Newbie question

[MasterServer]

This is an awsome game and forum.

I am overwhelmed.

Where can I get experience in this type of strategic (not shoot-em-up) war gaming on a smaller strategic scale before downloading such a large game?

Are there "limited" versions of SP that let you test, or let you in easy - before downloading 425 Mb?

This will be my first "strategy" war game.

[Goblin]

The game itself can be adjusted to be very simple, with small scenarios, or very complex. The tutorials walk you into the game gently, as do some of the smaller campaigns, especially Flesh and Steel. I would advise downloading it, and starting simple/small. I honestly do not believe you will feel the d/l effort to be wasted.
 
 
Goblin

[Goblin]

I'm going to bump this to the Training Center, as I believe you will get more responses there.
 
 
Goblin

[Arctic Blast]

I would recommend just going ahead and downloading the game, as it doesn't cost you anything (unless you don't have access to broadband, or something along those lines). Play the tutorials, then just start playing through a bunch of scenarios, or just punch of some battles to get used to how combat works. Once you feel you've got a grip on the game, then roll in to a short campaign (the Balkans one is a good starting point).

Oh, and welcome aboard!

[FlashfyreSP]

Just a clarification: This is NOT a 'strategic' game, but a 'tactical' game of battalion-level. Strategic games deal in theaters and fronts, using forces of Division size and larger. SPWAW focuses on the squad/platoon/company force level.

[DrOnline]

If you want to try an nice strategic war game, I recommend Panzer General/Allied General. Particularily the latter, as it is easier to get it to work in windows XP (dunno about Vista).

I've played those game sooo much

Edit: and I believe they are abandonware, so you can download them..

[Arctic Blast]

All of the General games also have a pretty active little mod community cranking out new material, as well.

[Rimrunner]

If the download is a problem for you, you might try to find a used copy of the original Steel Panthers on CD - that would give you a really good idea of what to expect, and the included tutorials are a good introduction to the game.

If the question is whether the download is worth it - I've been playing variants of this game for around ten years.....

Buying the full version? It's really high priced. Try to find a pal with broadband.

[StephanFH]

Yep, I agree with what everybody else said. I'm also on a very tight budget so I haven't bought the megacampaigns and other stuff from Matrix. When I can I will. The download really is worth it and so is the the effort necessary to get it to run. I also highly recommend the Enhanced DVRN download as well. Those guys did a lot of great work.
If I can be any help at all, please feel free to email me.
Steve