Idk guys, I think I am one of the vocal anti-DRM people here but I don't think this game is nearly as bad as others. I know that doesn't exactly serve as a ringing endorsement, but I will explain and I really do feel this isn't a true offender like so many other games.
So to me, offline with bots can be a full-fledged singleplayer game (despite it technically being a multiplayer "mode" entirely, as it were). Bots are key to it being full-fledged.
Explanation:
This is with the idea that the bots are programmed somewhat well, it is not just an afterthought with no resources invested. This game passes that test, a test which sadly many games fail since devs/pubs refuse to let us play solo with bots. Note too that I think this is distinct from that Crysis Wars online game that is here on GOG. In that, the player can technically go into the gameworld solo but there are no enemies (because you need to be online to play against people). To me, that is worse than a game with bots, though both are preferable from a DRM-free standpoint compared to an entirely online game, one in which the player can't even get in an empty gameworld by themselves and no bots. Does my idea resonate with anyone else?
And do I see correctly with NecroLand that the online multiplayer is just with internet connection, no client requirement or other third-party requirements?
Explanation:
While not ideal, that is also far better than most games on this store (including an old game like Aliens vs Predator if I am remembering correctly...how the hell does a game from the time of the "Y2K crisis" require a client invented a decade and a half later?? (Fortunately the better version of Aliens vs Predator is available at another, purer DRM-free store, but I digress). I have argued in past topics that online mode is still equivalent to DRM from a preservation aspect, but this is more akin to "play by email" than it is Hitman Lame of the Year online edition (which I still would like an explanation for how it was allowed to release here and assurance our existing games won't introduce similar "convenient" "features" in updates).
I do not know a lot about the design of this game but it would be nice if there was a way for several users to play offline together...be it hotseat/splitscreen, or LAN. Is LAN possible? I do think it would be an improvement from a DRM-free standpoint to have additional multiplayer options not requiring external internet.
All that said, I still maintain there is too much outrage over this. To me, a game I consider full-fledged with bots is way better to see here than the League of Legends tie-ins which directly promote DRMed games, GWENT being bundled with Thronebreaker, even the recent Dying Light "free items" some of which promote a DRMed game/company.
If this developer honestly wants to be on GOG and supports their game, I think maybe we can nicely ask for updates to add features we want, and save ire for the worse offending releases.
