Re: Warlock
Here's a gameplay vid of an early build (there are some other vids out there from later builds. The additional artwork for the UI is quite nice):
[video=youtube;Idt2sVt2VAs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idt2sVt2VAs[/video]
I am amazed at the similarity with Elemental! Gold, food, even "mana" are all in the game like Elemental. The event notifications also appear on the right side of the screen...just like Elemental. Finally, there appears to be quests, looting and city building...just like Elemental.
However, one area that is different from Elemental is this game's strict focus on strategic gameplay. That is, unlike Elemental's divided attention between strategic map exploration, tactical battles, and RPG questing and leveling up of sovereigns and heroes, this game keeps your focus firmly fixed on strategic gamplay...something I think is a very smart move. I also like how the battles are handled: even though all the combat is handled in a Civ-styled way of unit on unit battles, the cool sound FX and the frenetic action of the little soldiers makes up for a lack of a tactical battle screen. In fact, I find Warlocks battles to be more exciting to watch than the staid battles of Elemental's tactical combat.
I also like all the different unit types and monsters in the game. The map is also more colorful and seems more interesting to explore, too. Lastly, in a different vid I saw that there are naval combat units, too!
So far Warlock looks to be a much more interesting game than Elemental. Don't know how it will compare to Fall Enchantress, but I am willing to say that I think it will have stiff competition when Warlock is released.
Wow...between this and Crusader Kings II, it looks like it is going to a very good year for Paradox.
