PacWar Questions from a newbie

[Popeye USN]

Been playing UV for years. Over 60 so would not finish WinP in my lifetime....LOL
Just found this game, downloaded it and even have the manual. Sounds fun and something new to try. Retired Navy Commander who now teaches at the High School level.
Questions:
1. Any patches for this game or is what I got what I need?
2. How do you play a PBEM game?
3. Are both sides even, or is it squewed toward one side or the other like UV?
4. AI any good?
Thanks for any response...Popeye [&o]

[Skipjack]

ORIGINAL: Popeye USN
Over 60 so would not finish WinP in my lifetime....LOL

Welcome to the forum! I am in the over 40 crowd also, and want a game that won't suck the life force out of me [;)] IMHO Pacific War is a great computer game forged in the crucible of 640K of computer memory - massive in scope but with a good abstraction of low-level details like supply. Witp illustrates a game built without boundaries - resulting in a big learning curves and time commitments.

ORIGINAL: Popeye USN
Any patches for this game or is what I got what I need?

Version 3.2 which can be downloaded from Matrix games is the latest - I believe I am not the only one who feels their were previous versions that played better, but this is the one that works on Windows XP without Dosbox.

ORIGINAL: Popeye USN
How do you play a PBEM game?

First you need to find an opponent and settle on house rules plus sides. You can download Pacwardocs which includes some sample house rules to pick-and-choose from. To begin, the Japanese player starts the chosen scenario (one of those with PBEM on the description - see the "other scenarios" menu). Each player picks a password on their first turn to prevent the other player from opening their game turn. The IJN player sends SaveX, SaveX.cd, SaveX.md, SaveX.rd and SaveX.vcr to the allied player when done, the allied player sends back SaveX, SaveX.cd and SaveX.md. The VCR menu option is what lets the allied player see the turn play out (same thing the IJN player sees when opening the completed turn) - however it is not always accurate - the BATTLE menu will show you want really happened.

ORIGINAL: Popeye USN
Are both sides even, or is it skewed toward one side or the other like UV?

IMHO, the Japanese are given faster transports and more supplies than what is historical. Version 1.2 was better in this regard - the transports were slow and getting supplies to Malaysia in order to take Singapore was a major challenge. In 3.2, the IJN has speed 20+ APs with 200 capacity - seems a bit much based on Albert A. Nofi's discussion of the strategic situation in the original manual. There have been complaints about the allied side late in the war - the USN can build TFs with virtually impenetrable AA values - the debate rages whether that is historical. I like to credit the proximity fuse myself [:D]

ORIGINAL: Popeye USN
AI any good?

It will challenge you initially but once you learn it's pattern and the game (and you get a taste of playing a human opponent) you can never be satisfied with it again

[Popeye USN]

Thanks for the info. Once I get semi-proficient maybe we can play a game?

[Skipjack]

That would be my pleasure. Be warned, with a wife and two kids I am turn-challenged to keep pace with some more committed players [;)]

[Capt. Harlock]

Version 3.2 which can be downloaded from Matrix games is the latest - I believe I am not the only one who feels their were previous versions that played better, but this is the one that works on Windows XP without Dosbox.

Be aware that the Version 3.2 that you download from Matrix is actually an upgrade. The best way to install is to first install Version 3.0 (full install) and then install Version 3.2 on top.

[moni kerr]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Version 3.2 which can be downloaded from Matrix games is the latest - I believe I am not the only one who feels their were previous versions that played better, but this is the one that works on Windows XP without Dosbox.

Be aware that the Version 3.2 that you download from Matrix is actually an upgrade. The best way to install is to first install Version 3.0 (full install) and then install Version 3.2 on top.

So where does one find ver 3.0?

I'm experieincing some issues in my game with zeke, mainly TFs not moving, and we think it might be because I'm using the 3.2 ver straight from Matrix.

I find that the convoy system is screwed up. MCSs and Tks are supposed to originate in LA but I find they get used no matter what port they are in. That makes it very difficult to repair them.

[Skipjack]

ORIGINAL: moni kerr
So where does one find ver 3.0?

I don't know - I downloaded 3.2 from matrix games without 3.0 - the most recent version I had before that was 2.2.

ORIGINAL: moni kerr
I'm experiencing some issues in my game with zeke, mainly TFs not moving, and we think it might be because I'm using the 3.2 ver straight from Matrix.

Sometimes my TFs do not move - I know the game has rules for TF prep points, which are tracked apart from HQ prep points (and there is no way to check what level they are at) - I do not fully understand them but I have gotten in the practice of removing my TFs when they reach port to "freshen them up" - it is when I forget to do this that some TFs seem to stall moving towards there destination. I don't embark on any major move without removing and recreating all TFs involved.

ORIGINAL: moni kerr
I find that the convoy system is screwed up. MCSs and Tks are supposed to originate in LA but I find they get used no matter what port they are in. That makes it very difficult to repair them.

I have found this also - MCS and DDs sitting in San Fransisco get pulled into the routine supply system - I don't know whether the same holds true for San Diego and Seattle.

[moni kerr]

ORIGINAL: Skipjack
Sometimes my TFs do not move - I know the game has rules for TF prep points, which are tracked apart from HQ prep points (and there is no way to check what level they are at) - I do not fully understand them but I have gotten in the practice of removing my TFs when they reach port to "freshen them up" - it is when I forget to do this that some TFs seem to stall moving towards there destination. I don't embark on any major move without removing and recreating all TFs involved.

I was thinking it might have something to do with prep points. The problem seems to occur occasionally and then things go back to normal. Its frustrating tp have a TF with a slowest speed of 24 take 3 turns to go from Brisbane to New Caledonia.

ORIGINAL: moni kerr
I have found this also - MCS and DDs sitting in San Fransisco get pulled into the routine supply system - I don't know whether the same holds true for San Diego and Seattle.

Any port for my MCSs, not just west coast. The only ones that don't get pulled in are the CW ones. The system works properly for DDs and DEs.

[madgamer2]

ORIGINAL: Skipjack

That would be my pleasure. Be warned, with a wife and two kids I am turn-challenged to keep pace with some more committed players [;)]

When you find yourself sleeping on the sofa for to much gaming time think if your statement in reverse Its your wife and kids that are turned challenged May not be true but ya might sleep better. I take your coments about time vs. depth of play. I would like your reaction to my post on why players still play the Matrix old version insted of WitP. I think I will join you in that respect very soon

Lawrence

[madgamer2]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Version 3.2 which can be downloaded from Matrix games is the latest - I believe I am not the only one who feels their were previous versions that played better, but this is the one that works on Windows XP without Dosbox.

Be aware that the Version 3.2 that you download from Matrix is actually an upgrade. The best way to install is to first install Version 3.0 (full install) and then install Version 3.2 on top.

Is version 3 still on the download pager?

Lawrence

[Skipjack]

ORIGINAL: Popeye USN

Thanks for the info. Once I get semi-proficient maybe we can play a game?

Ready when you are. Send a PM