Initially upon launch, this game (appID 608800) literally just downloaded and launched the old Guns of Icarus: Online (appID 209080), and enabled a DLC. Although it now runs under the correct appID, I am not sure why it is sold as an entirely new game, when it clearly is not. All of the exact same content is available under 608800 or 209080 as long as this DLC is enabled.

That being said, this game is supposedly the delivery of a Muse's second KickStarter campaign for Guns of Icarus from 2013 that raised over $200,000. The campaign was for a *DLC* add-on called "Adventure Mode". The full add-on was supposed to be completed by June 2014. The core features of "Adventure Mode" as stated by Muse in the opening description paragraph of their Kickstarter:

"A persistent online post-apocalyptic steam & dieselpunk world
Crew or captain your own ship and experience airship combat taken to new levels
Explore towns and take on missions to help them develop and grow...or bring them to ruin
Politics and intrigue with six player-run factions, each vying to stake its claim in the world
Robust and accessible economic and political systems that drive the action"

In reality, the only thing that is fully delivered here is the second item, which is just a vague description of their original game, and not a unique aspect of this add-on. The fact that 2 of the 6 factions aren't done after this extremely extended development cycle is concerning, to say the least. The core premise of the fundraiser was clearly not realized.

There were also stretch goal features that were not met (walk-able towns, etc.) but the developers repeatedly promised that they would secure additional funding to support the stretch features if the core game was funded, releasing the entire project as several "smaller DLC".[i.imgur.com] They very quickly back-pedaled on that stance upon securing the core funding. However, two stretch goals WERE met, "More game modes" and "More boss ships", with no clear representation in this 'finished' product. Again, the core premise of the fundraiser, and the stretch goals reached, were clearly not realized.

I have a hard time believing this is all just a misunderstanding, as this is not the first time they have over-promised and under-delivered on a KickStarter campaign for Guns of Icarus. They initially funded GoIO with a KickStarter in 2011 that promised features that still haven't been implemented. Things like "Extensive customization with lots of weapons, engines, and decorative ship parts" or "Campaign with mission, factions, trade, and crafting - dynamically affecting battlefronts and alliances" still aren't in the game. As far back as 2012 if not earlier, there were stats for crafting commodities, alternate ship components, trade items, and even *goats*[i.imgur.com] buried in the game code, but never actually implemented in game. I believe they are still part of the game code, just completely abandoned.

I understand developing a game is hard and projects change, but is having two KickStarter campaigns for the exact same game premise, and then having *both* dramatically under-deliver normal? I really hope not.

Purchase at your own discretion. I've already received a full refund.

(Day late + dollar short)^2 = GoI:Alliance