Following the orders from up high ... I will report on my experience with the Game ... as this is my first official report as a game tester (I have been quite active in the locked forum with reports) I am a little unsure as to what is required of me in this 'public' report.
I assume that I am to be honest and therefore I shall ... I started with the pre-patch version playing
The Enclave.
An interesting experience as I could see the entire map and watch all the civs and barbarians (just discovered they are called Critters) go about their survival strategies.
First impression was that this mod has really captured the atmosphere of a post nuclear holocast world.
The terrain and music really created this environment to play it ... Brilliant!
I began testing various options and checked out all screens and game action ... found some serious crash issues and some major things have been fixed ... hence the patch.
Started testing again once the patch was installed and the random crash seems to have been fixed ... and am still with
The Enclave.
Things that Irk me
Pedia
The pedia really requires some work, but ignoring that the fluff descriptions can be added later, I would still require that at least the basic information is relayed.
ie. The Effects of the various buildings ...
Rediscover Trade was a big one as it is a Wonder and although I ended up building it ... I am still unsure what exactly it does.
Advisor Screens
The only major issues I have is with the advisor screens.
They are extremely frustrating to use due to the many dark areas which completely obscure important information ...
one cannot read black font on a black background ... this is something that seriously needs to be addressed ... even, and this is only my humble opinion, if they have to be completely redesigned
At the moment some are virtually useless to get information from
Right Click to Pedia Entry Crash
There is a niggling
crash to desktop when you right-click a building that has been produced while in the City Screen.
This is being addressed as I write and hopefully will be fixed with next patch as I believe it has something to do with individual building graphics required for each era.
Tech Tree
This is something that everyone knows about ... the tech boxes are not alligned with the screen and in some cases are off screen ... I end up having to use the advisor when he asks he what to research next.
All is not ALL Doom and Gloom
However all these problems will be addressed I'm sure ... I have faith in this
I enjoy the game play and lost much sleep in this testing process.
So don't get the wrong impression, I have just highlighted the bigger problems, those that must be addressed before a public beta is released.
Overall it is going to be a fantastic gaming experience.
Current Activity
I am spreadsheeting the rules and other information from the .biq file ... once done it will assist greatly the tweeking and trouble shooting required to fine tune the units and game play issues.
Saying that ... I better get back to it
Also if you have any specific questions please do not hesitate to ask