Lol, didn't know what you meant at first, but it seems it's a cyberpunk game from the maker of Syndicate.

And I was thinking for backing the game at $30, so I can get the content updates as well!

I haven't backed it yet for all the reasons you have stated here. But the GOG issue is first and foremost the reason why I have not backed it. But the social elements line makes me have my doubts.

Someone on the forums replied to my query about co op - not a dev mind you :

"They've not specified anything about staggered releases so the assumption is that all channels will get the release silmultaneously. Though different platforms may be staggered. Admittedly guess work, but I can't see why different channels on the same platform wouldn't be simultaneous.

For Co-op play there are a few threads scattered about on it, but for summary the key points are:

- Primarily single player game lasting 30-40 hours for an average playthrough.
- Co-op function is confirmed for battles, but entirely optional. You can request aid, but it is not a requirement.
- Trade functionality is possible, definitely for technologies maybe for hardware (TBC), but again entirely optional.
- Current debate amongst the community as to if co-op in other areas is possible, but no confirmed details yet.

So the Mandate is a single player game with the option for co-op, but you won't be forced into a team if you want to go it alone and there will be no penaltiles for solo play.

Hope that helps clear things up.

CT"

I've been a backer on this from the early part of the KS and from the beginning the creator has stated that he has been in contact with GOG and expects the DRM-free version of the game to be released through GOG for Windows and Mac. So what GOG issue are you talking about?

As for the worries that this is a multiplayer game, that really doesn't seem to be an issue. As far as I can tell from all the backer updates I've gotten, this will play the same single-player as co-op, and looks like it will offer a fantastic single player experience. The social features are still yet to be announced in detail, but they are NOT the same type of social features as touted by the XBone or PS4, so I'm not worried. I'm not donning my tin-foil hat for this project.

Yeah, it's mostly the coop over single player content and the GOG issue. But both of those seem to have been addressed in their FAQ. As well as the DRM-Free question, however a lot of people consider Steam DRM-Free.

I'm considering supporting at the Beta Access level. Away from home currently, and I like doing my online shopping at home. All my current KS supported games (minus SotA) are shaping up to be great games and I donated much more for those games than the $40 tier that I am considering.

For those curious about my SotA not being a great game comment, it's looking more like an MMORPG more and more every day. Which an MMO is not my type of game.

I'm not aware of SotA, but I'm very turned off by MMOs. Every single one I've ever tried is just bland, terrible, superficial gameplay.

I'm glad that you're reconsidering The Mandate. What excites me the most about The Mandate is how much attention is going into creating a whole universe complete with back-story. It's that attention to detail that I believe will make the game outstanding and immersive. Think how much of a difference the attention to detail made in the Star Wars movies. That what set it apart from other sci-fi movies. You can tell the game designer has a bunch of passion for his creation.

SotA - Shroud of the Avatar

OMG! It is a new ULTIMA?!?! How'd I miss that one? Thank you kind sir, I am backing this right now!

wait no what are you doing
It's a new Ultima Online. They are selling virtual buildings there and items that make you better at farming virtual gold. For real dollars.

Kickstarter: 1.9M from 22k backers, $86 per backer.
Website: 1.2M from 5k backers, $240 per backer.

The FAQ states that it is Selective Multiplayer, which seem okay with me. I hate MMO's, but I didn't mind playing Diablo 2 single player or playing with some friends. SOTA will not be always on, so it seems that the multiplayer aspect is very similar to Diablo 2. With, supposedly, much richer, deeper story. I'm all about that.

What is the insidiousness that I'm missing?

Dang. Well thanks for the info, I almost made a $45 mistake. Too bad, it could have been so promising. Here we are judging something before its complete, but after reading what you said and reading the official project updates, I don't like the direction this is going either.

When i found about this game when it hit KS, everything i read made me feel it was aimed at the MMO crowd, hence why i never touched it..Glad i didnt :)

So, Coelocanth reminded me of this game again, so - especially since I'd have more urgent stuff to do :D - I dived in again and read through the last update(s).

As pretty much confirmed earlier in this thread, the devs would like to see the game on GOG and the game can still be backed till March 2015 (over here).

People who're more interested in the lore and general information, they've been compiled into three PDF files (Text Compendium, Image Compendium, ) by [url=http://www.mandategame.com/forum/fan-compendium-0]by the fans.

There will be mod support and planetary missions and starbase assault.

In the last update, they also said they partnered up with Eurovideo Medien GmbH of Germany: So far so good.

This is what the dev plan: The more (of the lore) I read, the more I'd like to back the game, but...the devs themselves said they'd give us a rich past so we can forge our own future. And it does look good, with the factions and all and the game has been compared to Mount & Blade - but I'm not really the Sandbox type I fear, I like it more when there's a good plotline. Though there should be some storylines and missions and stuff like that too.

What also kept me from going for it was that for $30 you back the game and the first post-launch DLCs and for $40 you back the game, the DLCs and the first expansion (and you get beta access)
I'm not really interested in the beta access and although I always like to get the full game, I don't know if I should take the risk. Still have till March to think about it, maybe I'll just get the base game and upgrade it later if I like it =)

P.S.: And look here, spaaaace combat :D

Ugh! Damn, you Reever! I'm now more tempted than ever to back this thing!

No matter what though, I feel this game needs to be on GOG. Make it so, Number One!