Good Morning, Gents -
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the EDBTR team for the time and effort expended upgrading one of my all time favorite games. While rarely posting, I do follow this forum with an avid interest; in this case it is time to weigh in. As Eric and Terminus have pointed out this is not a new game engine - it is remarkable that so much more has been achieved using an engine released in 1999. (I still recall the thrill of buying the original and rushing home to play...)
original by fbs:
Wasn't there any room to assign leaders, split units, have a 1942 campaign, add an editor, add some borders to the map (so I don't bomb a French town), add Coastal Command and get them to hunt U-Boats, add some civilian casualties statistics, make the economy more realistic, or some other enhancements from the 500 that players could come with if they were asked?
fbs, all of the above would be
awesome. I strongly suspect that if Hard Sarge and Team had the resources and time available some of the above might have been included. My thought on the matter is that much has
already been done - as detailed n other posts; although this release may not meet everyone's expectations it is a significant, major step in the right direction. Bear in mind that the game was released less than a week ago. There is (from my perspective) a humbling array of talent (ie. computer whizzes and modders) who frequent the Matrix forums. I am confident that it wont be long before modificatons, patches and other enhancements / fixes become available.
And remember - there was
first Beyond Valour (2002), which laid the foundation for WITP (2004) that was the sequential building block for WITP AE (2009) - another serious quantum leap (if your into spending enless hours micromanaging and editing an incredible array of units, map locations and ships until your eyes burn and it's the wee hours of the morning - but I digress). The point is that EDBTR is an upgrade - a solid piece of work - that stands on its own, but could quite possibly lead to other releases on the European air war somewhere down the road. I would point to the WITEast forums, one of the developers posted that even while going full bore to get WITEast out the door "We are considering a War In Europe game...." (
thats the kind of thinking we players like to hear, Boys!).
Keep this in mind - Matrix started from small beginings, but with the production of high quality games coupled with outstanding support (not to mention sheer hard work) and a dedication to excellence, the company has grown to the position it holds today - a source of top notch war games (dare I say "for the serious gamer...") >grin<.
Hard Sarge - it was in November 2007 that you kindly sent me patches and enhancements for the original BoB / BTR and answered many questions. It is evident that you have put your heart and soul into this product - one has only to read the forums. Thank you and Semper Fi, Marine...
Harley - Ditto. Your editor for the original game was outstanding and enhanced my gaming experience. (HINT...)
fbs, sfbaytf, rosseau, LuckyJim1005 - if not sure about playing or purchasing the game, stick with one of your favorites and see what happens with upcoming patches and Mods. I appreciate your opinions and points of view.
To swift, Beta Players, addicts and enthusiasts of EDBTR - keep posting - the fourm is a terrific classroom for us newbies.
Mac
