Newbie question

[AresMars]

It is funny how modern computer games have changed the way wargames are played and learned.
 
I am feeling old now but proud that I did it ole skool!   [;)]
 

[NeverMan]

ORIGINAL: PBI

ORIGINAL: nukkxx

Ok the tutorial helps a lot for the first steps. Thanks. However, I didn't find the "attached ZIP" which I guess contains the full setup. Where is the zip file ?

I also had a look to the rest of the tutorial and it well done but the game seems INCREDIBLY complex ... rather discouraging IMO.

I hardly imagine how this could have been played on a boardgame !

It's simple; us old wargamers had to learn to read the rules - all of them - and interpret them without the crutch of computer code to do our thinking for us. The best way to learn the rules for a wargame is to read through the rules once, try a test game (with the rule book open and handy), then read through the rules again in more depth, paying particular attention to the sections where one had trouble from the test game.

In this specific instance, the definition of the difference between units and factors is clearly spelled out in the manual.

As for knowing what to do, well, again, there us old-school wargamers have the advantage of having been forced to use the trial-and-error method We'd try different strategies (usually based around the victory conditions) and see what worked and what didn't, then make adjustments, and so on. We didn't have tutorials, but then again, we didn't have interface problems, either. It's amazing what one's brain and pen and paper can accomplish.

YEP!! I second that.

BTW, I'm curious to all of those who played the original FTF:

How did you do it?

We would laminate the map (this required cutting the map in half, laminating each half since the machine at the local office store didn't have a lamination machine big enough, and then tape them together over a big piece of wood or cardboard) and then we would use sticky putty (just a dab) to keep the corps counters and leaders together and also to the map. Anyone else use this method.

And yes, after a few games we would need new counters, but someone was always willing to buy a new game.

[Murat]

We laminated the map as a single piece (good ole' Kinko's) and the major and minor sheets (good ole' Kinko's). We used grease pencil to record strengths builds, enforced peace, etc. Everyone did a 1-7 bid for nations. We had a wooden die rolling machine and anyone could use any die that anyone brought that day (we were superstitious). We limited diplomacy to 15 min at setup and 5 min each diplomacy phase thereafter. All other diplomacy had to be done over the table. If you were not back to the table when the buzzer rang you risked being skipped. Wives and GFs brought food - bio breaks were taken during other people's combats. Chit picks were written down or told to someone not at war (and were unnerving when they let out a smirk after you told them your pick). Our counters survived well - faded a bit but survived.

[Killerduck]

We hang the map on a metal board, scanned the counters and printed them on stickers and attached to magnets.
No need to pick up the board, no rush to finish the game in a weekend. It's great.
We've been playing the game for years. Actually, we have been playing _a_ game for years
Another bonus is how the game becomes a spectator sport! People passing by (the club house) are curious and ask about the game and learn about the game.
Heck, you could get a small fanclub going if you play succesfull France [;)]

[PBI]

Never did get to play EiA ftf, alas, but played many a monster game in my day (and still do).  We didn't/don't do anything to our maps and counters.  We put te map on the floor or a table, and stack the counters to the ceiling and uses written record where needed

[TheHellPatrol]

ORIGINAL: nukkxx

Ok the tutorial helps a lot for the first steps. Thanks. However, I didn't find the "attached ZIP" which I guess contains the full setup. Where is the zip file ?

I also had a look to the rest of the tutorial and it well done but the game seems INCREDIBLY complex ... rather discouraging IMO.

I hardly imagine how this could have been played on a boardgame !

Same here, i'll play it if/when they release an "interface guide"[:'(]