Civ 4 End Time: 2 Options

icet · February 22, 2004, 10:50

Since there are two groups who wish different end times for the coming Civilization 4, One wishing the end time to be 3000 AD or something and the other wishing the end time to be 2000 AD or something there could be 2 options for the makers of the game to satisfy the needs of both the groups:

1- They could give the End Time selection option in the game with which gamers could select themselves whether they want their game to end in 2000 AD or 3000 AD.

2- They could release the game in two versions; 1- Civilization 4 - 3000 AD and 2- Civilization 4 - 2000 AD so that everyone could buy the version of their liking.

Please take the poll and post your views about this.

Urban Ranger · February 22, 2004, 12:43

Why is the poll multiple choice?

Fosse · February 22, 2004, 13:06

This is not a big enough issue to warrant two versions of the game, and making the end year optional means pouring the resources into balancing TWO different games, instead of just one (which has already proven itself difficult to do).

The game should have one ending time period. I'd rather see it be far flung future (blech) only than see Firaxis waste time by making two suboptimal games.

Where are the bananas?

joncha · February 22, 2004, 13:31

I vote c) banana

jon.

icet · February 22, 2004, 14:09

It is multiple choice because in either way the game is acceptable for both the groups i.e. 3000 AD and 2000 AD.

Plotinus · February 22, 2004, 14:38

It's ridiculous - if they released two versions, one stopping now and the other going on for an extra millennium, then you would have two games. They would have to put extra goodies into the 2000 version or no-one would buy it, because it would be same as the 3000 version but with bits missing. So you'd have them release two different games at the same time, which would inevitably mean neither was as good as a single game would be, because neither would have had the same time and resources dedicated to developing it. And they would never in a million years do such a thing, because it wouldn't be cost-effective.

In any case, why stop there? The issue of when to end the game is just one thing which people disagree over. Why not release one version with more detailed battles for those who want it, and one with the system as it stands for those who don't? Why not have one version with real 3D to please those who want it, and one old-style for everyone else? They're not taking dictation, you know, and they can't please everyone. Better a single good game, even with decisions that you disagree with, than two insipid ones that no-one will like. I'm with Fosse on this one. I'd rather the game ended as it does (or perhaps just a little bit in the future), but I'd rather it took the Call to Power route than they started messing about with alternate versions.

icet · February 22, 2004, 14:50

I totally agree with you. The game should end by 3000 or something AD with both Call to Power 1 and Call to Power 2 refined routes with space alternatives and underwater alternatives.

Trifna · February 22, 2004, 14:55

icet: To this question there are many more possibilities and you put only two. It limits the usefulness of all this.

Trifna · February 22, 2004, 14:55

Also, are you conscious that making two games demands more work and more time? Technical limits are always present.

icet · February 22, 2004, 15:17

Its alright, Trifna

Paddy · February 23, 2004, 08:11

I am happy to vote and comment.

If there was a split in the community and Firaxis were in a bind, I would rather they gave options on 2000ad or 3000ad, than two games.

Personally I hope it finishes closer to 3000ad...

icet · February 23, 2004, 10:01

I am conscious that making two games demands more work and more time and Technical limits are always present. But almost everything can be surmounted for such a popular game series such as "Civilization", whose "Civilization 3" game sell into millions of copies and for such a successful maker and their coming product "Civilization 4" its no big deal as they expect even higher sales of their new product.

Shogun Gunner · February 23, 2004, 10:31

I'm still a little confused about this poll. Since you can keep playing past 2050 AD (without any additional score be recorded), people can play as long as they want. The issue seems to be the advanced techs, units and futuristic stuff. Thus, two versions of the game would be one with that stuff and one without. I'm not a fan of the fantasy/futuristic detail - thus I do not see a choice for me to select in the poll.

As mentioned in previous threads, the Civ community is a very active "modding" community. Fantasy mods have been developed and posted in the download section. To me, that seems to be best solution. Build a basic, workable game with the ability to modify it to individual users desire. Thus, my vote, keep the current "end of time" at around 2050 AD and let Firaxis, individuals build fantasy scenarios/mods.

Leland · February 27, 2004, 17:26

If I was Firaxis, I'd of course make two separate games... one ending around 2000 AD, then an expansion pack for the future techs.

alva · February 28, 2004, 21:58

I'd rather see them make one good game then two unfinished ones.

lajzar · February 29, 2004, 04:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Leland
If I was Firaxis, I'd of course make two separate games... one ending around 2000 AD, then an expansion pack for the future techs.

Shh... don't encourage them.

okblacke · February 29, 2004, 05:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Leland
If I was Firaxis, I'd of course make two separate games... one ending around 2000 AD, then an expansion pack for the future techs.

As an expansion pack, it would require them to add a HUGE amount of new content. Unlike say "Conquests" where the content is rules and scenarios, they'd also have to add new artwork, sound FX, and probably music. Worst-case scenario they'd have to make some seroius rules changes.

And I suspect that future techs would alienate a large part of the audience, which expects a some-would-say unrealistic degree of realism.

I seem to recall a large fantasy mod for Civ 2 (user mod?). I don't see Sid chasing butterflies, though. I suspect Civ 3's trend toward "the mundane" will continue.

[ok]