View source for Elemental: War of Magic

{{Infobox video game
|image = ElementalWarOfMagicLogo.png
|developer = [[Stardock]]
|publisher = [[Stardock]]<br>[[N3V Games]]/Auran<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shop.n3vrf41l.com/ViewProduct.aspx?Id=6d3d0408-a43e-4871-86fa-980eda0a9b7c|title=Elemental: War of Magic|publisher=[[N3V Games]]|accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> {{sup|[[Australia|AU]]/[[New Zealand|NZ]]}}<br>[[1C Company|1C]]/[[Snowball Studios|Snowball]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/390885/page/1/#2715684|title=Basic questions about elemental|author=kryo|publisher=Stardock|date=2010-08-17|accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> {{sup|[[Russian Federation|RUS]]}} 
|distributor = 
|designer = [[Brad Wardell]]
|producer = Scott Tykoski
|artist = <table width=100% style=line-height:1em;background:none;font-size:95% cellspacing=0>
{{!-}}
{{!}}Paul Boyer
{{!}}Jeu Li
{{!-}}
{{!}}Kay Fedewa
{{!}}Jakob Medlin
{{!-}}
{{!}}Akil Dawkins 
{{!}}Dan Wallace
{{!-}}
{{!}}James Arvin
</table>
|programmer = <table width=100% style=line-height:1em;background:none;font-size:95% cellspacing=0>
{{!-}}
{{!}} Cari Begle
{{!}} Jesse Brindle
{{!-}}
{{!}} Brad Wardell
{{!}} Bruno Sommer
{{!-}}
{{!}} Ross Dexter
{{!}} Sarah Trombley
{{!-}}
{{!}} Charles Lentz
{{!}} Anthony Salter
{{!-}}
{{!}} Jeff Colvin
{{!}} Mathew Mason
</table>
|writer = <table width=100% style=line-height:1em;background:none;font-size:95% cellspacing=0>
{{!-}}
{{!}}David Stern
{{!}}Brad Wardell
{{!-}}
{{!}}Scott Tykoski
</table>
|composer = Mason Fisher
|version = 1.07
|release = {{vgrelease|NA=August 24, 2010}}
|genre = [[4X]], [[Turn-based strategy]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]<br>[[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]] (2-16, not available at launch and still not functional as of 9/7/2010)
|ratings = {{vgratings|ESRB=T (Teen)<br>Blood and Fantasy Violence|ACB=M}}
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|media = [[Impulse (content delivery)|Impulse]] ([[digital distribution]])<br>[[DVD-ROM]]
|requirements =
* [[Windows 7]], [[Windows Vista|Vista]] SP2 or [[Windows XP|XP]] SP3
* 1 GB available RAM
* 2.4 GHz CPU
* 128 MB 3D video card<br>([[GeForce 6800]]/[[Radeon X1600]] or better)
|input = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]] and mouse
}}
'''''Elemental: War of Magic''''' is a [[fantasy]] [[4X]] [[turn-based strategy]] [[computer game|game]] developed and published by [[Stardock]], released August 24, 2010.<ref name="JoystiqDate">{{cite web|title=Elemental: War of Magic slated for August 24|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/elemental-war-of-magic-slated-for-august-24/|author=Randy Nelson|work=[[Joystiq]]|date=2010-06-07|accessdate=2010-07-15}}</ref>

Stardock calls ''Elemental'' "a strategy game in an [[role-playing game|RPG]] world."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elementalgame.com/|title=Elemental: War of Magic website|accessdate=2010-09-01}}</ref> The game revolves around exploration, city-building, resource management and conquest, but also incorporates quests and detailed unit design.

==Plot==
The game is set in a world once filled with magic, which comes to form the basis of human civilization.<ref name="Lore">{{cite|title=Lore|url=http://www.elementalgame.com/lore.asp| publisher = Stardock | accessdate = 2009-10-23}}</ref> Immortal beings known as the Titans were attracted to the world by construction of the reality-warping ''Forge of the Overlord'', an artifact able to create magical items.<ref name="JoystiqPreview" />

While engaged in civil war, the Titans imprison the world's magic in a number of elemental shards. At first, only they can use the magic within the shards. In time, human channelers arise to challenge them.<ref name="Lore" />

Ensuing battles lead to the destruction of the ''Forge'', and ultimately the land itself. A century later, the player leads a faction of humans or Fallen (corrupted life-forms created by the Titans<ref>{{Cite book|title=Cataclysm|url=http://www.elementalgame.com/cataclysm.asp| publisher = Stardock | accessdate = 2009-10-23}}</ref>) in a still-devastated world, able to renew it with magic – or pervert it to their will.<ref name="JoystiqPreview">{{cite web|url=|title=Preview: Elemental: War of Magic|author=Mike Schramm|date=2010-08-10|accessdate-2010-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite|title=Understanding The Fallen, Elemental, and Middle Earth|url=http://frogboy.impulsedriven.net/article/374288/Understanding_The_Fallen_Elemental_and_Middle_Earth|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|publisher=[[Stardock]]|date=2010-01-23|accessdate=2010-02-12}}</ref> Human kingdoms sometimes band together against the empires of the Fallen, but each faction strives for ultimate dominance.<ref name="Lore" />

==Gameplay==
''Elemental'' has a single-player campaign,<ref>{{cite|title=Stardock Announces New Fantasy Strategy Game|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/926/926789p1.html|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2008-11-04|accessdate=2010-02-10}}</ref> up to 16-way multiplayer,<ref name="FiringSquad">{{cite web|url=http://firingsquad.com/games/elemental_war_of_magic_interview/|title=Elemental: War of Magic Brad Wardell Interview|author=Jacob Vandy VanDerWerf|publisher=FiringSquad|date=2010-08-16|accessdate=2010-08-22}}</ref> and [[Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]] "sandbox" gameplay. Outside the campaign, players win by conquering or allying with other factions, or rebuilding the ''Forge''.<ref name="G4TV">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/videos/48042/Elemental-War-of-Magic-Interview/|title=Elemental War of Magic interview|author=[[G4 (TV channel)|G4 TV]]|date=|accessdate=2010-08-21}}</ref> ''Forge'' pieces may be quested for, or created by learning and casting the ''Spell of Making'', requiring control of all elemental shards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/388939|title=Game Mechanics: The Ultimate Balancing Act|author=Brad Wardell|date=2010-07-21|accessdate=2010-08-21}}</ref>

Players control a pre-built or custom [[sovereign]] and belong to a faction; each has characteristics affecting gameplay.<ref name="NeoseskerBeta">{{cite web|url=http://www.neoseeker.com/news/14602-elemental-beta-journals-pt-2-war-peace/|title=Elemental beta journals Pt. 2: War & peace|author=Sean Ridgeley|work=Neoseeker|date=2010-08-12|accessdate=2010-08-21}}</ref> Influence over land and resources is gained by founding cities, introducing the ability to train characters and research spells and technologies.<ref name="FiringSquad" /> Cities can be improved to provide additional space or generate money, resources or prestige (a factor in population growth<ref name="JoystiqPreview" />).

''Elemental'' incorporates many features of [[role-playing video game]]s. Each character in the game is individually named and outfitted through a [[character editor]],<ref name="FiringSquad" /> with statistics increasing with experience.<ref name="JoystiqPreview" /> Units may be combined into armies to fight more dangerous or numerous opponents.<ref name="NeoseskerBeta" /> Combat takes place on a separate tactical map, although battles may normally be auto-resolved.<ref name="JoystiqPreview" />

Quests and useful items are scattered randomly across the land,<ref name="NeoseskerBeta" /> as are wandering monsters and neutral characters; the latter may be hired with ''gildar'', the game's currency.<ref name="JoystiqPreview" /> Both may be fought for experience and treasure, although attacking civilians decreases the sovereign's reputation.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}} The number of quests available increases over time as adventuring technologies are unlocked.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fidgit.com/archives/2010/08/elemental_hey_whered_that_come.php|title=Elemental: hey, where'd that come from?|author=[[Tom Chick]]|publisher=[[Fidgit]]|date=2010-08-24|accessdate=2010-08-24}}</ref>

Players may negotiate with each other to exchange money, material goods, or diplomatic capital (but not technology<ref name="Gameshark">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameshark.com/features/741/p_0/Elemental-War-of-Magic-Q&A-with-Brad-Wardell.htm|title=Elemental War of Magic Q&A with Brad Wardell|author=James Fudge|publisher=Gameshark|date=2010-08-18|accessdate=2010-08-22}}</ref>), and to enter into treaties and alliances;<ref name="JoystiqPreview" /> however, the ability to do so must first be researched. Factors affecting negotiation include race, relative military strength, current relations, trade routes, treaties, character, traits, and family connections.<ref name="Gameshark" />

Gameplay varies depending on the chosen faction. Human kingdoms tend to focus on government and civilization, while the empires of the Fallen are more about individual units.<ref>Brad Wardell (FiringSquad interview): ''…when you play as the Kingdoms, it feels more like you’re building up a government, whereas when you’re playing as an Empire, it’s really more about building up great people. I guess the best way to put it is that the Kingdoms are nations of laws and the Empires are nations of men, individuals.''</ref>

Executive producer Scott Tykoski compared the game to ''[[Viva Piñata]]'', but substituting "shovels and creatures filled with candy for swords and creatures filled with dark magic."<ref name="ArtOfElemental" /> Designer [[Brad Wardell]] said that players should expect to reach "a [[Sauron]] or [[Morgoth]] level of power" by the end of the game.<ref>{{cite|title=Unknown Pleasures 2009: Elemental: War of Magic|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/01/16/unknown-pleasures-2009-elemental-war-of-magic/|author=Kieron Gillen|publisher=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|date=2009-01-16|accessdate=2010-02-11}}</ref>

=== Magic ===
Magic resides in crystal shards named after the [[Classical element|elements]]; earth, air, fire, and water.<ref name="Lore" /> Spells (which must be researched before use) belong to a number of thematic spellbooks, some of which are unavailable at the start of the game. Players may learn individual spells at their current level, or devote their research to unlocking higher spell levels. While magic-users may cast researched spells from any spellbook possessed by their faction, controlling shards greatly amplifies the potency of spells which use the relevant elements.<ref name="G4TV" />  

Sovereigns start with a certain amount of magical essence, determining how much mana they have, and so how many spells they may cast.<ref name="G4TV" /> They may imbue essence into ''champions'', granting limited power at the cost of their own abilities.<ref name="GamingNexus">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/FullNews/Elemental-War-of-Magic---Interview-with-Brad-Wardell/Item18934.aspx|title=Elemental: War of Magic - Interview with Brad Wardell|author=Sean Colleli|work=Gaming Nexus|date=2010-08-05|accessdate=2010-08-22}}</ref> Essence may also be expended by sovereigns to escape death and return to a nearby settlement.<ref name="NeoseskerBeta" /> Marriages involving magic-using characters may result in children with magical skills of their own.<ref name="G4TV" />

=== Research ===
Research is based on reclaiming lost technologies from libraries scattered around the world.<ref name="Gameshark" /> Players may direct research to one of five categories; humans and Fallen have separate [[technology tree]]s.<ref>Categories Humans: civilization, warfare, magic, adventure and diplomacy.<br>Fallen: imperium, conquest, sorcery, domination and cooperation</ref>

The chance of gaining a particular technology varies – some are not even offered until a breakthrough is made<ref name="ElementalTechnology">{{cite web|url=http://frogboy.impulsedriven.net/article/383249/Elemental_Researching_Technologies|title=Elemental: Researching Technologies|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|date=2010-06-01|accessdate=2010-08-22}}</ref> – so the technology gained may only be picked once the research is complete. The cost of research within a category increases as technologies are researched, making the order of research important.<ref name="Gameshark" />

=== Artificial intelligence ===
Players face up to nine computer-controlled factions, neutral cities, bandits and monsters. Neutral cities may be conquered by players, or destroyed by bandits and monsters.<ref name="Gameshark" />

The [[artificial intelligence]] has two modes of operation: basic and advanced. Basic algorithms are not CPU-intensive, but are not as good as the advanced ones.<ref name="ElementalAI">{{cite web|url=http://frogboy.joeuser.com/article/383199/Elemental_AI_difficulty_levels/|title=Elemental AI difficulty levels|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|date=2010-|accessdate=2010-08-22}}</ref> The chance of using advanced algorithms for a decision – the ''intelligence factor'' – varies between [[difficulty level]]s. At "challenging", this factor reaches 100%.<ref name="ElementalAI" /> Some low difficulty levels prohibit the AI from using combat magic, and penalize their economy, hit points and/or starting funds. At higher levels, the AI acquires bonuses; the highest permits the AI to see through the [[Fog of war#Simulations and games|fog of war]].

==Development==
Stardock originally intended<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Good, The Bad, The Ugly|journal=[[Game Informer]]|pages=p56|date=2007-11}}</ref> to purchase the rights to ''[[Master of Magic]]'' from Atari, but decided to create their own [[Fictional universe|universe]], due in part to issues of compliance and code ownership.<ref name="Gameshark" />

The campaign story was developed with assistance from [[Random House]]'s [[Del Rey Books|Del Rey]] subsidiary.<ref name="Gameshark" />

Elemental's art style was based on the work of [[Alphonse Mucha]] – in particular, his use of "hard lines and soft tones on realistic forms" – and designed for "minimal overhead"<ref name="ArtOfElemental">{{cite|title=The Art of Elemental: War of Magic|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/101/1019369p1.html|author=Scott Tykoski|publisher=IGN|date=2009-08-27|accessdate=2010-02-11}}</ref> so the game might be played on "a crappy [[netbook]]."<ref>{{cite|url=http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/09/07/pax-2009-elemental-war-of-magic-impressions/|title=PAX 2009: Elemental: War of Magic impressions|author=John Callaham|work=Big Download|publisher=[[AOL Games]]|date=2009-09-07|accessdate=2010-02-12}}</ref>

In March 2010, Stardock CEO Brad Wardell estimated that the game would cost US$5 million to develop.<ref name="WSJ" /> On July 23, 2010, he said the game cost approximately half that.<ref name="ElementalForumBudgetPost">{{cite|title= Watch This Space|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/389038/page/2/#269277|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|publisher=[[Stardock]]|date=2010-07-23|accessdate=2010-08-11}}</ref>

Wardell also indicated Stardock's intention to develop free updates and addons to the game after release, as well as several expansion packs:<ref name="FiringSquad" /><ref name="Gameshark" />
<blockquote>When games come out, that's the end of development, but we don't consider our game done - it won't be done for years, because there's so much stuff we can do. So after release we have tons of new quests we want to come out with, we're going to be adding new factions to the game to help liven things up further, we have a ton of new map styles we want to put in - all kinds of crazy new stuff we can put in here.<ref name="G4TV" /></blockquote>

Early versions of ''Elemental'' were provided throughout the [[Software release life cycle#Development|development cycle]] to those who had pre-ordered. The last such version was on August 22, two days before the scheduled release. A demo is planned for early September.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/08/20/elemental-demo-planned-for-early-september-release/|title=Elemental demo planned for "early September" release|author=John Callaham|publisher=Big Download|date=2010-08-20|accessdate=2010-08-23}}</ref>

The developers plan to allow players to have their worlds populated with player-made [[mod (computer gaming)|mods]], accessible from a moderated central database.<ref name="Shacknews" /> The game contains an interactive tile editor,<ref name="FiringSquad" /> and its engine uses only dynamic light sources.<ref>{{cite|title=Unlimited expansion by us and the players | url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/331361 | publisher = Stardock | accessdate = 2009-07-14}}</ref>

==Features==
The game engine, Kumquat, provides a user interface able to zoom from a cloth map to a 3D representation of individual buildings and units.<ref name="Shacknews">{{cite|title=Stardock Interview Part 1: Brad Wardell on Elemental|url=http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1201|author=Nick Breckon|publisher=[[Shacknews]]|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2010-02-11}}</ref> 3D objects have variable [[level of detail]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/383250|title=Elemental: Kumquat Graphics Engine|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|date=2010-06-01|accessdate=2010-08-28}}</ref> while location names are positioned dynamically on the cloth map.<ref name="JoystiqPreview" />

The limited edition includes a poster, canvas map, 20-track [[music CD]], mini-encyclopedia, and a pewter dragon figurine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kqgK_K3-dA|title=Elemental: The unboxing of the limited edition|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|date=2010-08-21|accessdate=2010-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vgblogger.com/?p=6879|title=Elemental: War of Magic Limited Edition Unboxed|author=Matt Litten|date=2010-08-25|accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> Copies sold by [[Best Buy]] and [[Walmart]] have early access to content that will be distributed to all players 90 days after release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/391248/page/1/#2721722|title=Will Digital (And paid for box) of Limited Edition get all the 'exclusive' content?|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|date=2010-08-22|accessdate=2010-08-23}}</ref>

''Elemental'' uses [[Havok (software)|Havok]] middleware for physics and animation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/376437|title=Elemental: Modding|author=[[Brad Wardell]]|date=2010-02-10|accessdate=2010-08-21}}</ref> and [[Bink Video|Bink]] video. Multiplayer is handled using Stardock's [[Impulse (content delivery)|Impulse Reactor]]; players may use [[Facebook]] credentials to login.<ref name="GamingNexus" />

The retail copy of the game shipped without any form of [[digital rights management]]; however, a legal copy is required to access updates and free addons to the game.<ref name="CNN">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/08/24/digital.rights.games/|title=New strategy game sheds unpopular anti-piracy system|author=Larry Frum|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=2010-08-24|accessdate=2010-08-24}}</ref>

The ''Elemental'' soundtrack was composed by Mason Fisher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/392661/get;2738413|title=Elemental Soundtrack|author=Scott Tykoski|date=2010-08-17|accessdate=2010-09-01}}</ref>
{{track listing
| collapsed = yes
| headline = ''Elemental: War of Magic'' track listing
| title1 = In Ages Past
| length1 = 02:13
| title2 = Of the Kingdom
| length2 = 03:56
| title3 = The Wanderer Returns Home
| length3 = 04:15
| title4 = Royal Crown of the West
| length4 = 03:24
| title5 = Stone and Soil
| length5 = 03:22
| title6 = The Forest is My Refuge
| length6 = 02:22
| title7 = Blade of the People
| length7 = 02:22
| title8 = The World Healed
| length8 = 05:24
| title9 = The World Forsaken
| length9 = 04:14
| title10 = At War
| length10 = 04:46
| title11 = Empires of the Fallen
| length11 = 04:04
| title12 = Yithril
| length12 = 03:16
| title13 = Those Who See in Darkness
| length13 = 02:28
| title14 = Eastern Wardrums
| length14 = 02:23
| title15 = Traitors of Blood
| length15 = 02:24
| title16 = Man Into Monster
| length16 = 02:37
| title17 = War of Magic
| length17 = 04:02
| title18 = Time for War
| length18 = 03:31
| title19 = Remembering Past Glory
| length19 = 05:36
| title20 = Opening Theme
| length20 = 02:34
}}

==Destiny's Embers==
A novel, '''''Elemental: Destiny's Embers''''' (ISBN 0345517865), was published by [[Random House]] to accompany the game.<ref name="Gamasutra">{{cite|title=Stardock, Random House Enter 'Transmedia' Agreement For Elemental|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/27445/Stardock_Random_House_Enter_Transmedia_Agreement_For_Elemental.php|author=Kris Graft|work=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2010-03-01|accessdate=2010-03-01}}</ref> The book is set after the time of the game itself,<ref name="WSJ">{{cite|title=Random House Sets Out to Apply Storytelling Skills to Videogames|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704089904575093562727862740.html|author=Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=2010-03-01|accessdate=2010-03-01}}</ref> and involves the quest of a former messenger to save mankind from the Fallen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elementalgame.com/purchase.aspx|title=Elemental - Purchase|publisher=[[Stardock]]|accessdate=2010-08-21}}</ref> It comes with a coupon for exclusive [[downloadable content]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2010/8/24/news/76435/|title='Elemental: War of Magic' Free DLC With Novel Purchase|author=Rainier|publisher=Worthplaying|date=2010-08-24|accessdate=2010-08-24}}</ref>

==Sales==

As of September 5, 2010, Stardock reported that ''Elemental: War of Magic'' has sold approximately 82,000 copies.<ref>http://forums.elementalgame.com/395485</ref>

==Reception==
{{as of|2010|September}}, ''Elemental'' has an average rating of 56% on [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]], with grades ranging from 70% to 30%.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/elemental-war-of-magic/critic-reviews
|title=''Elemental: War of Magic'': Critic Reviews
|publisher=[[Metacritic]]
|accessdate=15 September 2010
}}</ref> Reviewers criticized the game for technical issues, problems with core game concepts, and poor [[GUI]] and documentation, and praised its ambition and strategic flexibility.

Due to severe technical problems, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' and [[GameSpot]] delayed reviewing the game until post-release [[Patch (computing)|patch]]es were available.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6274610.html
|title=Review in Progress: Elemental: War of Magic
|last=VanOrd
|first=Kevin 
|date=27 August 2010
|publisher=GameSpot
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/08/25/elementals-disastrous-launch-stay-well-away/
|last=Francis
|first=Tom
|title=Elemental’s disastrous launch: stay well away
|work=[[PC Gamer]]
|date=25 August 2010
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref>

''[[Game Informer]]'' criticized the game's lack of polish and broken combat system, stating that ''Elemental'' failed to combine excellent individual features into a cohesive game.<ref name="game informer">{{cite news
|url=http://gameinformer.com/games/elemental_war_of_magic/b/pc/archive/2010/08/31/review.aspx
|title=Elemental: War of Magic
|last=Biessener
|first=Adam
|work=[[Game Informer]]
|date=31 August 2010
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref> ''PC Gamer'' felt the game's ambition and sense of discovery were let down by inadequate [[AI]].<ref name="pc gamer">{{cite news
|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/09/02/elemental-war-of-magic-review/
|last=Francis
|first=Tom
|title=Elemental: War of Magic review
|work=[[PC Gamer]]
|date=2 September 2010
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref> [[G4 (TV channel)|G4]] said the game felt like "a work in progress", lacking documentation and polish, and called it a victim of an over-ambitious design.<ref name="g4_rev">{{cite news
|url=http://g4tv.com/games/pc/63836/Elemental-War-of-Magic/review/
|title=Elemental: War of Magic Review
|last=Mastrapa
|first=Gus
|date=1 September 2010
|publisher=G4
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref> [[1UP.com]] also criticized the AI and over-ambitious design, concluding that the game "just isn't fun" due to [[Crash (computing)|crash]]es and "a poorly designed GUI".<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3181116
|title=Elemental: War of Magic Review
|date=27 August 2010
|publisher=[[1UP.com]]
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref> [[Tom Chick]] called the game "disappointingly primitive", lacking clarity and purpose, and in need of "the work it should have gotten when it was in [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta]], if not earlier."<ref name="chick">{{cite web
|last=Chick
|first=Tom
|authorlink=Tom Chick
|title=Elemental: the review
|url=http://fidgit.com/archives/2010/08/elemental_the_review.php
|date=28 August 2010
|work=Fidgit
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref> For GameSpot, ''Elemental'''s "solid game foundation" and "many worthy ideas and ambitions" were impeded by a wide range of problems including frequent crashes, disappointing visuals, a poor interface, bad AI and unsatisfying tactical combat.<ref name=gamespot>{{cite web
|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/elementalwarofmagic/review.html
|title=Elemental: War of Magic Review
|last=VanOrd
|first=Kevin
|work=[[GameSpot]]
|date=3 September 2010
|accessdate=4 September 2010
}}</ref>

Many reviewers felt the game had the potential for significant improvement with sufficient patching,<ref name="g4_rev" /> citing Stardock's track record of post-release support.<ref name="game informer" /><ref name="chick" /><ref name=gamespot />

''Elemental'''s designer Brad Wardell agreed with the negative reviews<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/394855/page/4/#2753375
|author=[[Brad Wardell]] (posting as Frogboy)
|title=Why is everyone upset the game came out "early"?!?
|date=2 September 2010 
|accessdate=4 September 2010
|work=Stardock Forums
}}</ref> and ascribed the launch difficulties to insufficient QA process and "[his] own catastrophic poor judgment in not objectively evaluating the core game play components." Stardock was forced into [[layoff]]s due to the unexpectedly poor launch.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://forums.elementalgame.com/395168/page/1/#2755755
|author=[[Brad Wardell]] (posting as Frogboy)
|title=Any truth to the rumor on shacknews?
|date=3 September 2010 
|accessdate=4 September 2010
|work=Stardock Forums
}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*''[http://www.elementalgame.com Elemental: War of Magic]''
*''[http://www.facebook.com/elementalgame Elemental: War of Magic]'' on [[Facebook]]
*[http://elementalwarofmagic.wikidot.com/ ''Elemental: War of Magic'' Wiki]
*[http://forums.elementalgame.com/391280 Official game tutorials]

{{Stardock}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elemental: War Of Magic}}
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:2010 video games]]
[[Category:Turn-based strategy video games]]
[[Category:4X video games]]

[[fr:Elemental: War of Magic]]