I'm actually quite sad that i paid for this product. I have a few issues that could not have been realized in the trial hour. The first, is the lack of interaction with the characters. Saying "well, it isn't the sims" seems to be the big response i get when i bring that up, so i'll drop it.

The second is the store. The problem with the store only updating every 10-12 hours is that to a certain extent, you don't even really need to play the game. When i let the game be for 7 hours while i slept, both my people had gained 2 career levels on their own. When i am playing the game, i'm really not doing anything - as there really isn't much to do - so once/twice a day i'll turn it on for maybe an hour to do whatever chores/puzzles can be done based on what's in the store. How is this considered fun?

I was looking for a game i could PLAY. Something to DO. not just a screen saver.

Don't you look for collectibles?

Don't you want the trophies?

I have bought many games only to discover that I was like 5 minutes from the game ending or learned that I didn't like the concept after the trial; but, I never went on to a game developer's website to express my disgruntledness.

There are many of us who PLAY the LDW virtual games and truly like them and the concept and find things to DO. Maybe you should stick with the game concepts that appeal to you.

Did you click on support where there was an option for a refund ... I think.

From all the customer queries I've seen on this forum, the support has been quick & flawless. I think it would have been better to contact them privately before starting a thread. They might have been able to help you.

Regarding the game, the LDW games are the only ones that hold my interest months on end. I've bought other fast games that seem more interesting at the start, but then get quite repetitive after a while and I never play them.

Everyone likes something different. 1 hour trials, or even 30 minutes are the normal thing, so I don't think you can fault them for that. Maybe reading a review before buying might be better so you know what the game is about.

I don't want a refund, I want a change. :-) I love this company; I’ve never not wanted to support them financially. I've purchased every game they've made for PC and for iPhone. I'm not new to the company, I’ve been playing their games for years.

I just... Feel there could be more to it than this. I am almost done the collections, and as for trophies - well, the ones that I actually need to be present for are almost all done too, the others they are doing on their own.

I’m also not complaining about there being a trial hour - I play bigfishgames, and real arcade, like most of the people here. I understand an hour is usual - I enjoyed my time in the hour. In the first hour, there was a lot of activity.

I can't say I’m really thrilled with the attitude I get from "maybe you should read a review". I'm sorry if you are offended, but I’ve seen a LOT of people mixed into other threads complaining about parts of the game. I have every right to vent my frustrations AND hope the creators see it AND let other people who feel the same way know "yes, others agree with you". I was not rude, I was not out of line.

Secondly, by posting here on the forums, the creators see how their users feel about things. For better, or for worse. As someone who makes games {granted a different sort of game} I welcome even the most upset player sharing their opinions - because it is feed back. The use of the word disgruntled as my subject was the ONLY thing I did wrong in this.

Well, people do have different things they look for in a game. My wife would never play this because it is too slow for her. I can appreciate this. I just have a different mindset. I am sorry to hear the Pixiestix is not happy with the game. I am not sure if I agree that the game mechanics couldn't be figured out in the first hour of play, but that's ok too.

The store issues can be a bit annoying, especially when you are waiting for a particular item to show up. As this may be a pain in some ways, it seems to be based off of the store mechanics in Plant Tycoon. Things only appear after waiting. This, on the other hand offers a bit of anticipation. Waiting for that item to show up, and once it does show up, you are greatly satisfied when you can fix/upgrade items.

As Quickstorm said, and has been mentioned in some of the other game forums here, there are the collectibles to search for. There are also illness to cure, food to buy, and a whole list of 100 trophies to gain. Looking through that list, you can find the things that can make the game interesting. There are somethings you can achieve just by knowing what they are. Some, you may have to wait for an event to come along before performing an action to get a particular trophy.

Trying to figure out how to solve household issues adds a challenge. All the things that can go wrong in the house can be fixed. It is just a matter of knowing how and where to go to fix them. If you try something and it doesn't work, then you obviously need to rethink the strategy again. This can be a thinking game if you let it be. Trying to solve the problems that arise, to me, is more fun than looking for the answer in the forum, unless I am completely lost and have tried several things. Even at that, I usually look for the hints and not the solution.

So, even though Pixiestix voiced a complaint, that is what the forums are for. Not just for the praise but for the complaints too. It will ultimately help LDW to make bigger and better games in the future. Look at this game (VF). They payed attention to what people were saying about the VV line. People wanted a family tree.... done. They wanted marriages and only parents to have kids... done. They wanted mothers to do more than just walk around with a baby in tow... done. They wanted a section to make notes on their people... done.

So even though Pixiestix doesn't like the game, I will say that their comments were made in a tactful way and not necessarily hostile. It is the hostile comments that will be deleted for sure.

I'm not offended. Why would I be? I didn't make the game, just bought & am enjoying it. If you're not, that's fine. My suggestion of reading a review is they can often tell you more about a game long term than a 1 hour trial.

I don't see much difference in game play to the VV series, so I'm not sure what you were expecting.

Well said, Gamey.

I like this game, it's a question of taste.

But I liked a lot Pixiest message who put his finger in the weakest point of the game, and I do agree with him.

The game is too slow, you need to wait for a lot of things.

Firts of all the store, way tooooo long.

And secondly you wait for things to happen, sink to leak, fire etc ...

Just looking for collectibles is not enough.

I believe his message is one of the best for the developper of LDW as suggestions.

Hey there, Pixie.

I can relate to how aggravating it is to feel attacked by posting your thoughts and feelings in forums only to be made to feel as if your opinions are absurd and should never be said.

I hate forums. All forums, not just on this site.
Either one..you get attacked for telling your own truthful feelings.
Two..people post irrelevant responses to the subject. Such as:
What do you think of that new fish game?

Response:
It's called New Fish Game!
(See how it does not answer anything? Someone just needed to be technical.)
(Which is not the case here, just expressing what I have noticed in forums.)

I must say that I am quite impressed by Gamemastr.
I found that response informative, relevant, and civilized.

Pixie, as a VV fan, I am also disappointed in Virtual Families.
I am still playing it, but it is not as good as our beloved villager games that we have become accustomed to.

I got bored and I now have 4 different families going. I am hoping that the more people I have, the more interesting it will become.

Thanks for posting this thread.

As usual, I think it's just about what you're looking for and how you challenge yourself.

Honestly, some people...myself included...can't really just sit and play the game for hours. So being able to check in from time to time is nice for me.

I think if I were to play a game that needed constant attention, I wouldn't do so well.

So far, the game suits me because I can check in for a short time several times a day but not be required to focus so much attention to game play.

Hi Disgruntled,
I have to say that I agree with you on some points concerning the Virtual Families game. I love the Virtual Villagers games....all but the ending on the first one...the golden child is way too corny and a disappointing ending to an otherwise great game. Ok, on to my assessment of the new game, Virtual Families. Don't take me wrong, as I love this game, but I feel, as you do, that there could be MORE INTERACTION BETWEEN FAM. MEMBERS. Here's a few other things that I think would greatly improve on the game, and I hope that the authors see this and consider some of these changes...and if they do will offer those of us who have bought the game a small fee to purchase the upgrade/upgrades:
1. It would be nice if they could use a broom or vacumn to clean the floors as we do in real life...with the option to also let the kids pick of pieces of paper.
2. I think they should sleep under the covers and have to make the bed when they get up. (This isn't a big deal though. It would just be more true to life.)
3. When they play the board games it would be nice if they invited at least another fam. member to play with them.
4. It would also be very nice if you could find the things you need in the store. I've been waiting for two days for the stuff to repair the floors, and it hasn't shown up. Also some things cost way too much to only have one use...such as the candy...one piece for $10. is way too unrealistic.
5. Another thing I'd really like is if you could purchase more upgrades...such as a new sofa. Flowers to plant in the yard would be nice too, such as climbing roses, etc.
6. There should be a bit more INTERACTION between the player and characters also, like there is in the V.V. games.

Even though a bit disappointing...I still love the game. I can hardly wait for the Virtual Villagers 4. I'm so hooked on 2 and 3. I don't think VF will be as addictive as these.

To the creators: Please know that I'm not complaining. I'd just like to know that there may be upgrades to the game that we could purchase later.

Lewanda

I would like to add that it would be nice if you could speed the time up a bit and also if we had the option to set it to half speed when we're not going to be playing for a while. That way the characters could progress without aging so much.

Thanks for an otherwise nice game!

Besides collectibles, there are weeds to pull and trash (wrapers) and socks to occassionally pick up. Unfortunately there is not a way to speed up time passing as there was in the other games. being able to speed up time by x2 or x4 might make it look like more is happening. Thankfully women only carry the babies around a couple of hours in this game. You can also praise people for doing certain tasks and win trophies that way as well.

If you weren't happy with buying the game, why didn't you try it beforehand? Also, if you had played any of the Virtual Villagers games, you'd have known what to expect as this game was styled along the same lines. Also, why wouldn't you check other sites for reviews/info before buying? That's just poor judgement on your part, not any fault of the developers.

If you're unhappy, then contact LDW, they may offer a partial or full refund but don't go on the forums and talk about how unhappy you are when clearly everyone on these boards is a fan of the game.

Come on guys. Let's be nice about things and not attack people. In case it was missed, my post above stated:


I understand the desire to protect and defend what you love or hold dear. Even though people may have a different opinion of the game, it is still their opinion, and they are entitled to it. The original post was not a hostile, or flagrant attack on LDW or its game. If it had been, as a forum Moderator, I would have deleted it in a heartbeat. I am really trying not to let this thread become a crabfest or a place to attack someone for an opinion that is not in agreement with yours.

Please, please, please, try and show a little courtesy. Try and extend the same patience you would hope to get back. Please do not leave me with any choice but to lock this thread.

Well Said gamester. Not all people will like this game. I love it along with the whole VV line and plant and fish tycoon.

i did play the trial, i did read reviews. the issues i have with the game don't really come into play until after the first hour is over, which is indeed no one's fault per se - simply that i wasn't able to gather the problems from the trial.

Don't want a refund, don't hate the game, just don't feel much like it is a game. I'd like some more interaction between the characters in later games {and i hope they do continue this series!}. I'd also like a little less time between shop updates{maybe every 3-4 hours?} or at the very least a way to speed up time for those of us who are used to speeding up time. It isn't a demand, i'm not saying i'll boycot LDW, it is my opinion and request.



that is a GREAT suggestion, thank you! I will have to start multiple families. This opens actually a couple ways to play that i hadn't thought about before! Thank you VERY much!

Gamemastr1 - i'm sorry this thread is getting out of hand. Even though the comments that are causing issue are not mine, i still take responsibility for starting the thread.

I think it's ridiculous that you are apologizing for other people. You have an opinion and that's fine. My wife and I have played all 3 VV games and now this and we are both disappointed with VF. We expected a bit more with what was shown in the trailer. But, that said, the VV games were never that interactive either. I don't know how many times I just left it on and went to bed. I guess that's what these games are more about than the actual interaction.

Don't appologize. It's not your fault. Sometimes we just need a reminder that we are all part of the same "Virtual Family" of sorts, and we really need to treat everyone fairly. LDW prides itself on maintaining an " 'E' for Everyone" forum.

As a forum Moderator, it is my job to ensure that happens. As a "Moderator", I am also the go-between. The Laison. It's not pretty all the time, but it is necessary to maintain harmony.

I don't understand why this was directed to me I haven't apologized for anyone or anything

I responding to an opinion with an opinion, I didn't even say one or the other was right or wrong....why are you saying my actions are ridiculus when I didn't do what you are accusing?

I don't know why it says re:bethlham, I simply replied to the topic and your name is there for some reason. Not directed towards you at all.

Oh, sweet! Thanks...I was just confused

Yeah, I apologize. I feel bad about it.

Bravo, Gamey, and pixiestix! I was a member of fan site, and the people there disgusted me. The complainers were rude and over-sensitive, and the moderators were mean and rarely were able to help. They usually just annoying us and hurt our feelings by deleting the wrong things and literally making up new rules whenever they felt like it. I got kicked off when I broke a rule that I had never heard of, and that I couldn't find anywhere.
Pixiestix, it amazes me that you are so cordial and apologetic, even when you don't really need to apologize. I get amazed every day by how nice people are here, and how understanding the moderators are!

Anyway, I think that the game is pretty good, but that it would have been nice if you could invite people over and have parties, and move furniture or damage things! LOL
Otherwise, GREAT game, LDW!

And lastly, thank you moderators for understanding and being so kind(even if we don't deserve it sometimes!)

Kudos Pixie for sharing your opinion and being cool and gracious when you get insulted on this thread!

When you reply to a topic, it automatically replies to the person who last posted in the window you are replying to. Often, the message content has nothing to do with the person. I believe it's simply a way for the forum to keep track of how the replies are listed.

No worries I'm pretty forgiving

Actually, there are two ways of replying. In the Quick Reply option, the reply is to the last person who posted. If you want to reply to a specific person, just click the Reply button in their post, which is what I do when it makes a difference.

I personally think three things have happened with regard to people being disappointed with Virtual Families.

1. The previews page was up wayyyy too long, getting people more and more excited day by day. Yes I know this is probably intentional to drive business, but still - months of hype and build up must be rewarded.

I think people built up this game in their minds to be bigger than it actually is. In fact NO game could have lived up to the hype this game got before its release! Maybe some more strategic releasing of information would be better, to stop people getting carried away with their own thoughts on what the game might be.

2. Because of the success of Villagers, there is a big fan base who have a certain level of expectations. We’ve already played, loved (and most importantly) grown accustomed to three brilliant games for at least three or four years.

Therefore sometimes great success Isn’t always an asset, as you are already on a high so need to live up to and surpass it with each new invention – this is hard to do...

3. With a quote like “Our past successes have allowed us to really cut loose and make the game we always wanted to make” (i.e. it sounds pretty epic!!) the game must deliver something just as epic as the sound bite!

It seems the general consensus (just a feeling from the forums) is that Virtual Families is pretty much just a construed version of Villagers and the Tycoons, except actually with some bits missing!! (time management for one).


The way I personally have dealt with VF is to play multiple games, and to play them all differently (I’m actually trying my hand at a single person family - to see what happens), and also I’ve started some fan fiction and fan art – for example contriving wedding photos! This is time consuming and interesting, and you can do it while the Families are doing mundane tasks.

I like the game, but given the choice I’d always choose Villagers over Families. I can see that after the novelty value have finally subsided, Families won’t be played much on my computer.

i love this game! as long as i have enough money to stock up on food, i dont have to freak out about them starving and dying on me! on vv 1 2 3 and the tycoons, i paused everytime i quit cause i was worried that would happen. it took FOREVER to get the research and everything done, so i love it that i can buy food and not worry about it!

I have to say that I really like this game (even though I am still hoping for Bug Tycoon in the future)

The casual aspect is what appeals to me. I have other games to play that are completely absorbing and take a lot of time and focus(even though East India Company got delayed a few months)

This is the perfect game to have open as you surf the net, read the news, write emails, etc.

I have 2 families going---1 main family and 1 more experimental. This gives me the option to try different things at once.

I have to agree with you fully. I have ADD like many my age and multi-tasking is almost a must, especially with real time games and such. If I can't be online tending to my farm on facebook, or chatting with my mom etc... it's not a game worth playing for me This game will stick around for a while with me.

Nobody ever has to sit and play a game for hours. There is such a thing as a pause button, so this game could have been originated to be more interactive. I agree with PixieStix wholeheartedly.
Waiting 10-12 hours for the store stock to change is insane. Fixing a leaky shower over and over is not my idea of intertainment either. I have bought and played all of the VV games and loved all of them except this one. This one is too slow. Yeah, it's fun to collect the collectibles, but you have to wait and wait for something new there too. Mostly I just get items to sell on the internet over and over. I will continue to play since I purchased the game, but seriously if the energy level thing was fixed, the peeps earned money a little faster,and the store updated say every hour or so, it would be a much more enjoyable game. Now I will sit back and wait for all the insults because I voiced my opinion, LOL.

Insults? You mean those trivial, immature things found on other sites? Oh, those insults. We don't usually use them here, lol.

I have to say that the 10-12 hours is a LITTLE ridiculous, especially to me, but I like the game very much .

No insults here either, but one comment: The energy is not something that needs to be fixed. It makes perfect sense the way it's set up, you just have to find what works!

*desparately trying to think of an insult...*

Nope, can't think of one...but I'll keep trying! I'm no quitter!

I AGREE WITH YOU PIXI, THERE SHOULD DEF BE MORE TO THIS GAME THEN THERE IS. IT'S GETTING BORING. I ENJOYED THE VILLAGER GAMES ALOT MORE AND EVEN THOUGH I SUPPORT THIS COMPANY, THIS PARTICULAR GAME I WOULD'NT INTRODUCE TO MY FRIENDS:/ MAYBE BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH CHARACTERS AND TASK TO FULLFUL. I ALSO DON'T LIKE HOW SLOW THE STORE RESTOCKS. THIS IS LIKE WATCHING PAINT DRY:(