How difficult is it to learn this game?

[FroBodine]

I know next to nothing about the AGEOD engines, but I am interested in the Civil War, and this newer version 2 appears to have improved the engine and gameplay.

How hard is it to learn this game? Are the tutorials decent, and do they explain all aspects of gameplay?

I don't mind putting in the time to learn a good game, but I don't want something like War in the Pacific - Admiral's Edition difficulty.

Thanks!

[Queeg]

The tutorials are pretty good and there are a few small scenarios to help you explore more advanced issues. Actually, the basics aren't that complicated - the game is several orders of magnitude less complex than WitP. So you can dive in and largely learn as you go.

On the other hand, the game is deep enough that you'll always be learning something new. It's the best ACW strategic level game on the market by far and well worth the time.

[FroBodine]

Thank you Queeg. I tried to get into Gary Grigsby's War Between the States, but I just never fell in love with it. The interface was very obtuse, the screens of spreadsheets to purchase units, manage leaders and stacks, etc. were just not interesting at all.

This game looks much more interesting, and not as dry as Grigsby's game. I just want a game that is very playable. I don't want to scratch my head in bewilderment every time I try to take an action.

[Queeg]

ORIGINAL: jglazier

Thank you Queeg. I tried to get into Gary Grigsby's War Between the States, but I just never fell in love with it. The interface was very obtuse, the screens of spreadsheets to purchase units, manage leaders and stacks, etc. were just not interesting at all.

This game looks much more interesting, and not as dry as Grigsby's game. I just want a game that is very playable. I don't want to scratch my head in bewilderment every time I try to take an action.

The best advice, I think, is just to dive in, try some of the smaller scenarios, and then read a bit on the AGEOD forum for tips. This is one of those games that can be as deep as you want it to be, so you'll see folks posting ultra-detailed strategies for force compositions, etc., that can make the game sound far more complicated than it really is. Don't worry too much about trying to be perfect. It's a long war. And unlike real life, you can fight it over again as often as you want.

[OldSarge]

CWII has a number of options that allow a gradual learning curve into the system. For example, attrition, replacements and supply can all be individually selected to be as easy or as difficult as you desire. The AI can be as aggressive or docile as you need to learn the rules.

I think the tutorials do a sufficient job of getting you to a place where you feel comfortable with the basic mechanics. You will still have to learn the hard way that moving your army in the dead of winter is usually a bad thing! That assaulting across a river in the face of an entrenched enemy is ill advised and operating too far from a base of supply is a recipe for disaster. In some ways this is the fun part!

The game system is deep enough for years of enjoyment, the same scenarios typically play out differently each time they're played, and you will always be picking up a new trick along the way.

Of course, if there are questions there are the forums both here and at Ageod's site.

Regards..

[FroBodine]

Thank you! I think I will dive in and give it a go. The AGEOD forums have a TON of helpful threads, including a nice big set of video tutorials by Charles Cummings. This should get me over the hump!

Last newbie question (for now) - I would prefer a Napoleonic game over the Civil War. However, I think AGEOD's Napoleonic game engines are a bit dated now, right? Is there one using this latest engine from CWII? Or, are the Napoleonic games not as good as CWII?

I want the latest incarnation, so if it has to be Civil War, so be it. I will be happy either way.

[OldSarge]

ORIGINAL: jglazier

Thank you! I think I will dive in and give it a go. The AGEOD forums have a TON of helpful threads, including a nice big set of video tutorials by Charles Cummings. This should get me over the hump!

Last newbie question (for now) - I would prefer a Napoleonic game over the Civil War. However, I think AGEOD's Napoleonic game engines are a bit dated now, right? Is there one using this latest engine from CWII? Or, are the Napoleonic games not as good as CWII?

I want the latest incarnation, so if it has to be Civil War, so be it. I will be happy either way.

Welcome to the party!

There have been rumors of an NCPII based upon the engine for CWII. Whether or not that happens depends upon many factors, one being the success of CWII. I have NCP, and while it is good and fun game, it is long in the tooth and deserving of an upgrade. Hopefully, AGEOD will place that on their project list. [&o]

Regards

[gexmex]

A Napoleanic game based on CWII's improved engine would cause the AGEOD forums to implode!

[FroBodine]

Let's keep hoping for that big bang!

[vonRocko]

If the period interests you, I recommend Ageods Wars in America game. CW2 is a big game to start with. WIA has less units and is easier to learn. Once you learn the basics from that, it will be much easier to get into CW2. It took me a while for the first civil war game, then I tried WIA and it all sort of fell into place. I actually had a dream where it all became clear. It was a "Eureka" moment.
Good luck.

[FroBodine]

Thank you for the recommendation! I will look into it.

[Qwixt]

Did they improve the tutorials from the first game?

[Queeg]

ORIGINAL: Qwixt

Did they improve the tutorials from the first game?

I assume you mean CW2 vs AACW (a couple of other games have come up in this thread)? I frankly don't recall the tutorials in the old game, but the one here are pretty good. The cover all the basics and even a few more advanced issues. Coupled with the smaller scenarios, they've provided plenty of ways to get a feel for the game.

[Rayfer]

ACW2 is a complex game, but what helped me was starting with the April 61' campaign. There isn't a whole lot you can do in the first few turns so it lets you do some recruitment and get comfortable with the interface before the real action starts up in June.

[zakblood]

does anyone know or think they will ever do a demo of the game? so those like me on the fence can make there mind up, you can only read so much and watch so many video's, need to play and see approach before i buy as not really into civil war but would like to give it a go, thanks

ps didn't want to post a new thread / topic on it and have no idea how to search topic's on here failed again

found search button now, don't know how i missed it hehehe

[pitman]

ORIGINAL: Queeg

The tutorials are pretty good and there are a few small scenarios to help you explore more advanced issues. Actually, the basics aren't that complicated - the game is several orders of magnitude less complex than WitP. So you can dive in and largely learn as you go.

On the other hand, the game is deep enough that you'll always be learning something new. It's the best ACW strategic level game on the market by far and well worth the time.

In my opinion, the interface is a nightmare.

[JWW]

I think the interface is fine.

[oldspec4]

Been playing most of the AGEOD games since the original WIA and also have no problem w/ the UI