WWII General Commander - Operation Watch on the Rhine

[Willard]

As much as it pains me, it looks like Panther has been beaten to the punch:

http://www.stragames.com/gc/

This game looks very similar in concept to what the AA engine has been doing for the past 5 years.
Looks like they added some 3D graphics and such to what has already been done.
I still am looking forward to BFTB, but I wanted to bring this to the attention of Panther - hopefully competition is healthy and Panther will get BFTB out sooner rather than later.

Regards,

Willard

[CriticalMass]

Interesting looking toy. It appears like it's trying to be all things to all men. Ans#d as Dave's is oft to be heard saying: to simulate operations to the that strategic and tactical level would require a computer not yet imagined by the common man (paraphrasing big time [;)]). Regardless, am awaiting the reviews with interest.

The proof of the AI is in the eating.

BTW, "...rats, foxes and sand", did I say that 4+ years ago? [8D]  

[GoodGuy]

ORIGINAL: Willard

As much as it pains me, it looks like Panther has been beaten to the punch....[]

Well, this topic had been covered in this thread, already: tm.asp?m=1894572

The only interesting feature in this piece of software seems to be the 3D-environment, the 3D stuff excels regarding immersion. Even though it's not uber detailed, it gives the player a good idea how rough the terrain is. 2D maps demand quite some brain work, sometimes, to get a feel for the terrain.

Other than that, this thing might rather play like an RTS game, looks like all the units have energy bars. [X(]

[Renato]

ORIGINAL: GoodGuy

The only interesting feature in this piece of software seems to be the 3D-environment, the 3D stuff excels regarding immersion. Even though it's not uber detailed, it gives the player a good idea how rough the terrain is. 2D maps demand quite some brain work, sometimes, to get a feel for the terrain.

Well, my old brain requires so much work with 3-D environment in gaming that I never got used to it. I prefer 2-D maps, a habit that perhaps I acquired with chess.

I agree that 3D is beautiful to look at, and may increase immersion, but a 2-D map is a natural way to appraise my strategies and is the way adopted by real generals.

[Adam Parker]

I love the 3d NATO icons but fear this game will be able to offer a decent AI.
 
Had they simply stopped at a regimental level, man they would have had a good looking game. Road to Moscow revived!

[goodwoodrw]

The one thing that peeves me off in this war game society of ours and I'm talking about most publishers do it, promo sceenies with no explanation. might look good, but doesn't give you a clues what's going on.

So far what I have seen on this game it tells me very little of its mechanics.

[CriticalMass]

Also, you may notice it's available to buy (the link is there), but in the forum, one post and only 24 views - dubious in the exteme: makes me wonder what you get for your buck, vapours?

[GoodGuy]

ORIGINAL: CriticalMass
[].... but in the forum, one post and only 24 views - dubious in the exteme: makes me wonder what you get for your buck, vapours?

Well, it seems that the forum requires ppl to use one of their keys that come with the game, so you won't see what ppl are discussing in the private section. It's somewhat like the "Matrix Members Club", I guess.

I tried to find a review, but none of the various review sites have anything besides these frenchies' (french developers afaik) press release and the same old screenshots.

I stumbled over some gaming forum where Eddie (gotcha! [;)]) asked about the game, and one guy in there reported that he bought the game. According to that guy, the game is fun, but according to another guy (not sure if he was just spreading rumors) the game has a DRM (digital rights management) feature which would allow for 3 installations only.

THAT is the dubious part.

Other than that, apart from the fact that the game seems to have at least some RTS features (they call it RTOS - real time operational strategy, the units on the screenshots have energy bars), it features a supply simulation, so you have to secure roads and towns in order to have sufficient supplies. You can even order aircrafts to drop supplies for besieged troops. I gotta admit this sounds interesting. But i'd have to see a proper review first, before I'd believe it, let alone buy it.

[GIveloper]

You can install the game as many times as you want. This game is designed, mainly, for multiplayer mode...

[Willard]

ORIGINAL: CriticalMass

Interesting looking toy. It appears like it's trying to be all things to all men. Ans#d as Dave's is oft to be heard saying: to simulate operations to the that strategic and tactical level would require a computer not yet imagined by the common man (paraphrasing big time [;)]). Regardless, am awaiting the reviews with interest.

The proof of the AI is in the eating.

BTW, "...rats, foxes and sand", did I say that 4+ years ago? [8D]  

We are still waiting... [:(]

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: GIveloper

You can install the game as many times as you want. This game is designed, mainly, for multiplayer mode...

Which is a way of saying don't expect much from the AI?

[JudgeDredd]

Looks very interesting. I like the look and 3D is where it's at (obviously not for everyone, Renato [;)] ) but as for this...

CriticalMass
Ans#d as Dave's is oft to be heard saying: to simulate operations to the that strategic and tactical level would require a computer not yet imagined by the common man (paraphrasing big time [;)]).

Dave has said that in the past...but that's when computers had single CPUs. Admittedly, dual and quad core are still not the norm yet, but for the next version Dave, they could well be.[:'(]

[GIveloper]

ORIGINAL: GIveloper

You can install the game as many times as you want. This game is designed, mainly, for multiplayer mode...

I'm sorry, but I should do a correction in my previous words... The game is only instalable tree times...

[JudgeDredd]

Well, interesting or not...I will not buy limited installs.
 
Bye Bye [8|]

[06 Maestro]

It looks to me like a cheap tacky imitation of the AA engine. I would nt consider buy that thing unless someone I know and respect could give it thumbs up. I don't expect that to happen anytime soon.

[sabre100]

I agree with JD I was looking at this game also and was researching to find more info on it but now that I know it has only 3 installs forget it will be skipping this, no thank you DRM, I will gladly wait for Battle from the Bulge where I know that Matrix games will not use crappy DRM and treat their customers like honest paying people.

[benpark]

Ongoing conversation at Wargamer, where I posted a few quick observations pro and con:

http://www.wargamer.com/forums/tm.aspx? ... e=1#320055

3 installs PERIOD? Or 3 installs can't be running consecutively? If 3 installs period, I am seriously irritated that I purchased this game, as I don't really "own" it- I'm merely "renting" it for $40.00 USD.

[Greybriar]

ORIGINAL: GIveloper

ORIGINAL: GIveloper

You can install the game as many times as you want. This game is designed, mainly, for multiplayer mode...

I'm sorry, but I should do a correction in my previous words... The game is only instalable tree times...

Even Electronic Arts permitted five installs of Spore after gamers complained about its three install limit. Not that it matters to me, because I won't buy a game with limited installs. (And I won't buy anything from EA!)

[CeltiCid]

Hi there,
after reading something about this game in another thread, i went to the official web and read the tutorials. After that, it was too late. I bought the game just some hours later


Well, i took some screens and made a mini explanation for an spanish website. I translated to english. sorry if there can be found any gramatical error. I tried

Some text on game is in spanish, as my installation (you can install in german, french and english i think), sorry for that.

I hope you enjoy.

After some games, i can say the game is good. Of course and as always, the AI can do better but its very fun. The game includes a scenario editor and is the easiest ive used ever. In 15 minutes i made my first scenario. I cant wait to play on multiplayer !!

[JudgeDredd]

Shame, it does look like it offeres something different (although I was put off with the zoom into vehicles!)...but as I said before...no limited installs for me. I've just been bitten on the arse by that and I vowed never again.