While we all debate the last few tweaks, like how long bears should stand, which fonts go where, and what it costs to create a mountain (though I have to go with the majority on this one...)

"What can your 5 mana do for you, Stephan?"

"I can raise a mountain from the earth, or create a land bridge to a distant island, or reshape entire continents!!"

"And you, Kathyrn?"

"Um.... I can light my hand on fire?"

 But I digress...

The point is, while we are pointing out bugs (and yes, I realize its a beta and that is what we do) I think many of us have lost sight of just how far Elemental has come since WOM. Just for S&G, I fired up WOM last night. I played it for about 8 minutes, and then realized I could never go back. There have been way too many improvements in both balance and gameplay to ever consider WOM (for me) as anything other than a fond reminder of a foundation for a great series.

And here's the thing: I LIKED WOM. I actually had very few stability issues, and I loved the concept of random reserach, building your cities block by block, and customizing your army down to the color of the cape. I liked how magic worked, but just wished there was more of it. In short, while I didn't feel that WOM was a masterpiece, I was not nearly ready to swing Brad from the rafters like so many of you.

But in my opinion, FE can be that masterpiece. I feel it's 95% there, and the 5% is mainly the campaign (can't wait to see what Jon did with that!) and small (real) bugs, not wishlist items. And I want to take this time, from one long time fan of Stardock, to say thank you to Brad for investing in top talent like Jon and Derek and taking the time (2 years+!) to really, really, get your second chance right. Don't let the pins and needles of a thousand nitpickers dissuade you guys; you truly have made a wonderful, original franchise that deserves to stand on its own in its second chance. I can't wait to see the updated reviews, and I wish all you guys the very best.

Gaming industry (hell, any industry). This is how you right a (perceived) wrong. Textbook case.

-Steve