BitMaster_1980: I was rather unhappy when it first came out. I still think Planetfall has the better setting and worldbuilding (despite the fact that I would normally rate fantasy over science fiction) but there really was a lot of progress from launch to here. There are still some areas where I would cleanly say they should have just gone with the advancements Planetfall had over AoW3 but the very pleasant movement in other areas allowed me to find some peace and enjoyment here.
Despite all the screeching of the anti-DLC brigade I have come to believe that if you want a decent 4X or grand strategy game, there is no other model. The games are just too big and complex in a niche too small. Even outside of Paradox, Old World follows a similar pattern on a smaller scale.
Yeah I don't see this sort of DLC program as exploitation. They're just continuing to improve and enhance the game, and we also get free updates anyways.
I was also a bit disappointed at first. This series is one of my favorites, and the game felt quite bland at release. It's maybe controversial but I thought the customization options ended up making factions a bit too same-y. Not to mention I really miss the flavor text, the unique dwellings, the mods system ... but they *are* improving it, and I'm optimistic to see where it goes.
