A bunch of questions

From the first clash at Manassas to the epic confrontation between Lee and Grant, the Brother Against Brother series will bring new levels of historical detail and realism to the battles of the Civil War. This regimental-level game, created by the developers of the award-winning Forge of Freedom, builds on that game’s acclaimed tactical engine, adding scrupulously researched orders of battle, high-quality map graphics, command and control rules reflecting the numerous challenges faced by army commanders, and plenty other features. Beginning with The Drawing of The Sword – which recreates the pivotal opening battles at Manassas , Wilson ’s Creek, Mill Springs and Williamsburg – Brother Against Brother lets you refight the Civil War from start to finish.

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AlessandroD
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A bunch of questions

Post by AlessandroD »

Hello,

first of all my congrats for the newcomer! [:)]

Second, I read the FAQ Thread but is quite old therefore I have some questions for you:

1) Will Win 8.1 be compatible with BAB?

3) How exactly does the battle system works? I know both player move (choosing terrain and formation) and then there is the combat phase, is it a interactive phase or all is handle by engine?
I read that one side attack and the other one counter-attack, I guess it is a volley.
How many volleys per combat turn?

4) Is there a supply system? Can I re-supply my units during the battle?

Thanks in advance!
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Gil R.
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by Gil R. »

RedComet,
Thank you for your questions. In order:
1) The manual says it works with XP or better, but I do not know for a fact that it has been tested on 8.1. I will let Erik Rutins respond to that.
2) What happened to 2?
3) In brief, this is a game about moving one's troops into the position from which they can be most effective. You do not get to select targets, but usually it will be obvious what their target(s) will be. This struck us as a realistic system, since historical units would normally fire at the greatest threat: they wouldn't, for example, fire at a regiment three hundred yards away if there was one just a hundred yards away. So, after all units are in place and you click "Emd Turn" there is the combat phase, when you watch your units attack and take counter-fire, and the enemy attacks and you counter-fire, and sometimes there are bonus attacks. The number of attacks can vary a bit, based on movement points and other factors.
4) We have supply wagons, and you move them around so that they will be close to units in need of supply, which happens automatically. We also have what to our knowledge is a unique rule, based on historical situations, that if a unit is in a corpse-filled hex it can slowly increase its supply, to simulate men grabbing ammo from the dead and wounded. A bit ghoulish -- okay, more than a bit -- but this really is how Civil War soldiers would sometimes have to resupply, especially when fighting in terrain which supply caisons could not enter, and far from their encampments.
Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I torment eager potential customers by not sharing screenshots of "Brother Against Brother." Everyone has a talent.
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AlessandroD
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by AlessandroD »

Thanks for the quick answers!

1) I really hope because I only have one pc...

2) You are right [:'(], it was about widescreen support but I already know it is implemented.

3) Clear, is there a chart/table in the manual with the possible modifiers that affect the combat? I.e., terrain, morale, formation and so on.

4) Great!
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Gil R.
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by Gil R. »

3) Clear, is there a chart/table in the manual with the possible modifiers that affect the combat? I.e., terrain, morale, formation and so on.

Eric (= programmer) and I discussed this, but a lot of these factors are too complicated for treatment in a simple table. Also, we know from experience that over time many values will be tweaked, so putting it in the manual didn't make much sense. But basically, whatever can easily be put into lists/tables -- especially if needed by modders -- will be released.
Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I torment eager potential customers by not sharing screenshots of "Brother Against Brother." Everyone has a talent.
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AlessandroD
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by AlessandroD »

Thanks again!
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Erik Rutins
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by Erik Rutins »

ORIGINAL: RedComet
1) Will Win 8.1 be compatible with BAB?

Yes - we're about to start final compatibility testing now, but it has been working well on our Windows 8.1 systems throughout testing.
3) How exactly does the battle system works? I know both player move (choosing terrain and formation) and then there is the combat phase, is it a interactive phase or all is handle by engine?
I read that one side attack and the other one counter-attack, I guess it is a volley.
How many volleys per combat turn?

Each turn you decide on what your Corps/Division/Brigade orders are and then decide on each regiment's formation, facing and orders (such as whether to deploy skirmishers or not, or where and how far to march). You are effectively plotting your moves. Depending on reasonable factors, there is a chance that things may go as you wish or not, which can in the worst case lead to a brigade staying put instead of moving out, or a regiment deploying in the wrong location, etc.

By and large if you keep everyone in command, your plan will be executed. Once you hit end turn, the orders happen and combat is resolved for your turn, then the AI (or your opponent) gets to do the same. When it gets back to your orders again, combat will have been resolved for your turn and your opponent's turn.

During combat, each regiment or battery decides who to fire at (they make realistic choices) and each combat is resolved. All modifiers affect the result are displayed and explained in-game, so you quickly understand what affected the result.
4) Is there a supply system? Can I re-supply my units during the battle?

Yep, supply wagons! Each unit tracks its supply/ammunition and the wagons have a finite resupply capacity. In some cases you can also lose more supplies than usual due to a lucky enemy hit on your supplies in combat.

Regards,

- Erik

Erik Rutins
CEO, Matrix Games LLC


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AlessandroD
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by AlessandroD »

Yes - we're about to start final compatibility testing now, but it has been working well on our Windows 8.1 systems throughout testing.

Perfect!
Thanks for the answers.


In general, this game looks very promising, good job! [:)]

Philippeatbay
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RE: A bunch of questions

Post by Philippeatbay »

What kind of screen resolutions are going to be available?

I currently use 1920x1080, but I'm sure many people have much larger monitors.
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