Armchair Dragoons Forums
Wargaming => Sci-fi & Fantasy Warfare => Topic started by: Martok on June 13, 2021, 10:44:41 PM
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Been following this one for a while now. It gives me pretty strong Heroes of Might & Magic vibes.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/867210/Songs_of_Conquest/
https://www.gog.com/game/songs_of_conquest
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Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on that as well.
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A brief interview with the AI developer. It's always nice when they take time to cover this topic.
https://www.lavapotion.com/blog/2021/3/3/developer-spotlight-marcus-antonsson
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Thought this was pretty cool. The dev just released a "mix" of the game's soundtrack, along with an overview of one of the maps. I'm definitely liking the music overall.
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It's not the same genre' but I think the soundtrack to "Subnautica" is amazing.
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Nice! I've heard praise for SubNautica's music before, but have never listened to it until now. Thanks for sharing, Steelie. :)
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Following a seemingly-ubiquitous trend from the past couple months, the devs are delaying the release of the full game in Q2 2022 as originally planned. Instead, Songs of Conquest will now be launching into Early-Access during that same time period (sometime next spring)
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/4308254080116091297
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Songs of Early Access ;D
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^ such a familiar tune..................
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It's the Pied Piper theme-song for gamers......
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Songs of Early Access ;D
[guffaws]
You win the internet today, bbmike. :ROFL:
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The devs talk a little bit more about the game going into Early Access next year...
In addition, the video teases a few extra tidbits, including a preview/mock-up of siege battles. I also have to say, I'm really digging the art style; it's honestly pretty impressive how good it looks especially considering the devs are going with the pixelated look.
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Well damn, this looks a bit good doesn't it? Wishlisted instantly!
You know, I love Steam. It's packed with features no other storefront comes close to having, it does a lot of good for the PC market in general and especially alternative operating systems like Linux and Mac. But the one big failing is its recommendations algorithm. This game is right up my street, and it's never once been recommended to me.
Word of warning: producer is Coffee Stain, who have a track record of making games exclusive to Epic (although the developer's website insists release will be simultaneous on this occasion).
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Development update #42 (https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/3133946724559413335) talks about the general state of the game, along with some of the work the devs have done the past few months.
They haven't decided on the exact price point or release date yet, but it sounds like the game is still on track to come out sometime this spring.
Word of warning: producer is Coffee Stain, who have a track record of making games exclusive to Epic (although the developer's website insists release will be simultaneous on this occasion).
Appreciate the heads-up.
Seems like an odd decision, but it's theirs to make. I hope they do indeed release on Steam, though, as I got rid of my Epic account a few months back.
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I'm not a fan of IGN, but this is a pretty nice little preview.
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I was sold anyway, now I'm even solder!
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Steam is showing a Q2 2022 release date, but I don't know if that's the release in general or if it's coming to Steam then. It's on my wishlist.
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I've wishlisted this and will send the receipt to Martok.
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Steam is showing a Q2 2022 release date, but I don't know if that's the release in general or if it's coming to Steam then. It's on my wishlist.
Looking back at earlier comments/announcements, the devs did specifically say they were releasing onto Steam Early Access in Q2.
I've wishlisted this and will send the receipt to Martok.
I'll add it to the stack. 8)
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New dev blog (and first one in video format):
Based on player feedback -- and especially issues they've seen media folks run into when showing off the game recently -- the devs have been putting in a lot of work on "smaller" things like unit pathfinding, UI/UX improvements, making things more intuitive and/or easier for players to understand, a crapload of QoL improvements, etc. It's nice to see them taking the time to focus on this stuff.
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The game is going into Early Access May 10. I intend to wait until the full release, but this is still looking dang good.
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Another dev log. Looks like it's coming together. :)
They also announced the following in Discord today:
We'll add 25 more testers to the closed alpha each week from now on! Please make sure to only apply if you are older than 18 years and have the time to actively play the game and provide feedback! You can apply by posting (only ONCE), with a motivation, in the 🔑alpha-keys channel! Best of luck to you all!
Just a heads-up that it does require joining their Discord channel (link (https://discord.com/invite/soc)).
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I actually thought this was really neat.
Magnus talks about how he and co-developer Carl have been pals since grade school, and grew up playing (and becoming obsessed with) fantasy games -- both pen & paper, and later video games, with the Heroes of Might & Magic series having an especially strong impact on them. However Songs of Conquest turns out (and I obviously hope it turns out well), there's no question the game has truly been a labor of love for both of them.
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Here's hoping the early access period is short! I'm getting pretty excited for this one.
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Yeah, me too. I've been itching for a good, "mature" fantasy strategy game for a while now, and I'm starting to think that Songs of Conquest just might be it. Fingers crossed...
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I want to like it I really do
But I always have the same problem I do with fallen enchantress, endless legend and aow games…… behold my glory as I stride across the land to take what is yours with my 9 other colleagues and a goblin
Give me a force if 50000 goblins and trolls and knights and paladins and we’re talking but me and the pub darts team never convinced me this is an epic journey
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You're definitely not wrong, 'geek. All else being equal, I too would vastly prefer to have my fantasy 4x/GS games with more appropriately epic-sized armies, and just overall scale.
Unfortunately, no one other than Creative Assembly is doing anything like that (or ever has, really). I think the two Battle for Middle-Earth games were about as close as anyone else came to giving us the scale and/or scope you & I are looking for, and even those still fell short.
me and the pub darts team
Okay, that got me good. :ROFL:
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😂😂
The search for a moddable source game begins
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I want to like it I really do
But I always have the same problem I do with fallen enchantress, endless legend and aow games…… behold my glory as I stride across the land to take what is yours with my 9 other colleagues and a goblin
Give me a force if 50000 goblins and trolls and knights and paladins and we’re talking but me and the pub darts team never convinced me this is an epic journey
Never underestimate a goblin.
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Just entered early access. Get on it Martok!
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I intend to wait until the full release
I haven't changed my mind, but man, the waiting is going to be difficult!
The game currently has a 91% up-vote score on Steam. While one obviously can't take away too much on the first day, that's definitely a solid beginning.
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Oh go on, take one for the team!
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I'm highly disappointed none of you malaccas posted this musical masterpiece. [/sarcasm]
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wtf am i watching here!!
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BC posted it.
'nough said?
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It's holding at a 90% rating, plus it was apparently the best-selling game on Steam yesterday. Not bad. :bigthumb:
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I made the mistake of watching a recent video. I don't think I'm going to be able to hold out much longer!
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I made the mistake of watching a recent video. I don't think I'm going to be able to hold out much longer!
You and me both, man. The game seems to be getting nothing but praise by almost everyone who plays it, even with the caveat that it's in Early Access. It's probably not going to "replace" Heroes of Might & Magic III as the all-time king of turn-based fantasy strategy games, but it's already clear that Lavapotion has a bonafide hit on their hands. :D
I myself just finished watching Alex & Ray from the AngryJoeShow playing Songs of Conquest in the video below. They're both huge fans of the HoMM series (they've streamed some epic-length sessions on YouTube in the past), and quite obviously enjoyed it. Alex didn't hesitate to mention his critiques (as is typical for him), but even he flat-out said the game is good, which is high praise from him.
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Can I be evil - because there are some days I wake up and just think ‘it’s time to necromance the shit out of today’
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As a matter of fact, one of the factions are necromancers!
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Don’t tempt me Frodo
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...and multiplayer! ;D
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....are there any....vegetable farms of any description?
Just asking for a friend.
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You could just get the game and sit in an allotment
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If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were taking the pi.................making fun of me.
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Never!!!
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I'm highly disappointed none of you malaccas posted this musical masterpiece. [/sarcasm]
Now there is a term I've not heard in a long time. A long time. I believe the correct plural form of that word is malakia however.
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I almost bought this just now, but £25 is a bit steep for early access in my opinion....and then I spotted that they're asking for SEVENTEEN QUID for the "supporter pack" to "show your support for the development of Songs of Conquest" - isn't that what people buying the base game in early access are doing?
It's rubbing me up the wrong way to be honest.
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Seventeen on top of 25?
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Yeah, if you want to "show your support", as if buying an alpha for £25 wasn't enough.
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Meh. The guys from Lavapotion don't come off as the grasping/greedy types. I'm willing to bet the "Supporter Pack/Supporter Bundle" was mainly offered at the request of a handful of superfans/original backers. Diehards are often willing to throw more money at a project than they need to, especially when it's for a project like this one. ;)
Still very tempted to get this. I think the only reason I've managed to hold off in this particular moment is because I know I won't really have time to play it before I leave on Thursday.
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Damn you people. I had written it off because of its looks…I am shallow. But now with everyone frothing at the mouth - it’s got me thinking again.
How ‘early access’ is it? And mind you I still haven’t fired up Warhammer III which was not officially early access at release - but actually really was.
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To be honest, I don't find the graphics style very appealing.
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To be honest, I don't find the graphics style very appealing.
No pumpkins?
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No pumpkins no sale?
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How ‘early access’ is it?
What is the current state of the Early Access version?
“All major gameplay features are implemented. Two campaigns are finished and four factions are fully playable. Online and local multiplayer is working as intended. The level editor needs more polish, but is fully functional. There might be UI-elements, translations and overall user experience details that needs improvements.”
Looking forward to your impressions, Gus!
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More tempted than I was last week. However just bought V Rising (also early access), and will be getting Old World on Thursday as well as the Rise of the Swiss DLC for Field of Glory 2.
So...my wallet is weeping.
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My finger is hovering over the "purchase" button for V Rising and I'm definitely buying Old World, so we are in the same boat. And....yeah, I'm pulling the trigger on V. Looks like fun.
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Is your finger loitering with intent?
You have 999 posts as of right now as well. Make #1000 count!
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Everything I do is "with intent" 8)
And I did pick up V Rising even though it looks like it needs to cook a bit longer.
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^People have been raving about V - so much so that I may play much sooner than I planned. Of course…Old World releases tomorrow!!
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Status update:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/3222900437319125769
Sounds like better MP and a random map generator are moving up the queue in priority.
Crap, I really do think I'm going to have to get this now...
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It’s like you want us to say it ok to alleviate your guilt 🤔
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I'm still sort of considering it, but I've just discovered Wartales too....
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^I've been following that one, Huw. :bigthumb:
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I'm still sort of considering it, but I've just discovered Wartales too....
You’re like a magpie!!
To be fair - war tales looks pretty awesome - 90% on steam after 6 months!
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I too have been leering at Wartales like a drunk old lecherous man at a bar.
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Enough games you
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I too have been leering at Wartales like a drunk old lecherous man at a bar.
So just another Saturday night, Gus??? 8)
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You say that like it's a bad thing Gus. All a lecherous old man at a bar can do is leer. >:(
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It’s like you want us to say it ok to alleviate your guilt 🤔
I grew up in the American rural Midwest, and with a Protestant (Lutheran) upbringing. So, yes. ;)
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;D
i say you should buy it - blame me if it all goes wrong
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I will!!
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;D
i say you should buy it - blame me if it all goes wrong
Thank you, 'geek. Most kind. :biggrin:
For real, though, I am thinking I'll get this once they add the random map generator. That will be the point at which I can longer resist. :dreamer:
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Same here! Looking forward to some reinvigorated HoMM 3 vibes!
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Oh FINE I've bought it. >:(
Impressions to follow some time this weekend....
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Tsk!
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;D ;D
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Streaming on the discord for a little bit if anyone's interested.
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At work but have fun buddy
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OK just some random thoughts then. The obvious point is that this is very much HOMM. On the strategic map it plays pretty much exactly the same; move troops to your wielders (hero units), then move them around the map, limited by movement points each turn, to pick up sacks of random goods and claim buildings that give a steady income of this and that. There are even lookout towers, XP towers, and sites that confer temporary movement buffs. So far, so HOMM.
The main difference is the magic system. Rather than generating mana or anything like that, your spells depend on various colours of essence which is generated at the start of each troop's turn and only in battle. This is crucial, because it encourages splitting your troops up so that you get more essence in a battle. The obvious negative, though, is that smaller troop sizes means they're more likely to be killed.
I'm not sure I prefer this change yet. It does take some stress out of the strategic layer - it's one less resource to worry about after all - and it makes your troops more important to you. But it also means that shorter battles are won before you even get time to generate the essence needed to cast the cooler spells. I definitely need more time to evaluate it before I come to any conclusions though.
One of the best things about the game is the presentation. You wouldn't think it was in early access. With the exception of the occasional typo the game is very highly polished. No bugs, graphical artifacts or anything. Music is generic but pleasant and sounds are fine. This is a game that looks a lot better in motion than in screenshots, I really cannot emphasise that enough. The UI is snappy as hell too; everything is incredibly responsive, whether you're moving troops in a battle or selecting buildings to upgrade in your city.
Anyway I've only done the first campaign mission then about 30 turns of a skirmish map so I have to withhold judgement for the time being - but early impressions are extremely positive!
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Great to hear Huw. :applause:
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I...I never played HOMM...any of them. This game still looks like the beez neez to me, though.
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OK just some random thoughts then. The obvious point is that this is very much HOMM. On the strategic map it plays pretty much exactly the same; move troops to your wielders (hero units), then move them around the map, limited by movement points each turn, to pick up sacks of random goods and claim buildings that give a steady income of this and that. There are even lookout towers, XP towers, and sites that confer temporary movement buffs. So far, so HOMM.
The main difference is the magic system. Rather than generating mana or anything like that, your spells depend on various colours of essence which is generated at the start of each troop's turn and only in battle. This is crucial, because it encourages splitting your troops up so that you get more essence in a battle. The obvious negative, though, is that smaller troop sizes means they're more likely to be killed.
I'm not sure I prefer this change yet. It does take some stress out of the strategic layer - it's one less resource to worry about after all - and it makes your troops more important to you. But it also means that shorter battles are won before you even get time to generate the essence needed to cast the cooler spells. I definitely need more time to evaluate it before I come to any conclusions though.
One of the best things about the game is the presentation. You wouldn't think it was in early access. With the exception of the occasional typo the game is very highly polished. No bugs, graphical artifacts or anything. Music is generic but pleasant and sounds are fine. This is a game that looks a lot better in motion than in screenshots, I really cannot emphasise that enough. The UI is snappy as hell too; everything is incredibly responsive, whether you're moving troops in a battle or selecting buildings to upgrade in your city.
Anyway I've only done the first campaign mission then about 30 turns of a skirmish map so I have to withhold judgement for the time being - but early impressions are extremely positive!
Awesome!
Appreciate you sharing your initial impressions, Huw. Looking forward to getting my hands on this more than ever now. :dreamer:
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I am continuing to play it actually so when I get a chance I'll post further impressions. Still recommended. :bigthumb:
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Status update from the devs. No roadmap yet, though they are working to improve multiplayer, including adding simultaneous turns.
Also, they've added an up-vote page for new/requested features. The top three are currently 1) more factions, 2) simultaneous turns in MP, and 3) random map generator.
https://songsofconquest.featureupvote.com/
Lavapotion also outlined a list (not comprehensive) of planned/upcoming improvements:
GAMEPLAY
Maps
More skirmish maps will be added.
Spells
DoT spells aren’t getting buffed by spell damage, they should.
Spell damage stat affects more spells than it should (e.g. Arcane Push Repel).
Some spells that shouldn’t be affected by spell damage are affected by it.
Marketplaces
Neutral marketplace for resources is planned for future updates.
Neutral marketplace for buying and selling artifacts is planned for future updates.
Abilities and Traits
Some troops that currently have either the “Wait” or “Defend” ability will later get a different ability. There are currently too many troops that have the wait ability.
Hotseat
You can play hotseat with the Early Access build, but it’s not optimal to find at the moment. Go to Single Player, choose Skirmish, remove the AI players, add all the Human players you want by clicking Join. Happy hotseating!
AI
AI currently only has Easy and Normal difficulties, we will add more difficulties in future updates.
AI is not yet optimized for using portals so expect worse AI-performance and slower AI turns on maps with many portals.
UI and fontsizes
We are looking at options for scaling the entire UI and options for scaling font sizes across the game.
Localisation
Parts of the game are not localized and those parts will be displayed in English.
As EA continues on and more content is added more things will not be localized at first..
Map Editor
We are planning to do an UI/UX overhaul of the Map Editor. Because of this, it’s mainly unlocalized and does not have any tutorials.
Audio
Baryan town building's sound effects are built out of recombining SFX layers of Arleon town buildings. Will be fixed in future updates.
A few minor sound effects are missing.
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I absolutely love that Lavapotion is adding this feature: Don't like the results of an auto-resolve? You'll then have the option to manually fight it out yourself if you wish! :D
Such a brilliant idea in hindsight. It made me immediately want all my strategy games with tactical battles to automatically include this feature, at least when I'm in singleplayer mode.
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I took my first beating in this last night! I've been sweeping through my enemy's territory (playing a small skirmish map with an easy AI to learn the game), and I found his city. There was no wielder there and it was defended only by a small garrison, so I took it. However it takes three turns to fully occupy, and during that time one of their wielders brought a nasty army in. We put up a brave fight and whittled down his forces quite a lot but we were overcome in the end.
Nice touch - since we were defending a city, we had a lot more defensive positions than I was used to seeing, and they were better fortified too. Also, this is where one of my Creation spells came in handy; I was able to plug some bottlenecks by summoning impassable terrain. The ranged units were able to plink away at us though, and by this point I only had militia left who suck.
I think militia are really underpowered, but I guess they're probably supposed to be. They use crossbows, which aren't really much better than bows and they take a whole turn to reload. That really sucks in a game where units are really mobile on the battlefield.
Oh and to add insult to injury, the enemy captured all the cool wielder weapons I was carrying. So not only do I need to raise a new army, I need to acquire some good loot again!
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That's awesome, Huw. :2thumbs:
I've managed to hold off on getting SoC thus far, but only barely. I'm pretty sure I'm a goner the moment the devs add a random generator. This game is honestly looking fantastic in every way.
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Same here. Holding off for now, but barely.
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A lengthy interview with lead designer, Carl Toftfelt:
https://gamerant.com/songs-of-conquest-interview-carl-toftfelt-history-early-access-development/
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Thanks Martok, good read. I'm not surprised to read how much effort went into the graphics and environments...as I've said before, the presentation in this game really is top notch. Amazing effort from such a small team.
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The Spiffing Brit plays Songs of Conquest. He seems to like it, despite the game's apparent difficulty level. :hehe:
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You lot are making my resolve waver.............
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You can get the game right now for 30% off if you click that link under Spiff's video... >:D
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Arghhhhh!
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But...the Steam Summer Sale is nearing!
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Bobs spent all his new game tokens on board games
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^ ;D
But...the Steam Summer Sale is nearing!
Shush, now. Don't *you* start... :waiting:
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You hold him down, Sam, and I'll surgically remove his credit card. Purely in his own interest, obviously.
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You guys should be grateful I don't have enough time to give this game the attention it deserves, because with the few hours I've put into it thus far I really can't fault it, even in early access. It's very, very good. Had I more time, I'd be regaling you with plenty of stories and impressions. :)
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On behalf of both Bawb and myself...
(https://i.imgur.com/xLge6q4.gif)
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Well done that man ;D
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Dang, i can't believe it's only/already been over a month now:
Roadmap is coming. (I'm really, really, really hoping for a random-map generator!)
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Yes, a random map sort of sandbox mode like Warlock II would be very tempting.
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On sale at GOG right now in the US for 22.49. I may get it now!
https://bit.ly/39VpYTp
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Now 25% off at Steam!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/867210/Songs_of_Conquest/ (https://store.steampowered.com/app/867210/Songs_of_Conquest/)
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Touche
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I find that the more I look at it, the more the pixilated graphics style gives me eye strain.
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It's funny how we've advanced to super powerful graphics cards and high resolution monitors only to have people make games that look like they're from the early 90s.
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Roadmap revealed. Map generator is coming later this year! :D
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/3325360490863262344
https://www.songsofconquest.com/roadmap
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:bigthumb:
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..I hope it comes with a de-pixilating magnifying glass.
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Uh, your most played game on Steam looks like this:
(https://skidrowrepack.com/uploads/posts/2021-06/thumbs/1622718640_urtuk-the-desolation-3.jpg)
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The individual figures are actually quite large and well defined; that little picture you posted is misleading ;)
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A significant update just dropped:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/3325361215011906859
Major changes, additions, etc...
Notable fixes and additions
Added difficulty levels normal and hard to From the Ashes campaign
Added the ability to control the hostiles in battle when your opponent attacks them in multiplayer as an experimental feature.
Added Chinese (Traditional) as a choosable language
Added Korean as a choosable language in options
Simultaneous Turns in multiplayer as an experimental feature
All humans play at the same time and the AI players each have their own turn after the humans are done
If one player enters battle, the other non-battling players will not be able to move or interact until the battle is over (this is because of a technical limitation that we want to remove in the future). However, the “locked” players can still purchase buildings, buy troops etc
New map settings when setting up a game
Force quick battles (disables manual battles) - Always or against neutral team only
Disable random events
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Sounds like major AI improvements are coming:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/3342255406637187238
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The Battlegrounds update:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/5466829825415157991
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'Do you dare to challenge nerds of this level?
hahaha
:nerd:
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'Do you dare to challenge nerds of this level?
Mwhahaha
:nerd:
ftfy
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October update:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/867210/view/6188534200218720431
Highlights are major work has been done on the Battlegrounds feature, optimization, and UI scaling.
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...so, no change to the gfx then? :whistle:
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Yeah, I don't think there's going to be any significant change there. It doesn't bother me myself, but I can understand that it might not be your cup of tea.
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Some days I don't mind the graphics, some days I do...