Is it really fair to call this game 'Totem Tribe 2'?

Hey there,

I'm a long time supporter and player of the original Totem Tribe and Totem Tribe Gold.  I must have played each of those a dozen times or more.  So, when the announcement was made that a full on sequel was under development and that we could donate to (hurry along) the process in developing a new game that i loved, i jumped right to it.   (Now, i know i didn't throw in a LOT of money, but still....)

Well, since i've donated to show my support for a sequel to Totem Tribe, there have been so many itterations made to the game that i'm not even sure that it's even 'fair' to call this a sequel.  I understand why the decisions were made by the developers, for financial reasons, etc.  However, i've read a few posts in this forum from those that are alpha testing and it just seems like it's not even fair to call this a 'sequel' anymore to the original game.  Many of the things that a casual player like myself enjoyed are gone it's it's become so 'huge' in scope that i'm just left confused to everything that is involved. 

I will say, that it is a bit disappointing to think that all those fortunate enough to alpha test are going to have a significant advantage to those of us that weren't invited to test.  Not only are they going to be very familiar with the gameplay (they are going to know which quests to do first, what resources are more important to gather or whatever), they also have had the opportunity to make allies and 'friends' which seem much more important in this game than in the oringinal Totem Tribe.  (Ugh, not a fan of the whole MP aspect of this new game at all). 

It's hard to read to read and understand some of the posts here if you don't have access to the actual gameplay itself.  But it is clear that if you don't really buy in to the MP part of the game, it could leave you very limited.  I read in one post that someone could not expand their territory because of a neighbor who was more 'aggressive' and played more than he/she, and that the player was limited as a result?  I also remember reading a post that said that you couldn't just put down the game for a month or two and come back to it and not have 'lost' anything - that if you needed to be away that you should have one of your allies take care of basic things in your town for you.  What????

Anyway, there is so much more to this game, which is exciting in it's own way for fans like myself of the original game.  But i'm so concerned that the MP part of it will 'ruin' the excitement.  How is it going to be controlled in the scenario that you can only play for maybe an hour a day whereas your neighbor is a hard core gamer and can play for several hours a day, therefore having a significant advantage in expansion of their town, so much so that it will limit your own game play?  And will average joes like myself that have no interest in attacking other people or being 'attacked', will this prove to be a significant disadvantage??

I guess my point kind of is, is it even really fair anymore to call this a 'sequel' to the original game when so much of the first game has been lost?  Is it more of a sequel to Gunrox in terms of gameplay and type of game than it is of Totem Tribe?  *shrugs*.  Just seems like it's a merge of the two games together.  And again, i understand the decisions that were made and why they were made.  I just wish i had known them before.  I don't regret donating, because i would have paid double for the original Totem Tribe anyway because it was the most original and unique game i'd ever played to that point. 

I almost replied to this last night but thought I would wait for the developers take on this post. But seeing as how they want player input here goes. I think that while it is much larger then either of the original games it does have the feel of TT and TTG . I am not sure about you saying we the testers will have an advantage because this game is designed to always have new players . One part of the multi player facet is that we are able to help each other right in the game. Game play is still a long ways from what it will be so we are learning all of the time. I don't have time right now to address all of your issues but I think if you liked TT and TTG you will love this game

I've been thinking about the post that started this thread and from the perspective of a newer player who read portions of the forum discussions before starting the game, I have to say that yes, this game should be called Totem Tribe II.  I have played both the original TT and TTG and though this game has many different features, it still has the things that made the first versions of the game so much fun.  There are quests, hidden and not-so-hidden objects, puzzles, etc.  But, there are added features that enable players to interact with other players and expand on the experience of the original game. Jotun is Totem Tribe, Next Generation.  Anyone who is a fan of Star Trek knows there is the original version of the television show and The Next Generation.  Both shows feature life aboard a starship called Enterprise, though they take place many years apart and the Enterprise of the Next Generation is a whole new ship.  Totem Tribe II is sort of like that.

The writer was commenting on the seeming incomprehensibility of the forum discussions.  All I can say is that the posts appeared to be gibberish, in some measure, to me until I started playing the game.  Some may still require me to think about them and re-read them as I encounter game conditions that illuminate their meaning, but it's a learning process.  Additionally, remember, what you are seeing now are discussions taking place during testing of the game.  This is by no means the final product that will be released to the public, so the players are intentionally questioning the manner of play, strategy employed and looking for bugs as the developers requested.  This game will probably change several times over (Developers you can speak to this better than I) before it goes publicly online, so the final version will undoubtedly have a number of features that are as new to the testers as they are to the first-time players, not to mention a whole new group of people with varying playing styles and goals with whom to interact, so that will likely affect play for the "regulars" as well.

There are posts skeptical, if not downright negative, about the multiplayer nature of the game and as someone who is new enough to not have formed steady relationships with a great many players (some being on hiatus for a variety of reasons, and some I have yet to discover and thus not asked to become friends with me, yet) I have found the opportunity to "meet" and interact with players from pretty much all over the world a fascinating and enriching experience.  Now, I have to admit being attacked threw me off a bit at first, but I learned pretty quickly that there is value to the experience a hero gains from fighting.  That is not to say that one has to fight all the time, there are ways to mitigate that available in the game, but it can be fun, not to mention visually very entertaining to watch.  

However, if your goal is to be a solo player, I can honestly tell you that most days I find myself doing my own thing in my own domains, building, completing quests, hunting for goodies and expanding.  Aside from some unexpected attacks (to be sure I like to "play war" with an agreement beforehand, but I know that may not always be possible when this game finally goes public), a player does not have to have anything to do with anyone else.  I would advise against that approach, however, because I think remaining on the sidelines and not meeting people means you lose the opportunity for a really neat  and exhilarating game-playing experience.

I had more thoughts but got interrupted by a business call and the thoughts fled my mind.  Rest assured, this next generation Totem Tribe is still Totem Tribe, only bigger and better.

Hello everyone, I love the game, but the only thing I hate about the game is having selfish neighbors that attack over and over the hole day long, and dont let you expand your town, it is impossible to continue or even want to go to that town anymore and just give up,, but any where I go, Im sorounded and asked to  delete the town cause they want your land,,, jajajajajja. oh yeah :(.. do you like to play a game like this,, noway, .. I like to be not attacked all day long!!!!!.. I FEEL LIKE THE KID THAT GETS BULLIED AT SCHOOL!!!!!!

I SURE WOULD LIKE THE GAME TO BE A LITTLE MORE LIKE TT & TTG, and I understand all that have been said on this posts, but why can it be that when you choose a part of the world to build your town, you can choose one that is for play and build and not get attacked, make it so that we can hunt and DO quests AND INTERACT WITH THE SAME KIND OF PLAYER  THAT WANT THE SAME THING,,,,,,,, AND FOR THE OTHER PLAYERS THAT LIKE TO ATTACK ALL DAY LONG, THEY CAN CHOOSE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD THAT LIKE TO FIGHT WITH THE SAME KIND

IF this happens,, then I can say THE GAME IS PERFECT WITH A BIG GIANT SMILE :))))))

THANKS, AND HAVE FUN PLAYING,,, JUST PLZZZZZZZZZZZ DONT ATTACK SO MUCH,, GIVE ME A CHANCE TO HAVE FUN TOO AND NOT FELL LIKE THIS IS A FAILURE.........

I also took a few days to decide what to say in answer to this posting. I am strictly a single player game fan and loved TT and TTG. I am here for that reason. I was hesitant to enter into a multi-player environment because I had never played that type of game. I did not know what to expect.

I only wanted to play my own game without interference. I kept asking the same question to the developers, "Why are you doing this?" As it turns out, the multi-player part of the game is one of the best aspects of the game. We have a lot of fun with the interaction, I have made friends, and have been playing with some great people. The game experience would not be half of what it is without my neighbors.

 Yes, I have been attacked by an aggressive player and was disappointed by the affect it had on my game. However, changes to the game have been implemented since then, and it has improved the playing field a good amount. The point being, this is a test version of the game. Comments in forums that we make to the developers about the game can be taken out of context. We are playing with limited space, limited abilities, and with many of the aspects yet unavailable to us. But so far I love every part of it. As the development team works hard toward releasing the new testing phase, I only look forward to testing the additions and the changes they have planned.

 I think that the multiplayer aspect of the game is what makes it fun. However i also think they should add a singleplayer game mode. I do know that the game is still in development so it might be added in later.

but why can it be that when you choose a part of the world to build your town, you can choose one that is for play and build and not get attacked,

Because it's Totem Tribe, not another farm game :)

well TT & TTG  are not farm games OR ARE THEY,,, and thats what im talking about, and giving an opinion like everybody is doing, BUT I'LL keep my opinions to my self if you are going to answer like that,,, not nice at all

I have played all the TT GAMES  and love them so much,, over and over, so I very well know its NOT another farm game,,,, why do you ask for opinions if you are not going to like what you hear,, and Im not trying to be a smart bud, Im just giving an opinion like every one else did,, THANK YOU

 I think that the multiplayer aspect of the game is what makes it fun. However i also think they should add a singleplayer game mode. I do know that the game is still in development so it might be added in later.

I guess Im not the only one that thinks the same, and Im glad about that

I can see Betty's point.  It appears that the biggest complaint she has is being attacked without provocation, day in and day out, multiple times a day and not being given a chance to play the game or advance her heroes and towns in any way.  When a player is subject to unprovoked, multiple attacks per day (sometimes occurring within minutes of each other) by heroes operated by one person or more in tandem with each other, it can be very frustrating.  Such behavior seems designed, not to play or achieve an obvious goal (in which case, in this small playing environment, a request for assistance in reaching one's goal would be nice), but to harass, intimidate and ultimately drive a player from the game. 

Now, I'm obviously not a developer and do not intend to speak for them, but it would be my guess that none of them want players to be driven from the game as they stand no chance of making money that way.  Speaking as one on the receiving end of such play style, I can only say that I'm not going anywhere and given the imminence of the impending wipe, I don't really care at this point.  However, in the long term I can see where this could become a problem, leaving the game with a smallish core of players that we can only hope have the funds to keep it going.

I totally agree with you,,,,,,, I love the game, just dont like the evil neighbors...jajajajaja

I feel that the original question posed in this thread has been lost by an argument for or against aggressive neighbors in a multi-player environment. I personally would like to return this forum thread to the original question…. Is this a Totem Tribe game? Totem Tribe II has the same music, graphics, characters, humor, and pursuit of items as TT and TTG. However, it has been expanded to include more detailed quests, ability to accomplish achievements (which I love), and interaction with neighbors.

In response, my question is, “Why would the developers want to create the exact same game over again?” Instead, would they not rather take the concept we enjoyed so much in TT and TTG and expand it into something greater? Another player’s pursuit of war might disrupt your progress toward another goal. Believe me, I have been there. However, in my experience, my character became stronger, the development of my town changed, and I found value in items that I would not have otherwise used on a daily basis. There is value in the accomplishment as well in finding the means within the game to outsmart and overcome the attacking opponent and “beat them at their own game”, so to speak. There are so many aspects to this game, and the pursuit of war is only a part of it.

Again, at first I was hesitant to accept the changes because I loved the original game. But I am really enjoying this newer version. In this new game, there are many obstacles that deter progress, ranging from in-game monsters to beat, environmental obstacles that require special tools to overcome, and the pursuit of achievements by surrounding neighbors. Those who love it like I do will continue to enjoy it, and continue to discover the many options open to them within the game to overcome the wide variety of obstacles posed to them.   

Hello everyone, I love the game, but the only thing I hate about the game is having selfish neighbors that attack over and over the hole day long, and dont let you expand your town, 

Thoughts by Blue Dove,

Saying I just want to expand my town and be a peaceful player, is kind of a misnomer.  The very act of expanding your town can be an aggressive move to your neighbor. Building your town across from your neighbor or boxing them so they have no way to expand is also aggression. We can call that passive aggression, you are not sending your army to attack but it has the same effect.

Attacking armies does not take cells from you, at least not yet, but passive aggression does. I guess we could say the peaceful player or passive aggressive are the real bullies of the game.

Being attacked by one or more players at the same time is part of the game, I believe it is called an alliance. You can be in an alliance or go it alone. There is also the process of talking to your neighbors to work out differences.

The whole point of playing a multi-player game is to interact with your neighbors, for good or bad.

So should this game be called Totem Tribe 2? It is a progression from the original game but with less predictable monsters, these being your neighbors. So I think it is still a good title.

Hello everyone, I love the game, but the only thing I hate about the game is having selfish neighbors that attack over and over the hole day long, and dont let you expand your town, 

Thoughts by Blue Dove,

Saying I just want to expand my town and be a peaceful player, is kind of a misnomer.  The very act of expanding your town can be an aggressive move to your neighbor. Building your town across from your neighbor or boxing them so they have no way to expand is also aggression. We can call that passive aggression, you are not sending your army to attack but it has the same effect.

Attacking armies does not take cells from you, at least not yet, but passive aggression does. I guess we could say the peaceful player or passive aggressive are the real bullies of the game.

Being attacked by one or more players at the same time is part of the game, I believe it is called an alliance. You can be in an alliance or go it alone. There is also the process of talking to your neighbors to work out differences.

The whole point of playing a multi-player game is to interact with your neighbors, for good or bad.

So should this game be called Totem Tribe 2? It is a progression from the original game but with less predictable monsters, these being your neighbors. So I think it is still a good title.

Start off topic.

I think what you wrote has merit.  It is still Totem Tribe.  And the idea that your neighbors can be more unpredictable monsters is harsh if applicable.  ;-).   Betty was speaking from her frustration and maybe was unable to see this view from behind the veil of frustration.  As I said, I can see her view.  And yours.  Which is why I have not been put off of the game.  My concern centers around those that share Betty's view, and the question of whether that is a position that may be more prevalent in the long run.  I don't know.  I do think that it would be unfortunate if the feelings being expressed can't be expressed honestly and some sort of mechanism be put in place to deal with them.

From my perspective, I can only speak to the issue of passive aggression.  I have pointed out, on various occasions, that I am late comer.  Therefore, my heroes ended up in already heavily populated areas.  Expansion on my part is not a act of deliberate aggression but, like most players I imagine, I don't plan on curtailing my progress because I think it might impact another's borders.  Nor do I expect anyone else to do so.  After all, that is part of the game.  My heroes, for the most part are boxed in and are squeezed.  It is what it is.  I don't much care since I figure we will all be on more or less equal footing after the wipe.  Am I frustrated by being targeted?  Sure, a bit.  I have my own ways of dealing, though and this is just a game, after all, and I don't take it personally.  I have to do battle every single day in my chosen profession, so if this becomes too much like work it may not be of great interest to me.  I don't see that happening because the challenge is fun and there are no real life consequences to worry about.  Some people like battle and others don't and the balance between the two factions will something to watch.

End off topic.

Getting back to Leeana’s original question. I can understand that it is difficult for someone who is not playing the game to imagine what it is really like.  It is such an involved game that you really do have to experience it to understand the threads.

The developers could have just changed the parameters a bit each year, created new quests and islands,  and issued a new stand alone game of TT2 then TT3, TT4  and so on. Many developers are quite happy to do a series like that.

Instead, what Enkord has done is to take a HUGE step forward and transformed Totem into a game that will last as a game experience for many years, beyond what any annual release of a stand-alone game could ever hope to do.

I admire them for their foresight and imagination. When things have become a little slow here with waiting for the Alpha 3 I have dabbled with some of the similar games (multi-player) and none of them can hold my interest. TT2 is a wonderful fusion of everything you loved about TT1 and then so much more – and we don’t even have the full game as yet but as testers we experience enough to see the direction it is going in. There are just so many cool things in this game and we are not even out of the stone age testing version.

The only thing I would have to say about should it really be called TT2 is that it is an understatement but you can’t call it Totem Tribe 20. Perhaps it will launch or eventually be known as Jotun.

To be honest, I was worried about how different TT1 and TT2 would end up being. I think that the integral part of TT1 is there only takes longer to get. I do not really miss having to hunt for gems on every screen. Instead of that, we can hunt for resources and puzzle pieces. I am not very far along in the game. I have played for a total of 2 and a half hours so far. I do miss being able to pick up our people and dropping them where we want to in order to speed up movement. The scouting thing is a bit boring on here. Other than that, I feel that TT2 mixes elements from TT1, TTG, and Ages of Empires together. Makes it more intriguing.

I hate this game!!!! it is nothing like TT and TTG. I hate that it gives time of waiting- the game decide when i can play, not the other way around. Everything takes hours/days to get it complet, since your resources enough only for a few minutes/hours to play!Also if i can not play more than a week (f.e. i travel, on vacation...etc) you are deleting everything i  made. this is a BIG DISSAPOINTMENT! Very sad, since i loved the original and can not find anything like that. i will delete this game :((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((