I think I need to change my hobby...

[emcgman]

Well, I did an experiment. I let the AI play against itself, for a couple games. With fast animation it only takes about 15 minutes for the whole scenario.

I set the Soviet AI to C+, and the German AI to just C (normal).

First game the Soviets won a decisive, but not an overwhelming victory. The second game, same settings, the Germans won an Overwhelming victory.

So this tells me 2 things, keeping in mind that it is harder for the AI to attack than defend. That's why I set the Soviets to C+ advantage.

1) Soviets definitely have a tough game, probably the tougher game. (that will probably be small consolation to you though, sabre 1) [:D]

2) There is a huge variation in results due to dice rolls and alternate maneuverings of units.

Overall, a fairly balanced scenario, but from what I've read of the scenario actual history, the Soviets lost this particular battle. So it makes sense for the basic design to slightly favor the Germans.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Chris Merchant

 
from the manual.

If you have feedback on how better to word the section please post away.  The item I would change is the secure game option description as this will change the order of players - so select this option before you start filling in the other details.

cheers

[font=dinengschriftstd][left]3.4 Setup Email Game Screen[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-regular][left]This screen allows you to set up an Email game. The fields on the left side of the screen[/left][left]should be filled in appropriately. Once you are satisfied that the data in these fields is[/left][left]correct, you may proceed.[/left][left] [/left][left]The scenario designer determines which side will go first in a battle. If a game is Unsecured,[/left][left]the player whose side is going first should set up the game. If the game is a Secure Game,[/left][left]then the player whose side is going second should setup the game.[/left][left] [/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left]Select A Profile: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]If you have PBEM Profiles setup on your machine, right click in the Profile[/left][left]field and select your player Profile if available (your name and email address will then be[/left][left]automatically entered)[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Your Name: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Your name as it appears in the game (maximum of 45 characters)[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Your Address: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Your Email address (maximum of 45 characters)[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Select A Profile: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Right click and select your opponent’s Profile if available[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Opponents Name: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Name of your opponent (maximum of 45 characters)[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Opponents Address: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Email address of your opponent (maximum of 45 characters)[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Email File Name: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]This is the file name the game will use. Each turn will use this name as the[/left][left]basis for the filename and in addition have the side and turn number added (maximum of[/left][left]45 characters) i.e. KharkovTurn_Axs_01. These turns will be saved in the Send Email folder[/left][left]in the Kharkov directory.[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Security On/Off: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Enabling email turn security ensures that each game turn can only be[/left][left]opened by the player it is destined for. If this feature is set to off then all game turns can[/left][left]be opened by any player.[/left][left] [/left][left]A secure game must be started and finished on the same computer.[/left][left]Additionally, any change made to your computer operating system software such as[/left][left]reinstalling Windows or performing a System Restore will invalidate any secure games in[/left][left]progress.[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Profiles: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]The profile button will take you to a screen whereby you can create and store[/left][left]profiles of PBEM players to simplify email game setup.[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Accept Email Game: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]This will accept the information as entered in the fields above and[/left][left]return you to the Scenario Options Screen.[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Set Bid Game: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]Email games can be set up as Bid games. Handicap, Supply, Replacements,[/left][left]Combats and the Combat Advisor settings can all be changed.[/left][left]The changed options constitute a Bid game. These details are then sent to your email[/left][left]game opponent, who has the option to choose to play either side (thus ensuring that your[/left][left]bid is reasonable).[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Cancel and Return: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]This will cancel the current email game and return you to the Scenario[/left][left]Options screen.[/left][/font][font=myriadpro-bold][left] [/left][left]Go Back: [/font][font=myriadpro-regular]This will return you to the Scenario Options screen but will not cancel the current[/left][left]email game.[/left][/font]

Nothing in here actually explains the process. This is a list of definiations of what can be found on the screen. An explanation of the actual process of starting and starting after receiving the first turn of a PBEM game, such as what was provided by Joe98 above, would have gone a long way toward avoiding the kind of confusion the Judge experienced.

[Carl Myers]

How the Axis player sets up a secure Kharkov game.
Start the Kharkov program.
Select Start New Game.
Select Play Battle.
Select either Normal or Random weather.
Select AO type for both players.
Select Unknown Units On or Off for both players.
Select Setup Email Game.
Make sure the Secure On/Secure Off button is toggled to Secure On.
Type in and Enter your name and email address and your opponent's name and email address.
Type in and Enter the file name for the game.
Select Accept Email Game.
Select Start Secure Game.
Select Exit and Send.

[sabre1]

OHHHHHH, that's real clear...NOT! The manual is vague in my opinion, and don't ask me how to make it better, I just play the dang thing. [:)]
 
But, old JD and I will figure it out. Two minds are always better than one...
 
Of course I'm probably the old one in the bunch.[:'(]
 
JD, I emailed you and will get the turn out this evening.
 
Hans and Carl, thanks for helping out.  It is appreciated.  Now for some covert action here Hans.  Shhhhhh, you and I are going to collaborate under the guise of teaching me tactics on how I can beat that wiley fox JD.  It's just going to be our little secret. [:D]
 
I did figure out how to cut pictures, draw retreat lines, you know stuff like that for the AAR report.  I am preparing my apology to the
Fuehrer as I type.
 

[JudgeDredd]

lol...ok...I look forward to the file. When I get it, I'll kick start my AAR and get my turn done.
 
Carl
 
Thx for your layout of setting up an email system...that's exactly what the manual is missing. One thing I didn't get is why the Secure option changes the first player to Axis if set to on? It was messing with my head last night and I just got fedup.
 
Chris...exactly what Hans said...the information you have to supply is laid out, but the procedure of setting up a PBEM is not...and how Carl laid it out is fine.
 
Of course, now it's understood, it's crystal clear...but it wasn't when I read it and might well not be for other new people to your game.

[Carl Myers]

Thx for your layout of setting up an email system...that's exactly what the manual is missing. One thing I didn't get is why the Secure option changes the first player to Axis if set to on? It was messing with my head last night and I just got fedup.

At the Setup Email Game screen, that the Your Name and Your Address fields are first does not make one the first player, the first player is always the Allied player. If the Security On/Off button is Security Off, then the fields Your Name and Your address would be under Allied details because in an unsecure game the Allied player sets up the game. After the Allied player sets up an unsecured game, the Allied player plays the first Allied turn and then sends the Axis player the first Axis turn. If the Security On/Off button is Security On, then the fields Your Name and Your address would be under Axis details because in a secure game the Axis player sets up the game. After the Axis player sets up a secured game, the Axis sends the setup file to the Allied player to play the Allied first turn.
Secure games are registered with the Windows Registry. The Axis player sets up the game to register the game on the Axis computer and the game is registered on the Allied computer when the Allied player plays the setup file.

[JudgeDredd]

ORIGINAL: Carl Myers

Thx for your layout of setting up an email system...that's exactly what the manual is missing. One thing I didn't get is why the Secure option changes the first player to Axis if set to on? It was messing with my head last night and I just got fedup.

At the Setup Email Game screen, that the Your Name and Your Address fields are first does not make one the first player, the first player is always the Allied player. If the Security On/Off button is Security Off, then the fields Your Name and Your address would be under Allied details because in an unsecure game the Allied player sets up the game. After the Allied player sets up an unsecured game, the Allied player plays the first Allied turn and then sends the Axis player the first Axis turn. If the Security On/Off button is Security On, then the fields Your Name and Your address would be under Axis details because in a secure game the Axis player sets up the game. After the Axis player sets up a secured game, the Axis sends the setup file to the Allied player to play the Allied first turn.
Secure games are registered with the Windows Registry. The Axis player sets up the game to register the game on the Axis computer and the game is registered on the Allied computer when the Allied player plays the setup file.

Nah...you lost me there. Your previous post was fine [;)]

I don't need to understand it...so long as I know the steps.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: sabre1


It is appreciated.  Now for some covert action here Hans.  Shhhhhh, you and I are going to collaborate under the guise of teaching me tactics on how I can beat that wiley fox JD.  It's just going to be our little secret. [:D]

Hey, I'm no expert. I have only played this game once and did manage to get an overwhelming victory with the Germans. I've been too tied up with Uncommon Valor PBEM games and a solitaire go at War in the Pacific to have had the time to have a go at playing the Russians.

As some one mentioned above, since the Russians got their asses handed to them in this battle historically, they should be the more difficult side to win with.

After seeing how thoroughly the AI has trounced some who have taken a shot at the Russians I may have to give it whirl myself soon.

[sabre1]

Ok JD, I sent the file, or at least I think I did.[;)]
 
Carl's instructions hit the spot, nice job and many thanks. 
 
I did click on Mystery AO, and random weather...
 
Now pardon me while I go have a quiet [font=calibri]séance [/font]with my buddy Guderian.

[JudgeDredd]

k...I could be thick...if I am then I apologise for pouring scorn on your game...

Sabre1 has sent me a file. I saved it where I thought it should be saved....game dir\SaveEmail\Play but when I go into the game to load up this PBEM, I cannot find it...so, basically, I cannot load the file sent to me for PBEM.

Any ideas (apart from re-writing the manual for us thickies)?

As just an initial notice....looking up the index in the manual, I cannot fine any entries for PBEM....kind of strange considering PBEM is such a core function for alot of gamers.

[Fred98]

Double check. You may have saved it under another game directory in error.

The game takes advantage of computiung to make wargamning better. There is no need to save the file anywhere.

If you work in an office and somebody sends you an Excel spread sheet by email, you click on the file, Excel opens and then the file opens.

Click on the file, the game opens and then the scenario opens ready for you to play the turn.

-

[emcgman]

Hey JD,

I started a test email game between myself. Everything went smooth.

Either Sabre sent you the wrong file, or it just didn't download to your play folder, is the only thing I can figure.

Look at the file name he sent you, if you still have your email from him, it should end with the turn number. ie, if you are playing Soviets, your downloaded play file should end in `ald_02' if it's your 2nd turn.

Hope this helps.

[e_barkmann]

the way I play a bpem game turn is simply double click on the attachment file in the email that I receive from my opponent - this should fire up Kharkov and present you with the turn ready to play.  Don't forget to hit the replay button to see what your opponent has done in the previous turn!
 
cheers

[sabre1]

I followed Carl's steps.  It's all his fault. The file appeared to save and email properly. I was rather impressed that it opened up my Outlook program and all I had to do was press send.  I named the file "a". 
 
It's all JD's fault, he's causing me anxiety and angst, using psychological warfare before the first turn. I am here and now registering a protest, it ain't right I tell ya, it just ain't right...
 
"How the Axis player sets up a secure Kharkov game.
Start the Kharkov program.
Select Start New Game.
Select Play Battle.
Select either Normal or Random weather.
Select AO type for both players.
Select Unknown Units On or Off for both players.
Select Setup Email Game.
Make sure the Secure On/Secure Off button is toggled to Secure On.
Type in and Enter your name and email address and your opponent's name and email address.
Type in and Enter the file name for the game.
Select Accept Email Game.
Select Start Secure Game.
Select Exit and Send."

[sabre1]

JD,
 
I just sent another file to you just in case the "first" one had a problem.  If this one doesn't work, I'm clueless.  If it doens't work, go ahead and switch sides, and email me a turn.  What worries me is that I will make all the moves and then send you the turn and you won't be able to open it for some strange reason.
 
It's a plot I tell ya, a stinkin plot, those people are trying to foil our game, it just ain't right..., oh yeah and your mother wears combat boots too, while I'm on the subject.

[JudgeDredd]

Wel double clicking on the file you sent works...it loads up Kharkov and asks me to start Turn one.

For clarification, can anyone explain to me how you play a turn sent to you by your opponent, from the game menu system?
So double clicking on it works....but from where in the game menu system can you load a PBEM game?

Thx

[emcgman]

In the lower right hand corner of the main game screen, `Load email game'. Assuming you have the opponents file that he sent you  in the; kharkov/save email/play folder.

[JudgeDredd]

Cool...and it's there....thx emcgman

I saved the sent file in the secure folder? Why would I do that? After all...my opponent choose a secure game? Right?

Bizarre.

So...is there anywhere in the manual that mentions this process? I couldn't see anything in the index.

[e_barkmann]

Rather than move files around, which I find cumbersome, when I first receive my opponent's file, I invoke the game as per my post above, via my email client and play my turn.  Sometimes I then play the complete turn and send off the file using the game's end turn red button and the 'exit and send' button on the comms page. 
 
However, if I wish to save the turn to resume at a later stage, I hit the 'x' in the top right of the game window while in the email game (note: NOT the red button), and answer 'yes' to 'do you wish to exit the game?'.  This saves the email game to that point of play (but will not save the previous turn's replay data so make sure you look at your opponent's moves prior to exiting the game this way). 
 
When I'm ready to resume the email game, I start Kharkov normally via the game menu and select 'resume secure game' from the game menu (I think that's the name of the button) and it will bring up your game from where you left off.
 
cheers
 

For clarification, can anyone explain to me how you play a turn sent to you by your opponent, from the game menu system?
So double clicking on it works....but from where in the game menu system can you load a PBEM game?

[emcgman]

The `secure' folder does add an element of confusion, since even if you are playing a secure game, the turns are still saved in the kharkov/save email/play or send, folders.

BTW JudgeDredd, did you have a chance to check out my AAR where I played as Soviets against Axis normal AI? Decisive victory for Soviets!