Warlock: Master of the Arcane

[Mike Dunn]

Since some of us picked this up in the Steam sale, I thought it deserves its own thread. If multiplayer is added, it becomes even more deserving of its own thread.

Here are resources to learn the game beyond the crappy manual:

First and foremost, the Warlock wiki:

http://warlockmota.wikia.com/wiki/Warlo ... rcane_Wiki

Strategy gaming podcast discussion of the game:

http://flashofsteel.com/index.php/2012/ ... warlocked/

Paradox created beginner guide (what the manual should have been):

http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/att ... ntid=53810

Paradox forum:

http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/for ... the-Arcane

Tech trees:

http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/sho ... b9478a0187

Video tutorial:

http://youtu.be/snbuxjVbcmQ

Beginner's AAR:

http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/sho ... b9478a0187

I've played it now for two nights and enjoying it, though some of the interface elements rub me the wrong way, particularly unit selection and movement. I'm playing on a small map with two AI opponents, and so far the AI is keeping me on my toes.

[John]

This is very helpful, Mike! I've yet to boot up the game, so I'll bone up on this material before I dive in. Thanks!

[Iyou Seigyoki]

Thanks for all the helpful links, Mike. I was really hoping to get a look at the tech trees, but neither my desktop nor my iPad will open up the .png files. I must be missing something...

Anyway, I've spent several hours playing this game. I'm really hoping that Paradox will come out with a viable multiplayer because I think this game is ideal for that. Turns proceed very quickly because players are not mired down in micro-management. I'd really like to try this against human opponents. As decent as the AI is in this game, it pales in comparison to the agile organic brain.

I'm currently winding down my first game at normal difficulty vs. three opponents on a normal size world. I kind of floundered at first because of the afformentioned lack of documentation that came with the game. It was looking grim for me at one point. The AI took out one of their own and I was sandwiched between two opponents that seemed larger and more advanced than I was. I was defending a key stratigic city in the middle of the main continent and was getting hammered from both sides. Luckily the AI opponents also were taking potshots at each other, or I would have been toast.

My city's health bar was deep into the red when I happily noticed that there were no more waves of attackers from either side and I was getting a break. I used the opportunity to build a galleon and started going on the offensive. I never looked back and now have the game well in hand.

Aside from just winning the game, the only thing I haven't tried is to secure a foothold on one of the portal worlds. I think I'll have to send my most buffed up units to survive what my recon unit saw there.

I can see how this game does not have the depth to hold my attention for too long, but again, the multiplayer potential here is great!

[Mike Dunn]

This game is currently on sale at Steam (until 1am Eastern) for $6.50. Worth three, four times that.

I'm really hoping that Paradox will come out with a viable multiplayer because I think this game is ideal for that. Turns proceed very quickly because players are not mired down in micro-management. I'd really like to try this against human opponents. As decent as the AI is in this game, it pales in comparison to the agile organic brain....

I can see how this game does not have the depth to hold my attention for too long, but again, the multiplayer potential here is great!

Multiplayer is imminent... in a free patch.

Here's a preview.

Been playing this a bunch, and still enjoy. Good with beer and pretzels.

[John]

I am just dying to play this. I have mapped out a transition schedule from my commissioner role to my writing project. It's going to be busy, but there is going to be a little bit of free time at intervals, and Warlock is high on my list of items to fill that time.

With a multiplayer patch looming on the horizon, I encourage members to take the plunge on the current Warlock sale. This is a Civilization-style game that I think would be an easy winner for our group. Even if I'm not able to participate in the first go-around, get a little group going and I bet you have a blast with it. Hit this link to make your purchase for just $6.79!

[Leones]

Well imagine my disappointment when I read this and realized it was not in fact a job opening.

[Denra44]

Well imagine my disappointment when I read this and realized it was not in fact a job opening.

#Facepalm#

[John]

Well imagine my disappointment when I read this and realized it was not in fact a job opening.

No, you were right... they're totally on the lookout for a kick-butt new drummer.

[Mike Dunn]

With a multiplayer patch looming on the horizon...

The 1.2 patch just autoloaded on Steam and it includes multiplayer!

[John]

The 1.2 patch just autoloaded on Steam and it includes multiplayer!

So who here besides Mike, Tom, and me owns Warlock?

[Mike Dunn]

I've now got problems after this was patched, some weirdness. Gonna wait a few days before trying again, in case they need to patch the patch.

[Mike Dunn]

Warlock is $5 today. Grab it unless you're broke or don't like having fun.

[Neil Thomas]

Yep broke

[Mike Dunn]

I have a free code for this game if anyone wants.

Or you can get it at the Humble Store as part of a promotion just by entering your email (for a few more hours, anyway).

[John]

How funny: I was just going to post the same thing. Free copy of Warlock: Master of the Arcane available. You can redeem through Steam. It's a fun game. If you like Civilization, you should give this a try.