Matrix Games Forums

Jeff,
I agree with you that he range ring per individual weapon would be too much.
However ...

ORIGINAL: JeffK
On the look out for a kick in the arse, i'd say that if players dont know the capability of the weapons then the game is beyond their ability to play.[8D]

This is where I don't understand you. If it were so, then the game would indeed be "beyond my ability to play". And it is not.
First I don't tend to look at the details so much.
Then the game already give a lot of usefull information in the side bar and the unit icon, like firepower, armFP, perFP, etc... including the effective range for their weapons.

My 2 cents,

JeF.

The AA series are not entry level games, the strategies and tactics required are complex. I doubt any wargaming newbies would be at this level.
 
And knowing the penetration & range figures (based on what data) would be of even less value to any newbie.
 
 
Plus I believe that JeF is far more knowledable & experienced than he claims[:)]

ORIGINAL: JeffK
The AA series are not entry level games, the strategies and tactics required are complex. I doubt any wargaming newbies would be at this level.

Beg to differ here. Concentration of force at the schwerpunkt, keeping a fire-brigade battalion in reserve, out-maneuver instead of charging in and hitting a less-defended sector instead of the enemy strongpoint are all pretty basic stuff - for a wargamer and even for someone with an RTS background. Just using the Attack, Defend and Move orders and the principles outlined above should go a long way in ensuring victory on the battlefield. It's always possible to fine-tune with an arty barrage at the correct moment or placing that AT unit just right, but it's not a complex game to get started in at all.

ORIGINAL: JeffK
Plus I believe that JeF is far more knowledable & experienced than he claims[:)]

You've got no idea [;)] - I've been wargaming for over 2 decades and I still feel like the noob in the beta forum when these guys start discussing tactics & equipment.

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

Ah that's just because of the milvets. Me, when it comes to tactics, I invent them as I go. I've been playing ground combat games, since around 2000/2001 with CMBO.

Very different from air combat (started in 1992), the duration of an engagement in air combat is so much shorter. I used to compete on Compuserve's Falcon3 Ladder (of which I reached the top slot in 1994 and published my first strategy guide). My wife was watching me practicing one day with a friend:

The two planes passed on the merge. I pegged my speed to exactly corner speed for the F-16 in that game, 450kts, and pull up into a hard Immelman. My opponent hit the merge about 600kts, but decided not to extend, but also pulled up in an Immelman (but going too fast). Approaching the top of my maneuver, I was inside his turn and let lose a high deflection burst. Boom - he burst into flames. The match was over in 6 seconds.

I turned to my wife and said "Wasn't that great?". She said to me, "I don't get it ... it was over instantly ... how can that be any fun?". Yep, she completely missed the point. Oh, well ... On the other hand, ground combat now takes hours and days. More the pace for a tired old has been like myself.