SIEGE: Titan Wars

[Wyrom]

If you didn't know, Simutronics just had a global release for a new mobile game called SIEGE: Titan Wars.

I created a clan named GemStone IV. Come play and join up!

[drauz]

If you didn't know, Simutronics just had a global release for a new mobile game called SIEGE: Titan Wars.

I created a clan named GemStone IV. Come play and join up!

Be honest, how much does this try to milk your money?

[Wyrom]

Be honest, how much does this try to milk your money?

Can play at a normal speed totally for free. Just depends on how heavy your need to be the best is. You even get gems for free as you play.

[Viekn]

If you didn't know, Simutronics just had a global release for a new mobile game called SIEGE: Titan Wars.

I created a clan named GemStone IV. Come play and join up!

Holy crap! I pulled up app store and it was literally the first featured app to pop up at the top.

[Wyrom]

Either way, come join my clan! ;)

[ArchSenex]

Finished tutorial, taking a look at the gem prices for chests. Looks pretty standard. Don't expect to be competitive without sinking money. Depending on how fast new cards are released tells you if it's a one time thing, or a monthly expense. Always hard to tell until you've played a while to know how quickly they devalue past purchases.

[Whirlin]

No windows phone. I'm out.

[Taernath]

Played the tutorial. It's not my bag, baby.

[SonoftheNorth]

You should offer cross game rewards like how if you play diablo/wow you get lil things in either game.

[ArchSenex]

You should offer cross game rewards like how if you play diablo/wow you get lil things in either game.

Oh god... GS players would riot.

[ArchSenex]

Tutorial is really bad at telling you basic gameplay for progression. For instance, I still have no clue what I need to do to be allowed to upgrade cards (it told me how to do that, if they're already flashing and have some unclarified "upgrade points"). It can't be winning a match, I already did that, and the upgrade points didn't go up.

Lack of ANY manual that I can find doesn't help either.

The gameplay itself was better than I expected, but the instructions are really crap.

[Wyrom]

I skipped the tutorial and went blinding into it.

When you open chests, you will get more cards. You need X cards before you can level that type of card up, which also play into your level. After playing for a few matches and waiting out the timers, it's pretty easy to get the gist of everything.

You're paired by your victory points, so your first 100 VPs, you're pretty evenly matched with other people.

[drauz]

Tutorial is really bad at telling you basic gameplay for progression. For instance, I still have no clue what I need to do to be allowed to upgrade cards (it told me how to do that, if they're already flashing and have some unclarified "upgrade points"). It can't be winning a match, I already did that, and the upgrade points didn't go up.

Lack of ANY manual that I can find doesn't help either.

The gameplay itself was better than I expected, but the instructions are really crap.

You get cards from chests, the ones from winning matches. At the bottom of each spells and warriors card there is a */* (most are 0/3 for me). Once you get 3/3 you can upgrade to level 2 and so on.

[Whirlin]

Figured out the basics... don't see how to level though... your victory points don't seem tied to the level... assuming the level is the icon/xp bar on the top left.

[SonoftheNorth]

Oh god... GS players would riot.

I just meant a non-mechanical fluff item, like you get wings or a banner in diablo.

[drauz]

Figured out the basics... don't see how to level though... your victory points don't seem tied to the level... assuming the level is the icon/xp bar on the top left.

Seems you get XP from leveling up cards only.

[drauz]

The one chest timer at a time really sucks.

[Wyrom]

Yeah, it's a little slow there. But that's where the microtrans come into play. I've not spent any of my gems.

Clans cost 1000 gold, so I saved up to do this group!

[Astray]

Honest opinion? This is fucking garb-o.

[drauz]

Yeah, it's a little slow there. But that's where the microtrans come into play. I've not spent any of my gems.

Clans cost 1000 gold, so I saved up to do this group!

Yeah, it wouldn't be so bad if this wasn't how you leveled..

[ArchSenex]

The one chest timer at a time really sucks.

Yeah. It's weird too, it's the only game I've seen that is trying to discourage playing more. If you're full on chests and used your champions, little reason to play.

I could see a subscription to get 2, 3, or 4 chests at once. Static monthly purchases tend to scrape up those who won't spend on one time expenses. As lot of games I play people will buy monthly deals.

[drauz]

Another problem is the magic cards, you get like 8 at a time. But you can only see 3 at a time and can't look at any others until you use one of your 3 cards.

[Gelston]

Yeah. It's weird too, it's the only game I've seen that is trying to discourage playing more. If you're full on chests and used your champions, little reason to play.

I could see a subscription to get 2, 3, or 4 chests at once. Static monthly purchases tend to scrape up those who won't spend on one time expenses. As lot of games I play people will buy monthly deals.

Games with these types of models aren't really looking for the casual types. They want the people that have gambling issues and drop thousands in a month. I'm not knocking Simu here, all of these games have the same model.

[drauz]

Games with these types of models aren't really looking for the casual types. They want the people that have gambling issues and drop thousands in a month. I'm not knocking Simu here, all of these games have the same model.

Its not just that, everything about this game is so ill conceived. It feels like a half made game that got rushed out. It feels like there should be more, but there isn't.

Most of these games encourage you to level up quickly at first and slow it down as you get more levels. This is the exact opposite. Its not like most other popular games of this type. Most offer more than just "duel a person" game mode.

[Gelston]

Its not just that, everything about this game is so ill conceived. It feels like a half made game that got rushed out. It feels like there should be more, but there isn't.

Most of these games encourage you to level up quickly at first and slow it down as you get more levels. This is the exact opposite. Its not like most other popular games of this type. Most offer more than just "duel a person" game mode.

Is the game fully released or still considered beta?

[drauz]

Is the game fully released or still considered beta?

IDK how the play store works, but its available for DL everywhere.

[Whirlin]

Another problem is the magic cards, you get like 8 at a time. But you can only see 3 at a time and can't look at any others until you use one of your 3 cards.
This wouldn't be a problem if there were a way to discard your spells. Otherwise, I'd love to just set 5 to inactive sometimes... Gravity Well, Fireball, and Hero = Winning.

Also, last thoughts, I logged back in this morning, I was expecting each of my chests to auto-queue for unlocking so if I had 4 chests at 1 hour each... all would be available to open 4 hours later. But if I need to click each one every hour... just doesn't work out like stamina we see in other games.

[drauz]

This wouldn't be a problem if there were a way to discard your spells. Otherwise, I'd love to just set 5 to inactive sometimes... Gravity Well, Fireball, and Hero = Winning.

Also, last thoughts, I logged back in this morning, I was expecting each of my chests to auto-queue for unlocking so if I had 4 chests at 1 hour each... all would be available to open 4 hours later. But if I need to click each one every hour... just doesn't work out like stamina we see in other games.

Chests should be 15m, 1hr, 4hr. Variance for the quality of the chest.

And it kills my phone's battery.

[ArchSenex]

Chests should be 15m, 1hr, 4hr. Variance for the quality of the chest.

And it kills my phone's battery.

I've only seen 1h, 4h, and 12h. I actually wish I could discard chests, when I get plugged up with 1h chests. I'd like to keep a 12h on hand for overnights, and mostly only open 4h's during the day.



As for the 3/8 cards mechanic, I don't mind it. It encourages you to learn applications for spells, and prevents people from just having 3 super spells. Also, several spells perform similar purposes. I've rarely felt too upset by the hand I had at the momeny. I also think it forces you to use every spell before getting to use it again.

[Tenlaar]

Simutronics' unwillingness to devote resources to Gemstone already made me stop playing regularly long ago, I will not support another product while being fed the "they're volunteers" line over and over.

[Red]

The similarity to Clash Royale is uncanny

[LivderaDeralleur]

Not surprising, but completely inaccessible for the blind - does not interface with Voice Over, iPhone/IOS built-in screen reader.

I'm guessing it uses Unity or something, which does not come with accessibility hooks out of the box.

There is a beta plugin for Unity, though, that allows Voice Over to interface with the game, though I imagine not a lot of developers know or even care sadly. (Crafting Kingdom is an example of a Unity game that is fully accessible.)

It's a shame - I've really wanted to play some of these competitive card-type games or other type games that my sighted husband plays, but developers never think about the potential market share from blind gamers.

Usually I have an endless supply of word games or those niche audio-only adventure games, though nothing truly mainstream. (Even Words With Friends is inaccessible.)

Anyhow - I'll probably poke my sighted husband to download it and see what he thinks.

[Wyrom]

Yeah, if you could discard or even choose your next card (beyond the 3), it would be game over. If you go against a slower person who uses minotaurs right out of the gates, hitting them with a Gravity Well and Tidal Wave while stacking ballistas, enrage, and haste is a quick 1 minute game.

[Gelston]

Simutronics' unwillingness to devote resources to Gemstone already made me stop playing regularly long ago, I will not support another product while being fed the "they're volunteers" line over and over.

The people who do the cell phone games are not volunteers.

[Wyrom]

The people who do the cell phone games are not volunteers.

Just to point out, the GMs aren't either.

[Ceyrin]

Martyr OP

[Tenlaar]

The people who do the cell phone games are not volunteers.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f0/e6/9e/f0e69e802ec40bfe3b935249c63a55c6--captain-obvious-the-message.jpg

[everan]

I keep getting "Server Status" Cannot reach server. It brings up a splash screen, but won't let me in. Is that my security blocking me, or is the server unstable?

[Wyrom]

I keep getting "Server Status" Cannot reach server. It brings up a splash screen, but won't let me in. Is that my security blocking me, or is the server unstable?

Never run into that on my end.

[everan]

Never run into that on my end.

It was just me, I turned off wi-fi and I'm good to go. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll get there.

[ArchSenex]

It was just me, I turned off wi-fi and I'm good to go. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll get there.

I find some games REALLY don't like it when I run through Wifi, which is ironic.

[Ceyrin]

Has anyone else tried to register for their forums? You're supposed to get an e-mail before you can post but it's been a while now and still no e-mail.

[Astray]

Simutronics' unwillingness to devote resources to Gemstone already made me stop playing regularly long ago

No, shhh. They are doing everything they can with what they can now shut up and do 500 runs of Duskruin Sewers and buy more Simucoins. That's the only way to help the game.

[Mogonis]

No windows phone. I'm out.
Wait, Windows still comes on mobile devices? You using HTC or something?

[Gelston]

Just to point out, the GMs aren't either.

Okay "contractors" hah. I believe the cell phone game making guys are salaried employees of Simutronics though, as opposed to contractors. They're listed as having 30 actual employees, so I imagine that is where most of them are.

[Astray]

Okay "contractors" hah. I believe the cell phone game making guys are salaried employees of Simutronics though, as opposed to contractors. They're listed as having 30 actual employees, so I imagine that is where most of them are.

It's the same disgusting mindset of "You'll get exposure if you work for us". Only instead of writers, it's volunteer coders that need to sift through all the garbage, outdated, useless and fragile code. But shhhh, buy more passes and event tickets on top of your monthly subscription.

[Androidpk]

It's the same disgusting mindset of "You'll get exposure if you work for us". Only instead of writers, it's volunteer coders that need to sift through all the garbage, outdated, useless and fragile code. But shhhh, buy more passes and event tickets on top of your monthly subscription.

Working for free sucks but if the exposure is truly legit then I guess it works out in the end.

[Astray]

Working for free sucks but if the exposure is truly legit then I guess it works out in the end.

Exposure is great but I honestly don't see Simutronics drooling with anticipation and appreciation that their free labor is going to leave. I'm willing to bet people get sandbagged just to keep that free volunteer work. In fact, I want to see exactly what the circumstances are for being a volunteer coder. Because I'm willing to put my money on Simu being able to claim all the work done as theirs.

No wait, exposure is fucking garbage. It's a bullshit reason to keep people on a short leash while you lap up the profits. Fuck was I thinking? "Exposure is great"

[Androidpk]

Exposure is great but I honestly don't see Simutronics drooling with anticipation and appreciation that their free labor is going to leave. I'm willing to bet people get sandbagged just to keep that free volunteer work. In fact, I want to see exactly what the circumstances are for being a volunteer coder. Because I'm willing to put my money on Simu being able to claim all the work done as theirs.

No wait, exposure is fucking garbage. It's a bullshit reason to keep people on a short leash while you lap up the profits. Fuck was I thinking? "Exposure is great"

Of course when you work for a company any work you produce for them is owned by them.

[Astray]

Of course when you work for a company any work you produce for them is owned by them.

Which goes on your resume as your work. The point I was making is that I don't trust Simu to even admit that it's your work. They seem like the shitbags that would claim all your things as theirs when it comes to you moving on.

[Taernath]

Okay "contractors" hah.

I think 'contractor' is generous. I doubt many are actually under a contract.

[Androidpk]

Which goes on your resume as your work. The point I was making is that I don't trust Simu to even admit that it's your work. They seem like the shitbags that would claim all your things as theirs when it comes to you moving on.

Unless you're under a strict NDA I doubt they're going to care if you share your experience on your resume.

[Astray]

Unless you're under a strict NDA I doubt they're going to care if you share your experience on your resume.

They probably do have one.

[Androidpk]

They probably do have one.

Paging Dr. Wyrom.

[Astray]

Paging Dr. Wyrom.

Considering how secretive they are, I'm absolutely certain they have an NDA.

[Allereli]

Considering how secretive they are, I'm absolutely certain they have an NDA.

the NDA has been confirmed many times

[Astray]

the NDA has been confirmed many times

So there ya go. Thank you for that striker assist.

[Wyrom]

Astray, why are you so bitter about everything? You don't even quite grasp what staff does or how they are compensated. We get it, you don't like this mobile game and how GS is/was managed. Is there a point why you piss on everyone's parade around here?

[Astray]

Astray, why are you so bitter about everything? You don't even quite grasp what staff does or how they are compensated. We get it, you don't like this mobile game and how GS is/was managed. Is there a point why you piss on everyone's parade around here?

Casually brushing off faults is a great way to just sweep everything under the rug. I'm not bitter, it's just funny to me how Simu jumps from one thing to another and actively tells the coders that it's the communities fault for not liking something. How the shit you bunch have managed to stay in business is... well, some seriously devoted people you all shit on.

Yeah, this 'outreach' thing is really patching things up and getting on even footing with the players. What with a bang up shitlord like you. Just give yourself a reach around while your back there. Par the course for Simutronics.

[Wyrom]

Casually brushing off faults is a great way to just sweep everything under the rug. I'm not bitter, it's just funny to me how Simu jumps from one thing to another and actively tells the coders that it's the communities fault for not liking something. How the shit you bunch have managed to stay in business is... well, some seriously devoted people you all shit on.

Yeah, this 'outreach' thing is really patching things up and getting on even footing with the players. What with a bang up shitlord like you. Just give yourself a reach around while your back there. Par the course for Simutronics.

*You're.

[Astray]

*You're.

Yes, Wyrom. That's what you chose to pay attention to. Amazing. Then you wonder why people have such a negative opinion of the shit show you put on.

[Wyrom]

Yes, Wyrom. That's what you chose to pay attention to. Amazing. Then you wonder why people have such a negative opinion of the shit show you put on.

Okay.

[Astray]

Okay.

Yep, just keep your shovelware, money grabbing bullshit going and your development levels of actual content to zero and everything will be par the course.

Savants, RSN.

[leifastagsweed]

Yep, just keep your shovelware, money grabbing bullshit going and your development levels of actual content to zero and everything will be par the course.

Savants, RSN.

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/571/935/dd5.gif

(I suck at html but you get the jist - just stahp)

[Astray]

(I suck at html but you get the jist - just stahp)

Awful, just... awful.

[Neveragain]

I don't suppose this is a bad time to once again ask for help with my vision, because I have dream and it goes something like this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG8WqEyXIyc

Let my people go!

[Androidpk]

Yes, Wyrom. That's what you chose to pay attention to. Amazing. Then you wonder why people have such a negative opinion of the shit show you put on.

Bitter party of 1 please.

[Astray]

Bitter party of 1 please.

You're invited, fucker.

[Tenlaar]

Well, the point seems to have been buried in a mountain of salt, but I hope that doesn't entirely obscure the message.

[drauz]

And I couldn't find anything to disable push notifications. Had to go into android settings and change them myself.

[Wyrom]

Well, the point seems to have been buried in a mountain of salt, but I hope that doesn't entirely obscure the message.

We have dedicated resources, so I have no idea what the message was. Sounds like a lack of understanding of what we do. Savants, for example, are shelved indefinitely. That's been posted several times over the course of two years. We have no plans on working on savants for the time being. I get that you probably want something specific done, and I'm sure many others have other specific goals they'd like to see done, but we have a very active staff list right now, and we've pumped out more releases in the last 3 years then we have in the last 10 years. I can't right the wrongs of those before me, I can just move forward. I have targets and goals too, I also do a lot of the in-game work, even if I'm the Product Manager.

[Wyrom]

And I couldn't find anything to disable push notifications. Had to go into android settings and change them myself.

I found them at one point, but I don't recall what it was. But I like push notifications for things I use. I normally disable once I stop using the offending apps. Discord, for example, usually eats up my whole notification bar.

[Astray]

We have dedicated resources, so I have no idea what the message was. Sounds like a lack of understanding of what we do. Savants, for example, are shelved indefinitely. That's been posted several times over the course of two years. We have no plans on working on savants for the time being. I get that you probably want something specific done, and I'm sure many others have other specific goals they'd like to see done, but we have a very active staff list right now, and we've pumped out more releases in the last 3 years then we have in the last 10 years. I can't right the wrongs of those before me, I can just move forward. I have targets and goals too, I also do a lot of the in-game work, even if I'm the Product Manager.

http://i.imgur.com/ZLoHmpx.gif

[drauz]

I can't right the wrongs of those before me, I can just move forward. I have targets and goals too, I also do a lot of the in-game work, even if I'm the Product Manager.

Yes you can, remove item loss mechanics!

[Astray]

Yes you can, remove item loss mechanics and add more tedium!

Fix't.

[drauz]

Ok figured out the community chest. For every tower you destroy in a match you get point(?). More points mean more cards for the chest. I think you can open the chest once a day.

[everan]

OK, back to Siege. I could use some more tips. Plus, these creatures are so tiny I can barely tell which one is which!

[Wyrom]

Ok figured out the community chest. For every tower you destroy in a match you get point(?). More points mean more cards for the chest. I think you can open the chest once a day.

I'm not positive, but if you get to the top champion chest, I don't think there is a timer. I've opened it prematurely twice and got stuck with the day-long timer, and then waited until I made it 20/20. I don't have a timer at all.


OK, back to Siege. I could use some more tips. Plus, these creatures are so tiny I can barely tell which one is which!

I'm likely not the best for tips, as I'm not very good at this genre (my win/loss ratio is trash). I've been enjoying the haste setups with really fast movement. I just find the lack of power/heals can really put you out if you go too heavy on faster cards.

I've been using ninjas, ninjutsu, ballistas, and haste to take a tower quickly.

[Androidpk]

Incoming haste nerf!

[Ceyrin]

my win/loss ratio is trash

It's true. I've seen it.

[drauz]

OK, back to Siege. I could use some more tips. Plus, these creatures are so tiny I can barely tell which one is which!

I use a gorgons and ballistas to start. Then just spam out titans while trying to keep the orc trasher alive. Gravity well & fireball or arrow storm really fucks them up. Haste your titans when they go up against other titans, especially your orc trasher.

Sometimes I'll swap out barracks for a spell card, i'm up in the air about that one though.

[Ceyrin]

FYI, you can haste/enrage your opponents stuff. I've "ambushed" these spells multiple times to great effect.

[everan]

OK, things are getting better now that I joined this awesome clan. I don't have any of the haste items yet, they sound good. Someone give me some werewolves! I know, they're weak, but it's all I got :) Anyway, it's starting to take shape.