still play

[mariovalleemtl]

I just finish a fews games after a year break. Still very fun. AI is very good. A very good challenge.

[mercenarius]

Thanks! [:)]

[SteveD64]

yep, just played two games

got creamed, but it was FUN

[similar]

It is an excellent game, with an amazing AI. It was a challenge to outwit the AI enough before the latest patch, but with the 1.04 beta, the AI (set on Hard) has won four out of my last five games. That each game plays out so differently, with different theatres - North Africa, Spain, Italy - becoming the focus of action in different games, just adds to the game's replayability and demonstrates the skill with which it is designed.

[PJJ]

The more I've played Hannibal, the better I've realized just how great the whole design of the game is. Compared to many massive strategy games that Matrix offers, this one is extremely fun and enjoyable to play. I get the same feeling when playing the best boardgames, games that don't have 400 page manuals and millions of rules and exceptions to the rules to be memorized. Too often computer wargames are extremely tedious to play, in fact playing some of them feels more like work than a relaxing hobby. Hannibal is easy to play but hard to master. I don't have to waste hours at tedious micromanagement, counting production points and SPAM cans, but instead I can concentrate in thinking and planning out strategies and how to best execute them in different situations with various troops and cards available to me. And isn't this what strategy gaming is at its best?

I really wish Matrix had more such games available.

[vonRocko]

Yes, excellent game. I've had it since release and I still play rather often, when I need a quick but tough game. It is definitely one of my favorites and will be on my computer a long time!

[cherryfunk]

It's a beautiful system, elegant and challenging and with an incredible amount of depth given its relative simplicity.  Personally I would love to see a larger, longer campaign using this system, something along the lines of Caesar or Alexander.
 

[PJJ]

I hope the development of the next game is progressing well. Would be great to hear some news from Mercenarius! [:)]

[cherryfunk]

I just managed a Hard campaign victory after several months away from the game, and while the system still impresses as much as ever, I was reminded of something that disappointed me about Hannibal -- winning.  After an hour or two of a tremendous challenge, you manage a hard-fought victory only to be rewarded with a brief splash screen saying 'you have conquered Rome'... and that's it, back to the main menu.  No chance to review the map, no score or comparison against previous victories, not even a note of how many turns it took you. 

It's disappointing, especially for a game as polished as this. I'm not saying I need a 3D animated Triumph with Hannibal riding a golden chariot (though a musical victory theme would be nice...) -- but at the very least I'd like to review the map, see some campaign statistics (battles fought, % won, provinces controlled, most effective commander etc.) and be able to compare to previous victories... a 'high scores' record, if you will. I think this would also add to the game's re-playability, as you could attempt to outdo your best score.

[SteveD64]

^yeah I agree with a better victory screen.  I just won a 20 turn game on hard- I need a slap on the back and maybe a week off from work.  I deserved it.

It was a completely different game from the others I've played- the key is to keep the option cards flowing.  You really need to give the AI multiple fronts and keep Rome off balance in a long game.

[vonRocko]

ORIGINAL: cherryfunk


I just managed a Hard campaign victory after several months away from the game, and while the system still impresses as much as ever, I was reminded of something that disappointed me about Hannibal -- winning.  After an hour or two of a tremendous challenge, you manage a hard-fought victory only to be rewarded with a brief splash screen saying 'you have conquered Rome'... and that's it, back to the main menu.  No chance to review the map, no score or comparison against previous victories, not even a note of how many turns it took you. 

It's disappointing, especially for a game as polished as this. I'm not saying I need a 3D animated Triumph with Hannibal riding a golden chariot (though a musical victory theme would be nice...) -- but at the very least I'd like to review the map, see some campaign statistics (battles fought, % won, provinces controlled, most effective commander etc.) and be able to compare to previous victories... a 'high scores' record, if you will. I think this would also add to the game's re-playability, as you could attempt to outdo your best score.

Great idea. It is very anti-climactic as it is now. Animated 3d victory screen would help a lot!