News from Malfador
 

MM just updated their website. There are new links to a very positive preview and an interview at Gibworld. The what's new section talks about how they've added many of the features and bug fixes on our wish list, e.g. viewing enemy ships before choosing tactical or strategic combat, better distribution of homeworlds, general AI improvements including better defense of their planets, etc. Best of all, there's supposed to be a new Version of the demo out in September. I can't wait!

Re: News from Malfador
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jeb:
Best of all, there's supposed to be a new Version of the demo out in September. I can't wait!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You and me both! I was especially pleased to hear about the AI tweaks and the fact they are still moving along on schedule for the 10/1/00 release date.

It impresses me that a small company like MM can meet the deadlines they set when the "big boys" are so rarely on-time. (Did somebody say Ion Sto.. err, never mind! ;-)

Re: News from Malfador
 

Er, well now it's slipped to 1 OCT for Gold and 23 OCT for release...

To be honest, I've always felt much better about a game that's delayed a bit for additional work. Especially in this mode of customer/designer interaction it can only lead to a better product.

A new demo is "gravy" and I for one look forward to seeing the progress to date.

Re: News from Malfador
 

Right on! I'd much rather wait a while for a good product than have a rushed one sneak in right at the deadline. MM is also renowned for continuing to support SEIII long after the release, going on to add new features even after stomping all of the bugs. I'm confident that SEIV will be stable and relatively bug-free when released, in part due to all the constructive criticism (and out and out grousing) on forums like this one. After that, it will only get better and better. I agree that a new demo is gravy, but if it gives us all another chance to serve as unofficial beta testers and make the final product even better, everybody wins. Maybe it'll also get rid of some of the grousing by people who want everything to be perfect RIGHT NOW, and don't understand that SEIV is still a work in progress.

Re: News from Malfador
 

I'm not grousing but I think I'm impatient to see the improvements in the new beta. It's only the 1st and I'm already checking in with the hope it might be there. ;-)

As far as the delay goes, I think 3 weeks isn't really much of a delay compared what seems to be the norm. I'm all for more product-testing and development, especially when it's based on feedback from betas. I only get frustrated when something is delayed for many months and is *still* too buggy to work properly when finally released.

Re: News from Malfador
 

Yea, I'm fine with the delay. A month or so is not that bad and given that it will make for a better finished product that is a result of user feedback I am all for it. Besdies I don't have enough time to play games as it is, stupid work, that will give me a few more chances to hit the lotto before then :P

Jim

Re: News from Malfador
 

I was waiting for SE4, during more than 1 year... then, of course that 23 days will not change anything to me!
Also, to see that MM is hearing the suggestions, is not a surprise to me: they did it always...