Brand new to RTS/Strategy games

Is this gonna be okay for me?

from Sins Forums
Believe it or not, I've never played an RTS or strategy game beyond a demo a while back. I mostly play RPGs, FPS and have played some MMOs. This game really intrigues me and voices in my head keep telling me to just take the plunge and buy it. Am I going to be totally overwhelmed and confused being brand new to the genre, or will I learn it pretty easily as I go along? Any tips for a total newbie to this type of game? Thanks in advance.
4,994 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
Well, its going to take a little getting used to i guess.
Especially if you've never played an RTS or 4X game before.
However, unlike most RTS Sins isn't very fast-paced so that will help.
The tutorials should be quite a bit of help too, especially the basic ones as those are about subjects RTS veterans will know well, but you might not.
And when you first start out, go for small 1v1 maps with an easy computer opponent to learn the game. Probably best to play with pirates off too for the first couple of times. The game has quite a bit of depth, but the interface is very intuitive so getting to know it should be easy. Capital ships level up RPG style, with new or improved abilities each level, so you'll probably feel right at home there.

As for taking the plunge, if you really aren't sure, Stardock and Ironclad are planning on releasing a demo sometime next month, so it may be a nice idea to wait until that is out to give it a try.
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
I second the idea of waiting for the demo if you're a complete RTS novice. One thing you might try while you're waiting around for the Sins demo is to try another well-known RTS that has a demo, just to see if it's the type of game-play that you're interested in. Age of Empires might be a good choice, you can get a demo for their latest version here: http://www.ageofempires3.com/asiandynasties/downloads.html
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Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
Thanks guys, I decided to go ahead and get it. Already downloaded :-) I refuse to be a coward about it and have committed myself to learning the game and getting good at it no matter how much I fail at first hehe. I've always been intimidated by RTS and 4X games in the past, no more! I'm sure at first I'm going to be overwhelmed and frustrated, but have reconciled that with myself and am determined to move beyond this RTS phobia. ;p
Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
Just by the genres you listed, you probably have never had to do much forum surfing. FPS is pretty much, see enemy, shoot enemy. RPG's you really only need to read if you get stuck on a quest, or want to figure out the best min/max character.

These types of games, tactics constantly evolve, and while some RPGs are pretty complicated, they are more intuitive then 4x games.

So, if things just aren't clicking, read every thread you can until things start to.