So what does it take to get started?

[CaptDave]

Another reason for the 20-hour first turns is that players (especially the Japanese, where the first turn is concerned) need to completely revisit their WitP strategies and tactics. It becomes more second nature over time, but in this case the veterans need to unlearn as much as they need to learn.

[Canoerebel]

Wouldn't a fascination with the Pacific Theater be a requirement? I'm no expert on the Pacific, but I've always loved the subject. Are there ANY WitP players that aren't history buffs in general, and Pacific Theater buffs in particular?

[ny59giants]

I started playing WITP as the Allies and recently went over to play Japan. Mainly as a result of using Tracker, I was able to overcome my fear of the Japanese economy (plus being John 3rd's economic minister vs Canoerebel) helped a lot. Now, I'm waiting for the serious JFBs to untangle the economy in AE and for Tracker to come out before going back to the "dark side." So, I'm back playing the Allies and this will give me a heads up, I hope, when I re-start PBEMs with AE. Know your enemy. [;)]
 
 

[moonraker65]

I've always been a PTO fan. When I was young (many moons ago [:o]) I saw Tora Tora Tora !! and a love affair with all things Pacific War began. When Gary Grigsby brought out PacWar it was a must have and I spent many hours playing that. So when WiTP came out that was purchased on release day and now AE is finally here that too was number 1 priority to purchase on it's release day as well. I don't know what it is but once you get immersed these games just keep you coming back for more. Money very well spent in my book.

[Feltan]

ORIGINAL: Kabbers

So what does it take to get into it from scratch/zero context?

Extremely large testicles, preferably made of steel.

(You will know if you pass the test after you plan and execute a deep Carrier raid.)

Regards,
Feltan

[gunnergoz]

I think patience is important but so is enthusiasm and imagination.  Let yourself get immersed in the game.  If you are reading history books about the period (which is indeed a good idea), set them around so you can refer to them...and they add ambiance.  Get some nice photo books too and litter your desk with pages open to blasting Bofors and Blowing-up Betties.  Play the Victory at Sea musical score in the background (I do!).  Wear a sailor cap. (Won't admit to that.)  Read the manual when you have a question.  Settle in for a hobby and not just a game.  Tell the wife you're going on vacation in the computer room for a while.  Take out the trash and stock up on brews before you do, though.  And get up now and then, stretch, use the toilet and work out your stiff neck, arm and back muscles.  Look at the calendar disbelievingly and realize that two days have elapsed since you sat down. The wife is long gone to her Mom's. Congratulations, you're officially a WITP grog!  [:D][:D][:D]
And can start on turn two...

[CombinedFleet]

Patience is the word... I am a fan of different kind of wargames (computer+board) and this is a real monster compared to anything. Amount of detail seems as overwhelming as it is in the most hard core board games.

I have no experience of the original WitP and even without that comparison, this game seems very promising afer a couple of hours quick testing and confusion. I can't wait when my hard copy arrives and I can play the game with paper manual.

My first impression is that this is one amazing wargame, one that are published for computers once or twice a decade. Learning it will take time from even the hardest of grognards but I think that game will reward gamers who have patience to learn it to detail.

[Kabbers]

Hi,

Wow thx for lots of hearty comments.

Since the tutorial isn't here just yet, I'm following Henri's mini-tutorial from the War Room with the Coral Sea scenario (thx Henri51), and finding it intriguing... OK, I'll 'fess up I'm basically trying to decipher what the 'eck is going on actually but wikipedia is my friend for some friendly hints n stuff! Doing this until my printed manual arrives... my wife is at the cricket in edgbaston _all_ day Sunday so that will be a good day for me, stuck at home </small but widening grin>

One question - does the map move to the relevant area visually every time the conflict window comes up? I'm just trying to watch the AI play out Coral Sea but sometimes it goes so quickly and I'm not sure if it's moved to the hexes where the conflict is actually taking place. Sometimes it seems to, other times I'm not sure I can tell. I bet it is isn't it? Just that half the map is obscured by the conflict screen.

Thanks for all the hints and comments, doesn't get much better than being near the hum of a great algorithm created with dedication and appreciated by fellows; cheers for helping me settle nearby too everyone.

thx for sharing,
Kabs

[sfbaytf]

This is probably a dumb and obvious suggestion but here goes....

Save every turn and don't be afraid to go back and reload.

[Mynok]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Wouldn't a fascination with the Pacific Theater be a requirement? I'm no expert on the Pacific, but I've always loved the subject. Are there ANY WitP players that aren't history buffs in general, and Pacific Theater buffs in particular?

I'm not a PTO buff in particular. Much more of an ETO guy. But this game still fascinates me and I've learned a tremendous amount about the PTO. That satisfies my definite history buff interest.

[Kabbers]

Well, ironically Canoerebel, so far I'm finding my ignorance of the PTO adds a new frontier - I tend to know a lot about a few things (a bit uncool yeah)... and PTO definitely wasn't one of them, is still not one of them, but is about to be one of them.

So I'm letting WitPAE help me expand my horizons and it's proving fun so far, even if I am still bashing the rocks together. So far I haven't built enough up worth protecting betwixt each restart - but thanks for that hint

I now get the drift of how the Coral Sea scenario will run if I just watch. Now to start meddling...

Happy Saturday,
Kabs

[Feltan]

ORIGINAL: Kabbers

Well, ironically Canoerebel, so far I'm finding my ignorance of the PTO adds a new frontier - I tend to know a lot about a few things (a bit uncool yeah)... and PTO definitely wasn't one of them, is still not one of them, but is about to be one of them.

So I'm letting WitPAE help me expand my horizons and it's proving fun so far, even if I am still bashing the rocks together. So far I haven't built enough up worth protecting betwixt each restart - but thanks for that hint

I now get the drift of how the Coral Sea scenario will run if I just watch. Now to start meddling...

Happy Saturday,
Kabs

Just stay away from Amazon and various book stores that cater to military history.

Otherwise, what you spend on books will make the cost of the game seem insignificant.

Note, I didn't follow my own advise. [:(]

Regards,
Feltan

[crsutton]

You better have a nice wife (girlfriend)[;)]

[Kabbers]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

You better have a nice wife (girlfriend)[;)]

Well it's sunny, my wife is at the cricket, and for once I am glad cricket is a slow slow game (hehe)
I have found the wikipedia pages on the Coral Sea and ships/pics a really good first step in:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Coral_Sea

I found the diagram at the bottom of this page really useful too for my n00b narrative:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... 6&ct=image
(oh - well, after following the May 8th link at the bottom especially)

Happy Sunday
Kabs