So, how is it?

[Valgua]

Can someone write a short "review" of this game? What do you think about it? Is it "grognardy" enough?

[lparkh]

The question for me is going to be 'how is it better then Panzer General II' which has had a huge amount of fan work done on it in terms of equipment files and campaigns. RIght now I still find the latter a very compelling experience. But I am open to something new and better

[Hertston]

Eager for some reports on this one. I like the look of it, but with EDtBtR and Les Grognards (finally) inbound this month it will take something special to part me from additional cash.

[Erik Rutins]

Just to chime in here on the second question. While I think a lot of folks are happy with the original PG games and the mods to them, I don't think owning Panzer General II (or any version) precludes enjoying this title, which has its own new campaigns, units and rules. It's basically a fresh look at the "General" style of gameplay by a new and active developer, so unlike the older games this is supported and if you like what you see here there will also be more to come.

Regards,

- Erik

[Kipper]

Can anybody tell me if NATO symbols are available or moddable?

[Titanwarrior89]

This this a historical wargame or is it a market game based on history...........such as empire at war? Trying to decide to buy or not.


Is this similar to JT's campaign series or is it at battalion or division level?

[Erik Rutins]

It's a historical wargame based on the classic "General" series style of gameplay. So I guess that makes it somewhat "beer and pretzels" but I had a heck of a fun time playing it as a wargame during testing. Units are regiments or divisions, depending on the scenario and unit type.

[Barthheart]

ORIGINAL: Kipper

Can anybody tell me if NATO symbols are available or moddable?

Nato symbols don't come with the game. Not sure if that can be modded..... not sure it would work in this context anyway.

[klhbekool]

I think I will pick this one up. I just got Pacific War AE love it but the wife is a little crtitical but this one isn't  as
much so I won't be hearing anything. I love the "general' games so I gotta have this one then I will get Southern front from HPS.

[junk2drive]

I have played the original PG on a playstation but not the later ones although I have seen screenshots.

My first impression was Memoir 44 without the cards. For the scope/scale of this game I like the 3D units and landscape. Having to watch your supplies and supply lines, covering your flanks, and watching over your airfields, cities, railroads, etc., makes for a good game. Fog of war and weather effects work well.

Purchasing units is less intimidating than some grognardy games. AI not too bad and can be set by the scenario designer to be aggressive or defensive.

[Titanwarrior89]

So how are the campaigns? I understand that the campaigns are progressive scenario based(like some of the hps titles). So how do they hold up as compared to playing a campaign straight thru?

[junk2drive]

I don't have any HPS titles and don't quite get your comparison.

Lets say a series of premade scnearios, linked to together in sequence. No branching. You get core units and points for additional units. You can upgrade units as you progress and add attributes. You get so many points per turn and points for taking objectives. You need those points to replenish ammo, fuel and strength, depending on the type of unit.

[V22 Osprey]

J2D, some of HPS's games have campaigns(Usually in their tactical level titles), where you after each scenario, you choose 2-4 options.These options can be anywhere from how the troops are placed, even to where you want to "meet" the enemy.For example, in Musket & Pike, you can say "I want my army to march straight to the city" but, you can have your army ambushed on the way and you fight a scenario with your army vulnerable in a line column while the enemy moves in.You never know what you're gonna get.Victory level also has a factor on what happens next.

[lparkh]

Could you say a bit more about the role of supply please? That sounds interesting. In PG supply was simply taking a turn to resupply ammo/fuel. And certain terrain reduced that. Is it more then that? You alluded to lines of supply?

[junk2drive]

I haven't figured out the exact math but for simple number sake, let's say you get 50 points per turn, not counting anything you have captured. One of your troops is shot up on enemy turn 1 and strength has dropped from 10 to 6. You had 100 points plus the 50 for starting turn 2. With the 150 points you check the unit stats and see that you can refill it's ammo and replenish the troops for 130. You then have to decide if you should spend most of points on one unit or back off to maybe 8 troops and save the points difference for another unit or another turn.

Vehicles use fuel to move. Planes and troops don't. Firing uses ammo. Planes can only be replenished at a friendly airport. Lots of planning and sweating over weather with aircraft.

[lparkh]

Thanks for taking time to reply. In PG2 "prestige" was used to both build back strength OR saved it to end of scenario to build new units. In this game "supply" is used to rebuild units in game. Should it similarly be saved to buy units between scenarios?
Thanks,
Lin

[vonRocko]

ORIGINAL: lparkh

Thanks for taking time to reply. In PG2 "prestige" was used to both build back strength OR saved it to end of scenario to build new units. In this game "supply" is used to rebuild units in game. Should it similarly be saved to buy units between scenarios?
Thanks,
Lin

They call them "Resources" in this game. According to the manual,they are used like you said to build or replenish units. And yes it can be saved to buy units at the start of the next scenerio in the campaign.

[junk2drive]

No, at the start of the next scenario, core units are replenished and points may be provided for additional units.

Edit, guess I was wrong.

The manual states a strength point cost about 9% of the original cost of the unit, fuel and ammo one point per increase.

Rail lines allow operation movement from friendly city to friendly city if the line is unbroken by the enemy. Rail can be damaged or repaired by engineers and thus becomes part of the strategy and unit purchase decisions.

Combined arms is in the rock, paper, scissors method but beware of unexpected things like ambush and surprise. It's been called beer and pretzels but you can't run willy nilly with armour and win. My last battle I only purchased a Tiger tank and lost it head butting multiple units.

[lparkh]

So far the first significant difference I take from PG is the addition of railroads. Which I like. The other things described above seem every close to PG. Not a criticism. Just trying to ferret out differences.

[Erik Rutins]

Have you had a chance to read through the developer's notes at the Wargamer yet as well?