Matrix Games Forums

I do not yet have the computer game, am getting it for X-mas (or I am gonna pout like heck!) so I will address the board game and for the most part repeat what others have said but hopefully add value by consolidating it as well. Per HanBarca "[it has the] ability to convey the feeling you're really sitting on one of the 7 nations' throne".

Politics, all the cut throat wheeling and dealing of Diplomacy (both real life and the game)

Strategic View, forces range from the Emerald Isle in the West to the lonely steppes of Astrakhan and the most parched desserts of the Sinai.

Tactical View, an incredible combat system that despite the strategic level of play provides for detailed tactical decision making from the initial chit selection to decisions made each round. What option is he going to take, it is Napoleon so obviously he is going to outflank so I'll pick Cordon - wait... that's what he expects me to do so that means he is going to Assault so i should Defend, but... that's what happened last time so maybe I should ....... Did he take a shot at outflank? When will the outflanking forces hit, second or third round? Huzzah!! They didnt make it the second round but I am going to get creamed in the third, do I commit and sacrifice my Guard in a bloody attempt to stave off a horrific pursuit?

Economics. A simple economics system connected to political results. Two resources - manpower and money. You build your army/navy. You want Cavalry? Gonna have to decide on a double helping of militia. No need to balance food/crops/wood/metal/gold/iron/luxury-goods etc..

Logistics. Too many games ignore logisitics altogether or make it too complicated. EIA has a simple system of building depots and paying cash or foraging.

Balance The system is designed so countries with less resources have a lower level to achieve victory.

Personality Every country is different, has a difference balance of forces with different strenghts and weaknesses - tho if anyone can identify the strength of Spain please tell me! [;)] - cheap shot, just ragging on their army and pathetic leaders.

Game, not simulation While there are a limited number of obvious strategies one can play their country as they see fit, are not required to follow historical precedent. Anyone else seen Turkish feudal corp deployed to England to save it from re-invasion by France?


The biggest problem I always had was the amount of time it took and the difficulty in getting 7 adults with adult schedules (work/kids/vacations etc.. etc.. etc...) together reliably so we could play.

The game is a faithful rendition of the board game,[except in the board game, I could pick up the counters to read the province value under it[:)] I haven't found the button to remove the counters to see the value yet] it is playable as a human versus the computer or playing with up to 6 friends. For me; the decision to purchase it was one of my better computer wargaming decisions.
I think the learning curve is a lot higher for players who didn't play the original game, but your patience will be rewarded if you persevere.

ORIGINAL: Termite2

The game is a faithful rendition of the board game,[except in the board game, I could pick up the counters to read the province value under it[:)] I haven't found the button to remove the counters to see the value yet] it is playable as a human versus the computer or playing with up to 6 friends. For me; the decision to purchase it was one of my better computer wargaming decisions.
I think the learning curve is a lot higher for players who didn't play the original game, but your patience will be rewarded if you persevere.

Right clicking the brown part of the Selected Area Info box will give you an unrestricted view of the selected area.

Richard

Thnx!!!!!!!!!!!

Now how do I get the authentic grease from eating potato chips onto the counters; then the game would be complete!![;)]

Now how do I get the authentic grease from eating potato chips onto the counters; then the game would be complete!!

You will also need to spill a beer on your monitor screen [:D]

We had a house rule:
Whoever spilled a beer on the Map bought the owner a new copy of the game and kept the one they spilt the beer on[:-]. I had four copies bought for me in as many years[:D]

BTW: Alchohol and Diplomacy make for Strange Alliances.