Expansion packs - are they worth it?

[Frazer1974]

Hello! I've been playing HOK for a while, and I'm wondering if it's worth buying the expansion packs.

Do they add anything worthwhile to the gameplay (eg - new weapons etc...) or is it just another skin for the characters and a few more maps?

Cheers,

Frazer

[Frazer1974]

Hello! I've been playing HOK for a while, and I'm wondering if it's worth buying the expansion packs.

Do they add anything worthwhile to the gameplay (eg - new weapons etc...) or is it just another skin for the characters and a few more maps?

Cheers,

Frazer

[djfusion]

Hi Frazer, personally i think they are well worth it.

There are of course new maps, there is also a new level editor, new heroes, buildings, bridges and the introduction of the sharpshooter - a settlers with rifles http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Frazer1974]

Rifles...!

Hmmm, now that seems like a fun concept. I can feel a purchase coming on...

...or is that wind!?!?!

Cheers,

Frazer

[BTOG46]

The Legends expansion is not as good as the 1st expansion, it has the feel of a series of linked single player maps rather than a true expansion.
It's split into 4 small 4 level campaigns and in my opinion certain fans have written better ones, still, it was enjoyable enough, if somewhat limited in size.

[Maxim_699]

Expansion Packs.
Am in agreement with DJ and BT on this, new characters, maps and missions make the purchase worthwhile but the main benefit comes in taking advantage of the fan made maps over on Siedler-Maps.de

The majority are without question some of the most artistically and technically inspired of any fan based map site to be found anywhere on the web today.

You've got to hand it to our German cousins, their understanding of Geology and Physical Geography, Artwork and technical brilliance is outstanding. BlueByte must be quietly amazed at what can be achieved by their engine and are probably trying to sign up a few!

I've downloaded about 50, they are only written for Expansion Pack 1 and Legends, make sure at first to try the s5x and not the closed maps s5c as that's an added complication. Then armed with schoolboy German, a dictionary and Babelfish you will be able to follow the plot. It's mainly intuitive but somethings need unravelling and a little detective work is needed. One side effect is that my German has improved and I can read and understand most of the comments on the Web site quite well now.

There's about 6-8 Expansions worth of free material there, making the initial purchase well worth it.

Some of the fan/creators of note are Shadowfox, Flodder, Der Komtur, Carla the Cat, Willie54, brotdose, sepp, jugar, to name but a few.

Try Der Komtur2 Mission, it will keep you enthralled for a week, its not impossible but remember to save.

Regards Mac

[ensa1982]

Where can I find expansions?
And the patches seem to make my game go crazy.. Are they any good?

[Maxim_699]

Expansions
Known as Expansion Pack 1 and Legends and if you buy the Gold Edition of HoK, Expansion Pack 1 comes bundled with it
Amazon and play.com can be good places to look although the Legends is a bit harder to find now.
If you bought HoK quite recently it will be patched. I don't think you need worry about the latest patches ( I've played mine as is - No Probs) unless you play MP then your version must match the other players.

Regards Mac