Why Age of Wonders : Planetfall isn't more popular?
I would say this is one of the best 4X game I've ever played, so I am really confused as to why this game didn't sell well. Though it might be a good thing, since it only had one batch of DLC instead of a ton like AOW4.
Though I have to say I didn't play this game until 4 to 5 years had passed since my purchase. So there is definitely a friction to get into this game. But why is this?
What makes this game so good?
Unit modding, you get to mod units with only three slots. Modding requires the only strategic resource in the game that you'll never have enough of.
Exploration feels very rewarding, you have to clear buildings to get benefits from them and they are challenging.
Unit variety, oh this one is the best part of the game, every unit is unique and there are a ton of units in the game. And they can have decent amount of ability in comparison to AOW4(I didn't play it but from skimming through the wiki, most unit just had a single ability).
Military research and society research are separate.
Besides factions, you have secret tech. Which is basically secondary faction mechanic. Meaning you can have a lot of different combinations, which means different mod for your units, giving you different play style. Kind of reminds me of Magic the Gathering's two color decks.
If you thought secondary factions is cool then there is MORE! NPC factions have their own unique units and mods that let's yous mix and match three factions and go crazy if you want.
And the art works of the game is spectacular! The models, sprites of the mods. Even the writing is great. The sound track is catchy but there aren't many tracks unfortunately.
I was thinking of buying AOW4 but the simpler units and not having anything unique about factions made me stop. Also the crap ton of DLC is a turn off as well.
I would say this is definitely one of the must play 4X game.