I'm really curious about Natural Doctrine.
From everything I am reading, I should stay the hell away from that game.
But it looks interesting as I love those types of strategy games. Anyone want to add input? Really curious as the game is very expensive.
I highly recommend it if you think you'll like it. It was a contender for my GoTY the year it came out. It's absolutely fantastic, but, and this a major issue -- it does not play like any other SRPG on the market. At all. It has completely unique mechanics that demand you understand them, and if you don't, the AI will crush you. This is why most reviewers hated it -- people often harp on things [like getting bum rushed by chained attacks] that are, quite plainly, their own damn fault for allowing to happen.
The game allows you to chain and link attacks. Most people don't seem to understand either - but the AI sure does.
Basically, any time a unit takes a turn there are 'link conditions' and it may allow another team member to get to move. For example, if you attack enemy X, any other unit that is capable of attacking enemy X gets the option ["option", this important to understand] to take a turn. If they have already moved this round, that's a bonus move [great!]. If they haven't moved yet, this uses up their turn [bad! only use as a last resort!].
Most people that don't 'get' the game don't understand the above. They think they understand linking, so they just move unit 1, chain everyone else, call it a day, then get absolutely destroyed by a couple orcs that understand how to chain/link.
What you actually need to do is [best case scenario, where you can and where it makes sense] is to move unit 1. Now, move unit 2 and chain unit 1 [bonus turn!]. Now move unit 3 and chain unit 2 [bonus turn!] and 1 [bonus turn!]. Now move unit 4 and chain unit 3,2, and 1 [bonus turnx3!].
You are the one choosing the turn order, so you can plan out some really solid strategies that allow you to attack units and then chain back into protective formations. It's also key to protect your flanks and don't overextend -- because if you leave 1 unit too far out, he's might suddenly going to get attacked 15 times in a row as the AI chains all their dudes together and demolishes your unit -- suddenly some lowly orc attacks your unit 5 times on a single turn. This is why the game seems so hard to beginners.
But... if you take the time to learn the game above, it's absolutely amazing. It actually has strategy and tactics [turn planning, positional awareness, flanking, terrain considerations, terrain height considerations].
There are also other cool things - as you set up all those chains and links, you get extra bonuses for how your units are positioned for the attack. This can make every turn look like a complex football play -- check some screenshots, you'll see what I mean. But in practice? You'll pick it up fast.
Game is tremendous. it's a shame most/all reviewers didn't actually try to learn the game... yes, it's complex... but it's so utterly worth learning.
Any questions, just ask.
AN had a pretty ok story. I was hooked atleast.
