Tunisia '43

[V22 Osprey]

ORIGINAL: Slick Wilhelm

I don't mind the 1990's graphics all that much(although I agree that it could use some improvement), it's the lack of resolution options that trouble me. I loaded up a recent demo of a Tiller game and the thing plays on about a fifth of my screen when in 2D normal mode.

The native resolution of my monitor is 1900x1200, so I don't want to reduce the resolution and suffer the loss of clarity. I understand that this game engine is many years old, of course. It's just a pity that he hasn't the time or inclination to update the engine to use multiple resolutions. It could be that the game engine can't do it, however, whether or not he would like to make that change.

May I ask what game you are talking about? I've never heard of ANY Tiller game that doesn't either run in a window(and thus automatically fit to size of your desktop) or run a variable resolution engine(JTCS). Even the games from his talonsoft days support a variable resolution engine.

[mgarnett]

I think he means the map only takes up a small portion of the screen. The game runs in a maximised window but because there are only two levels of 2D zoom, you can only make the 2D map so big. On modern large monitors, this means that the map is a small portion of the windows real estate that you have available.

Cheers

Mark

[Fallschirmjager]

If you want to learn about the struggle in North Africa starting with Operation Torch then I cannot recommend highly enough a book called An Army at Dawn by Rick Atkinson. It is a fantastic read. Really shows the struggle and the strain on the me as they fought under very hard conditions.

[eastwindrain]

ORIGINAL: Nick Schieben

No eye test required here. I don't see any "needless attacks" but I do see many valid opinions [:)]. Each camapign series seems more like 1 game with a load of scenario packs marketed as separate games. I bought many Panzer Campaign scenrios back in the 90s and early 2ks but found them all bit too much like the one before after a while. The template used became all too apparent, and th clickfest got tiresome with some of the larger battles. The graphics were just OK then, but I find them inexcusable now, especially when I gotten hooked on other games available here with similar scales, but much better graphics and a lot more effort going into each release. I won't mention which particular series I'm referring to, but it's on this site and there's just no going back for me!

Regards

Ok we cannot stand the suspence any longer please enlighten us, reveal the title with the super enhanced 3D graphics surely keeping the secret to yourself is rather selfish.

Edit crickey I hope it's not the JTCS.

[eastwindrain]

Those screen shots are exactly why I have never bought one of his titles. I'm sure they are good games and I know war games typically have lesser graphics than other mainstream titles. I live with those limitations, but these graphics are on par with early to mid 90s. You can do "wargame" graphics and yet still have them look better than that. WiTE is a perfect example of not flashy graphics, but still a 1000 times better than these titles.
[/quote]

OK WitE which I also have is a strategy game at 10mls per hex but the map is very very bland, however a mod is available which fills in a load of missing locations and IMO helps with the history and enjoyment when these are fought over.

The PZC games have a accurate 1 ml hex grid based on Russian WW2 maps ( german forces were more than happy with them ) of the campaign area so you have a massive amount of detail.

But we all have different tastes thank God, let's face up to reality I could start slagging off some games which I don't like but instead I don't get to see the Queen blink because my wallet stays in my pocket.

[eastwindrain]

ORIGINAL: Slick Wilhelm

I don't mind the 1990's graphics all that much(although I agree that it could use some improvement), it's the lack of resolution options that trouble me. I loaded up a recent demo of a Tiller game and the thing plays on about a fifth of my screen when in 2D normal mode.

The native resolution of my monitor is 1900x1200, so I don't want to reduce the resolution and suffer the loss of clarity. I understand that this game engine is many years old, of course. It's just a pity that he hasn't the time or inclination to update the engine to use multiple resolutions. It could be that the game engine can't do it, however, whether or not he would like to make that change.

I sorry to hear this but remember reading that this is not a problem as the game will run on larger screens why don't you take the time to contact HPSSIMS support.

[eastwindrain]

You know I visit various sites and over at the Blitz YOU NEVER NEVER GET GUYS SLAGGING OFF OTHER GAMES, but this seems to happen on a regular basis on these boards, like it's not by Matrix let's all gang up like a pile of bully's and write the title off before it effects Matrix's game sales.

I don't have a axe to grind but somehow I feel better for that.

[vonRocko]

ORIGINAL: Lowlander

You know I visit various sites and over at the Blitz YOU NEVER NEVER GET GUYS SLAGGING OFF OTHER GAMES, but this seems to happen on a regular basis on these boards, like it's not by Matrix let's all gang up like a pile of bully's and write the title off before it effects Matrix's game sales.

I don't have a axe to grind but somehow I feel better for that.

So what are you saying? Are you suggesting we shouldn't talk about wargames, and our likes or dislikes? This isn't a "gang up" on tiller games, in fact many posters like them. We're just giving our opinions, why would that be a problem? [&:]

[Obsolete]

It also leads me to make mistakes that I don't believe that I'd make if Tiller would simply drop the 3-D nonsense and adopt additional, "zoomed-in" 2-D views:

Well, I thought the 3D hexes were one of the most interesting features.

[SlickWilhelm]

ORIGINAL: mgarnett

I think he means the map only takes up a small portion of the screen. The game runs in a maximised window but because there are only two levels of 2D zoom, you can only make the 2D map so big. On modern large monitors, this means that the map is a small portion of the windows real estate that you have available.

Cheers

Mark

Thank you, Mark. Yes, this is exactly what I meant. The demo is Panzer Campaigns: Mius '43.

[Vyshka]

ORIGINAL: SuluSea

Tiller has some interesting titles but the dated art and from what I understand a DRM makes his games in this day and age a no buy for me.

I could live with the graphics if the title was up my alley (I play his guadalcanal)but not the DRM.

Do you not buy Matrix Games then? His DRM is no more onerous than what Matrix does. In fact, in some ways his is less so because with Matrix you have to enter in the SN every time you patch the game. People are making way too much out of this.

[eastwindrain]

ORIGINAL: vonRocko

ORIGINAL: Lowlander

You know I visit various sites and over at the Blitz YOU NEVER NEVER GET GUYS SLAGGING OFF OTHER GAMES, but this seems to happen on a regular basis on these boards, like it's not by Matrix let's all gang up like a pile of bully's and write the title off before it effects Matrix's game sales.

I don't have a axe to grind but somehow I feel better for that.

So what are you saying? Are you suggesting we shouldn't talk about wargames, and our likes or dislikes? This isn't a "gang up" on tiller games, in fact many posters like them. We're just giving our opinions, why would that be a problem? [&:]

I respect everyone's right to have a opinion and feel free to express it.

But the problem is they lambast the graphics and suggest they are dated but someone has still to point out a better set at this game scale. A previous poster stated a better 3D game is available but has yet to inform everyone of it's title.

I'm still wating with baited breath and nevous anticipation for the unveiling of the comparable secret game with the amazing 3D graphics which we have sorely missed since I have'nt stumbled upon it.

Please excuse me for one minute as the excitment is so hard to bare l'll have to run and change my pants.

[E]

ORIGINAL: Vyshka
His DRM is no more onerous than what Matrix does.

Many people (myself included) believe that any DRM that needs any internet connection and/or limits installs, is more onerous.

ORIGINAL: Lowlander
Please excuse me for one minute as the excitment is so hard to bare l'll have to run and change my pants.

PLEASE tell us you meant "the excitement is so hard to BEAR." *grin?*

[V22 Osprey]

ORIGINAL: Vyshka

ORIGINAL: SuluSea

Tiller has some interesting titles but the dated art and from what I understand a DRM makes his games in this day and age a no buy for me.

I could live with the graphics if the title was up my alley (I play his guadalcanal)but not the DRM.

Do you not buy Matrix Games then? His DRM is no more onerous than what Matrix does. In fact, in some ways his is less so because with Matrix you have to enter in the SN every time you patch the game. People are making way too much out of this.

Let's see, His DRM requires a 'phone home' and you are limited to 2 installs. I don't see how Matrix is just as onerous just because you have to put in a serial number for patches when after I put in the Serial Number, I own the game, no phone home, I can install it on all my computers no problem, I can do what ever the heck I want with it after I put in my serial number. Yet, for something YOU paid for, John Tiller has complete control over it. Please explain you logic because it's not making much sense.

[eastwindrain]

ORIGINAL: E

ORIGINAL: Vyshka
His DRM is no more onerous than what Matrix does.

Many people (myself included) believe that any DRM that needs any internet connection and/or limits installs, is more onerous.

ORIGINAL: Lowlander
Please excuse me for one minute as the excitment is so hard to bare l'll have to run and change my pants.

PLEASE tell us you meant "the excitement is so hard to BEAR." *grin?*

Good evening E my squire, hope you are keeping well.

Its all a bit tongue in cheek so to speak but when I lose the plot spelling goes out the door.

[eastwindrain]

On reflection all my PBEM opponents without exception game in 2D mostly folks from North America as they used to boardgame. So here is a screenshot of the game in 2D, must point out I've used Jison's wonderful 2D mod which I copied over from my other games as this is not yet available from the master. The desert tile set can be downloaded from campaigns france. Again many thanks to those modders. And this is a lower resolution than the actual game.

[Prince of Eckmühl]

ORIGINAL: Lowlander

On reflection all my PBEM opponents without exception game in 2D[...].

There's no data on the counters in that view.

All that's conveyed is unit-type and nationality.

The counter data is only available, on-map, in the 3-D view.

Edit: Here's the example of the 3-D view that I posted earlier:



So, if players want to take advantage of the data, that's the view that they're stuck with.

[Waffenamt]

[/quote]

I respect everyone's right to have a opinion and feel free to express it.

But the problem is they lambast the graphics and suggest they are dated but someone has still to point out a better set at this game scale. A previous poster stated a better 3D game is available but has yet to inform everyone of it's title.

Please excuse me for one minute as the excitment is so hard to bare l'll have to run and change my pants.
[/quote]

Once you've changed your drawers [:D] - I wasn't referring to a 3d game but I was mentioning one at the JT PzCampaign scale. I didn't want to start plugging another series but since you asked [:)] Panther Games has created Airborne Ops and now Command Ops, which you can get through Matrix. If you ever get your hands on it fire up Joe's Bridge from their Highway to the Reich, the 1st battle I think or something from Battles from the Bulge. Then fire up the similar one in HPS Arnhem '44 or Bulge '44. A picture is worth 1,000 words and that did it for me. But it's not just the graphics. That's all I'm saying. I no longer have any PzC on my computer so I can do a comparison for you. In the end it all boils down to whatever you prefer.

Regards,

[Hentzau]

Installed the demo(think it messed with my directx which I really wish it would have offered me an option to bail out), and agree about the 3D being awful. He who has ears let him hear, others just ignore.

[jomni]

ORIGINAL: Vyshka
Do you not buy Matrix Games then? His DRM is no more onerous than what Matrix does. In fact, in some ways his is less so because with Matrix you have to enter in the SN every time you patch the game. People are making way too much out of this.

It's not just serial number entry. You also get limited activations. But I'm one of those who accepts these types of DRM.