Digital Dave

First, I must thank Darius for directing Jeff toward my prior post.  From cross-posting that question to GDNet (thread&journal), IGDA, and LinkedIn, that was by far the most thought out and helpful response.  Thanks a lot.

So, my impression of Spore.

I haven’t been looking forward to this game like some people have, in regard to time at least (I <3 simulations, though).  I only really started following it about a year-and-a-half ago.  Apparently, it’s been in development for much, much longer than that… And has been delayed like any other game that wants to do well in this doggy-dog game market.

I was actually pretty excited to see another IP come out from Maxis.  Granted, it’s based on a prior IP if you consider “The Sims” aspects, but I thought it would still offer something really unique.  And it does.

The perspective.  Going from a awkward looking 2D cell, eating and surviving, eventually moving yourself in to an intergalactic bonanza at an incredibly fast pace.

But they seemed to forget the most essential part of the game… Not the tools… Not the glamor….  The… Gameplay.  What brings me back for round 2, if round one only took me a few hours?  They focused hardcore on the tool and building aspect of the game, and while I absolutely have a blast (along with my fiancee) building various creatures (not so much the buildings, ships, and boats), I don’t want that to be ALL I do for a $50 game.  The single player mode is a complete breeze (seems to be a common trait with really pretty games), and my fiancee does not like going past the creature stage because she thinks the game gets boring after you stop managing your own creature.

It’s a fun game the first run through. It should be, everything is new and pretty.  It’s semi-challenging because you’re still trying to get used to the way things work.  But by the time the honeymoon is over, nothing really drags you back into the game for a second run through… Unless you’re like my fiancee who love the first two stages.  When a game progresses so fast, replayability is essential.  I’m not buying an episodic game.

Beyond that, I don’t really have any reason to play it again.  I got my XBOX 360 power supply back from being replaced, and there are some goodies on that one.  Braid, Castle Crashers, and Geometry Wars 2 (awesome sequel!), Fable Pub Games, cheaper than Spore, and offers many  more rewards and replayability.

I’m not trying to be harsh.  I definitely recommend trying Spore. It’s an awesome concept and implementation.  It just needed more.

And, why in the world would you release a PC game in different markets on completely different dates? Pirates really bit them in the ass for that decision.  I looked on Friday and there were 30,000+ leechers/thiefs at the time.  ;\  The people who would have happily ran off to the store on launch day suddently didn’t have the option, but was taunted anyway.