Documentation, or lack thereof

[genehaynes]

Hopefully, you'll take the following comments as constructive criticism:

As has already been discussed, explanations of combat mechanics, unit attributes, etc. have have been woefully lacking in the documentation (i.e. Manual) or the in game Tutorials. The information I'm finding or various forums (Steam, Matrix, and here) should have been provided with the game. In fact I was just advised that the Hot Key list would be available "soon". Which means although they were mentioned in the 1.01 patch (And who knew about that) they are not listed anywhere! I realize I'm probably a cranky "old Fart" (70), but I expect the game documentation to explain game mechanics a lot better than what came with this game. For example, there's no mention of "support unit" capability, Hit point vs Strength, or HQ units assisting with morale of adjacent units. If you played PzC (As I have) you could probably figure some of this out.

Two good examples of explaining game / combat mechanics are:
1. Pike and Shot (You get a detailed breakdown and each combat round, and the manual is very good).
2. PzC series - I don't remember the exact keys ( Crtl / ???) but it gave you an excellent breakdown of the previous combat results.

Now that's off my chest:), I'm really enjoy game (Visiting the forums really helped), and I do appreciate the developer's timely responses to questions.

[lordzimoa]

We don`t disagree and are working hard to correct it, but eg. you quote the PzC series, just compare v1.00, that we released in July 2011 to the current one v1.23 version... it was much, much worse and had far few features upon release.

But people forget..., if we would have added at release what we want and will include into this game series. This would be released in 2016.

What we do promise is to work as fast and hard as we can and we will bring this game far and above the level that PzC has got now and much faster!

There is so much coming, we preferred it to be in on day one, but due to many, many aspects I cannot get into, this was simply not possible.

We had a point that we had to say this is good enough to start the series... we just need some time! People will enjoy this series for many years to come, and we will support, expand and improve it, that is a promise.

Little by little one travels far.

[Maler]

We don`t disagree and are working hard to correct it, but eg. you quote the PzC series, just compare v1.00, that we released in July 2011 to the current one v1.23 version... it was much, much worse and had far few features upon release.

But people forget..., if we would have added at release what we want and will include into this game series. This would be released in 2016.

What we do promise is to work as fast and hard as we can and we will bring this game far and above the level that PzC has got now and much faster!

There is so much coming, we preferred it to be in on day one, but due to many, many aspects I cannot get into, this was simply not possible.

We had a point that we had to say this is good enough to start the series... we just need some time! People will enjoy this series for many years to come, and we will support, expand and improve it, that is a promise.

Little by little one travels far.

I can't wait to see how it all turns out !!! Inspirational speech

[genehaynes]

Heck,

I can't remember where I put my glasses or hearing aids, much less remember what PzC version 1.00 was like:) But I get your point, and appreciate your efforts to address the documentation issues. Like I said, I'm having a lot of fun with the game. It can only get better.

[FroBodine]

I know you guys will improve this game and make it the best it can be, with detailed and comprehensive combat mechanic explanations.

I just want to second genehaynes comment about the Pike & Shot manual. It is one of the best Slitherine manuals I have read in a long time, maybe ever. That is the level of detail you guys need, and more. Your game is much more complex.