A Letter to the Devs

[Muad'Dib]

Thank you very much!

I think that's the best way to start this. I have always been a huge fan of sailing themed media, from movies like Master and Commander to games like Sid Meier's Pirates! I have played a lot of sailing games, from cellphone ones to PC ones, and although I have enjoyed them, there was always the feeling that they were lacking something. Something that you guys have, after all these years, managed to deliver: realism.

I love simulators. Don't get me wrong, I like "common" games too, but for me simulators have a special place in my heart. They manage to deliver that challenge factor that first got me hooked up on them and Naval Action have finally made possible the thing I've been searching for: the feeling of challenge when playing a sailing game. And for that, I thank you.

Of course, not everyone shares my vision and some may prefer an easier and simpler game, with a bigger "Fun Factor" and it's Ok to add that, but please do not overdo. Like I said, there are already A LOT of games that deliver that kind of easy fun, but I'd really like for this game to stand out as the one who delivers the realism that others couldn't or were not brave enough to try.

So, this is my plea: don't change! Evolve. I think it is possible to add some fun but without sacrificing the main idea of the original project, that is, to deliver the most accurate sailing experience in games. I have faith in you so please, don't abandon or change this project. Keep this boat sailing! 

 

Unfortunately, as an unemployed college student, I can not afford the game right now. But as soon as I get some spare money, I'll buy it and give you guys my support.

Until we meet at the seas.

[Reonhato]

I love simulators. Don't get me wrong, I like "common" games too, but for me simulators have a special place in my heart. They manage to deliver that challenge factor that first got me hooked up on them and Naval Action have finally made possible the thing I've been searching for: the feeling of challenge when playing a sailing game. And for that, I thank you.

Of course, not everyone shares my vision and some may prefer an easier and simpler game, with a bigger "Fun Factor" and it's Ok to add that, but please do not overdo. Like I said, there are already A LOT of games that deliver that kind of easy fun, but I'd really like for this game to stand out as the one who delivers the realism that others couldn't or were not brave enough to try.

So, this is my plea: don't change! Evolve. I think it is possible to add some fun but without sacrificing the main idea of the original project, that is, to deliver the most accurate sailing experience in games. I have faith in you so please, don't abandon or change this project. Keep this boat sailing! 

 

 

 

 

Ok so this has bugged me for a little while. 

 

There is a fairly large contingency of "realism" supporters who are active on these forums. The problem is not one of them seem to know what realism is.

 

To begin with, the idea that his game is a sailing simulator is just outright false, sailing in this game is in no way realistic and there is a very good reason for that... it would be super super boring. So sailing is simplified and  time compressed to make it more fun.

 

One of the things right now that the "realism" crowd seem to be into is the repairs, there are a vocal group of players who want no repairs because they think it is unrealistic because for some reason a sailor who sees a hole in the ship is totally just going to ignore it.

 

Also can you show me where " the main idea of the original project, that is, to deliver the most accurate sailing experience in games" is ever said.

[LeeUK]

Reonhato go easy on the fella, he hasn't actually had a chance to play the game. No need for the hostilities, better to just educate the gentleman on the game and hopefully gain another player in the near future.

 

But yes Maud'Dib, this isn't a "simulator". It does aim for a more realistic style of gameplay compared to other Age of Sail games, with a players own skill being the biggest in factor in any "fair" fight ( and mostly unfair fights lol ). But it does so while remaining fun, which means that it limits to how much "realism" the game can contain, too much realism and it just wouldn't be fun. However the ballistics, penetration and damage system of cannon ball are by far the most "realistic" I've seen in an Age of Sail game and it's extremely fun to put broadsides into your enemies ship.

[Duque]

 

 

I think this game maintains proper simulator part and maintains, the appropriate part of simplicity to make it exciting, not boring.

Imagine reality!!! how many days we would be sailing from Charleston to Caracas in real  in that old fashion navy style? 

[Muad'Dib]

Also can you show me where " the main idea of the original project, that is, to deliver the most accurate sailing experience in games" is ever said.

 

I know that, as it is right now, the game can't be considered a simulator. I just used that word because as opposed to other games this one delivers the most accurate sailing experience in games. I'm also aware that sailing in real life is nothing like it is shown in this game, but, again, compared to others games in which you just point, click and every shot hits, this one gives the most realistic vibe.

 

Regarding your question, as LeeUK said, I haven't played the game yet. I've only seen tutorials and gameplay videos, so they led me to assume that this was the original idea behind the game, that being, to create a more realistic aproach on sailing games. Still, the game is only at it's inicial stage, so who can say that it won't follow the simulator path? The Devs may (and probably will) add navigations tools in the future, making it an even more accurate experience. Besides, there is nothing that says that a simulator game can't be fun. As Duque stated, the game really seem to keep it's portions of realism and fun balanced.

 

Anyway, if my use of the word "simulator" to reffer to this game has offended your idea of what kind of game this is, I apologize, but that is just my opinion.

[Fluffy Fishy]

Currently I feel like the balance is good, there is a strong lobby to make it more realistic which worries me slightly, too much realism can distort gameplay and I'm sure the devs know that, when it comes down to it the team producing the game are actually very open about their progress and they do take note of what the forums say.

[Plak]

 I am quite happy with the balance between realism and playability in the game at the moment. The devs have implemented a lot of great compromises for the better of the game in total and they have not stopped improving the experience.