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Hi was wondering if there were tutorial scenarios that cover some of the basics?

Yes, there is a tutorial scenario which both has both briefing instructions and step by step in color in the game manual too.

The only real issue that I had witht the tutorial is that it is not completely deterministic. So, sometimes you simply are not going to find the contact you are supposed to in order to test stuff out. This is a little frustrating when trying to learn and it also leaves you asking yourself, "Was that random scenario behavior or was I doing something wrong?".

For the most part, the game's UI mechanics are very easy to learn. Less easy, is the underlying concepts of naval warfare. For that, getting a download copy of the H2/H3 manual may be worthwhile to read the general concepts section of that manual. The "Guide to Naval Warfare" by Ed Dille is very helpful. HCCE's conceptual guide section is limited to just a few pages compared to the old H3 manual you can find on the Net for H3/H2 which has about 70-80 pages of material.

ORIGINAL: rekm41
Hi was wondering if there were tutorial scenarios that cover some of the basics?

Yes, there are two 'beginner walk-through' scenarios (one in the GIUK Battleset and another in Westpac) that serve as tutorials for the new Harpoon player.

They're not 'take you by the hand' type tutorials or walk-throughs that prompt you at every step of the way, but they contain plenty of useful information for beginners, and approach the basic game mechanics concepts in a simple and easy to understand way.

There are also a multitude of small scale scenarios that provide a steady learning experience through 'baptism by fire'. [;)]

Thanks for the quick answers. So how is the manual? How long does a small scenario take? A long one? I am considering buying this game so was just wondering.

Thanks

ORIGINAL: rekm41
Thanks for the quick answers. So how is the manual?

New HCE players might be better candidates to tell you how well the manual performs, but I think it does a pretty job overall. Plus, its pretty ![:D]

How long does a small scenario take? A long one? I am considering buying this game so was just wondering. Thanks

Most scenarios are designed to model engagements that take place over a period of days, usually 1-2 (e.g. for small, local battles) up to 10-14 (e.g. for convoy transits).

This does not, however, mean that it will take you that same amount of real time to complete a scenario. There are time compression options (in varying increments from 1 second to 30 minutes) that will move the battle along when not much else is happening, i.e. units are in transit or moving to engagement.

Your mileage will vary, of course, but a small scale scenario can take 1-2 hours while a large scale scenario could take you several days.

The think the manual is a good read and helpful for new players.  It also has pics from the old 80's GDW tabletop manual. [8D]

Once again thanks for the helpful info. Found the older versions manuals already and will have to check them out as well.

Thanks

Downloading now. Look forward to learning this game.