Take 2: The Movie That Shall be Named - MM (J) vs. the Leading Man (A)

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I think you made that comment the last time I put up a video.

Evil twin . . .

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


But what text would be helpful to incorporate with the videos? How much is too much? It's hard to write much about the opening turn synopsis because it's mostly predictable. I do intend my orders phase videos to be pseudo-tutorials at times, and as the game picks up I will probably have longer turn/action summaries accompanying the videos and possibly some screenshots to provide context. I found myself spending several hours at times doing intense screenshots for previous posts, making sure I grabbed as of the details that are informing my decisions as possible.

Not sure if this format "works" or will be liked, but it's different and there are hundreds of AARs that are the same. So go for it.

You might consider a verbal intro (you can talk faster than you can type) over a still shot of the 'I' screen showing results. A summary of what is about to be shown in the movie. You can dwell the shot on a map section and talk to the 2-3 points to note a lot faster than you can prepare a beautiful map screenshot with notes, arrows, borders, etc. If you want you can do a summary at the end, or a preview of the next time slice of turns.

Overall, I think your intention is to show the results less and the "how and why" more. It's your strength as a player. I know. You think and act differently than 90% of the excellent class of players on the forum. Some don't like your base assumptions about cost-benefit or lack of HRs, but you have a case to make.

I only did one AAR because I found the time investment too heavy. If this is easier and we get an update more often then all good.

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I'm interested in seeing how this turns out.

I can't stand this format. To me it's like watching tennis on television. Just incredibly boring. I'd rather go out and play it.

With the video format, the viewer basically is all-in or all-out - watch or don't watch. No in between.

With the written format, the viewer can skip over to find interesting things, by searching for key words or images, often finding quickly that which interests them or doesn't. The can skim or they can immerse.

But I may be an outlier in this regard. For instance, I know the Moose loves the Kerbel Space Program video commentary by a prodigy while I hated it.

Is this video replay format the thing of the future? In the right hands (and anyone who knows Loka knows he'll do a great job) is it entertaining?

Or is it just tedious?

Newcomer Timotheus tried this about six weeks back. He gave it a good two weeks. Then he disappeared (I think). I watched about 12 seconds and was immediately bored stiff.

Good luck, Loka. As an observer, I'm interested in seeing how all this develops.

The Kerbal vids were done by a real-life rocket scientist who is also pretty funny. The game is a sim, so seeing him manipulate the vehicles and explain how and why make a lot of sense in understanding the game.

You're a written word guy. It's your career, it's your former career as a lawyer. Your AAR is dense and rich, but it must take IMMENSE amounts of time to do those screenshots. I couldn't do it.

The YouTube format does allow you to skip ahead. I watched about 50% of this first vid and got a lot from it, as much as I wanted. As Loka says, it would be easier with time ticks on the playback line, but even without you can click ahead and see what's there very quickly if you have decent broadband.

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I think the basic mistake is this: You wish to inform. Most viewers wish to be entertained. I don't think video commentaries lend themselves to entertainment. But I may be an incredibly poor judge of that, as shown by my reaction to Kerbel Space Program commentary compared to Bullwinkle's reaction. I'm interested in seeing if I'm the 5% that just doesn't get it or if most other folks feel like I do. I don't know the answer.

And if anyone can do this the right way, you can.

In general, in the gaming space, vids have become the basics of how to improve play. You have said you don't play other games, but I play many, and YouTube vids are key to my getting better in many of them. Some are crap or the maker has no sense of when to shut up, but if you find a guy who really knows the game and is also a good video maker, they can significantly improve your own play levels. In ways written descriptions can't. Games are a visual medium.

It has become my habit before I buy a new game on Steam to go watch a few "let's play" vids first. If there aren't any that's a clue. If I don't like what I see in terms of graphics, UI, or gameplay I save my money. I almost bought a $30 game in the sale last month until I watched three videos. It was OK, but not as good as it sounded just from the Steam site marketing. One of those games that would be interesting for 4-5 hours, then get tedious. I passed.

OTOH, there's a major, huge mod to the AAA game Xcom2. It's called Long War 2. It's incredibly difficult. I was making no real progress until I watched a long series of vids by an expert. Changed the whole experience for me.

[Bif1961]

Thanks for you efforts, looking forward to your videos and I am sure many will find them of interest as some learn visually above all else.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Ah, I guess there's the rub: there are definitely folks who watch videos to be informed rather than entertained. I'm one of them!

Now that I think of it, this could be like a WITP version of DIY how-to videos... I've watched probably hundreds of those [:'(].

I want to be learn, as well as seeing more about how the game is going.

Canoe Dan used to only write in his AAR, never add maps or combat reports or any real factual info. Made me crazy. I love his ability to tell a story, but the game has an objectivity to it that I was missing. He's really expanded his interest in sharing that part of the game with those big maps.

The videos will take a bit longer, but they're not going to be as frequent in game time if I understand your plan. So I for one will get more than your current sporadic but very detailed reports.

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Ah, I guess there's the rub: there are definitely folks who watch videos to be informed rather than entertained. I'm one of them!

Now that I think of it, this could be like a WITP version of DIY how-to videos... I've watched probably hundreds of those [:'(].

If you take that tack...DIY, I think it becomes a lot easier to do the videos..very straight forward.

If you are trying to entertain...then I think you would almost want to show as little game footage as possible but perhaps have more of a documentary style like the documnetary with stock footage, nice maps with sweeping arrows and fronts, and very little in the way of images from the game.

If obvert would be so kind as to share his millions of photos (properly organized and catalogued of course), then maybe [:'(].

Just need your email!! [:)]

[Rio Bravo]

Lokasenna-

I will be watching your You Tube videos to follow your war and to learn from you as much as my mind can assimilate.

I too appreciate your efforts in providing the You Tube videos for all of us to enjoy and learn.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Lokasenna]

Alright, peanut gallery, give me your ideas.

I'm going to begin on the December 8 turn this evening (it may go faster than I anticipate as I like to rush through the early war Allied turns). I'm going to try to stick to some broad strategic goals this game, especially as opposed to last game where I was mostly looking to take advantage of weak points. After playing the 1944-45 Allied juggernaut twice now, I think I've got a pretty good handle on how invasions that cut out Japan's heart can happen in an instant.

I followed something of the same path in both of those previous games: SoPac -> SWPAC + CentPac -> SE Asia. I'd like to do some things differently this time. I'll miss the Solomons, but I think I'll skip them this game.

Throw your harebrained ideas at me and let's see what sticks or how many left field schemes I can combine into a full outfield. I already have a few things in mind... such as I think I might like to actually invade Japan this time around. Maybe. Maaaaaybe. I am still going to be playing for the win, so we'll see on that one [;)].

[Encircled]

Maps - good

Bloke in underpants typing at a computer - bad

Hope that helps [:)]

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Encircled

Maps - good

Bloke in underpants typing at a computer - bad

Hope that helps [:)]

What if he's wearing pants but no underpants?

[Bullwinkle58]

It's pretty rare, but maybe try to re-create history? Do the Marianas, AND PI AND Iwo Jima. Do a semi-underfunded NG. Take Guadalcanal, and then shift the axis. By pas Rabaul. Don't do that much in Burma. Don't do ahistoric stuff in China. Don't invade the Kuriles. Etc.

The game engine makes some of this really hard, but it might be fun.

[Lokasenna]

Looking at planning maps while I was bored at work today, I was thinking:

1) Marcus Island
1a) Saipan
2) Iwo Jima
3) Sendai/Iwaki

In mid-1944.

[Encircled]

What if he's wearing pants but no underpants?

Everyone types in their pants I hope.

Course if you are one of those who plays WITP:AE Nude edition, then you'd probably better not put that on as well!

[Bif1961]

I have a friend who is writing a book about what if the Americans did a central pac drive only. They would leave the 5th Airforce and some Aussies units in OZ to defend it and then use all the other SWP resources for the drive through Central Pac. I pointed out that since the Allies were landing in North Africa in Nov 42 through southern France in Sep 44, the majority of Amphib resources went there. So maybe you can try a Centpac operation only to defeat Japan. I can tell my friend how it went when play tested.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I have a friend who is writing a book about what if the Americans did a central pac drive only. They would leave the 5th Airforce and some Aussies units in OZ to defend it and then use all the other SWP resources for the drive through Central Pac. I pointed out that since the Allies were landing in North Africa in Nov 42 through southern France in Sep 44, the majority of Amphib resources went there. So maybe you can try a Centpac operation only to defeat Japan. I can tell my friend how it went when play tested.

Initial thoughts:

1) Not enough ships to land all of those men in a fast enough fashion (enough ships arrive later, but by then it's too late)
2) Therefore, those men may as well be doing something besides waiting around for ships to take them to islands.
3) However, that could possibly be overcome.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering something similar-ish. I have one idea that's "out there" but it wouldn't use anywhere near even half of my forces, barring the USN bulk for a short time.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I have a friend who is writing a book about what if the Americans did a central pac drive only. They would leave the 5th Airforce and some Aussies units in OZ to defend it and then use all the other SWP resources for the drive through Central Pac. I pointed out that since the Allies were landing in North Africa in Nov 42 through southern France in Sep 44, the majority of Amphib resources went there. So maybe you can try a Centpac operation only to defeat Japan. I can tell my friend how it went when play tested.

Cent Pac strategy requires control of air and sea along the way. In 1942, the Allies simply cannot keep the IJN from spoiling their party. By spring of 1943 things are changing though.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

It's pretty rare, but maybe try to re-create history? Do the Marianas, AND PI AND Iwo Jima. Do a semi-underfunded NG. Take Guadalcanal, and then shift the axis. By pas Rabaul. Don't do that much in Burma. Don't do ahistoric stuff in China. Don't invade the Kuriles. Etc.

The game engine makes some of this really hard, but it might be fun.

I somehow missed your post.

It would be...intriguing. I think the Marianas in particular are much harder in-game than they ever would have been IRL. There's a reason I skipped them last time.

[Lokasenna]

So, I'm getting near the end of the first month. My opponent has been rather busy so turns have been slow over the past month or so. We are also still (slowly) playing through our August 1945 game. I think he wants me to invade Japan in that one, and I almost feel obligated to do so simply because he's continuing to play. I've got nothing prepped for it, though.

In any case, here's what I'm thinking in this thread. Having had much time to consider the responses, I think I will do game-monthly updates with videos of replays edited to show what's going on, maybe with some (timelapsed) turn phase stuff mixed in. I have video captures of all of the replays thus far. It may take some editorial experimentation to settle on a final format, but the basic question is something like this: completely sequential replays or short theater-by-theater interludes. Say 10-day periods where the significant stuff from Malaysia is placed, then the stuff from China, then the Pacific, then the next 10-day period rotates through (perhaps in reverse order).

Still contemplating... Given that I've got a week of game-time to go yet, I might have a couple of weeks to decide and put my notes together.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

So, I'm getting near the end of the first month. My opponent has been rather busy so turns have been slow over the past month or so. We are also still (slowly) playing through our August 1945 game. I think he wants me to invade Japan in that one, and I almost feel obligated to do so simply because he's continuing to play. I've got nothing prepped for it, though.

In any case, here's what I'm thinking in this thread. Having had much time to consider the responses, I think I will do game-monthly updates with videos of replays edited to show what's going on, maybe with some (timelapsed) turn phase stuff mixed in. I have video captures of all of the replays thus far. It may take some editorial experimentation to settle on a final format, but the basic question is something like this: completely sequential replays or short theater-by-theater interludes. Say 10-day periods where the significant stuff from Malaysia is placed, then the stuff from China, then the Pacific, then the next 10-day period rotates through (perhaps in reverse order).

Still contemplating... Given that I've got a week of game-time to go yet, I might have a couple of weeks to decide and put my notes together.

Looking forward to seeing how your AAR format turns out![:)]

Don't invade Japan proper - just take Sadogashima and Oki-Shoto and maybe a couple of the islands off the SW coast. That should give him something to attack and you something to struggle with but not sell the farm.

[Lokasenna]

Finally have the month of December 1941 complete. It's been hard to maintain threads of what's going on as at times I did not keep great notes to myself. I'm hoping it doesn't take me too long to cut together a single video, but I'm also going to be out of town for 5 days next week.