Info about Offworld Trading Company: Official game description: Mars has been colonized. Now, Earth's greatest corporate titans have been invited to build companies to support it. The competition to dominate the market is fierce in this fast-paced economic RTS from Civilization IV lead Designer, Soren Johnson. **Venture to Mars to Earn Your Fortune** ---------------------------------------- With space travel becoming a reality and the easy-to-reach resources on Earth dwindling, hopeful people seeking their fortune are rushing to the next great frontier: Mars. Rekindle humanity’s adventurous spirit by leaving Earth behind and make a new name for yourself as a titan of industry on the red planet. **Discover the Origin of the Major Martian Businesses** ------------------------------------------------------- Determine the fate of the Martian colonization effort in the dynamic single-player campaign mode. Multiple types of CEOs, each with unique traits and abilities, deliver many hours of discovery into their motivations and how they intend to dominate the future of Mars. **Experience New Adventure in Multiplayer** ------------------------------------------- Turn your friends into frenemies! With a robust and exciting multiplayer mode that can support up to eight players, no two games of Offworld Trading Company are the same! The market fluctuates depending on which of the four starting corporations you and your opponents choose and what resources you accumulate. Strategy is key, and tenuous alliances between rivals are easily broken when the opportunity arises. **Control the Market before your Competition Controls You** ----------------------------------------------------------- In Offworld Trading Company, market forces are your weapons, not guns or bombs. The real-time player driven market is your sword and your shield here. In order to win, you will need to make tough choices on what resources to acquire, what goods to build and sell, how to interact with the planet's thriving underworld, and what stocks to acquire and when. With over a dozen different resources available and a constantly changing market economy, no two paths of victory are alike -- each game holds a different “key” to dominating your competition. **Enjoy a Rich Soundtrack from a Grammy Award Winning Composer** ---------------------------------------------------------------- Transport yourself to Mars and immerse yourself in the battle for big business with an incredible soundtrack from composer Christopher Tin (Baba Yetu, Civilization IV). This retro-futuristic score mixes orchestra instrumentals, piano, and synthesizers while utilizing unique pitch-dives and other electronic treatments. All of these unique elements gives Offworld a truly otherworldly tone. **Expand your Business to Io in the Included Jupiter’s Forge Expansion** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you thought turning a profit on Mars was tough, just wait until you land on Jupiter’s volcanic moon, Io. With resources that deplete over time creating fierce competition, you will have to adapt to the new environment faster than your opponents do in order to survive. Life support is so strenuous on Io that Mars will look like a paradise in comparison! If community competition is your thing, you can fight for a spot on the leaderboards in the 1000 Map Challenge. Jupiter’s Forge has its own campaign and features several new maps based on Jupiter’s moon, Io. The expansion contained 2 additional factions, patents, resources, and much more. Release date: Apr 28, 2016 Categories: Economic Simulation, Real-time Strategy, Resource Management, Multiplayer, Single-player, Colony Simulation, Stock Market, Sabotage Feature scans: - MTX: score 85; verdict: Predatory Monetization; summary: The game suffers from significant issues related to its monetization strategy, including overpriced base game and DLCs, excessive paywalls, and aggressive monetization practices. These factors contribute to a high level of user dissatisfaction and frustration. Additionally, the lack of dedicated servers in multiplayer mode further detracts from the overall experience. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Economic and strategic depth (weight 0.96): The game focuses heavily on economic strategies and market dynamics, offering a unique take on the RTS genre. Players appreciate the depth of strategy involved in resource management and market manipulation. - Non-violent and unique RTS experience (weight 0.87): The game stands out for its non-violent, economic-focused gameplay, making it a refreshing alternative to traditional combat-based RTS games. Its unique blend of Civ and RTS elements, along with a Mars theme, adds to its appeal. - High replayability (weight 0.85): The game offers high replayability with randomized maps, dynamic market conditions, and various game modes. Players appreciate the variety and the fact that every game feels different. - Unique and innovative gameplay mechanics (weight 0.84): The game is noted for its unique and innovative gameplay mechanics, including black market tactics, sabotage mechanics, and market manipulation. These elements add depth and excitement to the gameplay. - Good tutorials and learning curve (weight 0.84): The game features comprehensive and well-thought-out tutorials that help players understand the mechanics. While the learning curve can be steep, it is rewarding for those who invest the time. - Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.84): The game is widely praised for its enjoyable and engaging gameplay, with many players finding it fun to play with friends or against AI. The unique mix of genres and in-depth mechanics contribute to its appeal. - Challenging AI and multiplayer (weight 0.84): The game offers challenging AI opponents and a competitive multiplayer experience. The AI difficulty is adjustable, and the multiplayer mode is praised for its dynamic and engaging gameplay. - Good visuals and sound design (weight 0.82): The game is praised for its visual aesthetics and sound design, which fit the sci-fi business theme. The graphics are clear and stylized, and the music is immersive and enjoyable. - Short and intense gameplay sessions (weight 0.79): The game features short match durations, typically lasting around 15-30 minutes. This makes it suitable for busy players who want quick yet satisfying gameplay sessions. - Active developer support (weight 0.73): The developers are noted for being very active, providing extensive support and updates. This contributes to the game's polished and engaging experience. - Educational value (weight 0.71): The game is praised for its educational value, teaching players about business, finance, and economics. It provides a hands-on understanding of supply and demand, market dynamics, and strategic resource management. Common complaints: - Fast-paced and rushed gameplay (weight 0.52): The game is often described as too fast-paced, with matches ending quickly due to stock buyouts and hostile takeovers. This rushed pace can lead to a lack of meaningful interaction and strategy. - Shallow economic management (weight 0.47): The economic aspects of the game are criticized for being too shallow and lacking depth. Players feel that the market simulation and resource management are overly simplistic and do not provide a meaningful challenge. - Lack of depth and repetitive gameplay (weight 0.44): The game is criticized for its shallow gameplay mechanics and lack of strategic depth. Players report that the game becomes predictable and monotonous after a few hours, with repetitive tasks and limited core strategies. - High price and low value (weight 0.44): The game is considered overpriced for the content it offers. Many players feel that the high price does not justify the limited gameplay and lack of depth, especially with the need for additional DLC purchases. - Poor single-player experience (weight 0.44): The single-player mode is criticized for being lackluster and not engaging. Players report that the single-player experience is a sequence of skirmishes against AI with little depth or storyline. - Limited appeal and niche market (weight 0.4): The game is seen as having a specialized appeal that limits its audience. The economic theme and gameplay mechanics may not appeal to a wide range of players, making it a niche product. - Technical and UI issues (weight 0.39): The game suffers from various technical issues, including UI problems, lack of clear instructions, and occasional glitches. These issues can detract from the overall gaming experience. - Multiplayer issues and broken servers (weight 0.28): Multiplayer functionality is severely hampered by broken servers and lack of player base. Many users report being unable to play online with friends or join multiplayer games due to server issues and low player counts. - AI and bot issues (weight 0.1): The AI in the game is criticized for being either too easy or overly aggressive, leading to imbalances. Bots are reported to dominate through stock buyouts, making the game less enjoyable for newcomers. - Confusing and unclear mechanics (weight 0.07): Players find the game mechanics confusing and unclear, particularly in terms of market and stock price mechanics. This lack of clarity can make the game frustrating and difficult to understand. - Balancing and market issues (weight 0.06): There are balancing issues in the game, particularly with market mechanics and sabotages. Players report that the market feels tacked on and does not provide a coherent or engaging experience. - Unsatisfying winning conditions (weight 0.03): The winning conditions in the game are criticized for being anti-climatic and nonsensical. Players feel that winning does not feel special or rewarding. Gameplay feedback: - Multiplayer and Single-player Modes (weight 0.32): The game offers both multiplayer and single-player modes, with a strong focus on multiplayer functionality. Players can compete against in-game bots, friends, or a combination of both. The multiplayer mode is fast-paced and dynamic, emphasizing economic competition. - Economic and Resource Management (weight 0.28): The game revolves around economic management and resource extraction. Players need to build mines, sell resources on the market, and manage various resources like energy and water. The game features a simulated free market economy with fluctuating demand rates and strategic resource buying. - Strategic Depth and Complexity (weight 0.26): The game requires constant vigilance, analysis, and quick decision-making. It features deep economy mechanics, a competent AI, and varied strategies including black market tactics, market manipulation, and stock buyouts. The tutorial teaches basics well, but mastering the game takes time. - Economic Strategy and Sabotage (weight 0.23): The core gameplay involves strategic decision-making based on resources, market conditions, and opponents. Players can sabotage rivals, trigger hostile takeovers, and focus on economic dominance without military units. - Stock Market and Market Manipulation (weight 0.14): The game features stock market mechanics, allowing players to buy and sell resources, manipulate the market, and influence supply and demand. Players can buy out opponents by acquiring their stock and use black market mechanics to disrupt competitors. - Colony Simulation and Sci-fi Setting (weight 0.07): The game involves colony simulation and enterprise management, set in a sci-fi futuristic space setting. Players can exploit AI logic loopholes and learn how businesses operate in a niche game focused on colonizing Mars. - Economic PVP and Competition (weight 0.06): The game is an economic RTS with a focus on market competition and sabotage. It features unique economic competition mechanics and fast-paced gameplay. - Economic Simulator Genre (weight 0.05): The game falls into the economic simulator genre, involving debt and expansion mechanics. It is a real-time economic strategy game with limited tile claims. - Market Manipulation and Black Market (weight 0.04): Players can engage in price bombing, crashing prices of items, and using black market sabotages. Debt management affects stock prices, adding another layer of strategy. - No Conventional Military Focus (weight 0.03): The game is an RTS without conventional military focus, offering a unique experience for RTS players willing to try something different. - Cutthroat Capitalism and Adaptability (weight 0.03): The game distills fast-paced, cutthroat capitalism into a video game. Weapons are money and adaptability, with black market diversions adding to the strategy. - Building Placement and Resource Management (weight 0.02): The game provides tips for building placement and resource management, emphasizing the importance of strategic building near resources. - Share Price Mode and Statistics (weight 0.02): Players can roll the cursor over opposing company names for statistics and engage in share price mode, focusing solely on their company and competitors. Performance notes: - Multiplayer server issues (weight 0.06): Players report that multiplayer servers are frequently down or broken, making it difficult or impossible to play online with friends. Additionally, player-hosted multiplayer games can experience lag. - Mixed reviews on stability (weight 0.05): Opinions on game stability vary, with some players experiencing random crashes while others report a steady 60 FPS without any bugs or crashes. Performance can be capped at higher rates depending on hardware capabilities. - Confusing and sluggish UI (weight 0.04): The game's user interface is criticized for being confusing, especially at the beginning, and overall sluggish. The interface needs improvement to enhance user experience. - Graphics need improvement (weight 0.02): Players note that while graphics performance is acceptable, it is not particularly good. There are also mentions of glitches that need to be addressed. - Singleplayer technical issues (weight 0.01): There are reports of technical issues specifically affecting the offline singleplayer mode, impacting the gameplay experience for solo players. - Small text in notifications (weight 0.01): The text size in notifications is too small, making it hard for players to read. This issue affects the overall user experience and accessibility. Recommendations: - Highly recommended for strategy fans (weight 0.31): The game is praised for its unique and challenging gameplay, particularly appealing to fans of economic strategy, RTS, and 4X games. It is recommended for those who enjoy competitive, fast-paced, and in-depth gameplay. - Recommended for online play (weight 0.03): The game is suggested for its online multiplayer experience, making it a good choice for those who enjoy competitive play with others. - Wait for sale or updates (weight 0.02): Some players suggest waiting for a sale to purchase the DLC or for further updates and potential price reductions before buying. - Unique and short experience (weight 0.02): The game offers a unique and innovative gameplay experience, making it worth a try for those looking for something different. - Watch LPs for understanding (weight 0.01): Watching Let's Plays (LPs) is recommended to better understand the game before purchasing or playing. Other player notes: - Game in Early Access (weight 0.01): The game is currently in Early Access, which means it is still under development and may have incomplete features. - Real money purchases available (weight 0.01): The game offers additional planets for purchase using real money. - Focus on personal growth (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the emphasis on personal growth and entrepreneurial influence within the game. - No Russian language support (weight 0.01): The game does not support the Russian language, which may be a drawback for Russian-speaking players. Emotions: - Disappointment (weight 0.19): Players feel disappointed due to the game's lack of depth, repetitive gameplay, and various technical issues. The market mechanics are criticized for being unrealistic and tacked on, while the short duration of matches and the lack of content in the base game also contribute to this sentiment. - Frustration (weight 0.17): Frustration stems from the game's steep learning curve, imbalanced AI, and various technical issues, particularly with multiplayer. Players also find the game's mechanics confusing and the high price unjustified, leading to a challenging and often unsatisfying experience. - Enjoyment (weight 0.16): Players enjoy the game's unique and engaging gameplay mechanics, finding it fun and addictive despite its challenges. The strategic depth, fast-paced gameplay, and high replayability contribute to a positive experience. - Excitement (weight 0.1): The game's innovative and unique gameplay mechanics generate excitement among players. The fast-paced, dynamic, and competitive gameplay, along with the strategic depth, create an engaging and thrilling experience. - Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Players feel satisfied with the game's strategic depth and challenging AI. The game delivers on its promises, offering a worthwhile experience after overcoming the learning curve, and provides enjoyable and deep gameplay. - Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's strategic depth, unique interpretation of the RTS genre, and its educational value on resource management. The minimalist design and successful strategies also contribute to this sentiment. - Joy (weight 0.04): Players experience joy from the game's exciting moments, enjoyable gameplay, and the thrill of competing with friends. The unique mechanics and heart-pounding moments add to the overall fun and engaging experience. - Satisfied (weight 0.04): Players are satisfied with the game's unique and competitive gameplay, finding it enjoyable despite the steep learning curve. The economic RTS gameplay and strategic depth make it worth the full price. - Excited (weight 0.03): Players are excited about the game's engaging and unique gameplay experience. The tactical and strategic gameplay, along with the potential for amazing multiplayer matches, generate a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm. - Interest (weight 0.02): Players find the game's unique narrative theme, art style, and strong economic elements interesting. The game's take on the RTS genre piques their curiosity and engagement. - Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players are enthusiastic about the game's refreshing gameplay principles and the endless variety of games. The real-time strategy elements contribute to this excitement. - Confusion (weight 0.01): Players feel confused due to the total chaos and initial lack of clarity about the game's content. The steep learning curve and unclear instructions add to this confusion. - Mixed (weight 0.01): Players have mixed feelings about the game, appreciating its unique aspects but finding the gameplay lacking in depth and entertainment. The quick gameplay is enjoyable, but it fails to leave a lasting impression. - Fascination (weight 0.01): Players are fascinated by the game's unique and engaging economy strategy gameplay. The innovative mechanics and strategic depth captivate their interest. - Anger (weight 0.01): Players feel anger due to the game's broken economy and persistent multiplayer issues. The frustration with these aspects leads to a negative and infuriating experience. - Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's innovative design and strategic depth, recognizing its unique approach to the RTS genre. The game's ability to stay ahead of trends is highly regarded.}