First impressions pls?

[Lützow]

Still sitting on the fence and waiting for some negative feedback. Like: "too simplistic", "cannot match the original" or "no replay value". Lack of criticism usually means that either a game is quite perfect or - more likely - nobody cares about it.

In addition: if Matrix refrain from a playable demo I want at least watch some Youtube footage tutorial before shelling out my hard-earned bucks.

[Aladinn]

ok here is some negative feedback (because somebody asked for it):

The 3d stuff doesnt add anything, i play with the counters as they show the stats of a unit without having to mouseover
the game looks better as board game (dont really like the 3d looks)
I dont like it you cannot play it (yet) as the boardgame (only persistant ap rule)
the boardgame gives a better overview of a firefight (mostly because its bigger then my screen and I dont have to scroll)
You cannot see unit stats during setup
now way to keep (automatic) track of opponents ap's (while it should be common knowledge who activated and who not).
game crashes now and then
I find it difficult to predict if I can see the target from a square where I want to move to. works better in zuntzu where you can draw a line
hill levels are difficult to distinguish, especially form the top view


pro's
you got a fog of war option
persistant ap's make for a bit different game. (for now its a pro).
lots of scenario's
maybe I can find some opponents to play online!

note: only did a few computer games not pvp

premature conclusion: does it match the boardgame experience: no
Can it be fun to play: yes

edit: crashes or not minor. Cant start a game anymore at all suddenly, these are serious bugs.

[Hertston]

ORIGINAL: Lützow

Still sitting on the fence and waiting for some negative feedback. Like: "too simplistic", "cannot match the original" or "no replay value". Lack of criticism usually means that either a game is quite perfect or - more likely - nobody cares about it.

Not a lot to be negative about so far. I've never played the boardgame so can't compare with that.

It is a simple game to learn to play (if not play well), but that doesn't make it 'simplistic'. I doubt there is much replay value of the scenarios against the AI once you've learned to beat it, but as I said before the game is really geared to MP where 'replay value' in that sense is pretty much a moot issue unless you always have the same opponent. There's a scenario editor included; haven't played with that but it looks pretty full featured.

I tend to agree with the last guy regarding the 3D looks and if there was just a 2D Vassal style option I'd probably use it exclusively, but you can't blame the devs for providing what the public expect these days. CoH isn't a 'grog' game, but it is still very much a wargame and will be great for newcomers who might be put off by 'old' style graphics.

[duncan007]

+1 on the fence until demo or positive reviews from outside.

[Binko]

ORIGINAL: Hertston
I tend to agree with the last guy regarding the 3D looks and if there was just a 2D Vassal style option I'd probably use it exclusively, but you can't blame the devs for providing what the public expect these days.

Wait a minute, you mean to say there is NO 2D option at all? I'm forced to see my square little boardgame style counters on a 3D map? I assumed all the AARs were showing the 3D view because it was the most popular. But I assumed of course that there would be a top-down 2D view as well.

[ioticus]

I wish there were a way to see a clear, crisp, 2D map as well. I find the 3D map to be hard to discern terrain and judge LOS. Also, it would be nice to have strict board game LOS rules as well.

[vonRocko]

There is a top down view.

[ioticus]

ORIGINAL: vonRocko

There is a top down view.

The top down view is a definite improvement over the other views, but it's still not as good as the actual board game map.

[major.pain]

ORIGINAL: ioticus

I wish there were a way to see a clear, crisp, 2D map as well. I find the 3D map to be hard to discern terrain and judge LOS. Also, it would be nice to have strict board game LOS rules as well.

Setting your shaders to simple clears the map up and makes things look more crisp, especially elevations when your zoomed out.

[ioticus]

ORIGINAL: M J R

ORIGINAL: ioticus

I wish there were a way to see a clear, crisp, 2D map as well. I find the 3D map to be hard to discern terrain and judge LOS. Also, it would be nice to have strict board game LOS rules as well.

Setting your shaders to simple clears the map up and makes things look more crisp, especially elevations when your zoomed out.

Thanks for that suggestion. It does look better that way.

[Bison36]

I'm really enjoying the game. Honestly I'm just surprised that the multiplayer server is so sparsely populated given the game just released.

[ioticus]

Even using simple shaders and no bloom and top down view, I'm still having a hard time seeing some of the terrain in some of the hexes. Sometimes a forest or wall is not obvious, for example. Also, I really wish they would've kept the rule that you could spend CAPS on initiative. By taking it out, you are further limiting options that made the board game fun.

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: Bison36

I'm really enjoying the game. Honestly I'm just surprised that the multiplayer server is so sparsely populated given the game just released.

Well it's not a game thats going to have sold in the thousands. Take into consideration time zones and it won't be that populated. I expect they've sold maybe a thousand units so far. I believe that many overestimate exactly how many units of a wargame actually get sold. Saying that I think some are waiting on reviews and others just waiting to be paid, those who own the boardqame may not be the type who will buy and play the PC game, they're more likely to buy one of the boardgame expansions I imagine or the new edition rules set.however I doubt there ever will be heavily populated servers for the game.

[parusski]

those who own the boardqame may not be the type who will buy and play the PC game, they're more likely to buy one of the boardgame expansions I imagine or the new edition rules set.however I doubt there ever will be heavily populated servers for the game.

Well I broke that mold. I own the boardgame, bought and am thrilled with the PC version.

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: Bison36
I'm really enjoying the game. Honestly I'm just surprised that the multiplayer server is so sparsely populated given the game just released.

Glad to hear you are enjoying it. I actually saw you in the lobby and tried to chat with you to setup a game, but did not get a response.

We added the in-game forum system so that there would be a way to leave a post in-game with the date and time that you will be back to help facilitate setting up a game. I think that as more folks get the game and lear it, things will get a bit more active, but setting up scheduled times to play will help as well.

Regards,

- Erik

[Bison36]

Man I thought you were there just monitoring. I would have taken a game. Instead I left the server to play a couple of battles versus the AI and use mortar teams for the first time. Pretty sweet. [8D]

[Erik Rutins]

We've had up to six online so far this evening (counting me) while I've been here. I think you just need to hang out a bit longer once you login.

Regards,

- Erik

[tgb]

I just want to add my two cents that the game is highly polished an a lot of fun. This from someone who never played the board game.

[comsolut]

ORIGINAL: tgb

I just want to add my two cents that the game is highly polished an a lot of fun. This from someone who never played the board game.

+1

Reminds me of PanzerBlitz brought to computer (dated myself a bit there [:)] )

[jamespcrowley]

I've just been playing the three tutorial scenarios, using FoG of war, variable APs and variable experience and it has been a great deal of fun. It all appears to be very polished.

Not played the board game, so am still getting used to the implications of the different actions you can take; deceptively simple but very deep.

I'm particularly enjoying being able to throw physical dice - what a great novelty using the webcam!

My only dissapointment is the planned release shedule for the modules - 6 to 12 months each ?? Lets hope they can get them out a bit quicker.