Steep learning curve

It will take you a several games to learn everything and you'll probably be lost during the first few.

The game is so enjoyable BECAUSE there are a lot of things to do and manage - hence a lot to learn.

Don't let it stop you from getting into the game....

Complex = depth here. Maybe not so much so as GalCiv2 in terms of economics etc but there is definitely enough to keep you occupied in the real time environment.

when those reviews mean it has a steep learing curve, they more mean it has a steep "mastering curve"

it'll take u a couple games to really expierence everything and even then, u still got a lot to learn from stragety to basic planet setup to choke-points to fleet strcuture to well...

As others have said, it means it will take you a few games to learn the basics, and after that it will take a fairly long time to achieve a solid understanding of all the tactics etc. However, this is a good thing since it means that Sins has the depth to keep you interested for a long time.

It is certainly worth the buy, both for the Single-player and the Multi-player.

In addition to learning the basic game mechanics, you also need to have a good understanding of each race and its abilities, and then you need to learn and develop strategy for single player games and most importantly, strategy for online multiplayer.

I've been playing for 2 weeks and I'm still trying to memorize the icon and shapes of Vasari ships, it's the only race that I can't tell if it's sending a seige frigate or a support cruiser towards me. So, yeah, 'steep learning curve' is pretty appropriate.

Oh that's good. I don't find the game particularly difficult once you master the interface. I first thought that the statement had something to do with the tech tree   

Well, it sort of does as you need to know what to research and when

the steeper the curve the funnier I is when you get the hang of it. ALTHOUGH if the curve is too steep *cough*EVE*cough* it can just turn you off entirely.

thankfully Sins is sorta complicated but makes sense after a couple of long games

If you play with teams, some of the better players will often check in on you and the rest of the map to see what is happening and they will make "recommendations" - e.g. build ABC, or research XYZ, or attack this planet/structure. This is often a great help when you are learning as it gives some insight into what makes them so good.

I'm too scared to play online... I think I'm pretty good, but I hate thinking that then getting ripped to shreds lol

It took me around 4-5 games to actually start getting the hang of it. The tutorial actually confused me. The first game you dont know what the hell to do, the second game you play around with researhc and building frigates, and 3-4 game you get the hang of it but you should get used to losing for those games.

The opponents eviscerating your fleets all had their own fleets eviscerated at one time, too. You just have to suck it up and pay your dues if you want to become a decent online player. I suspect that many if not most of the folks you'll meet online understand that many people are still learning and you'll also meet lots of other newbies, too.

You might not get ripped to shreds though. This one guy was about to own my home planet in the first game and when I screamed alliance he pulled everything back (I never fully trusted him though, so I kept my defenses pretty high). My second game culture was the proxy, until after 2 people left the last guy came at me with more than twice my fleet so I waved the white flag to save time.

The point is, you may actually be that good. It was my first time online and I was good enough to outplay a couple of people who play normally. Go out and try it, maybe you'll be able to get a laugh out of making to people hate each other by placing bounty on their heads and make it look like they're doing it. I did that during my first game right before a pirate raid and the two were going at it in chat.  :LOL: 

Steep learning curve? Compared to what? Are you coming from action/FPS games or grand strategy games? The learning curve of Sins is no worse than the average RTS, possibly easier since the pace of the game is considerably slower. (Admittedly, any learning curve is exacerbated by a poor manual and tutorial.) It is quite a bit harder to learn than, say, Bioshock (which I absolutely loved, it's just not hard to learn). But it is a far easier and less complex game for a newbie to learn then, say, Civ4 or GalCiv2. And if you want to see a learning curve, take a look at some of Paradox's strategy games like EUIII or, most nototiously Victoria, which I have not come close to figuring out yet. Even their recent EU:Rome, which seems deliberately watered down, has a higher learning curve than Sins.

that right there is exactly why I need to give it a shot. Mind games are my favorite thing in the world. i think you converted me i think ill try it out this weekend after some more practice runs

definately do not be affraid of the amount of info the game can have. i was winning since my first game so saying "steep learning curve" in a review is a bit dramatic.

this game is playable on many levels and can be enjoyed in many ways.

I got the basics in 2 quick games, the interface is very forgiving and the gameplay is paced quite nice. No the learning curve is not too steep for a strategy gamer, if you look at classics like "Master of Orion II" or the great "Civilization II Test of Time" those games will tear you to scraps on the easiest of difficulty time and time again. I mean, I got to agree that this game is a piece of apple pie without my ADD meds, and BUDDY IS THAT SAYING SOMETHING!! then again I specialize in turnbased strategy ever since I was 6. go Heroes of M&M!!