Matrix Games Forums

So I go and print out Erik's article about playing strategy games, and he bites. I'm reeling him in now, but I need some suggestions. [8D]

He says he's interested in ancient history. So I'm thinking Legion Gold. Now I know that's a Matrix game, but that one may not be the best choice to hook him into playing a game, and I only have one shot at this. I want to set the hook. [:)]

He plays no games except solitaire, and I want to have him up and playing with no problema (a little Spanish lingo there since we are out West).

I was even thinking Civ IV, but I will leave it up to the experts here on this forum. [:'(] Please no RTS, he's 75 and would never survive the experience.

Thanks!

My shot: Tin Soldiers Julius Caesar (or Alexander?). Try demo beforehand if available.

I recently aquired Legion Gold and I like it, but Tin Soldiers, I recommend it.

Regards
Motomouse

Tin soldiers![;)]

ORIGINAL: Motomouse
Try demo beforehand if available.

There's a demo for the Alexander game, but the Julius Caesar game has better graphics for tired, old eyes [;)]

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

Spartan and Gates of Troy.

Easy to get into and lots of history.

I would say CIV 4 Complete.
Especially with Rise of Mankind mod - http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=11509
 
Looking good
Easy to play (hard to master)
Can be played fast or slow
Great randomization
Very different pre-set scenarios
"One more turn" syndrome

Tin Soldiers demo

Hoplites. Free download at:

http://digilander.libero.it/zak965/hoplites.htm

I have heard that the Tin Soldiers is difficult in terms of winning.  I want dad to be able to win handily first time out of the gate otherwise he will become frustrated and give up.  I know him, he will get frustrated easily if he doesn't grasp the mechanics and has some success.  Preface your ideas with that in mind.  Thanks.

So once agin I would say Civ IV - you can set it as you wish (personally I started with Settler and now trying my luck at Prince)
 
Bare in mind this game needs good machine for larger scenarios with many civs.

To be honest, I really think the idea of ancients is going to make it difficult to find something suitable for a novice. It's a niche interest within a niche market. Would he be up for WWII instead? I keep thinking of PG for a simple, fairly easy to beat, turn based wargame.

I'd have said Civ III is easier to get into than Civ IV, but that's probably a subjective opinion more than anything else.

How about Lords of the Realm? I had LotRII and it was very easy to learn, a medieval setting, mostly turn based and easy to beat on easy levels. [:)]

It's quite old now though, so you may only be able to find LotR III. I didn't see many good reviews and never bought the new one, so can't comment. It should be very cheap to buy now though.

I have to say Civ IV on a low setting.... plenty to do and see without getting smacked within the first few minutes.

If he doesn't mind WW2, how about War Plan Pacific by Shrapnel Games. Very simple.In battle you just pick surface or air attack,and computer does the rest. Very introductory game.[:)]

ORIGINAL: sabre1
I want dad to be able to win handily first time out of the gate otherwise he will become frustrated and give up. 

Ancient history and easy to pick up and win??
Rome Total war without doubt.
For once, a dumb AI is an asset! [;)][:D]
Now, seriously, as in introductory strategy game its very nice: looks good, is easy to get and have tactical/strategical layers.
After he became hooked he can put the great Europa Barbarorum mod for a much better game experience.
Civilization IV is another great game to introduce somebody to strategy games. Its easy to pick up but hard to master and with immense re playability and possibilities.
There is an only ancient mod for CIv IV (The Ancient Mediterranean)
http://tam.ancient.eu.com/downloads/
but i have not tried it.

Regards

Those really old guys tend to go for Chess games......

Maybe your father would benefit more from a boardgame, my suggestion how about Command & Colors : Ancients, after playing this game for awhile he can slowly ease into some of the PC games, the Total War genre I think would probably be a bit much for him I'm 49 and I have these games but never play them because it is more like RTS then turn based unless of course you play the campaign version only, but even that is somewhat overwhelming considering the size of the areas you are fighting over, at any rate my two cents. I hope this helps. : )

ORIGINAL: sabre1
I have heard that the Tin Soldiers is difficult in terms of winning.  I want dad to be able to win handily first time out of the gate otherwise he will become frustrated and give up.  I know him, he will get frustrated easily if he doesn't grasp the mechanics and has some success.  Preface your ideas with that in mind.  Thanks.

For what it's worth, non-wargamers usually understand civ-building games like Legion, Gates of Troy and Civilization easier than games like Tin Soldiers. However, Tin Soldiers was designed to be easy to learn and play so I don't he'd have trouble learning it. He would likely have some trouble beating the AI at first though. I'd say go for Gates of Troy (or Legion or Spartan or Chariots of War) or Civ.

Regards,

- Erik

TS:JS should be set to Easy first time around, the AI in it is quite competent, even on that setting.

cheers

Thanks guys, lots of good ideas, and I will let you know what he likes. 
 
The reason for ancients is that he is a Bible scholar, and understands that time period. 
 
Great forum, only at Matrix do you get this kind of support.