Dare I take the plunge

[CarnageINC]

I own the old Talonsoft BOB and loved it, still will play it today. I've been eyeing this dream machine for a while now but what scares me is playing the Luftwaffe in Bombing the Reich. It seems way too much, but if I can tackle Witp AE I can probably tackle this. Any handy tips on getting my toes wet with the Germans? How is the AI as I probably will not play pbem for quite some time.

[Erkki]

IMHO the attacking AI is ok, it seems to learn and sometimes even avoids known traps and doesnt always take the straightest way to the target. It doesnt attack mandatory targets at full strength, though, and sometimes it feels like if it cheated to know which airfields are occupied and which not. Defending AI has "first come, first served" policy with no target priorizing, unfortunately. It will not rest its units either.

You can always play PBEM vs. newbies such as me, remember. [:D][;)]

[kaybayray]

The Allied AI in BTR is easy to kill. I wouldnt worry.

It launches minimally filled strikes. Typically something on the order of 60 Bombers and 45 Fighters or when you have more later on 180 Bombers and 90+ fighters. Basically sets you up with a tasty buffet that you can easily devour if you work at point air superiority. Hit and run, reform, wash, rinse, repeat. Talk to Nick Bell, he can teach you how to own the Allies.

If you really want fun without PBEM then you might consider setting up a hotseat and play both sides. Then you can run decent air ops for both sides and have some fun. Either AI is exceptionally easy to destroy, bait and trap. That can be fun for a bit but gets old. This would only be interesting if you really try to do the best you can for each side.

I would love to do PBEM but I just dont have the consistent time slot to keep up with another player. I tend to go crasy with it for a month or so then dont touch it for a month or so. Life is just too busy.

You can do this with the old Talonsoft version. However Matrix has corrected a lot of problems with their new version. Only 2 things I have observed in the Matrix version that are disturbing. I dont recall having such an issue with Allied Bomber formations pulling a 180 and flying back to their last waypoint for seemingly no reason in the original but it happens fairly often IMO in the new version. Also Allied Fighter sweeps with their associated patrols are over the top deadly. I am sure Harley is working on those.

I have both versions and I am very happy that I picked up the Matrix version. Just my opinion though.

Later,
KayBay [8D]

[Talon_XBMCX]

Dive on in ... the water is fine!

I play WitP AE as well and find this as interesting as AE. Things seem to move a little faster from a planning perspective, but I feel its just as in depth as AE. Both will be on my HD for a long time to come.

[CarnageINC]

I did decide to buy when I have the cash for it. Hope to have it soon [:D]

[Rob Brennan UK]

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

I did decide to buy when I have the cash for it. Hope to have it soon [:D]

I took the plunge yesterday ! .. ooh it brings back happy memories. Even got a PBEM partner for it too and we both plan on plying it right out of the box ! ! minimal practice and just tally ho !! .. should be interesting. If i have time I'll do an AAR on how NOT to use the RAF in BOB 40 [;)]

[Jeffrey H.]

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

I own the old Talonsoft BOB and loved it, still will play it today. I've been eyeing this dream machine for a while now but what scares me is playing the Luftwaffe in Bombing the Reich. It seems way too much, but if I can tackle Witp AE I can probably tackle this. Any handy tips on getting my toes wet with the Germans? How is the AI as I probably will not play pbem for quite some time.

I'm on the fence about it. I am very muc interested in the subject. I just bought a copy of Decision Games' "RAF" title and played it several times. Really cool board game BTW, with solitaire and FTF modes.

But, from what I've read about this one, there is too much wrestling with the interface for me. I hate that with computer games because I have to deal with that shi....stuff all day long at work ! bleh !

[Erkki]

I've got used to the system, its not that many clicks after all and there are numereous keyboard shortcuts. Also the Esc brings you back. The war production management is "a bit" confusing and in a way misleading (it doesnt tell you that "assemblies" go to storage too, it doesnt tell you which planes are priorized for engines and parts, and it counts assembly factories that dont exist yet or being retooled as working ones and there'll be more parts and engines shown as required than what are really needed. Probably something else too. Can drive you nuts, but otherwise the systems fairly logical.

[CarnageINC]

ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

I did decide to buy when I have the cash for it. Hope to have it soon [:D]

I took the plunge yesterday ! .. ooh it brings back happy memories. Even got a PBEM partner for it too and we both plan on plying it right out of the box ! ! minimal practice and just tally ho !! .. should be interesting. If i have time I'll do an AAR on how NOT to use the RAF in BOB 40 [;)]

I so jealous Rob! Good Luck and have fun[:'(] It looks to be some time before I get the cash [:(]

[CarnageINC]

ORIGINAL: Jeffrey H.

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

I own the old Talonsoft BOB and loved it, still will play it today. I've been eyeing this dream machine for a while now but what scares me is playing the Luftwaffe in Bombing the Reich. It seems way too much, but if I can tackle Witp AE I can probably tackle this. Any handy tips on getting my toes wet with the Germans? How is the AI as I probably will not play pbem for quite some time.

I'm on the fence about it. I am very muc interested in the subject. I just bought a copy of Decision Games' "RAF" title and played it several times. Really cool board game BTW, with solitaire and FTF modes.

But, from what I've read about this one, there is too much wrestling with the interface for me. I hate that with computer games because I have to deal with that shi....stuff all day long at work ! bleh !

If its anything like the old Talonsoft BOB its not to bad. I would plan missions first get the hang of it then switch sides and try intercepting. Thats the hard part IMO. The 'Bombing the Reich' interception part scares me, switching AF's, flak units, all those sqd.'s ....chaos...chaos you have to control!

Love the avatar photo...."You either surf or you fight!" LOL [:D][:D][:D]

[Erkki]

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

ORIGINAL: Jeffrey H.

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

I own the old Talonsoft BOB and loved it, still will play it today. I've been eyeing this dream machine for a while now but what scares me is playing the Luftwaffe in Bombing the Reich. It seems way too much, but if I can tackle Witp AE I can probably tackle this. Any handy tips on getting my toes wet with the Germans? How is the AI as I probably will not play pbem for quite some time.

I'm on the fence about it. I am very muc interested in the subject. I just bought a copy of Decision Games' "RAF" title and played it several times. Really cool board game BTW, with solitaire and FTF modes.

But, from what I've read about this one, there is too much wrestling with the interface for me. I hate that with computer games because I have to deal with that shi....stuff all day long at work ! bleh !

If its anything like the old Talonsoft BOB its not to bad. I would plan missions first get the hang of it then switch sides and try intercepting. Thats the hard part IMO. The 'Bombing the Reich' interception part scares me, switching AF's, flak units, all those sqd.'s ....chaos...chaos you have to control!

Love the avatar photo...."You either surf or you fight!" LOL [:D][:D][:D]

Hey, the production management, interception, moving around, makin baits etc is nothing. Trying to find out which escort fighters are which is, because if they're Gods own P-47s forged in the Misty Mountains of North America, your boys stand no chance, they will even bounce your fighters from below and out-turn 109s at the deck with no problem! Feed them D.520s until they run out of fuel and ammo, and then go for the bombers. [8D]

[CarnageINC]

I DID IT!  WOOT!  Let the madness of planning begin!  Its very much like the old one but the setup has changed.  Thru me off for a while. [:'(]

[Nikademus]

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

I own the old Talonsoft BOB and loved it, still will play it today. I've been eyeing this dream machine for a while now but what scares me is playing the Luftwaffe in Bombing the Reich. It seems way too much, but if I can tackle Witp AE I can probably tackle this. Any handy tips on getting my toes wet with the Germans? How is the AI as I probably will not play pbem for quite some time.

why not....i just did. Now Hard Sarge gets his wish and will see a true MASTER at work. I'm so good....i don't have to prove it by completing a single campaign game. [:D]

oooooo look at all the detail.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz____snort!

[Hard Sarge]

you owe me a game cannon boy, I may even have my computer back

[Nikademus]

ORIGINAL: Hard Sarge

you owe me a game cannon boy, I may even have my computer back

KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!

[wernerpruckner]

ORIGINAL: Nikademus

ORIGINAL: Hard Sarge

you owe me a game cannon boy, I may even have my computer back

KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!

don´t you mean LOG [:'(]

[Nikademus]

Against this heathen......LOG's high priest...ZOD will do in His stead.

[:)]