Should I get this game?

[AstroCat]

Hi there looking for some advice if this game is a good fit for me?

Here are the "stats"

1. I really enjoy grand Strategy games such as the Paradox games (CK, EU, HoI etc...), Total War series (usually modded), Civ, 4x Space games etc...

2. I really enjoy RPG games (Witcher, old school style isometric, Mass Effect, etc...)

3. Wargames for me, even with a very large History/WW2 interest have often been hard to really capture that immersion feeling I'm looking for.

For example some do like the Combat Mission games or some Grand Strategy level games but many of the Operational level games I've tried through the years end up being a bit too "clinical" for me. I respect them and the history but I just can't get "into" the game for a long play time.

As much as I should really be a more hardcore "traditional" wargamer I think I just need that rpg/rpg-lite immersion to be able to really get into it like I do with the Strategy games or even a tactical game like the Combat Mission series. And for me graphics do make a difference, they don't have to be technically anything amazing but I need the "flavor" to be there. I'm fine with hexes and counters but a nice map, UI and unit pictures really help.

So this game with it's decision/political system caught my eye... worth a go? Eastern Front Barbarossa is good but the map graphics are a little bit of a bummer from what I've seen, can they be modded?

Thanks!

[elmo3]

Honestly this game is nothing like CK, EU, Total War, or a 4X space game. There are some role playing elements as you are playing either Halder or Stalin, but nothing like The Witcher. Check out some of the videos on Youtube and see what you think.

[AstroCat]

Oh I realize that, of course I've played plenty of games like this through the years going way back to the early 90's Atomic Games, V for Victory series and others. I've played lot's of "real" Wargames but it's rare that one really grabs me. I was just using those games as some reference.

[lparkh]

A safer pick for you might be Panzer Corps or for free Open General. Rpg elements in that your units gain experience. No slight intended since they are my first favorites. On the other this is a very unusual operational game. That being said it is still on the dry side in terms of counter pushing.
I do understand where you're coming from. Also consider Strategic Command 2, possibly Pike and Shot. But RPG like wargames are rare, this being the most, followed by Open General or Panzer Corps.

[Tac2i]

Based on what you have stated you might look at this game also:

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/405 ... tics:.Gold

tt.asp?forumid=472

[AstroCat]

Yeah we'll see... I guess it's not so much the stats but the "sense" of immersion. The Strategic Command series was great, played it for quite a while. Panzer Corps is a cool new version of the classic X General series, which is good. Although, sometimes those X General games feel a little bit like a puzzle game.

I'll check out some vids and see about DC: Barbarossa. I'm leaning towards giving it a go.

[wodin]

YES!

I love tactical wargames..and obviously this isn't one. However I haven't played a wargame above tactical level that has ever immersed me like this one. If your going to buy just one wargame that isn't tactical then this has to be the one. I have a feeling the real serious grognards would opt for one of Gary Grigsbys games, but just like many serious military historians think D Glantz is the best indepth military history author I find him to dry and prefer something by Jason Mark. So where as GGWITE is D Glantz DC: Barbarossa is Jason Mark.

So for someone quite new to wargaming I truly feel with the decision and card features this is a great intro the genre. Previously many would recommend say Panzer Corps but I think this offers much more and is a step closer to the more heavy wargame like GGWITE or GGWITW and has alot more to offer than the very abstract rock paper scissors type game like Panzer Corps.

So go for it.

[AstroCat]

Yeah I agree, I've spent the most time with the Combat Mission series (playing and modding) out of all the wargames.

For me it's usually either Tactical or Grand scale (HoI, Strategic Command, etc...). Operational level games to me have often felt too "dry" and just about the numbers with not enough "flavor" or full on abstract like the Panzer Corp style. The DC series and especially Barbarossa seem to be adding that immersion back into the Operational level games which is very cool!

I went ahead and got DC: Barbarossa, just starting to get into it... looks good so far. I also picked up ATG and the other 2 DCs for good measure on sale. I had Panzer Corps so I re-installed that as well along with picking up the DLC on sale but I think I am going to end up playing DC: Barbarossa first.

I also had my eye on the Flashpoint Campaigns Series so I got that to check out some time down the line. Ahhh... Steam sales. [;)]

[wodin]

Flashpoint is excellent aswell! ANother wargame with a unique feature which works superbly well...i.e the way turns are done in a WEGO mechanic.