Chariots of War

[solops]

So, what has been improved in this re-release of an old game? The old version had some problems, according to other forums, including overpowered archers.

[LarryP]

GameSpot reviewed this back in March-2003 and they show the same screenshots as this current one?! What gives?

[wesy]

Will Chariots of War run under Vista?

[IainMcNeil]

It's the same game just that now it is available through Matrix. We signed a deal to get them our back catalog. We've not got Vista so can't say for sure if it works. If not then it should be very simple to fix as it just requires a dll not included in Vista. No idea why Microsoft missed this particular DirectX dll out as its going to effect all sorts of games! We already host this dll on our site to fix Spartan & Troy in the downloads area called Vista patch. It should be good for Legion or CoW as well.

[LarryP]

So it is the same 2003 game with NO updates or changes? [&:]

[David Heath]

Hi Guys

Sorry we didn't mean for this to sound like a new release.  This is the latest updated version of the game that was released from Slitherine.  It does now use our copy protection system and the Game On Demand edition will come with a printed manual.  Sorry if this was not a little clearer.

David Heath
Matrix Games

[solops]

So, are there any plans to improve the game?

[lancerunolfsson]

It does now use our copy protection system

You say that like it is a major advantage;^)As long as it's not Storm Eagle's or Battlefront's copy protection system, I'm good:^)

BTW It is easey to fix the Archers and Skirmishers. Just open the Units .txt and reduce the ammo.

[Ankhenaton]

ORIGINAL: solops

So, are there any plans to improve the game?

I hope and pray that Matrix will find a way to further develop this game. I believe the original publishers did not push this title as hard as the other titles utilizing the same game concepts (e.g. Spartan, Legion, etc.). But thankfully it was picked up by Matrix.

[caocao]

I'm really liking this game, for 20 bucks it can't be beat. It reminds me in a way of Romance of the Three Kingdoms II / III which got me into strategy games in the first place so I also would like to see a few minor tweaks and improvments to Chariots to make it even better.

[Ankhenaton]

[:D] Exactly! I think the diplomacy screen could definitely be improved (made similar to Troy and Spartan); also during the combat phase there should be a rally feature, again similar to Legion, Spartan and Troy. Otherwise the game accurately models ancient warfare. I enjoy the aggressiveness of the A.I. where once you think your empire/kingdom is secure there is an army rapidly approaching one of your key cities just big enough to take it from you. Even a couple of user friendly mods would be welcome. I am a member of a mod team for another strategy game on another board; so I will see if any of my colleagues would want to migrate over here to help in improving the game. Lastly, hopefully Matrix (if they see enough committment and sales) can help to further improve this title. The people who play this game are as loyal as people who play Starcraft.

[caocao]

One thing I'd like is that Garrisons not automatically surrender if there is no visiting army. I'm not familliar with Troy, Legion or Spartan but the diplomacy screen does seem to need a bit of tweaking. (how exactly I'm not so sure)

[Ankhenaton]

In the other games you were able to negotiate alliances, pacts, conduct sabotage and espionage missions. As your diplomat became more skilled and your empire bigger; the more diplomatic tasks you could accomplish.

[Howling H R Bryars]

I just bought this game a few days ago, and I too am liking it.
Biggest problem I see is that it is a major time-eater.
What I would like to see is automation features (like scripting).
If you are familiar with Killer Bees' wonderful reworking of Empire Deluxe (Enhanced Edition), you'll know what I mean.
The ability to, for instance, set a path for troops, and have them follow it until done (instead of having to confirm each turn) alone would be helpful - but it would also be slick to set up patterns of production and so on.
Thus one could specify "a plan" that minimizes the turn-by-turn management and maximizes "play".

But hey, I've been playing 'puter games for 23+ years, so I'm probably just spoiled.
We won't talk about all those little cardboard squares...

[GalacticOrigins]

card board squares? F&E, anyone, anyone at all?
 
Seriously, I like COW over the others, but many like the others over COW! Still, I think COW is the basic 'build, go forth, and attack! grind, grind, grind..', which is fun [:D].
 

[JWW]

Just curious.  What about Legion?  Is that coming to Matrix?

[Ike99]

I hope and pray that Matrix will find a way to further develop this game.

Let us hope one day they get around to adding a secure PBEM feature as these games are really good yet scream for PBEM....

[panzers]

I just, yesterday ordered tin soldiers: Alexander the Great, and spartan, and really wanted to get this one until I saw that there was an RTS element which I despise.
Could anyone tell me what the RTS element of the game is? because I really need to be convinced that I am not playing a game that I am trying to do something while everything is doing on around me.

[IainMcNeil]

You deploy your troops and give basic orders before battle, but you do not control the troops in battle. It's about setting up the engagements so your light troops end up in the terrain, but taking acount of teh enemy sweeping through your flank and then hitting you etc. Definitely not an RTS

[Erik Rutins]

Panzers,

As Iain said, it's not a RTS. Spartan has the same component, it's just that you plan the tactical battles and then watch them unfold before you. The game is turn-based.

Regards,

- Erik