Devs - Great game, Thankyou for the demo and a request - "Debug mode" option for viewing world simulation

[Zodd]

Gday,

First and foremost I would like to pass on a hearty congratulations to the devs; this is a very solid game and leagues ahead of what most games break into early access with. While the final game content isn’t in there, it is a perfectly functional game as is already (and many ‘sandbox’ games have been released with less).

I only recently found out about this game and loved the overall idea of it but was a turned off by the combat. Even after watching a few gameplay videos I wasn’t that excited by it and planned on giving it a miss (as much as I loved the rest of the concept).
I was a little surprised to see a demo being offered (as it is rare these days) so I decided to have a look at it and I am glad I did. What a ripper combat system! I am quite surprised at just how good it feels and enjoyable it is to play!

There are some interesting articles about why demos are a bad idea (basically people that would otherwise buy the game can be turned off by the demo) however this demo took me from having a passing interest with no intent to buy to an instant buy... so thankyou!

Since then I have caught up on all the previous dev diaries (one benefit of finding out late is not having to endure the anticipation and having plenty of info to catch up on I guess!) and I am extremely happy for you that things have come along this far. While I have no interest in additional in game items etc I will be upgrading to the supporters edition purely to support on the devs approach to developing the game and community interaction!
Is there any scope for this to be available via the website (ie. To get an upgrade key for steam or similar?) I picked up the original game on steam but would prefer to be able to support the devs directly.


Final note:
One thing I was very interested in was the debug mode used in the early world map video. (Removed vision restrictions, had debug info regarding AI states, town and entity resources etc)
I am fully aware that watching a world sim play out is not what this game is designed for but, noting it is already in there for dev use (and assuming it has not been removed!), I would love the option (either a debug menu or even a 'cheat' option) to activate that mode if it is still functional.
I find that higher level AI simulation very interesting and would enjoy watching the interactions across the map (eg. Following the orc ambushing party, seeing one village crumble under repeated raids etc). Plus it would allow people to more fully appreciate all the work that has clearly gone into the bigger picture!! One can hope…


Congrats again on steam success and I will be strongly recommending to friends.

[Demonbox]

Originally posted by Zodd:

(eg. Following the orc ambushing party, seeing one village crumble under repeated raids etc). Plus it would allow people to more fully appreciate all the work that has clearly gone into the bigger picture!! One can hope…

To be honest you can, haven't watch the video you speak of, but you already can see smoke coming off villages that are being plundered by orcs, bandits etc.
You can also "follow" those raiding parties, yes of course they will react to your presence (either running from you or to you).

I can get what you mean, but personally don't think the feature to "step back" and simply watch the whole world (well map) progress should be the focus on a game like this, if that's what you are asking.

Have fun.

[Zodd]

Originally posted by Demonbox:

haven't watch the video you speak of, but you already can see smoke coming off villages that are being plundered by orcs, bandits etc.
You can also "follow" those raiding parties, yes of course they will react to your presence (either running from you or to you).

I can get what you mean, but personally don't think the feature to "step back" and simply watch the whole world (well map) progress should be the focus on a game like this, if that's what you are asking.

You really need to see the video to see what I am referring to. I know you can see the effects of the simulation as part of the gameplay (which is why it is there in the first place) but the underlying world simulation itself is incredibly interesting (at least to me!). Have a look at this video and you will see what I mean:

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

If you are impatient, watch from 4:40 - approx 8:30
(Orcs scouted out a road, placing an ambush to get a caravan's resources)


I am not suggesting this be a focus by any means (scope creep is dangerous enough at the best of times even when related to the main idea, let alone something far removed from it!) but as the underlying simulation already exists (obviously) and the dev debug system is already in place, I would love to be able to open up a new game with the debug mode on and watch it all unfold.


Basically:
Not asking for anything new, just allowing the existing debug mode to be activated to be able to really appreciate the incredible underlying AI simulation!!

[willsama974]

That debug mode is just amazing. Basicaly, with an On/Off option to debug mode we could have two different games in one. I'd love to play a campaign on "normal" and one in "debug mode". Strategies and travel would really feel different with each mode.