Is this a must have?

[mavraam]

Is this one of those games that as a strategy gamer I pretty much have to buy?

I get that feeling from the reviews but I was wondering if it really lives up to the hype.

How does it compare with a game like say, The Operational Art of War?

(Hope I didn't insult anyone with that question)

[Fred98]

I have not played TAOW but I did play The World at War series by Atomic (“W@W”). I understand they have much in common.

If you use WIN 98, you can get a free download of the predecessor to this game – called TAO2 (“The Ardennes Offensive 2”). This gives a good feel for the playing style of Korsun Pocket.

Of course Korsun Pocket has 1,000 improvements and the next game will have more improvements again.

As a strategy game this is a great game and in my view a whole lot better than W@W
-

[Rob Gjessing]

Whilst KP is based upon TAO2 I dont know if TAO2 does KP justise. Its sort of like comparing Doom to Quake

But the short answer is, yes its a must have.

[JSS]

ORIGINAL: mavraam

Is this one of those games that as a strategy gamer I pretty much have to buy?

I get that feeling from the reviews but I was wondering if it really lives up to the hype.

How does it compare with a game like say, The Operational Art of War?

(Hope I didn't insult anyone with that question)

Is this a must have... YES!!!

The game is much more fun than TOAW to play. The two are similar in map/terrain layout and scale & feature mainly regimental unit icons. KP is simplier to learn and play as a new player. Most importantly KP also has more challenging PBEM competition as you become a skilled player.

JSS

[mavraam]

I picked it up last night and my first impressions are very good!

Got about halfway through the tutorial (couldn't start till 11:00) and
I am so impressed by the interface. All future game designers should
buy this game and use it as a model of how to build an interface.

I can't wait to get through the tutorial and play a real scenario so I
can get my ass kicked and start to really learn this game!

Hope the AI is tough. I'm sure I'll be back here frequently for advice.

[pterrok]

Hope the AI is tough. I'm sure I'll be back here frequently for advice.

Someone always has to point new people to the run5.wargamer.com and since I'm in here now, it'll be me!

You may or may not find the AI tough--but you'll certainly find PBEM VERY challenging especially if you play JSS! From the bits revealed about the upcoming Battles in Normandy you can find at Run5, the interface has been improved! There's a wealth of info in the articles section and a thriving forum--come on over and sign-up!

[mavraam]

Someone always has to point new people to the run5.wargamer.com and since I'm in here now, it'll be me!

Thanks!

I'm on my way...

[carnifex]

All future game designers should buy this game and use it as a model of how to build an interface.

Yes, as soon as Matrix includes HOT KEYS for some of the most common actions in the game ;p

Otherwise we're good to go

[Adam Parker]

I found TOAW 1 and 2 too generic. I prefer researched games such as KP with a specific subject matter and a selection of related scenarios.

Whilst the scenario spread of KP in fairly bare, in retrospect it covers the guts. I'd have liked some added variety for sure. Ardennes only covers the main campaign in this engine's version too.

Normandy will be the test as to how far this series has matured in both engine and scope. The fact that Ardennes is being reworked a 4th time to match the newer engine is a very nice consumer touch.

I haven't asked those in the know but it would be equally nice to see the Normandy campaign explored through scens, in all its phases and zones from the get-go to closing the "gap".

Adam.

[fahdiz]

I picked up KP this weekend and I must say I'm incredibly impressed. Very happy with the AI so far, happy with the interface, and I'm excited that the add-on scenarios (Across the Dnepr and the upcoming Battles Over Normandy) are available at such an inexpensive cost.

I too enjoy KP's narrowness of focus over and above TOAW's be-all-things broadness, although TOAW is still a very good game in my opinion.

Oh, by the way - first post. I'm honored to be here.

[Fred98]

Welcome!

Note that Battles in Normandy ("BIN") is a brand new game with a brand new engine. But the interface looks the same.

[crward]

Yes, I would say so.

Very clean strategic (or rather operational) game that focuses the player on the need to make decisions.

It is a good deal more abstract than TOAW or PzC: units have 2, 3, or 4 steps and numeric ratings rather then 57 jeeps, 10 squads, and 22 machine guns (a la TOAW) or 550 men (a la PzC). Some do not like this aspect, but I'd argue that this focus keeps the player sweating the right details.

Great fun. The A/I is a respectable representative of its species. But play against a human!

[fahdiz]

ORIGINAL: Joe 98

Welcome!

Note that Battles in Normandy ("BIN") is a brand new game with a brand new engine. But the interface looks the same.

Oh, interesting - so BIN will be a full-priced game, then?

[Gregor_SSG]

ORIGINAL: fahdiz

ORIGINAL: Joe 98

Welcome!

Note that Battles in Normandy ("BIN") is a brand new game with a brand new engine. But the interface looks the same.

Oh, interesting - so BIN will be a full-priced game, then?

Battles in Normandy is definitely a full priced game. There are numerous changes, additions and enhancements to the orginal KP system, in fact 80% of the game code has been rewritten. There are also plenty of new interface elements and displays, and lots of scenarios so you'll absolutely be getting your money's worth.

Gregor

[fahdiz]

ORIGINAL: Gregor_SSG
Battles in Normandy is definitely a full priced game. There are numerous changes, additions and enhancements to the orginal KP system, in fact 80% of the game code has been rewritten. There are also plenty of new interface elements and displays, and lots of scenarios so you'll absolutely be getting your money's worth.

Gregor

Oh, I have no doubt I'll be getting my money's worth. I just needed to plan my finances accordingly.

Good to hear, I'm very excited about BiN now!