Best original AJE scenario for head to head PBEM play?

[rwenstrup]

Have been playing around with the AJE PBEM game with a friend and started with the Sulla scenario. Think that one is a little too complex for the first PBEM game.

In the core scenarios that come with AJE, which is the best for an initial effort in PBEM?

Thanks in advance for your wise council ...

[Symple]

Complex is an interesting question with regard to the AJE original games, they are a very nice mix of complex scenarios. None are too simple. All can be replayed endlessly with new strategies and ideas of play.

I can't remember if Spartacus is a bonus scenario or in the main game. If in the main game it is really small and focused.

Two of the least complicated scenarios allow up to three players for pbem. Of course you can always put one on AI. Usually the Eastern Faction is best for AI if you do not have a readily available third player. Septemius Severus is pretty clean. TheYear of the Four Emperors is more challenging and more complicated politically. They are both complicated games, but with fewer troops for each faction to manage. You might enjoy the Septemisu Severus scenario most.

Marius v Sulla and the Great Mithridatic War are complex, but each faction usually reduces to two or three major armies, plus slaves and rebels.

Caesar v Pompey is wide ranging and complex, but simple to play as long as you understand that in simple play Pompey always loses. It takes really expert play by Pompey to make the scenario balanced. It is a lot of fun even if you know your head will end up on the shore of Egypt in the end.

So this returns me to Maius v Sulla. This is a good starting scenario. There are complexities, but these are mostly about where to commit forces, not how to play.

Incidently, what do you mean buy complex??

[rwenstrup]

Symple,
Thank you once again for responding to my questions ... your help is much appreciated.

By complex I mean that my friend is new to Ageod games, and this is my first attempt to play a PBEM game. The Sulla vs. Marius scenario requires him to fight in Spain (as Marius) and me to fight in the East against Pontus. As such, it is difficult to get a complete picture of what is going on between his efforts and mine.
If we were playing Birth of America, for example, I would know what he was about in most major areas ... not so here. The result is that I can't be very helpful in guiding him through the learning effort.

Perhaps the purchase of the Birth of Rome DLC would be better? I believe those scenarios are smaller in scope?

Thanks again for your help, I love Ageod games, but they are hard to get started on ... and I want to have my friend enjoy this first attempt so that the 'addiction' takes hold ...

[Symple]

Thanks for the explanation and clarity. I get the analogy as the Birth of America has many great introductory scenarios.

If you want to be parsimonious, the cheap option is to buy the Spartacus DLC. It has a small number of units and a very narrow geographical area. But Birth of Rome is a brilliant option. All the scenarios except the Punic War scenarios are small and focused. Pyrrhic Victories and Mercenary Wars are perfect for learning to play. But as long as you avoid the Punic War scenario all the scenarios are fine. The 3rd Samnite War is 'simple' to play, but really complicated to win.

Agreed. They do take some learning, but are so top notch to play.

[Symple]

Oh, one caveat, Birth of Rome does not have the siege train option of later scenarios. So your understanding must be, this is an introduction as to how to play, but as the years advance things change.

[rwenstrup]

Once again Symple, you responded with help ...

Thanks!