Matrix Games Forums

Wow... great game! I generally play strategic games on the PC (EUIII, for one), but being an ASL veteran, I've always hoped for something like this!

Is there an ideal scenario for a beginner? Or perhaps I should do some scenario creation/altering. So far, I've played Amfreville about 10 times with varying levels of success. I finally achieved a minor victory, otherwise having allowed Axis minor victories. I haven't changed from the default FS settings (Line) and I haven't altered the force composition.

I think I'm getting the hang of using supression and smoke to make an effective advance, and in my last few tries, I've kept my losses relatively light (5 KIAs and 8 incapacitated). I'm pretty good at knocking out the German tanks, but I'm a bit obsessed with the job! Nevertheless, I'm still far from reaching the village on the far side of the board (I'm generally just positioning in/around the 2 story structure in the center by game's end), and the losses for both sides tend to be quite even.

Generally, I just suck... how do the experts fare on this one (I like goals!)?

Does anyone have any pointers regarding one's first scenario? Or are there good pointers to get someone started. My tactics, I believe, have been well-honed from ASL - and I can't wait to try playing you folks head-to-head - but the real-time aspect certainly makes for a difficult adjustment. [X(]

One of the major strengths of the CC games is that there is no one way to win, or to lose. As a player against the AI, you have to develop a gaming strategy that works well for you .... most of the time. Even some of the time is an achievement in and of itself. The good and the bad need to go into your mental playbook to prepare you for playing against an unpredictable human in H2H.

The sliders vary the force mix for that side. The lower the setting, the greater the equipment or types of units the side may start with or have available in the force pool. The higher the setting, the fewer and possibly less capable units the side will have. On Recruit, the left side of the slider, the side may have more experienced teams, more or better armor and more support. On Hero, the right side of the slider, you may have fewer units that might be less reliable and minimal armor, AT and indirect fires support.

Add to the mix that many battles can have a variable deploy area and in single battles against the AI, the AI might use different tactics. In one play of the battle it might attack aggressively, in another play of the same battle it may probe cautiously. Add in the options for timer (short battles force you to take chances or could save yer butt depending on the side and map, longer battles allow you to plan and maneuver better, but may give the other side the chance to decimate you). The Force Morale end option can end the battle when either you or the eniemy have taken too many losses, or with that off, you may have a "last man standing" situation.

You have to set your own goals in the single battles. Some single battles can be won against the AI in 15 minutes, but that is rare. Some, like the urban maps, you may only be able to take (and hold) a couple of VL's. The same battles in 30 minutes, could allow a major breakthrough or it could come down to which teams still have ammo left just to attack the building next door. The VL count is the game's way of judging you. Your personal value may be the degree you expanded your position, the VL's you took, the VL's you abandon, the kills you made or the losses you took. It varies. It always varies. Learn to be adaptable, or learn to die.

Just when you think you have the hang of things in single battles, operations and campaigns, it is time to change up and play it all again from the other side. Keep that mental notebook open.

Most of all enjoy the game and remember what my signature says: "It is magnificent, but it is not war".