Matrix Games Forums

I agree with the original poster. I just bought the game and after hours of trying can only agree the interface is appalling. The lack of manual just makes it so much worse. I can't believe the publisher released this without a decent manual - and why does it have 134 keyboard commands for gods sake? I've played pc games since the 80s and this rates as one of the most inaccessable. They should have warned about the lack of manhual and the difficulty simply trying to operate the game before selling it.

I have the original AP:K43.

I've been playing computer games since 1995 and while I agree the interface is a bit odd (Why is the button of the gallery with all the models a tiny little tank hidden between the interface of the main screen???) I don't understand how people can't take time to learn it, what is so hard about it? you move your units and give them the most basic of orders and they execute the best they can, you don't even lock fire command into a unit like Close Combat they do it by themselves! and I don't need to know all 134 commands of everything the game does, only the ones I use like binocs, screenshot and camera navigation. I honestly don't know what is it so hard to learn about this game that makes people want to not play it.

Could the interface be better? YES
Would I stop playing a game because of its ugly interface even though the GAMEPLAY is amazing? NO!

I agree. These complaints are just....well ridiculous. The game is quite easy to learn.

I hope PrinceP didn't give up. I looked at it like peeling the layers of an onion and finding all this cool stuff underneath as I fumbled around with the game. Even their sister game Steel Armor, which features FPS controls that are very lifelike. I never do fps, but still enjoy the little touches they've put in the game. And these guys are Russians that are putting some of our sim developers to shame.

Can you please post some tips or explain it to us?I havnt seen any posts where people who know the ui have explained it to the rest of us.[&:]

Man, I'm no expert. I hate reading manuals and studying hotkey charts, but that's what I did. Also, the graviteam.com website has some helpful posts. However, I am still fumbling, and it is certainly far from intuitive, but it gets easier. There is a tactics manual on the Graviteam site that is also good. There are two manuals I think for Steel Armor. I would consider that one when it gets cheap on GamersGate, which it will again.

I am not expecting the polish of CMBN here. Of course, CMBN with the expansion(s) cost a lot more.

Also, there is a great post or two on that (Flight/Tank) Sim site (darn, forgot the url). An awesome walkthrough of the fps part of Steel Armor, so there has to be some good stuff on APOS there, too, I would think.

Ok,why cant anyone post in the war room or here how to play this game?

Here's one forum resource, but one has to wade through it for help:

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/f ... _Sims.html

Thanks,I bought it anyway,Im sure I can figure it out

Took about 30 minutes to figure out.Find it annoying to remember to "de click" after giving an order.Its not that difficult to learn the ui,its realley just the opposite of what most of us are used to.

Also, keep an eye on the Graviteam site, as people mentioned a new patch, too. Which is a challenge in itself to install. We can direct you to the forum instructions for patch installation, as it is not intuitive - at all [;)]

OK. I am starting a new thread now to cover the basics, although I have the Graviteam version, so there are some very minor differences...

Great job redmarkus4. That should help alot of people thats having trouble with the game.

I have the old one and the new one. They are both really good games but not easy to learn.
We are used to being spoon fed tutorials and I like that myself because I like instant gratification. Fun Now!!
This, however, is not a sign of maturity. Big expectations lead to big disappointments. If it is too easy people would complain.
I wish people would understand the difference between "I do not like this game..." which is your inarguable opinion
and "This game sux dude!!!!" which is neither objective nor helpful. It says more about the commentator than the game.
Another thing, since I am venting, is people commenting on games based on hearsay without even seeing them
"If that game doesn't have the proper name for Napoleon's horse I ain't buying!"
There are some fans out here who only have and play a couple of games but have a lot to say about everything.
cheers

I plus one that.

However, neither the devs or Matrix have done much to help themselves in this instance. The game is my personal all time favorite, but it IS hard to learn and it's poorly supported in terms of both manual and tutorial.

It's disappointing that more people aren't playing APOS and producing mods and campaigns.

Thank You redmarkus4. Looking forward to your helpful insights on this game.
BTW your signature quote is not from Einstein. Nobody knows who came up with it and it has been attributed to many thinkers.
It is not a definition of insanity but rather a definition of golf. Remember always..... things have never been more like they are than right now.
cheers

Thanks. Can we agree that Einstein uttered the words, even if he didn't invent the phrase?

It is now officially "beer o'clock", so I'm logging off and heading out!

ORIGINAL: redmarkus4

OK. I am starting a new thread now to cover the basics, although I have the Graviteam version, so there are some very minor differences...

Thanks,though I have learned "basics" Im sure there is a lot more to cover.The game is not a complicated as people say,it realley is easy to learn.

ORIGINAL: bairdlander

ORIGINAL: redmarkus4

OK. I am starting a new thread now to cover the basics, although I have the Graviteam version, so there are some very minor differences...

Thanks,though I have learned "basics" Im sure there is a lot more to cover.The game is not a complicated as people say,it realley is easy to learn.

And it's also well worth learning! Few games of this type have given me so much satisfaction.