2 for the transaction system to work.
Now remember, they want to sell this BADLY thats why they put so much effort in hiding it and showing us the massive graphics upgrade.
Post game stats: AoE 1 DID have this, so i hardly doubt they will ignore this feature. Now it didn’t record APM, But it recorded gold /wood/stone/food u had collected in total, and how much u got of it every minute.
How will it look on the new system? Who knows, we are as clueless as you.
Now remember, they want to sell this BADLY thats why they put so much effort in hiding it and showing us the massive graphics upgrade.
I agree the new textures and animations look very good. Art assets are one thing, implementing whole new features would show real dedication and vision. I just hope the desire to sell the game is balanced by a desire to create a quality product and not simply to release it quickly while keeping costs to a minimum. Or worse, thinking they can release a game with half-implemented or ‘coming soon’ features and not expect a back-lash.
Hard-core AoE fans such as myself will inevitably buy the game, and probably a lot of AoE2HD/AOM players will buy it too. They need to design and market this remaster not to us, but to a new player base perhaps looking for some classic and serious RTS play.
Now remember, they want to sell this BADLY thats why they put so much effort in hiding it and showing us the massive graphics upgrade.
I agree the new textures and animations look very good. Art assets are one thing, implementing whole new features would show real dedication and vision. I just hope the desire to sell the game is balanced by a desire to create a quality product and not simply to release it quickly while keeping costs to a minimum. Or worse, thinking they can release a game with half-implemented or ‘coming soon’ features and not expect a back-lash.
Hard-core AoE fans such as myself will inevitably buy the game, and probably a lot of AoE2HD/AOM players will buy it too. They need to design and market this remaster not to us, but to a new player base perhaps looking for some classic and serious RTS play.
Agreed, the hardcore players as we are. It is indeed a guarantee of us buying it, but thats mainly because those of us that are hardcore fans KNOW how big role AoE 1 played in RTS and specially in our very own lives.
If they were to sell it say for 19.99$ or 25$ i am almost 100% certain people will be attracted like crazy to join the fun, even new players as well as old players. But it would also depends on how they market it. If they promise something, and they can’t deliver then there will be problems. Reviews will kill the chances of new players picking it up etc.
