Ok, first off, I love this game, warts and all.
My first town did pretty well as I figured out the gameplay. I had watched a few hours of gameplay on YouTube (shoutout to CrypticFox) so I had a basic idea of do’s and don’t’s–I played on Idyllic Valley for learning purposes and knew the raids were coming.
My biggest issue boils down to AI pathing–we all know it and hate it. It’s frustrating to say the least, whether you’re waiting for the gold to make an important trade deal, or trying to get the clay from a remote mine to your business district. Or just keeping your town clean and rat-free!
My first town went really really well up until Tier 3 ~ 470 population. Then an army showed up demanding ransom. I assumed I could fight them off. I assumed wrong. I was razed to the ground.
My next town I am doing on pacifist, mostly so I can explore more of the game mechanics without covering my backside. This map had goldmines, which my first map lacked, so I was able to turn over a profit without relying on massive trades each year just so I could pay my soldiers. My next map will be with raiding engaged so I am planning on ensuring I have at least two goldmines available so I can afford more soldiers and guardtowers.
Honestly, props to Crate for creating an enjoyable game that is ACTUALLY A CHALLENGE! I’m taking it slow and careful. So many balancing acts, I love it. So much better than a townbuilding game that just involves mindless clicking and collection.
Also, the opening cutscene gave me chills. Loved how cinematic it was! Epic. And the music? Stellar. Just the right combination of epic, calm, and beautiful. Not hokey or maddening. Perfect.
I am so looking forward to how this game develops.
Suggestions:
- I’ve seen it suggested before, but a moveable radius on the compost yards please. In my pacifist town I spread out considerably, and it was killing me to see my nightsoilmen collecting waste across the map when the houses nearby were riddled with waste and disease.
- Improved guard and soldier AI (ouch)! I mean, AI all around needs to be tightened up, but when your soldiers can’t even manage to find the enemy without you flagging them it’s a little annoying.
- If a worker, such as a foundryman, chandler, cheesemaker, or sawyer cannot work for lack of resources, have them automatically go into the labor force until the resources for their jobs become available again.
- I know you’re working on resource management. THANK YOU. So annoying to watch the potters have to walk all the way across the map because the wainwright doesn’t ever transport clay to the middle of my town.
- Large lakes tend to remain black in the middle–if there is a way to change that it would be awesome. Right now it’s kind of an eyesore.
Crate, keep it up. Buggy and glitchy as it is, it’s my favorite game yet. Beautiful job.