Regular expansion packs are good!

[HalfLifeExpert]

I have said before that I have no problem with paying for CMANO DLCs, partially because I love the content, and partially because I got CMANO as a gift, and love it so much that I actually want to give the devs money.

Additionally, I think we should be happy that WarfareSims is one of those developers that, when DLCs are made, are actually worth their price in content and value. They actually add something of real substance to the existing game that really makes it worth it. And in the case of CMANO, the expansions have the added bonus of being standalone, allowing newer players a cheaper way to try it out before committing to the full CMANO experience if they are unsure.

I say this in contrast to some other games that have a ton of DLC, much of which is largely cosmetic and not that impactful on actual gameplay, such as:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/20965 ... d_Edition/

I know its an extreme example compared to CMANO, but still.

[JWW]

I think the vocal minority on Steam too often have more say in many games than they should. They aren't always wrong, but they are wrong as often as they are right.

[Rosseau]

What I had spent on Harpoon versions years ago, was probably triple full price for CMANO. The devs did their best, but Harpoon engine was way to creaky for the 21st Century.

As I am trying to get my head around the systems, I would say the features of the latest DLC - and especially how to implement them - could have been better explained. The most popular guide for the game on Steam (Scenario Walk Through: Operation Lightning Strike By TheAviatorPenguin) shows off the strategies but not the mechanics of putting these operations in motion. This remains the tough part for me.

Anyway, like the DLC method, the Workshop support, database and constant updates. What more could one want? Reminds be of Grigsby continuing to update WitE until the 11th hour. That shows commitment to a product and it seems the same with CMANO.

[RafaleKiwi]

I would like to arc up too and compliment the devs for their ongoing support.

I think I've owned the sim about three years now, and of all the games and sims I own this has to be the most well supported by a country mile.

As soon as anything is released I get the DLC to repay the ongoing commitment that the team put into our enjoyment and education. I've got 2 live scenarios and COW backed up to play when I find time, but to me it is an investment in keeping the development team engaged and motivated. I don't engage much in the community, but I would guess by the above posts a lot feel the same way.

Keep up the good work.

Paul

[Talon_XBMCX]

IMHO, the DLC for this game is what keeps it fresh and keeps me pulled in. It enhances, grows, and builds upon the solid foundation. More developers should take note. This is how it should be done.

The standalone modules are fantastic for those unsure of the game to make a small investment before making a larger investment and yet at the same time they continue to enhance the experience for those of us that have already invested in the base game. These are demos on steroids and I hope they continue to come out this way.

I don't want to spend ... and have stopped spending ... on games that come out with v2 only to be disappointed in that the experience isn't worth the additional full game price. Thank you for continuing to build upon the platform without punishing those that have already invested. I, for one, will continue to support and build my library with this series for that reason.

Here's to many more DLC modules and your continued success!

[IainMcNeil]

Thanks guys and don't worry we definitely plan to keep doing expansions but we think there are ways we can package things up to make it more friendly to newbies while also giving you what you want. We're planning some internal discussions on this soon! You are the core fans and the most important to us, so we have no plans to try and appeal to the masses at your expense!

[Owllord]

Thanks everyone for your posts in this thread and your "show of force". And thanks to Sirius and Iain for their posts and clarifications as well. Looking forward to future releases!

[Kaldadarnes]

I think this is a good post from Kevinkin.

I think the issue is widening the appeal of this complex product which has a very steep learning curve. My fear is that older wargamers are not being "replaced" and Command might box itself out demographically

I'm not sure where I sit in the demographic spread - but let's assume I am a younger player at 36. I do hugely enjoy the game; however there is no denying there is a big initial time commitment to get past the "what the hell is happening?" phase, and a further large time commitment to get at anything approaching basic competence. Although the volunteer made tutorials are excellent, I think there could be a little more than the manual and Baloogan's Youtube videos to ease new players in. (The symptom of this is a lot of questions from people saying "what is a good beginner scenario"?). Within the constraints of building a career and a young family - you have to really want to play this to get past that initial barrier.

Equally, my expectations around graphics and interface are high and I would say I enjoy the game despite the interface, rather than because of it.

As for DLC? I'm surprised people complain about it - it's a fairly standard model. Maybe it's a presentational thing - people do not maybe that the game without CoW is still perfectly functional? To be honest, one thing you are never short of on the internet is angry poorly informed opinion - sounds like that to me in this case. You can always wait for a steam sale if you really feel the price is too high.

Anyway - that's my viewpoint! Very happy to elaborate should anyone be interested!

Cheers

K

[ExNusquam]

I'm only a few years out of college, so I'm definitely on the younger end of the demographic scale. But I can also tell you that Command was very popular among the Navy ROTC at my school, so it's not like the younger generation isn't aware of it.

[Stalintc]

Keep releasing them and I will keep buying them. That is all I can input from my perspective.

Keep up the good work!