Recommendations needed

[maine_raptor]

I've got JTCS installed on both my LAN PCs and the third PC will be up and running next week with the fourth to follow shortly thereafter. (I've ordered two more copies of JTCS, for a total of 4).

I'm looking for some ideas as to which WF scenarios would be best for a 2 vs 1 battle and later 2 vs 2. I'd like something that gives players on each side a good mix and numbers of units to command without it being a huge, lengthy battle. Figure on 3-4 hours per evening.

I know that you can sort the scenarios by complexity, so are there any ideas as to how high that number should be (ie a "3" or higher) and the number of turns.

I'm sticking with WF for the newbies that will be joining me, figuring that US equipment will be more familar to my buddies for now, but later will expand it to EF and RS.

I'd like to hear some suggestions, please.[:D]


PS: I tried to order my latest copies from Matrix via customer service (telephone), but gave up after being on hold for 25 minutes. The on-line order method would not work because my shipping address and credit card address are different and therefore would not work. I'd rather order future games from Matrix directly, but unless there are improvements I'll have to stick to third parties.[:-]

[Jason Petho]

I might recommend playing the US scenarios from the beginning. Starting in North Africa, followed by Sicily, onto Italy and finally the fighting in France and Germany.

I would do this for a number of reasons.

1. Provide a historical base for the fighting. If they are interested in a particular battle, then can read up on it afterwards.

2. Provide a logical reasoning for the weapon systems and how they evolved over the course of the war for the United States.

3. To start they won't be facing a plethora of Tigers and Panthers, oh my. It is frustrating for new players to be put in situations where they feel they can't win.

4. Learning to use the terrain in North Africa will be beneficial by the time they get into Italy, France and Germany.

Jason Petho

[maine_raptor]

Thanks Jason,
 
Your suggestions are logical.
 
I'll try to find some info on the units so that the "what does this unit do?" question in lessened.
 
I noticed that I, as host, had to load the scenario, then have my buddy fire up WF, find the same scenario and then load it.  Is there a way that I can load it, then have the PC's on the LAN just "find it"?
 
Also, when saving scenarios with multiplayers, is it best to save the scenario when the host's turn comes around (after pre-plotted artillery fire, but before host units are moved)?  And can the saved games be placed in a different folder?
 
Thanks again.

[cpdeyoung]

That is a cool idea Jason, and now that the second volume of Rick Atkinson's trilogy about the U.S. Army in the ETO is out you have quite a nice series to review.  I have read the first volume dealing with North Africa and learned a great deal.  The second volume deals with the Italian campaign and I will be buying it this weekend.  As you read these books you will frequently be tempted to whip out JTCS and try your hand.
 
Chuck
 

[Jason Petho]

ORIGINAL: maine_raptor

I noticed that I, as host, had to load the scenario, then have my buddy fire up WF, find the same scenario and then load it.  Is there a way that I can load it, then have the PC's on the LAN just "find it"?

I don't believe so, but I have never tried using a LAN before to battle.

Hopefully someone with more experience can chime in.

ORIGINAL: maine_raptor
Also, when saving scenarios with multiplayers, is it best to save the scenario when the host's turn comes around (after pre-plotted artillery fire, but before host units are moved)? 

Yes, although the host can save at anytime, from what I remember.

ORIGINAL: maine_raptor
And can the saved games be placed in a different folder?

No. They should be in the primary game folder; the West Front folder, for example.

Jason Petho