Is this game for me?

[Llyranor]

Hello,

I've been recently reading on this game and showing some interest. However, I'm still on the fence thus far, and hoping someone could help nudge me off it.

1) From what I'm reading, it seems like quite an advanced/complex simulation/wargame. Now, that by itself isn't a turn-off, but I'm not a hardcore grognard, and I'd be willing to learn such complexity. I enjoy games like the Airborne Assault series, Combat Mission, Close Combat, Take Command. I also enjoy Carriers at War, though I haven't played it too much so far, but wouldn't mind something more complex than that. From descriptions, it does kind of sound like a naval Airborne Assault - which is a definite appeal.

2) Where could I get a list of the stock scenarios included with the official game? I see few examples here and there, but don't see an extensive list. I'd like to get a better idea of what the scenarios are like, and their scope.

3) This probably comes out too often, and I'm a tad embarrassed to bring it up: graphics. Though, actually, the in-game graphics (the map with the units) look more than good enough for me. However, my concern lies with the interface. Now, I understand that it's meant to emulate what you'd see in a CIC, but it does look fairly outdated - kind of like DOS. I'm worried that the functionality itself is also outdated? Is this the case? Would one say that the interface is good functionally? Or are CIC interfaces also as outdated as this, and this is meant to be an intentional decision? If so, I guess I'd be okay with it, for the sake of 'immersion'.

One example of a game I find beautiful would be COTA. I mean, the graphics are completely minimalistic - a map with some squares; very functional, like H3's map, which I have no issues with. However, the difference is that COTA's interface is incredibly slick, despite not having bells and whistles. Also, high resolution support is really nice. I'm really glad H3 will have high resolution support as well - it does make a big difference.

Are there any plans to update the interface in this iteration?

Cheers.

[Banquet]

Hi Llyranor,

I too love COTA and also Close Combat and Take Command. I recently bought H3:ANW and am enjoying it very much! The hardest thing for me to get past was the Windows 3.1 interface but once I got used to that it's a great game. In terms of complexity I would say there is a lot of depth going on but in terms of learning how to order ships around and launch aircraft it's not too hard to learn.

Once you know the basics of playing you can enjoy learning the subtleties.

Others can probably help you further, and with the scenario's. I certainly have no regrets buying it though.