I'm re-reposting this as the forum ate my original post If a mod deleted my post, please note:
I hardy see how mine is a troll post. I use logic to deconstruct an attitude I see a lot here. I even assume there is an 8.5 game within. I express my wish that the game is finally patched to playable goodness. There is no name calling nor personal attacks in the post. If this post is deleted as well, please send me a PM explaining your reasons. Thank you.
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It seems to me that most of the rationalizations of the horrible release state of Elemental take the form of, 'wait 2 - 4 - 6 months and it will be a great game' or 'sure, it needs a few patches, but when it gets them, move over Civ 5!'. One would think it is like a mathematical formula, 'wait 6 months = great game', like 2+2=4, that absolutely cannot be argued with. Well, I'm gonna argue it.
Before I get started, I'm going to assume, for the sake of argument, that there *really is* a good game buried underneath the numerous bugs, imbalances, and broken mechanics. I for one have my doubts, but let's assume that there really is an 8.5 game in there. Even if this is the case:
1. Who knows, the 'final' game that finally gets patched may not coincide with the imaginary great game that you have in your head that is gonna be here in 4 months or whatever. That is certainly a possibility, considering everyone has their own personal opinion as to what makes a good game. So for a certain % of players, the 'equation' 'time + patches = good game' will not be true. Unless you think that the 'patched' Elemental will be all things to all players, of course.
2. Look at the work load. The Out of Memory, CTD problems. Magic needs to be redone. Weapon balance needs looking at. Combat system needs overhauling. Tactical combat needs a complete redo. The UI could use a lot of love. Synergy of the different systems not clear to the player. All these changes need to be thoroughly tested before release, as there is no sense in compounding the original mistake by releasing patches which break the game even more. And when that's all done, dear god, that disgrace of a campaign needs a coat of paint and a tune up. To top it off, the devs are under pressure to make good on a botched release, the fans clamoring for their patches daily. Not an ideal situation.
3. And most important, patching a game is a human undertaking. There are no guarantees. Things can happen, even given the best goodwill and desire to do right in the world. Situations can change. People can even make bad decisions. It's been known to happen.
A fellow musician friend of mine once said, 'the gig's not over till after you've spent the money'. I honestly hope and pray (since I've already spent the money) that if there is a great game lurking within, it manages to come out. But I'll believe it when I see it, not before.
