Lurking around.....

[PanzersEast]

I've been lurking around this forum and on the fence on an purchase. I have TOAW, however never could really get into it.... and to be honest, I am a HOI2 player, and have not found anything that I like more. Over time, I have gotten tired of the same ole micro management and I have been in the market with something in between (still like the game though). The others (SC2 etc..) seemed a little too basic for me. This, however, seems to be right up my ally (a good mixture). I am just wondering setting on the fence here, was anyone else in my position before they purchased and what do you think after.

Thanks,

PE

[LarryP]

ORIGINAL: PanzersEast

I've been lurking around this forum and on the fence on an purchase. I have TOAW, however never could really get into it.... and to be honest, I am a HOI2 player, and have not found anything that I like more. Over time, I have gotten tired of the same ole micro management and I have been in the market with something in between (still like the game though). The others (SC2 etc..) seemed a little too basic for me. This, however, seems to be right up my ally (a good mixture). I am just wondering setting on the fence here, was anyone else in my position before they purchased and what do you think after.

Thanks,

PE

You sound (read) a lot like me. I have been playing TOAW3 a lot and was ready for a change. I also have HOI2 and have played that a lot too, non stop messages and all. [;)] I bought the SC2 bundle last week and it is pretty good, somewhat basic like you said. However, Advanced Tactics has about the same amount to offer in goodies. One item I really like about AT is the way supply is handled. You have much more control over supply than in SC2. AT is not a hard game to play, but not an easy one to win. Many varied scenarios are available for AT and if you like variety then you have it here. Lots of information on all units, just click on them and a screen comes up with tons of information and stats. Mouse over items and the status bar displays what it is. Even all the numbers for units show their description on the status bar.

It's an excellent game and there is more to it than meets the eye if you look at the screenshots only. I was not impressed when I first started playing it. After a few minutes of trying things, I was amazed at how it let me do the things I wanted to do with ease. No music during play, but you don't need it. Sounds are great for all the different guns. Very realistic sounding for me.

If you are tired of mass micromanagement then this could be what would serve your interests. I am sure many posts will follow mine and agree that this is a great game. Support has been good as Vic has been right here with two beta patches already. I have not read a single post of anyone not loving this title. [:)]

[Max 86]

Yeah, I was waiting for the Combined Arms games as I was looking for a new WW2 tactical/operational game. Its funny about this game is that when I first read about it I thought it would be too simple, I mean, how can any game model WW2 to fantasy worlds with any degree of depth, but this one does! Don't hesitate, procrastinate, mastur... juust get it.

[darrellb9]

What they said [;)]

[leastonh1]

It's not the most expensive Matrix game, yet is the best.
 
I think the random game generator is worth the purchase price alone. Even if it were all the game is capable of, this would be the selling point for me.
 
The trouble with some/many wargames is that they are limited (quite rightly in many respects) to a certain time period or number of scenarios as they are designed to cover a specific battle or series of clashes. Replayability is therefore very limited. AT has no limits as Vic has managed to do the impossible and come up with a totally flexible system. The random games, very powerful editor, increasingly enthusiastic community and great support from Vic will ensure it has a long life.
 
I'd say, buy it.
 
Regards,
Jim

[IRONCROM]

 I've played both those games as well. I like toaw better than HOI2. I love this game. The Random map generator and the whole supply system puts this game in a leagea of it's own. Not sure if it's better than those games but it's not the same old thing and that makes it a lot more interesting than anything i"ve played in quite some time.

[Warspite3]

ORIGINAL: PanzersEast

I've been lurking around this forum and on the fence on an purchase. I have TOAW, however never could really get into it.... and to be honest, I am a HOI2 player, and have not found anything that I like more. Over time, I have gotten tired of the same ole micro management and I have been in the market with something in between (still like the game though). The others (SC2 etc..) seemed a little too basic for me. This, however, seems to be right up my ally (a good mixture). I am just wondering setting on the fence here, was anyone else in my position before they purchased and what do you think after.

Thanks,

PE

If you have not already, you should read that AAR that dave74 has been updating...tm.asp?m=1606454. That will give you a great idea of how the game is. I personally can't see anyone who would regret buying this game which I feel is an instant classic. I would not waste anymore time lurking and on the fence, I would get it if I were you. [;)]

[Magpius]

As stated, I have yet to read a single negative comment. Every game when 1st released always has 1 or 2 complaints, everyone here is effusive.
Once the scenarios begin to appear, this game will last quite some time.
-get it!

[PanzersEast]

Well I have made the plunge and [X(] so far this is exactly what I was looking for! Even though I have spent a limited time with it, I am impressed already. The replay ability is limitless, and even though I am a WWII history buff, it feels good not to be locked in if ever I want a change of pace. A great marriage of a great game engine and flexibility..... the supply model is spot on.

Shame on me for waiting and being on the fence!


Many thanks for the replies, see you guys around.

Cheers,

PE

[SlowHand]

Hehe, I was going to say, 'Try the freeware game, 'Peoples Tactics,' which you can be playing with ease and enjoying in under an hour, and you'd know immediately (or not) if you liked it.

Superficially, it seems simple. But it plays very deep. Especially vs Human Opponents: you'll agonize over the operational and tactical decisions you'll have to make. [Very late Edit: I'm talking about Advanced Tactics here and afterwords; see Post # 14 below]

Random maps, historical and fantasy (A user-made Tolkien-esque scenario is already available at AdvancedTactics.Org) scenarios --- it's all there.

Plus Competitive and Casual PBEM Ladders that are already active.

Any other Fence Sitters/Lurkers reading this still have doubts? See the my first line. But AT is many times better. Because of the WW2-ish focus, and because of the incredible Game Editor which will allow you to model any conflict you can imagine. I'm thinking of trying Neolithic Clans fighting over waterholes and a salt pan.

[rickier65]

ORIGINAL: SlowHand

Hehe, I was going to say, 'Try the freeware game, 'Peoples Tactics,' which you can be playing with ease and enjoying in under an hour, and you'd know immediately (or not) if you liked it.

Superficially, it seems simple. But it plays very deep. Especially vs Human Opponents: you'll agonize over the operational and tactical decisions you'll have to make.

Random maps, historical and fantasy (A user-made Tolkien-esque scenario is already available at AdvancedTactics.Org) scenarios --- it's all there.

Plus Competitive and Casual PBEM Ladders that are already active.

Any other Fence Sitters/Lurkers reading this still have doubts? See the my first line. But AT is many times better. Because of the WW2-ish focus, and because of the incredible Game Editor which will allow you to model any conflict you can imagine. I'm thinking of trying Neolithic Clans fighting over waterholes and a salt pan.

Well, they could try PT, but actually I tried PT quiet a while back, and it didn't really click for me. AT on the other hand seems to be quite nice.

So I'd temper your comment, if they like PT, they'll probably like AT, if there so so on PT, they might still think AT is pretty darn good.

Rick

[ravinhood]

ORIGINAL: PanzersEast

I've been lurking around this forum and on the fence on an purchase. I have TOAW, however never could really get into it.... and to be honest, I am a HOI2 player, and have not found anything that I like more. Over time, I have gotten tired of the same ole micro management and I have been in the market with something in between (still like the game though). The others (SC2 etc..) seemed a little too basic for me. This, however, seems to be right up my ally (a good mixture). I am just wondering setting on the fence here, was anyone else in my position before they purchased and what do you think after.

Thanks,

PE

You do know that SC2 is a FULL WORLD WAR II game now as of patch 1.08 and then there's the WAW expansion out as well. I was sitting on the fence also until I saw that SC2 went world wide world war II play. The AI has been enhanced as well and comments on it are very positive. The graphics are much sharper than this game or the HOI's I might add. You might want to take a 2nd look at SC2 now. I'm glad I did. Not to say this game isn't worthy as well. The difference I'd say in the two is probably going to be this one will be more of a whatif and iffy historical play value and SC2 will be closer to historical accuracy and realism. So, a wide range of choices depending on the style of play you enjoy most.

[TPM]

ORIGINAL: SlowHand

Hehe, I was going to say, 'Try the freeware game, 'Peoples Tactics,' which you can be playing with ease and enjoying in under an hour, and you'd know immediately (or not) if you liked it.

Superficially, it seems simple. But it plays very deep. Especially vs Human Opponents: you'll agonize over the operational and tactical decisions you'll have to make.

Random maps, historical and fantasy (A user-made Tolkien-esque scenario is already available at AdvancedTactics.Org) scenarios --- it's all there.

Plus Competitive and Casual PBEM Ladders that are already active.

Any other Fence Sitters/Lurkers reading this still have doubts? See the my first line. But AT is many times better. Because of the WW2-ish focus, and because of the incredible Game Editor which will allow you to model any conflict you can imagine. I'm thinking of trying Neolithic Clans fighting over waterholes and a salt pan.

Yep, totally agree with the comments about PT...I wouldn't call the game (PT) simple, but it is definitely more simple that alot of other wargames...but is DEEP...the PBEM games are really gut wrenching, like the above post says, as far as your operational decisions...and this is what I LOVE(D) about PT--it struck the right balance between simple and complex, and allowed you to concentrate on the bigger issues.

Anyway, I've been playing AT and it's awesome, totally worth the money!

[SlowHand]

Doh! The perils of posting late at night.

ORIGINAL: SlowHand
Hehe, I was going to say, 'Try the freeware game, 'Peoples Tactics,' which you can be playing with ease and enjoying in under an hour, and you'd know immediately (or not) if you liked it. [Note: I should have added, "... and would be likely to enjoy AT."]

Superficially, it seems simple. But it plays very deep. Especially vs Human Opponents: you'll agonize over the operational and tactical decisions you'll have to make.
--- snip rest ---

By "it" I meant Advanced Tactics.

To clarify, in the first paragraph I am basically saying, "If you aren't convinced to buy Advanced Tactics yet, try Peoples Tactics for a couple of hours to get a quick feel for the flavor of AT."

From the second paragraph on, I am talking about why Advanced Tactics is so good. ::::Note to self: Always use the Preview Button::::

[Warspite3]

ORIGINAL: PanzersEast

Well I have made the plunge and [X(] so far this is exactly what I was looking for! Even though I have spent a limited time with it, I am impressed already. The replay ability is limitless, and even though I am a WWII history buff, it feels good not to be locked in if ever I want a change of pace. A great marriage of a great game engine and flexibility..... the supply model is spot on.

Shame on me for waiting and being on the fence!


Many thanks for the replies, see you guys around.

Cheers,

PE

Its good you had enough of waiting on that fence. [:D] Also this is a game which seems the more you play the more fun it is. The editor in this game is also superb, checkout those tutorials in the mods and scenarios section in this forum and see what I mean. Have fun [:)]

[freeboy]

No comparrison between this game and Battlefronts Sc2, one is a almost ten the other kinda a dud, 6.5 imo

[Veldor]

ORIGINAL: PanzersEast

I've been lurking around this forum and on the fence on an purchase. I have TOAW, however never could really get into it.... and to be honest, I am a HOI2 player, and have not found anything that I like more. Over time, I have gotten tired of the same ole micro management and I have been in the market with something in between (still like the game though). The others (SC2 etc..) seemed a little too basic for me. This, however, seems to be right up my ally (a good mixture). I am just wondering setting on the fence here, was anyone else in my position before they purchased and what do you think after.

Thanks,

PE

I never played TOAW much at all, and I've still yet to ever fully understand why I couldn't really get into it. Honestly I think I've just never been that much of an Operational Game Level fan anyway. I tend to prefer the extremes of Grand Strategy or Tactical. However I'm really enjoying Advanced Tactics. I would never ever have purchased this game normally due to the above, were it not for the "hype" and overall positive forum responses. I don't think I've ever seen such a positive response to a Matrix Game in the forums, and I am definitely happy I chose to investigate what all the fuss was about!

[SlowHand]

ORIGINAL: Veldor
--- snippage ---
Honestly I think I've just never been that much of an Operational Game Level fan anyway. I tend to prefer the extremes of Grand Strategy or Tactical. However I'm really enjoying Advanced Tactics.

... Which begs the question, "Is AT 1. Grand Strategy, 2. Grand Tactical, 3. Tactical, or 4. Logistician's paradise?"

I'd say "all of the above," except programmed/gamed to very accessible levels. And individual Scenarios (or even random games) can emphasize 1 aspect over others.

I don't think I've ever seen such a positive response to a Matrix Game in the forums, and I am definitely happy I chose to investigate what all the fuss was about!

It's interesting to hear a Matrix/WG'r Vet say that !

[freeboy]

could be all, non or any depending on how it is tailored!

[ravinhood]

ORIGINAL: freeboy

No comparrison between this game and Battlefronts Sc2, one is a almost ten the other kinda a dud, 6.5 imo

Now come on freeboy I think THIS game deserves higher than 6.5 [:D]