where can if ind some updated replays

There are no new replays because replays in version 1.12 do not function properly.  Until this gets fixed it is near impossible to get a replay recorded that does not crash the game at some point when you view it.  If you wish to learn how to play I suggest reading up on current strategies in the strategy and multiplayer forums.  Then playing online and listenign to advice of your team.

Astax told it like it is. But like it is, is not good enough. New players are used to better treatment than this. Let's look at the problems for new players who just got the retail box and have gone home to install their new game.

1. Well, first to get up to version 1.12 they need to get Impulse installed. Not a hard task, but it may not be intuitively obvious to the ordinary buyer of games that they need to get Impulse, or even where to get it.

2. Looking around for inspiration, they find that they got a manual that mostly tells you everything except what you wanted to know to get started.

3. The tutorials skim the surface pretty quickly. "Ummm, yes. Lot of stuff here, wonder how I'm supposed to rememver all that?"

4. So, maybe watching a replay would be a good idea. But, mysteriously enough, there aren't any to be found! Because replay is "broken." Assuming the new player has found the forums and taken the time to skim the threads. The new player may wonder if "replay" is broken, what else is broken? Not a good sign.

5. Well, ok, then. The new player decides to hop right into the campaign, maybe learn something there. But, ho ho, surprise surprise! There is no campaign! Well, so much for that idea.

6. New player decides to hit the forums. There are some good posts on how to get started here and on gamefaqs. New player reads and makes notes. Or doesn't.

7. New player wonders if going online and finding someone to help them would be a good idea? Which it might or might not be, but most new players are shy and probably won't try that anyway.

8. While reading forums new player discovers that some kind of expansion is coming real soon. Apparently, it is going to cost another $10 on top of their purchase price to keep their game up to date and nothing seems to be said about a campaign being included. Not good news. Another $10 on top of the purchase price for a game that they have not yet learned how to learn to play may seem depressing.

Really, I hate to say it but it is what I think. Sins still feels like a beta in many ways and remains hard going for new players. Stardock and Ironclad need to address some of these issues. At least fix the replays and post some carefully commented learning replays.

I actually learned A LOT by playing a couple of games, then replaying the tutorials...got me up to speed very quickly.  Also, I have had every question answered to complete satisfaction here in the forums (this is a very helpful community).

wilebill makes a few good points though....

There are some good learning videos on youtube...but the best way to learn is to play the game and then ask questions about it.

Also, this wiki site is good:

http://www.soasewiki.com/index.php/Main_Page

and this strategy article is good:

http://neamar.fr/Res/Soase/

hope this helps.  I'm sure the replays will be fixed with the release of entrenchment or soon after, so we'll have plenty of replays to learn from.

I wonder if SoaSE has sold more since the end of the year, than it did on it's release....?  there sure has been a lot of coverage of what a great game this is.

RM

ReadyMan, I've played Sins off and on since it was first released. And yet, the two links you provide are news to me! How likely is it that a new player will find them?

i actually found those two websites browsing forums and stuff, they are pretty helpful at learning unit stats and stuff.  i agree with you wilebil, that has been pretty much how things have gone for me. i really like this game, but had no idea the replays were broken.  when i would search google i would always get some posts from a long time ago saying look at the ones on the main page, but yeah those were old so i was like 'wtf do people not play this game anymore?' i think having a replay community really makes things fun for everyone... too bad

Welll cheer up, we are hoping they will be fixed in next update.  They were fine before.  Go here  and demand we get it fixed asap

The manual states Impulse is how patching occurs

That is their issue - Stardock/Ironclad can't be expected to hold their hand if they can't remember something. Re-do them if need be. This game is acknowledged as having a learning curve - the 4X is the give away here... 

Most games with SP campaigns wouldn't teach you enough to survive MP anyway - you learn MP by taking your licks and making friends with people who guide you. Plus reading up on FAQ and guides.

Wrong - once it is out of beta, you will have the choice of playing Entrenchment or vanilla. If they don't have Entrechmentm, the game will default to vanilla. They will still be able to keep it up to date!!!

It is well past a beta, and is hard because it is a complicated game - it is not a FPS which is just point and click - you need to think, you need to learn and you need to be flexible

Wilebill, some of the stickied posts in the forums have information similar to those links.

Actually, we can all go a long way by posting links to info that is helpful to us...as new players/and existing players will appreciate the quick links and info!

the wiki is a real find, and its FULL of interesting stuff.

RM