There are plenty of great threads on stuff that needs fixing and ideas for improvement. I am purposefully avoiding listing improvements/bug fixes and instead I thought I would post up the things that "stand out" to me about this game (notice...I said "to me") For me, ol' jmarke, there's a lot to like here! So....
1. The "Sovereign" concept: I like that there's a focal character...adds the RPG element. I like the idea that the Sov is "special" and has unique abilities in the world of Elemental.
2. The art: At first I wasn't sure I liked the art direction, but now it has really endeared itself to me. There's a consistency to the look of the game throughout.
3. The maps: The rolling hills, woods, swamps and water...cool stuff! Every map has felt like it played differently than the last...this will keep me coming back for more.
4. Quests: I enjoy the fact that there's stuff to do besides conquer the other guy. Questing for the occasional cool item spices things up.
5. Fresh "lore": The concept of the world of Elemental feels like a fresh take on "fantasy". The backstory and concept of an overall goal of "fixing" the world motivates me. Simple concept, yet cool...
6. The randomness of resources: This ties to the maps above...I like that stuff ain't always in the same place. I have the choice to restart the game and hope for more convenient resources or "tough it out" and try to make do with what fate has handed me.
7. Strategic zoom: Since Supreme Commander (and Sins of a Solar Empire for the Stardock connection) I've been a fan of the strategic style zoom.
8. Paper map: For me, this adds a whole new flavor to the game. A truly strategic view (plus it's fast!)
9. Wandering heroes: I felt this was a nice touch! Having people wandering about that are for hire...and that can add something substantial to your empire.
10. City building: I enjoy placing stuff in my cities...and I like the variety of things I can research to make each city somewhat unique.
So...there you have it! jmarke's top 10 "likes" about Elemental. I'll tell you this...I looked at the credits in the back of the manual and saw how small the development team is at Stardock. All I can say is "Wow!" How in the heck can a team that small develop a game this complex and deep? No butt kissing here...just sincere respect and appreciation!
jmarke
