Matrix Games Forums

Ok -

Here I am thinking – “hmm.. interesting conflict that has not been over covered in releases, probably worth grabbing and playing for a while.” Ooooooops. So, I should have probably checked the forums for a bit of intel before purchasing GOA. A sticky post with a great overview of how to start playing the game is a solid indication that designer's user interface is going to be amazingly painful. Sort of the thing the dude that writes the game code should have figured out. Errr… that plus a graphic with unit value explanations. Thank you Lava for doing Frank Hunter’s work for him, your post is a life saver.

GOA definitely earns points as the least intuitive release in the last 5 years. Pretty pop-ups providing nearly meaningless information. Scrolling the map with a mouse? Ummm.. sorry, didn’t make the feature list. I could understand having to crank through a game manual to pick up some new and unique approaches to managing the operations of units. I’m sorry, I seem to remember working with unit counters on hexagons about 25 years ago. Earth shattering advance, not so much. Pain of interface, extraordinary. Matrix, you should pull this from your line-up, it’s bringing your reputation down.

Thanks
Jim

Bye-byyyyeeee.......

Between the FAQ and excellent AAR by JP Falcon stickied at the top there is all one would need. Yes the manual is lacking some pertinent info and the scrolling is a nuisance(arrow keys work fine) at first but there is alot of game here. Give it a chance...it's pretty deep[:)].

I have been wargaming since board game days (Avalon Hill).  I bought this Saturday and I am already thinking this may be one of the best wargames I have come across in a long time. 

Jimmy,

Thanks for your feedback, but in this instance you may not want to judge a book by its cover. Make sure you get the latest update and give it another chance.

Regards,

- Erik

ORIGINAL: . . .I seem to remember working with unit counters on hexagons about 25 years ago. . . .

Counters and hexagons have a lot going for them, its why they have been around for a while.[:-]

On a bit more serious of a note, looking at reviews and info would have quickly told you that this is a counters and hexagon game; which should have prevented the purchase.

Shortsighted and unfair.

Frank does excellent work. Possibly you are simply spoiled

ORIGINAL: jimmy_wishbone

Ok -

GOA definitely earns points as the least intuitive release in the last 5 years.
Thanks
Jim

I always wondered why so many people got in trouble with the interface. I admit it took me about 10 minutes to figure it out, one day to feel comfortable with it. Oh well, I guess it's an IQ problem.

I think GoA is pretty simple.  Its much easier and more intuitive to me than, say, Hearts of Iron 2, and HoI2 isnt even a real grog title like GoA is.

I always wondered why so many people got in trouble with the interface. I admit it took me about 10 minutes to figure it out, one day to feel comfortable with it. Oh well, I guess it's an IQ problem.

It is not a a matter of IQ.
Try to imagine GOA with a "Battlefront" interface: it would be the perfect strategic wargame.
Just a matter of designer's priorities I think, but the interface is definitly below current standards and the manual should be entirely re-written. [8|]
Nevertheless the game is quite a good one, fun to play, immersive, with one of the best AI around.[;)]

It is not a a matter of IQ. Try to imagine GOA with a "Battlefront" interface: it would be the perfect strategic wargame.
Just a matter of designer's priorities I think, but the interface is definitly below current standards and the manual should be entirely re-written. [8|] Nevertheless the game is quite a good one, fun to play, immersive, with one of the best AI around.[;)]

I think this is absolutely spot on - the interface isn't nice, but it's adequate, but when you compare it to those wargames recently released like BF it's quite some way behind. The upside is that the game is very good and has a good historical feel - can't have everything I guess [:)]

There's some useful stuff in the FAQ/AAR that helps, but really I would like to know more detailed stuff like retreat mechanics and how which naval units are destroyed or not (I have seen naval units sink or disappear when I know they have received fewer hits than their protection allowance)
 
Also, would it be possible to get a list of destroyed friendly units as a report in the game?  Naval and land units.

The OP makes some valid points, but I think he is getting carried away with his criticism. I get the feeling that he is one of those people who likes to jump right into a game without having to read the manual or put any effort into learning the mechanics of the game engine. GOA does require some effort on the player's part, to understand some of in nuances of the game. A more detailed manual would help immensely here. Calling on Matrix to pull the game in order to save their reputation is simply rediculous.

I think every title I have from Matrix has one thread along these lines. Someone who's never posted before comes in, tears the game a new one, and then everyone feels the need to jump in and defend it.

It's pointless.

You're not going to change his opinion. His opinion doesn't impact yours. You never see from him again.

Best case, he's a disillusioned gamer who feels burned by his purchase. He'll get over it. Worst case, he's trolling and looking to spark reaction from the people here.

If he came looking for advice, or had a question, or was offering actual feedback, that'd be something.

This thread is something else entirely. Ignore it.

ORIGINAL: themattcurtis

I think every title I have from Matrix has one thread along these lines. Someone who's never posted before comes in, tears the game a new one, and then everyone feels the need to jump in and defend it.

It's pointless.

You're not going to change his opinion. His opinion doesn't impact yours. You never see from him again.
. . .

My reply wasn't meant so much for the original poster as for other newbies who may casually come by this thread before purchase. I assume most of the responses are meant in that vein, along with wanting to support what is basically a good game.

Exactly! I didn't want his skewed opinions to deter anyone from buying the game.

ORIGINAL: jimmy_wishbone
...Matrix, you should pull this from your line-up, it’s bringing your reputation down.

Thanks
Jim

Jim, If I were you, I would not be so judgemental so early on. I agree, as others have, that the manual is lacking and the interface "quirky", but the game is simply great fun...and that's all I expect of a game. I would like a great manual (and it could do with one) and I'd love a nice "poppy uppy" interface, but the game mechanics are good enough to overcome these issues.

You've already spent the money, if I were you, I'd stick at it and see what it really has to offer. Besides, there have been others like you who have posted similar as you, only to find sticking with it actually rewards you...

The game is great and well worth the effort.

ORIGINAL: freder

ORIGINAL: jimmy_wishbone

Ok -

GOA definitely earns points as the least intuitive release in the last 5 years.
Thanks
Jim

I always wondered why so many people got in trouble with the interface. I admit it took me about 10 minutes to figure it out, one day to feel comfortable with it. Oh well, I guess it's an IQ problem.

..Or just laziness. If j_w gives it another good 1/2 hour of effort, he will feel an urge to return to apologize.

Perhaps it's time for Matrix to begin development on an USB device that will fit neatly in an ear, or perhaps up a nose for quick downloading and assimilation of rules.

ORIGINAL: 06 Maestro


Perhaps it's time for Matrix to begin development on an USB device that will fit neatly in an ear, or perhaps up a nose for quick downloading and assimilation of rules.

[:D]

ooops!  Wrong Door.  THis is not the quite room......[X(][:D]