Doodle Empires Update 1.3.2 – A Step Forward, But Room for Growth
Doodle Empires, the charming sandbox strategy game by developer TanTan, has rolled out its latest update, Version 1.3.2. This update brings a mix of new content, quality-of-life improvements, and bug fixes, but it also highlights some of the challenges faced by indie developers working across multiple platforms. Let’s dive into what this update offers, its impact on the game, and how the community has reacted.
The update introduces several notable changes:
New Central Europe Map: A fresh map for players to explore and conquer, though some users have noted that it feels incomplete with blank areas.
Fort Protection Fix: Adjustments to fort mechanics, addressing previous issues with their functionality.
New Ocean Background: A visually pleasing update to the ocean backdrop, which has been praised for its aesthetic appeal.
Text Wrapping Fix: Improved text formatting, making in-game information easier to read.
Additionally, the developer has released separate builds for Windows, Mac, and Linux, ensuring broader accessibility. However, TanTan has openly acknowledged that they cannot test the Mac and Linux versions themselves and are relying on player feedback to identify any lingering performance issues.
Update 1.3.2 is a clear indication that TanTan is listening to the community and working to refine the game. The addition of the Central Europe Map expands the game’s replayability, while the ocean background update enhances the visual experience. The fort protection fix and text wrapping improvements address long-standing annoyances, making the game more polished and enjoyable.
However, the update also underscores some limitations. The lack of a world map and the incomplete feel of the Central Europe Map have left some players wanting more. Additionally, while the developer has made efforts to address lag on Mac and Linux, the absence of direct testing on these platforms means that performance issues may persist for some users.
The Doodle Empires community has responded with a mix of praise and constructive criticism. Here’s a breakdown of the key reactions:
Visual Improvements: Players have lauded the new ocean background, calling it “aesthetically pleasing” and a welcome addition to the game’s art style.
Engaging Gameplay: Many users appreciate the game’s unique blend of strategy, simulation, and world-building, with some calling it “fun and evolving.”
Developer Transparency: TanTan’s openness about the limitations of their testing process has been well-received, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration with the community.
Performance Issues: Some Mac and Linux users have reported ongoing lag and freezing, particularly when selecting nations on larger maps. One player noted that the game froze on the Mediterranean map with ~120 countries and ~10 forts.
Feature Requests: The community has been vocal about their desire for additional features, including:
A world map for more expansive gameplay.
Modding support to allow players to customize their experience.
An Android version to make the game more accessible.
A browser-friendly version for easier access.
Map Completion: Players have expressed hope that the Central Europe Map will be fully fleshed out in future updates, as it currently feels incomplete.
FiliusMontis: “Great update! I really like the new ocean background... However, I would appreciate it if you made the castle icon not disrupt the paintbrush so that you can actually paint the land below the icon itself.”
RogueLlama08: “I really hope soon you bring us a world map though.”
Lioro: “TanTan, could you make an Android version please?”
Community-Driven Development: TanTan’s willingness to engage with player feedback is a major strength. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that updates address real player concerns.
Creative Vision: Doodle Empires’ unique concept—combining drawing, strategy, and world-building—continues to captivate players. The game’s charm lies in its simplicity and creativity.
Cross-Platform Support: By releasing versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux, the developer has made the game accessible to a wider audience.
Performance Issues: The ongoing lag and freezing on Mac and Linux platforms are significant drawbacks. Without direct testing capabilities, these issues may persist and frustrate players.
Incomplete Features: The Central Europe Map, while a welcome addition, feels unfinished to some players. This highlights the challenges of balancing rapid updates with polished content.
Limited Scope: The absence of a world map and modding support limits the game’s long-term appeal for more hardcore strategy fans.
Update 1.3.2 is a solid step forward for Doodle Empires, showcasing TanTan’s commitment to improving the game and engaging with the community. The visual and mechanical improvements are commendable, and the new map adds variety to the gameplay. However, the update also reveals areas where the game could grow, particularly in terms of performance optimization and feature expansion.
For fans of casual strategy and world-building games, Doodle Empires remains a delightful experience with a lot of potential. However, addressing performance issues and fulfilling community requests—such as a world map and modding support—will be crucial for its long-term success.
As TanTan continues to refine the game, the future looks bright for Doodle Empires. Here’s hoping the next update brings even more polish and features to this charming indie gem.
Rating: 7.5/10
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Developer: TanTan
Genre: Strategy, Simulation
Tags: 2D, Alternate History, Casual, Sandbox, World-Building