New Game Hype Makes Me Wait

Say Hello to Big Red.

I do not usually buy a brand new game. I find them way too expensive early on.
Modern games tend to want to send a message or cater to the new "DEI" craze.
Also, Epic Games offering a regular free game doesn't help the purchasing cause.
Many times, they have a $40 game for free that, when played, demonstrates the price tag is not justified.

However, small studios are proving themselves focused on making a good game.
I am not wanting a propaganda message to "rework" my brain - I just want a game.

Windrose is proving to be such a game.

Windrose

Windrose is a Pirate Survival game.

I like a good Open World. I like Pirates. I am ok to grind gathering resources to build, battle and craft.

It's also has co-op for those who want to play with friends. That's not a major factor for me but I thought that I'd lay it out there for those of you who are socially motivated.

But these factors are not really what made me buy the game.

Good 'Ol Shareware Days

Back in the early days of PCs and Gaming, Shareware was where a demo version of a game was provided to try it. Then if you liked it, you would pay for the game to unlock the rest of it.

Many a PC Magazine would have a sample cd full of different programs and games for you to try.

To me, that demonstrates that you stand behind your product that you are willing to let people "try before they buy", as well as, trusting that they won't just pirate a version (arrrr pirate pun).

Windrose provided a 20GB demo on Steam. That was crazy... and smart.

Releasing a Demo is not just a boon for players. It is a great litmus test for the company.

Players playing the game are providing free game testing, feedback, demand levels, respect and loyalty.

Loyalty and Support

I heard about the game via Asmangold's YouTube Channel

I then know a guy who loves Pirate Games and pointed him to Windrose.
Very quickly he gave me positive feedback.

So, then I tried the demo and also enjoyed it. Although, I didn't have alot of time to spend on it, it did remind me of the fun times I had playing Oblivion and Skyrim.

I was certain to keep this game on my radar for when it would actually release the full game.

And then I bought it

Then my brain decided on 2 things.

Firstly, that I would support the game developers and buy the game.
Secondly, that my Pirate loving associate would also enjoy the game. A gifted copy was more than just a gift. It was a thank you.
The last 7 years of my life have been very challenging. But, my associate has had a tougher run - he went through years of cancer treatment, resulting in him having to do a marrow transfusion, which he had good spirits throughout his journey. He was always someone who was more than generous with his inappropriate humour and support. Buying him the game became something important to me - a way to say thank you.

The Grind is Real

I predict you will die many times in this game. I know that I certainly do.

Gathering resources, building and crafting is what I am currently doing.

Now, I have to sail to nearby islands to free my fellow scallywags - which I have yet to do.
While also trying to find a suitable shipwreck to fix up to become my Pirate ship.

Hoist the sails, matey!