The Operational Art of War IV Manual Preview

[ralphtricky]

ORIGINAL: jjdenver

What does this mean? Can someone explain more?

"Also, note that movement recovery is done twice
for each side (start of each player-turn). This
will clear the “Retreated” condition for both
sides during their own player-turn (previously
an unfair advantage for side-one). It may even
make use of reserve deployments more palatable
to players"

Specifically why would players _nnot_ make use of reserve deployments? Is there some problem with them? I'm new to the game so curious.

Because previously, you might end up using up all your movement being moved from place to place by reserve movement and a smart enemy player.

[balto]

I have been wondering and posting on this forum for years that there should be a WORD version to allow users to update the manual (and translate into other languages).., that way, each manual can be customized by each user as they see fit due to (1) the monster size this manual actually should be, (2) the changes that will occur after it is released, and (3) adding in information that was not already included (I imagine 70% of necessary information will not be included based on the prior TOAW forums). I say that because I am not a fan of TOAW due to me not having any interest in being a constant follower of the forum. I just want a manual and BOOM, I am done. I doubt I am the only one, especially our non-English fans.

Below are some examples of what I believe would help my case of requesting the WORD version be provided to us for personal changes. Realize these are just comments on a small excerpt of the manual. No one has to agree with me because this would be my personal copy (in WORD). Moreover, myself and others could share our versions with the forum if they were interested. But most all if it was in WORD, it would allow us to make our own PERSONAL ADDITIONS to information that is undoubtedly not included in this complex game. The missing content is why I am not a fan of TOAW (or War in the Pacific).

Three comments on the small excerpt:

(A) go to page 49 under section 9, that first paragraph is key. It should say “Turn Composition is three parts; [1] Game performs Auto Bookeeping (9.1), [2] You and Opponent Issue Orders (10.0), and [3] Program determines results (13).

If I had this in WORD, I would (a) Insert these cross-references, (b) move sections 11 and 12 somewhere else so that section 13, now becomes section 11. Its present format breaks up the train of thought and organization of what a turn is.

(B) Section PBEM (9.0.1, page 49). Put that anywhere in the manual but here.

(C) Auto Bookkeeping (9.1, page 51). That breaks out the 9 steps of a turn and it is SUPER CRITICAL. In addition, it is not numbered 1 thru 9, it is just some bullets that take a while to realize what they are supposed to be doing. It also has no cross-referencing, here is how these 9 bullets should have been cross-referenced; (1) 9.1.1, (2) 9.1.2, (3) 9.1.3, (4) 9.1.4, (5) 9.1.5, (6) 9.1.6, (7) 9.1.7, and 9.1.8, (8) 9.1.9, (9) 9.1.10. You see what happened there? Step 7 blended in two concepts into one section. The 9 bullets on page 51 should have been broken down into 10 bullets.

I am sure the veteran TOAW players (who will represent 95% of sales) will look at my comments and say, “pfftth, this guy is being anal.” This is massive for a newbie and I am a very experienced games. And I am sure if I took the time to get TOAW, my list of changes and additions would be huge. So please give us the word version. Thanks for reading.

[Franciscus]

+1

[Lobster]

ORIGINAL: balto


I have been wondering and posting on this forum for years that there should be a WORD version to allow users to update the manual (and translate into other languages).., that way, each manual can be customized by each user as they see fit due to (1) the monster size this manual actually should be, (2) the changes that will occur after it is released, and (3) adding in information that was not already included (I imagine 70% of necessary information will not be included based on the prior TOAW forums). I say that because I am not a fan of TOAW due to me not having any interest in being a constant follower of the forum. I just want a manual and BOOM, I am done. I doubt I am the only one, especially our non-English fans.

Below are some examples of what I believe would help my case of requesting the WORD version be provided to us for personal changes. Realize these are just comments on a small excerpt of the manual. No one has to agree with me because this would be my personal copy (in WORD). Moreover, myself and others could share our versions with the forum if they were interested. But most all if it was in WORD, it would allow us to make our own PERSONAL ADDITIONS to information that is undoubtedly not included in this complex game. The missing content is why I am not a fan of TOAW (or War in the Pacific).

Three comments on the small excerpt:

(A) go to page 49 under section 9, that first paragraph is key. It should say “Turn Composition is three parts; [1] Game performs Auto Bookeeping (9.1), [2] You and Opponent Issue Orders (10.0), and [3] Program determines results (13).

If I had this in WORD, I would (a) Insert these cross-references, (b) move sections 11 and 12 somewhere else so that section 13, now becomes section 11. Its present format breaks up the train of thought and organization of what a turn is.

(B) Section PBEM (9.0.1, page 49). Put that anywhere in the manual but here.

(C) Auto Bookkeeping (9.1, page 51). That breaks out the 9 steps of a turn and it is SUPER CRITICAL. In addition, it is not numbered 1 thru 9, it is just some bullets that take a while to realize what they are supposed to be doing. It also has no cross-referencing, here is how these 9 bullets should have been cross-referenced; (1) 9.1.1, (2) 9.1.2, (3) 9.1.3, (4) 9.1.4, (5) 9.1.5, (6) 9.1.6, (7) 9.1.7, and 9.1.8, (8) 9.1.9, (9) 9.1.10. You see what happened there? Step 7 blended in two concepts into one section. The 9 bullets on page 51 should have been broken down into 10 bullets.

I am sure the veteran TOAW players (who will represent 95% of sales) will look at my comments and say, “pfftth, this guy is being anal.” This is massive for a newbie and I am a very experienced games. And I am sure if I took the time to get TOAW, my list of changes and additions would be huge. So please give us the word version. Thanks for reading.

Isn't there a way to convert PDF to Word?

Just did a search. Lots of programs to do that for you.

[TheTom]

Of course there are ways to convert pdf to docx, but a) mostly the result is somewhat messed up, and b) what is even more important... There's the copyright on the manual. I'm not sure if it is legal to provide a translated version of the manual without permission.
Anyway, translating the manual shouldn't be a problem for the community, even though nearly 180 pages are quite a lot.

[jreebel]

If we want to buy the boxed version to get a printed manual, can we download the game itself now as we order the physical version? Or could we buy the download now and for an additional $15 get the physical stuff later?

[Tamas]

ORIGINAL: jreebel

If we want to buy the boxed version to get a printed manual, can we download the game itself now as we order the physical version? Or could we buy the download now and for an additional $15 get the physical stuff later?

When you buy the physical version, you also get a download link immediately.

[balto]

ORIGINAL: TheTom

Of course there are ways to convert pdf to docx, but a) mostly the result is somewhat messed up, and b) what is even more important... There's the copyright on the manual. I'm not sure if it is legal to provide a translated version of the manual without permission.
Anyway, translating the manual shouldn't be a problem for the community, even though nearly 180 pages are quite a lot.

Tom, you are correct. And when you have pictures and fancy section breaks like this does, WORD convert would be a disaster.

Your second paragraph is missing the point. Putting it in WORD is not so much to reorganize what is there (which would be helpful), the main reason for putting it in WORD because with each passing week, we will see tons and tons and tons and tons of information that should have been in the manual. You will see this by the few new people that are new to TOAW and buy this and they will have an endless stream of infinite questions.

Without providing a central repository for these changes (the WORD version of this manual that players can update) this will be like all the previous other TOAW in that you will need to live on the forum to understand how to play.

I realize the TOAW veterans do not give a flying crap about this because they live this game. I was just suggesting an avenue to attract new people, but I can tell I am NOT getting anywhere - so I give up and I will not post again on this matter and just read the flames and other posts saying "not necessary" or "its easy to pick up" which is total bulls**t. The solution is easy, just do it. .

Thanks again and well wishes to all who play TOAW 4.

[BigDuke66]

I miss an explanation for "New Mud and Snow Rules" in the advance game options.

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: BigDuke66

I miss an explanation for "New Mud and Snow Rules" in the advance game options.

Some things were developed after the manual went to press. Read the "What's New.doc".

[BigDuke66]

Well that file doesn't contain much, no matter if pdf or doc is used:

Read me File – 16 November 2017
Version 4.0.0.11
Welcome.
Thank you for playing The Operational Art of War IV™! We are always looking for ways to improve your
gaming experience. For the latest information on the game, please go to the Matrix Games web site at
matrixgames.com.
Below you will find the latest and greatest information on The Operational Art of War IV™. Information in
this document supersedes that in the official game manual.
Troubleshooting:
Ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements. These are found in the game manual.
Also, ensure that you have the latest video and sound drivers available for your system and that you have
upgraded to the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft. The vast majority of reported problems are
resolved by upgrading all drivers and DirectX to the latest versions.
If you are still experiencing problems with the game, please use our Help Desk at
matrixgames.com/helpdesk or post in the The Operational Art of War IV™ Support Forum at
matrixgames.com/forums. Please provide as much detail on your issue as you can.
To obtain optimum game performance, close all other applications before beginning a game.
Change History:
v4.0.0.11 – November 16, 2017
 Initial Release

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: BigDuke66

Well that file doesn't contain much, no matter if pdf or doc is used:

Read me File – 16 November 2017
Version 4.0.0.11
Welcome.
Thank you for playing The Operational Art of War IV™! We are always looking for ways to improve your
gaming experience. For the latest information on the game, please go to the Matrix Games web site at
matrixgames.com.
Below you will find the latest and greatest information on The Operational Art of War IV™. Information in
this document supersedes that in the official game manual.
Troubleshooting:
Ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements. These are found in the game manual.
Also, ensure that you have the latest video and sound drivers available for your system and that you have
upgraded to the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft. The vast majority of reported problems are
resolved by upgrading all drivers and DirectX to the latest versions.
If you are still experiencing problems with the game, please use our Help Desk at
matrixgames.com/helpdesk or post in the The Operational Art of War IV™ Support Forum at
matrixgames.com/forums. Please provide as much detail on your issue as you can.
To obtain optimum game performance, close all other applications before beginning a game.
Change History:
v4.0.0.11 – November 16, 2017
 Initial Release

I didn't say the Readme file. I said the "What's New.doc" file.

[BigDuke66]

Ah sorry, my mistake.

Before I make a mistake again, that "What's New" file lists the differences to the latest TOAWIII version?
Would it be OK if I upload it to other boards or send it by mail to interested people?

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: BigDuke66

Ah sorry, my mistake.

Before I make a mistake again, that "What's New" file lists the differences to the latest TOAWIII version?
Would it be OK if I upload it to other boards or send it by mail to interested people?

It had better list the new features of TOAW IV, not TOAW III.

I don't know about what you can do with it. Wait for Tamas - he'll be back around tomorrow.

[Tamas]

ORIGINAL: BigDuke66

Ah sorry, my mistake.

Before I make a mistake again, that "What's New" file lists the differences to the latest TOAWIII version?
Would it be OK if I upload it to other boards or send it by mail to interested people?

The document referenced by CL should be in the "Manuals" sub-folder of the game. We will see about upload it here soon.

[sPzAbt653]

I realize the TOAW veterans do not give a flying crap about this because they live this game.

I'm with you on this and I've been here for 15 years, using my 128 page paper manual [copyright 1994] that is held together by staples !

Actually, for daily use I use the pdf manual that comes with the game. But I like your suggestion of an editable version. To expect anyone to do this is a bit unreasonable, I think. It does sound like a good project for someone that is manual oriented, someone from the community that can maintain a dedicated thread and keep the manual current. I know that this was done for Commander Europe at War [the manual was a huge file though, due to redundancies, and difficult to host].

[sPzAbt653]

Not enough advertisement is given the What's New doc, it should be everyone's go to place [before clogging up the forum with stuff that is already well covered. It was at the top of my video notes for the video that I never made [;)]

[76mm]

What's the logic behind providing a manual "preview" rather than the whole manual? Surely anyone ready and able to pirate the game would pirate them manual as well...

Frankly, having already bought three versions of this game, and given the dearth of screenshots that have been posted, I'd like to see what the new version is like before deciding to buy it, and the best way to do that is via the manual.

[thewood1]

Dearth of screen shots? I think there are tons of screenshots, if you count videos also.

tm.asp?m=4377791

tm.asp?m=4377809

tm.asp?m=4274372

tm.asp?m=4282417

And those are just the first few I ran into.

[76mm]

ORIGINAL: thewood1
Dearth of screen shots? I think there are tons of screenshots, if you count videos also.

Actually I don't count video, it is too time consuming to watch. There are a handful of screenshots on the product page, and a handful might have been put out in recent weeks, but I don't think so.