It’s a bit like how steampunk without Moorcock’s social commentary; there’s a wealth of stuff to unpack from a universe based on Victorian Europe, from vast social inequality to colonialism to rising nationalism that triggers a war that kills a continent, and stuff that doesn’t really go there is poorer for it. Equally, modern shooters that don’t understand the world we live in come across as shallow or xenophobic.

Oh, and Project Eternity is the one Kickstarter I feel unambigously good about backing since the semi-frequent updates have been worth the price alone. Your policy of staying clear was probably the right one given that I backed eight or nine nearly 18-24 months ago now, and only one and a half of them have delivered.

Age of Wonders might not have aged particularly well, however I do think Shadow Magic is still a great experience if you turn off the underground/shadow realms. I’m less excited for Endless Legends after the developer failed to capitalise on the early promise shown by Endless Space, but will probably buy it anyway as long as they continue to employ the person who writes the building/tech blurbs. It’s not often that a strategy game shoots for “humorous” and actually succeeds.

As Hentzau said, it’s very bland and its itch is scratched more convincingly with Eador and Warlorck.

I’d be curious to hear your review of Fallen Enchantress. It never quite clicked with me, and honestly I think the bland setting hurts it more than any mechanical problems.