I was finally able to get one of my older but less internet inclined friends to play some AI War with another friend and myself and after a rough start he quite liked it. We still have to finish the game and I turned most of the options off but I’ve played many of the more complex strategy games with him over the years (World in Flames, Dominions, Empires in Arms, Star Fleet Battles, etc.) so he’ll be a very competent player once he gets into it.
So far everyone I’ve bought the game for goes much further when I host a game to teach them how to play than on their own which is no real surprise as that’s a good way to learn any more complex game, but still amusing. I always tell them that I bought the game not too long after release and had a few false starts before getting into the game myself. Ah the days when the AI had turrets and we had those amusing tugs (I still miss the tugs especially).
I can’t wait for the new expansion pack to pop up on Steam. I will have to buy it for 8 people including myself and will cackle with glee as they feel they have to play and find that there’s a great game at a great price here. And I like having new ships and other things to play with. >D
I’m not really the best teacher but it’s worked for a few friends already and as long as they are willing to give it a shot, I’ll keep bringing more into the Arcen fold via this flagship product especially. It’s a refreshing change of pace to see how you guys respond to our issues and praise of the game compared to what a large chunk of the game industry has become.