A ton of potential

I have to say that this game has tons of potential and could easily reach a large player base. Some things I've enjoyed about it so far:

  1. User friendly controls and interface: the grid key setup works very well and allows the player to rarely need to look down or need to memorize tons of keybinds.
  2. Unit responsiveness: BA has some of the fastest unit response time I've seen in an RTS akin to something like SC2.
  3. Multiple strategies and unit combos are viable: I've committed to fast expanding, rushing, and teching, and all feel really good.
  4. Unit models look distinct and aesthetically pleasing: Genuinely surprised at some of graphical fidelity of some of the units. Not sure what engine they're using, but they look good. I know they're in the early stages, so I'm curious how much further they push the envelope here.
  5. A uniquely fast-paced but low stress RTS environment: In the several matches I played, I genuinely just felt like I was having a good time playing a new RTS while learning the units, strategies, etc. I think removing macro heavy (and micro) elements like managing workers and lots of upgrades removes some stressful aspects of learning RTS.
  6. Unit animations are surprisingly excellent for a game that's only in closed beta.

Some things that would be good for the future:

  1. Being able to compare units: This could even include some pie chart showing what strengths and weaknesses your deck may have (lack of long range, units overall too slow, rush style build, etc.)
  2. It didn't seem like I could click on individual units to attack them - only attack move: That could be an error on my part, but I'm not sure.
  3. Numerical values for unit health, damage, etc. in their respective card descriptions.
  4. Custom color choices.
  5. Adding a short video of the unit animations for each unit card when building a deck: This will help get a feel for what the unit does (especially if you don't know it yet).

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but I though I'd touch up on the things that came to mind.

16 comments · 95% upvoted · other discussions

comments

Yeldoow

It didn't seem like I could click on individual units to attack them - only attack move: That could be an error on my part, but I'm not sure.

Focus firing is disabled by default but can be enabled in settings.

https://www.reddit.com/r/BattleAces/comments/1diutqy/focus_firing_in_battle_aces/

fivemagicks [OP]

Oh, awesome. Thank you

ShiftyMNM

Regarding focus firing, I agree with the devs choice to disable it by default, but I really think an in-game pop up during the tutorial mentioning it would be great. I am sure a large amount of potential players aren’t active on their Discord or subreddit to have seen the devs post about it being a settings option.

fivemagicks [OP]

Yes, I think that would be a great blip to show in the tutorial. I'll have to change that when I get home from work.

CuteLilPuppyDog

I think for beta not having the numerical data is a great choice. Less nitpicking, more actual testing by people because there won’t be a clear best unit, and most importantly they have the freedom to change values without the whole community getting into an uproar. 

When full release comes out that information should be clear but until then I really appreciate just playing with units you think are good and seeing how it works. 

fivemagicks [OP]

Totally agree. It was a preference for the future. The game feels amazing for a beta though. No doubt about that.

meek_dreg

I hate to say it but clem has determined that mass beetle is actually overtuned to the point there are no counters

CuteLilPuppyDog

I think they can and absolutely should continue to balance during the beta but not making it public is probably for the best. I’m sure they’re collecting data and can see which specific decks have outrageous win rates and why.

fivemagicks [OP]

I mean, it's a beta for an RTS. It's not going to be perfectly balanced; hence why we are playing it right now.

jdb0306

loving it so far :)

[deleted]

[deleted]

fivemagicks [OP]

All great things, for sure.

ashinylapras

Great write up! I totally agree from my testing. I think having a replay window/ saving match videos to enjoy/study would be great!

Dreamdreamshock

Game truly has alot of potential but my opinion is that the unit models are very similar and are not aesthetically pleasing at all, literally all of them use mecha design and look alike, its hard for me to distinguish them at all at first look, especially when im using the space bar, all their icons are gray and simillar but maybe its just my opinion.

fivemagicks [OP]

I think all of the units - in theory - have people inside them. It is a mech-based game. I don't find them difficult to distinguish. To each their own.

PlainSight

I'm pretty sure the lore is that they are all drones so don't have people in them.

fivemagicks [OP]

Oh gotcha. Wasn't sure