Matrix Games Forums

While the manual may be out of date, it is extremely important to at least read through it once.
Many if the concepts have not changed at all and you will get a basic understanding for the game interfaces and functions and how the game works as a whole.

The RTFM factor is quite huge. [;)]

That said, the look of some screens have changed, and many enhancements have been implemented since release (even whole new interfaces added), while other concepts have been dropped or completely revamped (pilot training is the best example here). On those there is either no, or incorrect, documentation in the manual, but usually there are a lot of people online who are able to answer your questions.

The outpouring of response hopefully justifies your purchase . Its one of the greatest strategy games ever. I've been playing since the original in 2004, but obviously prefer Admiral's Edition. Its worth the time, don't worry about getting beat up by the AI or a PBEM opponent at first. I would definitely try some short PBEM games like Coral Sea against folks to get your feet wet. And your first PBEM grand campaign should be as the Allies. The Japanese side is very fascinating but tough as a newb

ORIGINAL: db2000

OK Folks, no going back now. just placed a Wopping $102 order (ouch) so have jump in with both feet, let's see how deep the water is ;0)

Thanks for all the advice, links and welcome messages. looking forward to enjoying this over the weekend. Currently downloading with 9 minutes left. I take the point the manual may be well out of date now with all the patches/updates but it may be of use.

Welcome aboard, db2000!

While everything said about the "learning cliff" is true, set your expectations appropriately. If you only focus on learning a little bit at a time, in the smaller scenarios, the journey will be very, very fun long before you get near the top of the cliff. [:)]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: Paladin1dcs

I've been playing strategy games of one sort or another for a little over 20 years. (Advanced Third Reich was my first strategy game and it almost broke me.)

Interesting you should mention such and old beloved favorite. This will be my 40th year of wargaming and TR was my "go to" game for the first 20 years. So much so that I participated in the design of ATR as a playtester. If you still have a copy you will find my name in the design credits under playtesters. My real name that is (found under my profile here).

That's absolutely awesome, I'll have to look it up when I get back home this weekend. I can't say that I've playested any strategy games like this, but I've got my name in a book or two as well in the old Battletech games. Mostly from rules ideas and feedback, but I'm working on some other areas as well.

Everyone's got their weakness I guess, mine's big stompy robots and World War II. I don't usually mix the two though, that's a recipe for bizzare alt history stories.

Let me add my welcome, db2000. Everything everyone has said so far is absolutely true, and what nobody has specifically mentioned is the price per hour of play is the lowest of any computer game you'll ever play!

Another resource for information is the WitP:AE Wiki. It's not updated as frequently as it should be, but some of us do try.

WOW..... This place really is active! Am gradually going through all the recommendations and replies folks (thanks tons for that). Installed at home and applied patch through programme. Any moderators know, can I install this at home and at work? Sometimes I may get a chance to play around with getting familiar with controls etc. at work.

Yes, you can install it on multiple computers. Just keep your serial number handy.