What a game!

[Andreas1966]

Hi all,
I got the digital-download-version of COTA yesterday and just started working through the tutorials. I have to admit, that I had tried out the first airborne assault game (german CDV-version) a long time ago and that I had sold it pretty fast via eBay, because at first glance it seemed way to complicate for me. I'm a casual player, not a grognard, and play games like Combat Mission, Talonsoft Campaign Series, Chess (Fritz 9) etc.

Because of the very positive reviews of COTA I decided to give the series a second try. I'm glad, I did - What a game! Although I'm still learning to play it, I can say, that this is the most fascinating game, I've played for a long time. It's definitely not as difficult as I thought and it's really absorbing. It also does NOT give you a too abstract feeling of the action, as some tactical players like me for example might think. You really get the feeling of being right within the action, but at an operational level. (Which may be a result of the fact, that COTA is played in (accelerated) real time.) All fans of tactical games should give this game a try, they might be surprised how much fun it is to play!

I must also say, that you can see that this game seems to be made with a lot of love for detail. The interface for example is excellent, it provides all the necessary information with one or two mouse-clicks. (But the sounds could be worked over. Sounds a bit like a C64... ) The documentation is one of the best I've ever seen and simply excellent!

A big thank you for this great game! It's a lot of fun learning to play it and I'm already looking forward to the next version (Battle of the Bulge - my favourite WW2-scenario for wargames).

Andreas

[AlexB]

ORIGINAL: Andreas1966
(But the sounds could be worked over. Sounds a bit like a C64... )

There is somebody on these forums who made a new sound set. (I downloaded it but haven't yet dared to install it out of fear I might damage COTA.)


edit: you can find more about it here: http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=1157041

[wodin]

Best wargame made in my humble opinion. 

[El Savior]

ORIGINAL: wodin

Best wargame made in my humble opinion.

Second that!

[MikeBrough]

ORIGINAL: Andreas1966
It's definitely not as difficult as I thought and it's really absorbing.

IMO, COTA is a game that can be as complicated as you like. Let your sub-ordinates run the show and it's like watching a movie. Great if that's what you're in the mood for. But...

If you micro-manage, it can be the most detailed wargame ever. Check out some of the AARs for the possible level of detail involved. Reverse slopes, supply, detailed planning, etc.

[MarkShot]

There is, of course, the Command and Conquer approach which is very easy to implement.

(1) Up arrow to selection senior unit.

(2) "A" and place an attack marker on the enemy's side of the map.

(3) Click on ">>>" to start the game.

Of course, if that is too much micro-management, you can always select something defensive and eliminate steps #1 and #2.

[sterckxe]

ORIGINAL: MarkShot

There is, of course, the Command and Conquer approach which is very easy to implement.

(1) Up arrow to selection senior unit.

(2) "A" and place an attack marker on the enemy's side of the map.

(3) Click on ">>>" to start the game.

Of course, if that is too much micro-management, you can always select something defensive and eliminate steps #1 and #2.

Mark, why do you post my flawless plan ? You know this ruins my chances of ever winning an online game [;)]

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

[GoodGuy]

ORIGINAL: AlexB

There is somebody on these forums who made a new sound set. (I downloaded it but haven't yet dared to install it out of fear I might damage COTA.)

Backup existing sound files (folder), then replace with sound mod, it's that easy.... you can't kill your install with that (or any other future) sound mod.

[sapper_astro]

Yes, Best wargame by far. The mechanics of this game are so easy to use, yet so detailed if you wish. The AI is superb.
 
The game does remind of the C64, but not for the game itself, rather the bugfree release without needing 6 patches to get it to work properly. Definately quality from a bygone age.

[Andreas1966]

The comparison with the C64 wasn't meant too serious... [;)] Indeed the sounds are acceptable and "one can live with them". (I hope this german phrase exists in english language...)  I only wanted to mention, that the quality of the sounds could be better - they sound a bit like heavily compressed MP3s. And the sounds add a lot to the appeal of a game, I think.
I agree, that the game runs very stable. The programmers definitely seem to understand their job. [:)]
Now I have to go back to the tutorials... Again: I wished, all games had this kind of documentation. Outstanding!

Andreas 
 

[wodin]

Yes a superb game wit the best documentation I've seen.


To really see how much work has gone into this check the scen maker utility and see all that info and photos of equipment and weapons. All that work for something that many may never see unless they open up secna maker. Amazing.