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Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:42 am
by Prince of Eckmühl
My eyes tell me that Jim Cobb, editorialist for
The Armchair General has helped annoint SES's Distant Guns as STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR. My heart does not follow. That I believe at least three of Matrix Games titles were more deserving is largely irrelevant, as that is only my opinion. That Mr. Cobb's forum presence and role as promoter of DG is far less open to question can be detailed as follows:
I found the selection of Distant Guns as "best strategy game" totally bizarre, given my experience with the game demos. That is, until I realized that Jim Cobb was involved in the selection process.
Before playing the demo, I didn't know Jim Cobb from a hole in the ground. However, after downloading the original version of the demo, only to find it TOTALLY unstable on my computer, I posted to a thread on the AG forums looking for some help with DG, having googled the game and been directed to here:
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/s ... ht=ivanmoe
Were you to peruse the above thread, you'd see that my comments about Distant Guns were essentially of a technical nature, being a computer gaming enthusiast. It was at that point that Cobb inserted himself into my dilemna, insisting that my problems with the game were a product of "overheating," which of course I knew was not the case. Notice also, if you've got the time or energy that I responded to Cobb and others with detailed system specifications and what I had done to resolve the problem on my own.
Now, lets move forward a few weeks to another forum, again one which I googled up having tried an updated demo, the SZO forums:
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/s ... ht=ivanmoe
To summarize the discussion above, I posted there and complained about the lack of support for the game and the problems that I was having with the second demo. Once again, it was Cobb to the developer's rescue, calling me a TROLL when I failed to cite my system specs, which btw, I had already done in our previous encounter.
Am I troll? Was I just trying to cause trouble for the game developers? Were there no stability issues with DG?
Well ladies and gentlemen, the fact of the matter is that there was no formal technical support for DG when I posted to those two threads, nada, zip, zero, zilch. If you had a problem with the game, you were supposed to upload the fail-game file to the developer,
a procedure that I'm very much familiar with, having been a beta-tester for the last decade. It's also worth noting that at the time that I posted to the second thread above DG was on patch #15. It's currently on patch #43. No problems with this game, nope, solid as a rock.
And what about Jim Cobb? Well, here's a thread over at SZO-Distant Guns in which he trumpets the marvelous news for the developers, that theirs is "strategy game" of the year, HIMSELF, having delivered the goods:
http://www.xtreme-gamer.com/forums/dist ... -year.html
I realize that at the end of the day, none of this really matters. The game will succeed or fail on it's merits or lack thereof, although I did notice that there were only four members in the forum when I copied that last link, above. Still, Cobb's role in all this is preposterous, being nothing more than a schill for the developers, in my honest opinion. And there's not a hell of a lot that I or anyone else can do about it, other than break ties with the several entities that carry his drivel, and that I promise to do, subscriptions and all.
Happy gaming, everyone.
ivanmoe
That I have chosen to quote myself could be considered immodest. That I've done so without reservation or regard, whatsover, for Mr. Cobb's repute is sign of my utter disdain for the man and his ilk. He is no friend of wargamers and he should not be regarded as a source of legitimate discourse on wargaming.
PoE (aka ivanmoe)
Edit: I repaired the links above so that anyone interested in what transpired between Jim Cobb and myself could view the text in question. I do so with considerable hesitation, as was the case with the original, unedited post.
Still, when you're called to task, denigrated and demeaned, by a supposedly "independent, web-journalist," on an "independent, web-forum," who seeks to undermine you credibility in regard to a highly-suspect product, it's impossible to shrink from the challenge, your assailant's "good-old-boy" status, notwithstanding.
For more information on SES, Distant Guns game:
http://www.wargamer.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=208
You'll have to filter back a ways, btw. No one's posted there in a while, but the last thread topic is worthy of note,
"A Swarm of Bugs."
'Moe
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:03 am
by Adam Parker
I personally don't think any one PC game design in 2006 stood out.
And a PS to this post after 12 years. RIP Jim, just heard of your passing today.
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:06 pm
by BAL
I give about as much credence to these "game of the year" selections as I do the annual "worst dressed" selections; i.e. none. However, I used to frequent the SZO forums, which is now xtremegamer.com (or something similar) & I know there were a lot of complaints about the copy protection used for DG. Didn't pay much attention as some of the people were really going over the top in their complaints & I don't have all that much interest in naval games anyhow.
Finally, I have read some of Jim Cobb's reviews at wargamer.com & thought him one of the better reviewers there because some of the reviewers at wargamer really stink.
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:49 pm
by Les_the_Sarge_9_1
I'm not going to defend Jim, as I don't need to.
Jim is an excellent reviewer, even if being human he's not perfect. I've had opposing views on games with him on occasion, just as often as Jim and I have been completely in agreement.
That tells me Jim isn't a Les clone.
Patches? 43 patches? so what. Look at the rampant (and I do mean rampant) fan boyism you can get from War in the Pacific. Yet, some can STILL say it has issues not yet resolved, and after all this time. Just means some people will never like a game, or think it's done, or made properly or that the creators don't care or some or sort of issue.
I bought War in the Pacific. Had to wait till a golden opportunity though. The Blitzkrieg sale sure helped. I just didn't have a solid enough need for ANY wargame going for nearly 100 Canadian. I've heard the complaints though.
DG has a lot of dialogue discussing issues. And as a competent veteran wargamer, I am fully aware, that of those 43 patches, not all or even any might have ever been relevant to my own personal conditions.
I remember Civilization IV coming out, and the first patch was to immediately correct a major specific video card totally clumsy blunder. Yet, I was running that game just fine BEFORE that patch arrived for me. So, sometimes major needed patches just won't apply to all of us. What does that mean, sometimes you just have to suck it up, it's YOUR issue, and YOUR computer that had the failing, or the random variable condition that let you down.
Is DG worthy of 2006 Game of the Year? Well actually I put in a vote for another game on someone's poll myself. I'm not really into naval games, so I probably would not be supporting DG even if it had NOT needed those 43 patches.
I was actually more interested in voting for CotA or even Company of Heroes.
I read Jim's reviews likely with more interest than most others. but I have known Jim for a few years, and I like to think I know what he likes and why. I like to think most know what Les likes and why. he fact I liked CoH at all, suggests there is a lot more to this game, than "just another RTS game". Plenty have slagged it, but not Les. Makes you wonder (I would think it would make most wonder) "what did Les like about it?" considering my reasonably well known passionate hatred of all things RTS.
Sorry, but can't support your complaint about Jim at this time.
If you don't like DG, do the logical thing, vote for another game.
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:04 pm
by BAL
After reading Les' post I may have come across & trying to defend him although he certainly doesn't need that from me. I know DG had a lot of patches come out which is usually an indicator to me that it's a game to be avoided. That goes not only for DG but any other game. (I would have voted for CotA too, Les
)
PoE, did you try going directly to SES with your issues since, afterall, they designed the thing?
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:52 pm
by sterckxe
ORIGINAL: BAL
(I would have voted for CotA too, Les
)
Well you still can - the vote is open 'til this weekend on UseNet's war-historical ng to be found here :
http://groups.google.com/group/comp.sys ... historical
Look for the thread titled "Wargame of the Year 2006" - and there's even a Grand Prize as Arjuna has agreed to provide one lucky participant with an autographed copy of the upcoming Panther Games title : Battles from the Bulge
And on Xtreme-Gamer "Conquest of the Aegean" is leading the pack in their Wargame of the Year vote to be found here :
http://www.xtreme-gamer.com/forums/gene ... 006-a.html
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 5:35 pm
by David Heath
Hi Guys
Jim Cobb has been a good reviewers for years and I look forward to reading his articles. That does not mean I agree with him everytime but that is how it is supposed be. I also know the guys over at Armchair General and these guys are top notch people and gamers. I am sure there was no back end deals or anything else.
Thanks Eddy for the other voting sites.
David Heath
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 5:38 pm
by Hertston
Hehe.. they still can't change the punter demographics at that site no matter how hard they try, can they? [:D] Pleased to see
Air Assault Task Force doing well in the voting also.
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:23 pm
by sterckxe
ORIGINAL: Hertston
Hehe.. they still can't change the punter demographics at that site no matter how hard they try, can they? [:D] Pleased to see
Air Assault Task Force doing well in the voting also.
Well, afaik there are only 2 "open" Wargame of the Year elections on the 'Net and in *both* Conquest of the Aegean is leading the pack - that just can't be a coincidence now, can it ?
For those interested : the (current) vote on UseNet has
1) Conquest of the Aegean
2) Birth of America
3) TOAW 3
All 3 available right here for those who've been sleeping throughout 2006 [;)]
And be careful when visiting Usenet - "Here there be *real* dragons" should be the sign at the entrance [8D]
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:58 pm
by pad152
I too was sadly disappointed in Distant Guns, the 3D controls and that fly-on fly-off interface crap were horrible. The WarGamer gave it an excellence award while the campaign wasn't even working.[:-] I think it shows that 2006 was not a good year for wargames, a lot of rehash and not much of anything new. Let's hope 2007 is better![:)]
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:33 pm
by Erik Rutins
pad152,
2006 not a good year for Wargames? Have you looked at the releases we made in 2006?
Regards,
- Erik
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:12 pm
by Les_the_Sarge_9_1
Depends on what people like Eric.
I never spend any time and or effort even looking at material connected to some sectors of gaming. While on the other hand, I will peak in on some genres periodically, even when I usually expect to only find stuff I feel is just crud disguised as wargaming.
But I'm not surprised CotA is doing well. It's not like most other wargames. It's actually distinct in what it does and how it does it.
Some want to call it real time, some want it labelled Pausable something or other, there's even some insistent it is somehow turn based through interesting logic. But either way, it's still not more of the same.
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:00 pm
by wyrmmy
Which might explain why DG is doing fairly well, it is not more of the same and is pretty. The interface sucked so bad I have not yet bothered to reinstall it after a HD failure. Now if it was the tac component in WPO...[&o]
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:25 am
by Harry Flashman
ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins
pad152,
2006 not a good year for Wargames? Have you looked at the releases we made in 2006?
Regards,
- Erik
Yeah but what have you done for us lately! [:D]
It's
2007, no resting on the laurels...get going!
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 11:28 pm
by rhondabrwn
ORIGINAL: Harry Flashman
ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins
pad152,
2006 not a good year for Wargames? Have you looked at the releases we made in 2006?
Regards,
- Erik
Yeah but what have you done for us lately! [:D]
It's
2007, no resting on the laurels...get going!
Payday is next Thursday... get moving guys! You have six days to produce the next bank account depleting offensive!
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:52 am
by Erik Rutins
ORIGINAL: sterckxe
Well, afaik there are only 2 "open" Wargame of the Year elections on the 'Net and in *both* Conquest of the Aegean is leading the pack - that just can't be a coincidence now, can it ?
Don't forget Wargamer's Reader's Choice awards they run every year.
Regards,
- Erik
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:53 am
by Erik Rutins
It's 2007, no resting on the laurels...get going!
Payday is next Thursday... get moving guys! You have six days to produce the next bank account depleting offensive!
Hehe, I love you guys. [:D]
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 3:27 am
by Goblin
ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins
It's 2007, no resting on the laurels...get going!
Payday is next Thursday... get moving guys! You have six days to produce the next bank account depleting offensive!
Hehe, I love you guys. [:D]
....and gals...[;)]
Goblin
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 3:14 pm
by Moltke71
Prince,
I must correct you. I gave DG WARGAME of the Year. My personal strategic GOTY would be For Liberty! My review of that has been languishing in Xtreme-Gamer's vaults for weeks.
COYA would have been a very close runner up but Take Command - 2nd Manassas struck my fancy.
All these decisions were difficult BECAUSE 2006 was a fine year for games.
RE: Jim Cobb, Armchair General and STRATEGY GAME OF THE YEAR
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 4:41 pm
by Prince of Eckmühl
ORIGINAL: Bismarck
Prince,
I must correct you. I gave DG WARGAME of the Year. My personal strategic GOTY would be For Liberty! My review of that has been languishing in Xtreme-Gamer's vaults for weeks.
COYA would have been a very close runner up but Take Command - 2nd Manassas struck my fancy.
All these decisions were difficult BECAUSE 2006 was a fine year for games.
Interesting that you mention TC2M. I was the lead playtester for the game and it's predecessor,
Take Command: Bull Run. As a tester, I would collect failed-game files and send them off to the programmer. He would fix the bug, and post a new .EXE for download and further testing. That's the exact same procedure that
SES was using for the testing of DG, the difference being that the developers were using retail customers for beta-testers. But, I haven't noted anything of which you were unaware of, now have I?
Forgive me then if I took umbridge at your behavior on the SZO forums, as it seemed so uncharacteristic of a legitimate game reviewer to assume the role of advocate for a product as blatantly suspect as the one that you chose to champion. That everywhere your columns appear, the seas appear to part and the sky turn blue for
Distant Guns seems ample evidence of your bias in this regard. My system specs were posted in response to you at the AG forums, I don't live under a bridge and Distant Guns is up to "release" version #43, your affection for the game duly noted.
Enjoy.
PoE (aka ivanmoe)