Kharkov Impressions

[emcgman]

To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting as much in comparison with the other DB series and Battlefront. What I have now is a whole lot more than what I expected.

First off, the tutorial is excellent, right down to every unit detail and interface convenience. If there's anyone who hasn't played any SSG games yet, this would be the one to start with.

I'm getting big time useage from the new enhancements to the interface and controls. These have proven to be very useful.

I was actually suprised by the coolness of the AO's. They definitely add a whole new dimension to the game. As soon as you see them in operation, you know you're on to something excellent.

The scenario itself is a complete blast. I have to say, previously, I never really got into the kind of scenario where it's just a huge front line. It seemed too boring. But right away on turn one the Russians bust through in at least a couple places, the Germans start counter attacking and all hell breaks loose! You've got at least two major operations going on, with more stuff happening behind the lines in preparation for more break throughs.

SSG has done a great job creating the colorful variety of play between the Russians with their awesome artillery and the Germans with the hedgehog defense. You definitely want to play both sides.

Kharkov is one tight game, that's for sure.

[JudgeDredd]

Seconded...every word.

Very polished game and manual also. Tutorials are great.

[Adam Parker]

ORIGINAL: emcgman

First off, the tutorial is excellent, right down to every unit detail and interface convenience...

The scenario itself is a complete blast. I have to say, previously, I never really got into the kind of scenario where it's just a huge front line. It seemed too boring. But right away on turn one...

You definitely want to play both sides.

Most useful post I've read on this game to date. Thanks.

[Adam Parker]

Emcgman, what's your take on the graphics? How long is it taking you to play through a turn and how are you managing to keep track of what's going on around you?
 
The latter is where I've always fallen short in the bigger HPS Panzer Campaigns scenarios.
 
Oh, if only SSG had taken the HPS approach and broken this game down to sector-based and other smaller scenarios as well as the big campaign. Let's the gamer get used to what's going on and gather some game play under the belt. Maybe AO's don't allow for this?

[JudgeDredd]

Actual, Adam, the AOs kind of break it down to sector battles anyway.

By that I mean, because you have limited scope for your units (introduced by AOs) then there really is a "limited" battlefield for them (unless you open up AOs by grabbing objectives).

I have the same "dislike" for games with a massive front line and solid, wall to wall armies. This plays completely differently to those imo.

As large as the map is, and as many units as you have, I have not felt over-whelmed with the scope of the game.

[emcgman]

Hey Adam,

I'm glad you asked this question. [:D] I'll keep this as concise as possible, but a lot more detailed presentation easily comes to mind!

The graphics, for me, are the most immersive of any hex based game. The natural looking geography of the map, along with the sharp and historical looking unit designs gets you connected.

I just got the game a few days ago, so I'm just getting familiar with the initial strategies.

Basically, the Russians bust through the line in at least a couple places right on turn one. After that, a lot of things are happening.

Let me get right down to the heart of your 2nd question.

You don't really want to worry how much time you spend on a turn, or on learning the game. SSG has created an innovative gaming system that is deep. It's like Chess, only for hex based gaming.

I've started over 3-4 times now, I just couldn't go on after losing an entire armored division! [:D]

Right now, I'm on turn 3 as the Russians and I played for about 30 minutes, manuevering my western spearhead. Next I'll manuever my southern spearhead, and then decide where I want my `go anywhere' regiments to help out. All on turn 3.

Keeping track in a big scenario is a challenge. But here's a gameplay tip:

SSG has designed an interface that makes it simple.

Most divisions, except artillery and other assets, are 3-4 unit groups. When you select any unit, a panel comes up to the right, but you're still in the main map screen. The panel shows a row of the units in that group. You can select any unit in the group from the mini icons in that row. They also tell you if they're within range of their integrity bonus, and if they're in the same stack.

You basically end up making your moves from this divisional group panel, although you still have complete freedom on the map screen to select and move anything.

Then, the AO's show you where each HQ and it's groups can operate. This gives you a focus that will aid you in planning your moves.

The AO's definitely allow for any sized scenario. I don't know if you'd want to break this one down, because ultimately, everthing's inter-related.

No Fear! [:D]

Hey, I forgot originally, but wanted to let you know that each tutorial lesson has an associated mini scenario map with units on both sides that you can mess with to your hearts content. Artillery, bridge blowing and repairing, close combat. They let you get completely hands on with all unit movement and abilities, hex side shifts, and the Combat Results Table. The tutorial scenarios are loaded from a special screen where you can load any one of them instantly.

[sabre1]

Arrgghh, I just bought COTA, and figured I wait until I learn/play that, while waiting for the scenario pack for this one.  STOP it, you guys are killing me, and wearing my resistance down.  Then the new Napoleon game is coming out...[:-][8|][:)]
 

[emcgman]

No one ever said being a gamer was easy!   [:D]

[sabre1]

All right, I succumbed to the temptation, and could not stand it any longer.  I will spend time this weekend learning the game.  I was assimilated. 
 
JD, no more recommendations PLEASE!

[sol_invictus]

Yeah, I know I will end up getting this game. I tried to stay strong and tell myself that I was sick of WWII and had moved on, but yeah, I will get it eventually.

[JudgeDredd]

ORIGINAL: sabre1

All right, I succumbed to the temptation, and could not stand it any longer.  I will spend time this weekend learning the game.  I was assimilated. 

JD, no more recommendations PLEASE!

lol

Not buying any more strategy games until Christmas. In fact, the only other computer games on the horizon for me are Brothers in Arms:Hells Highway and X3 Terran Conflict and DCS Black Shark.

In conjunction with my other post on DRM, it depends on what these use. I won't be buying on day of release (seldom do nowadays anyway) so I'll be able to read up and see. Unfortunately, it was finding out that there is a possibility of X3:Terran Conflict having TAGES DRM that spurred me to talk about DRM...so I may not be getting that one anyway.

X3 is not what I would've thought was a big hit on the pirate market anyway...it's very hardcore...you simply can't pick it up and play...the "empire building" is very difficult. I'd put it on a par with a medium strategy game. So why they feel the need for DRM anyway, I do not know.

[hank]

So you'll know what kind of promise this game has, go to the Run5 SSG website and download a user scenario called "battle for Solksy" (I think that's the name).  What's great about this user scenario is that it presents how flexible this system is.  The designer modelled the sce after a board game.  The map and graphics are very different from the stock SSG scenarios.  This designer chose to make the graphics look like a table top game ... and it works great.
 
This engine has got a great future.  I can see future scenario's made with a variety of map and unit graphics that should keep any hex based IGOUGO player interested for a long time.
 
[&o]

[JudgeDredd]

I played it. Didn't dig the graphics that much, but I understood the feel he was going for. Considering how quickly it was out, it was impressive. Quite balanced as far as I can remember.

[hank]

I haven't played Soltsky past turn 7 or 8 so i can't speak to balance.  I was also impressed how fast he popped that one out.  What I find most impressive is how different it is from prior sce's.  I could see maps made from all types of sources; aerial photos, topographic maps, etc.  Graphics for units are also up for all types of pics.  As long as you can get a graphic in BMP format it can be made to work.