TMC Player Reviews: Federation II

(The following review comment is the opinion of the comment's author [Cats] and in no way represents the opinions of this website or its staff).

I too started in Classic Fed during the AOL days and stayed with it 
through the web.  It is one of those games that you can leave for a 
while, but you keep coming back.  I first started Fed II in beta (or 
was that Alpha) and left for a while, then returned.  I miss part of 
the old Fed, but I am curious and excited about some of the features 
of the new Fed.  True, adventurer and (I think) Trader, can be 
monotonous, but you forget their purpose:  with adventurer, getting 
you to explore, and with Trader, introducing the new concept of 
futures.  We did the exploring in Classic with the GM, but not nearly 
as thoroughly as now.  So, monotonous?  Yes, I cursed every time I 
had to find something in the South Dome on Sumatra.  But fun?  Yea, I
enjoy it.  

As for the slithies, the game can be played without them.  The perks 
you get with slithies can enhance gameplay, especially at the Indy 
and Manu ranks, but there are games and contests where slithies are 
given away, and I have found also that many players are willing to 
give you the occasional slithy if you aren't a beggar whining for 
one.  I intend to test the challenge of playing the game without them 
with a character and will report back on how it goes.

As for the general manager and her friends, some things are as they 
are.  It's not going to change.  She's a nice person if you take the 
time to get to know her and don't irritate her, which is the same of 
most people.

All in all, I can attest that gameplay in Fed II is unique, 
challenging, and fun, at least for me.  But then, I've been an addict 
for years. 

(The following review comment is the opinion of the comment's author [John McMillen] and in no way represents the opinions of this website or its staff).

I have thought most of the day about the comment just posted. The
previous player's first paragraph is partly true and clearly stated
at the Fed2 homepages. The highest ranks (above Manufacturer) have not
yet been added to this game. There are several starter planets, with
under 40 locations that have been approved and added that were
entirely written by current players as a preview of what their final
planets will be like once the appropriate rank is added to the game.

As for the 2nd paragraph. Well, obviously if the higher ranks are not
yet finished to the programmers satisfaction then the players have to
stay at the top rank that is there. My own personal opinion, i have a
feeling that the player actually meant, unlike Classic Fed, where it
was possible to zoom through all the lower ranks in just a couple of
days, and bingo! you're a planet owner. Fed2 has made each rank a
challenge, something to thoroughly enjoy, giving players a chance to
get to know the game, and what exactly they need to do for each rank.

There was nothing sadder than a new Planet Owner asking everyone in
sight, how do i haul? An unfamiliarity with the main planets and
locations, and who other players are. Fed2 is not a race, it's
something to be enjoyed. There have been several times, where
requirements in a couple of the lower ranks have been shortened, which
would not have happened if the programmers object was to delay
promotions.

Now, to the last comment. Yes, Fed2 is absolutely, positively free!!
A slithy is not a requirement for promotion to any rank, and we have
been reassured several times, it will never be required. True, there
are some enhanced abilities that make life a tad easier to do your job
with that Slithy, but in no way does the enjoyment or the experiencing
of the game require them.

I am only a player in Fed2. I've enjoyed playing Fed for almost 10
years now. I come, i go, i've paid, i've played for free, i enjoy
this game, i enjoy interacting with the other players. Heck, i even
enjoy hauling!! Currently, i have not paid anything to the programmer
and i am at the highest rank currently available. Guess what, the
programmer herself even comes in and asks everyone how they are doing,
takes suggestions, listens to feedback, and tweaks the game to make it
easier to play, not necessarily easier to promote. Bella and her staff
actually seem to listen; unless i'm being silly, then they tease me
right back. I agree with Bella (the programer) that it's better to
have a fully tested, fleshed out rank, ready for promotion, than to
throw something together just so players can promote! Believe it or
not. But promoting is not the object of the game (to me anyway). It's
the atmosphere and enjoyment of the game, that keeps me here. Thanks
for letting me ramble on (Can you just imagine how long my location
descriptions will be, once the player owned planets ranks come in AND
when i choose to promote to that rank!) :)

(The following review comment is the opinion of the comment's author [Jeremy D Collins] and in no way represents the opinions of this website or its staff).

Just wanted to update this comment. Player planets have now been
installed and have multiple ranks with player planets (including
multiple player planets). As for slithies (donations), they are not
required for gameplay. They don't allow you to experience anything
different than if you had donated.

Not sure where the new experience having Slithies would really come
from? Slithies (cute little creatures that are worth alot in game)
definitely make gameplay easier. The game is slow at first with
learning game commands etc, it was designed that way. Typically alot
of newer players have problems with the amount of typing. Well guess
what, this is a text-based game, you will be typing no matter what you
do :)

Everyone have fun :) JD