There is a problem...

[JudgeDredd]

With the Combat Advisor...

Well, if I was telling the truth, it's not with the Combat Advisor...I just forgot to check (and it isn't mentioned in the manual that I remember...so you may want to point it out...'cos it is important)...

With the Combat Advisor, it's very, very easy to click and press CTRL-O - that handy shortcut key you mention in the tutorial - problem is, it isn't really apparent that this could strip you flanks of troops.

The reason I missed this is because it doesn't become apparent in the tutorial really. Most units are fairly close and the Soviet player has enough troops not to worry about exposing a flank...however, I've just come across it in the main campaign and it's caused me a problem...now my Northern flank is exposed as troops were stripped from there to come to my Combat Advisors aid.

Now I know it's my problem. The Combat Advisor, after all, does highlight the units to come to your rescue. However, you aren't aware that it's going to take ALL your units.

You don't need these, as anyone who it happens to learns their lesson pretty quickly, but I think an undo button for following the Combat Advisors advice would be nice. AND pointing it out in the tutorial...because it really isn't apparent in the tutorial.

I know they can be construed as "idiots" help, but it did take me by surprise that my Northern flank is almost completely devoid of units so I could get my 20-1 odds further south against a strongpoint.

[Noakesy]

The combat advisor in this (and previous SSG) game is very much a double edged sword. With the normal advisor it will tell you which units to move, but does not take into account the strategic situation, I see it as a simple "maths" tool to help you out. It's really useful, but you'll find there is often more than one way to achieve the end result, and the pc only tells you one of them.

I've not used the CtrlO function as I guessed that it would just strip units out ruthlessly, and in no way would it consider the strategic situation at the time (it can't).

[e_barkmann]

I don't think an undo option after pressing Cntrl-0 would work due to the amount of possible actions undertaken by that command that would not be allowed to be undone (eg expose an enemy unit).

I think it's best to look at the units highlighted to move for a selected combat before committing, and judge whether the CA is itself being judicious or otherwise...

cheers

[JudgeDredd]

ORIGINAL: Chris Merchant

I don't think an undo option after pressing Cntrl-0 would work due to the amount of possible actions undertaken by that command that would not be allowed to be undone (eg expose an enemy unit).

I think it's best to look at the units highlighted to move for a selected combat before committing, and judge whether the CA is itself being judicious or otherwise...

cheers

Well, it's just as well I wasn't developing the game, 'cos that is something I clearly missed [:D]

Enjoying trying to hold the flanks with limited forces...at the moment, the map looks rather exciting.

The Northern Flank

[JudgeDredd]

The Western Flank

[JudgeDredd]

The Southern Flank

[JudgeDredd]

Turn 3 of 16 and it is rather exciting, having to maximise your forces whilst trying not to leave flanks exposed. Although it does seem as if the Axis AI would rather batton down the hatches near Kharkov than come in through the back door. Of course, I don't know what the Axis AOs looks like, so I don't know if he can take advantage of my exposed Northern or Western flanks...he certainly doesn't seem to have much in the way of spare units in the centre (Western flank).

I also don't know what he's got in reinforcements...could be he can come smashing up at any moment through my western flank...who knows. I guess I'll find out.

The Northern flank is like hammering at a great big metal door with a fork

The Western flank I've left exposed with great risk of being cut off

The Southern flank I'm coming under alot of pressure.

I will add I am playing the Soviets and Axis AI is on normal (turning it up a notch is the recommended level). Also I am playing with historical AOs, do not have any knowledge of Axis AOs or reinforcements.

[LarryP]

So Judge, was it worth the $60 so far for one scenario? [&:] [:)]

[JudgeDredd]

I am actually having lots of fun at the moment...but I may stll may be in "new game" mode.
 
The machanics are great though...I'll give them that just now.
 
And someone in another thread said the battle is fluid...from my limited turns (4) I have to agree...at least in my game. I decided where I wanted a gap, made the gap and then bolted...however, I'm having to back track already.
 
Worth $60...at the moment, I'm not disappointed...[:D]

[JudgeDredd]

I meant to say also...with the link from Treale (I think) for the WWII Soviet and German music, it's very enjoyable. Playing as the Soviets and listening to the marching songs of WWII Russia...great. Can't wait....as the Germans I have my beloved PanzerLeid.

[Toby42]

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

I meant to say also...with the link from Treale (I think) for the WWII Soviet and German music, it's very enjoyable. Playing as the Soviets and listening to the marching songs of WWII Russia...great. Can't wait....as the Germans I have my beloved PanzerLeid.

"PanzerLeid" was the only good thing to come out of that terrible movie "Battle of the Bulge". You would think that the producers never read a history of the battle or talked to any veterans. I did like Telly Savalas' part though [8|]

[LarryP]

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

Worth $60...at the moment, I'm not disappointed...[:D]

Do you also have Battlefront, and if so, isn't this game similar? I have Battlefront and that keeps me from buying this one too.

[JudgeDredd]

I don't own Battlefront.

As far as I know, it's "different" to Battlefront. How, I'm not sure. Well, except the AOs which are exciting in so far as you need the resources but can't have them until you take your objective.

I was not a fan of the SSG system. I didn't give Korsun Pocket much of a chance because I didn't like the look and feel and, frankly, didn't quite "get it".

I could say I wouldn't be shy on buying another of their titles. Not to say I'm a fan of the "1 scenario" thing...but if other scenarios come out...well...you never know...never say never I suppose.

[LarryP]

Shoot, as short a time as I play a game the 1 scenario thing would be just right. [;)] Although I always come back to all games so in the long run I get my monies worth. If this is a lot like Battlefront then I'm not interested. I have read good things about this one though, but I was still surprised you bought it. Our interests are hard to keep fed. [:D]

[Toby42]

Larry, What's the rap against Battlefront?

[JudgeDredd]

Well I was and have been intrigued with the AOs.It just "sounds right" in a game...keeping forces back until an objective is met and, with that success comes reward.

So I was keeping my eye on it and was not at all sure about the 1 scenario job...really, I do not want to feed developers money so they can churn out games with 1 scenario and rely on the customers to make more.

I'm still not entirly sure about the 1 scenario...but the game has surprised me.

[LarryP]

ORIGINAL: Treale

Larry, What's the rap against Battlefront?

I don't need another Battlefront. I also have BoN, BoI, and Korsun. Unless there are some major differences then I'm not interested in another of this type. I have no rap against Battlefront.

[Toby42]

Maybe someone that has both games could do a comparison???

[LarryP]

ORIGINAL: Treale

Maybe someone that has both games could do a comparison???

You're right, let us know how you like Battlefront. [;)]

For $50 download and $60 physical?! Not me. Not anymore. I payed less for Advanced Tactics and that game can be played from now to eternity. Great value! [X(]

[JudgeDredd]

I thought Advanced Tactics was awful...but I was, apparently, the only person who thought this!!  [X(]