Noob wants to learn how to play

[mantrain]

Thanks in advance your your assistance. I would like to know where to locate tutorial, or perhaps a good noob AAR.

For some reason, the Matrix members section does not include Empire in Arms as a downloadable game (ie, downloads) -- even though there is a post which states a tutorial manual.

any insight appreciated.

[pzgndr]

Yearworld has drafted a tutorial and it's discussed in the New Player Tutorial thread below:

Here is the Tutorial Link. Check it out and let me know what I did wrong or what you didn't understand. It covers 1 full turn and I have more written but I wanted everyone to check out this part first and let me know what you think.

Basic Tutorial Link:
www.sendspace.com/file/mn3cmg

Advanced Tutorial-I just started this but it shows how to do manual setup whcih some have asked for.
www.sendspace.com/file/i545yp

The pdf Game Manual updated to v1.08 is in the /Data/docs folder and provides most all info you need. Between the tutorial and the manual, it's not too difficult to figure out how to do things in the game, ie the basic game mechanics of doing stuff. The manual also has some player notes for each country to give you a sense for "how" to play the game. How to play it well is another matter! [:)]

[MPHopcroft1]

ORIGINAL: pzgndr

Yearworld has drafted a tutorial and it's discussed in the New Player Tutorial thread below:

Here is the Tutorial Link. Check it out and let me know what I did wrong or what you didn't understand. It covers 1 full turn and I have more written but I wanted everyone to check out this part first and let me know what you think.

Basic Tutorial Link:
www.sendspace.com/file/mn3cmg

Advanced Tutorial-I just started this but it shows how to do manual setup whcih some have asked for.
www.sendspace.com/file/i545yp

The pdf Game Manual updated to v1.08 is in the /Data/docs folder and provides most all info you need. Between the tutorial and the manual, it's not too difficult to figure out how to do things in the game, ie the basic game mechanics of doing stuff. The manual also has some player notes for each country to give you a sense for "how" to play the game. How to play it well is another matter! [:)]

Is there a more printer-friendly version of the manual? I need all the help I can get trying to figure out how to play (I've had the game for more than three years and have yet to fire a shot in anger) but have only limited printing capacity.

[pzgndr]

What I did way back when was to print the manual in B&W, 2 page per sheet format. Nothing fancy. If you have access to a decent printer it's not that much. Or send a print job to Kinkos.

I'm curious, what specifically has been holding you back from getting into the game? I understand players' frustrations with game bugs, pbem, the AI, or whatever. And granted some of the game mechanics aren't very intuitive. But AFAIK everything is pretty well described someplace in the manual. When I was learning the game from scratch, for whatever it was that I wanted to do I would look it up in the manual and then go do it. Like placing a depot on a fleet for naval supply to support an invasion. There's a description for doing that, and once you figure it out and do it then that's all there is to that. Same with other stuff.

So, along those lines, is Yearworld's tutorial useful or are critical pieces missing that noobs need to know? After all these fits and starts for the past 3 years, the game will soon be very solid upon release of the v1.08.05 hotfix and we're hoping to jumpstart renewed interest. Feedback on the tutorials and manual is helpful.

[MPHopcroft1]

ORIGINAL: pzgndr

What I did way back when was to print the manual in B&W, 2 page per sheet format. Nothing fancy. If you have access to a decent printer it's not that much. Or send a print job to Kinkos.

I just now found and printed out the light version of the manual. Amazingly I had enough ink to complete it! Now I just have to get it bound and then I can start reading the rules in detail.

I'm curious, what specifically has been holding you back from getting into the game? I understand players' frustrations with game bugs, pbem, the AI, or whatever. And granted some of the game mechanics aren't very intuitive. But AFAIK everything is pretty well described someplace in the manual. When I was learning the game from scratch, for whatever it was that I wanted to do I would look it up in the manual and then go do it. Like placing a depot on a fleet for naval supply to support an invasion. There's a description for doing that, and once you figure it out and do it then that's all there is to that. Same with other stuff.

In my case it's a simple matter of being overwhelmed. Even against the AI I never manage to get really underway when I try to play. I just can't figure out quite what I should do in each phase -- I don't really have a strategy in mind that guides my hand. Part of the problem may be starting as France -- France's actions drive the game and everyone starts out as France's enemy, so I have an overwhelming amount of options.

So, along those lines, is Yearworld's tutorial useful or are critical pieces missing that noobs need to know? After all these fits and starts for the past 3 years, the game will soon be very solid upon release of the v1.08.05 hotfix and we're hoping to jumpstart renewed interest. Feedback on the tutorials and manual is helpful.

You know, I couldn't get my hands on Yearworld's tutorials. The interface of his file storage facility is arcane. If someone could send me a better link I'd get more benefit from it.

I have yet to get to the phase of the game that appeals to me most -- launching campaigns and trying to achieve things on the battlefield.

[pzgndr]

I just now found and printed out the light version of the manual.

Which manual? The light version in the \Manuals folder is the original from 2007. The updated pdf version is in the \Data\docs folder. The update for v1.08 has corrections, additional material and clarifications. It's meant to be used. [;)]

In my case it's a simple matter of being overwhelmed... Part of the problem may be starting as France -- France's actions drive the game

That's true. For this game, starting off with one of the less active Major Powers is a better way to start. Austria or Prussia are good because you usually get enough time to get into the game and build up some over a few economic phases before you get into a war with France. Russia, Turkey and Spain can be relatively quiet and allow you to set your own pace. Trying to learn by playing France or Britain is frustrating. I'd recommend cycling through several short games playing as each of the other nations to understand their strengths and weaknesses before trying to drive a game as one of the big boys. At least for learning the basics.

PS. There is also the review article at Wargamer.com to help noobs get oriented. I think most all of those old comments are still valid today, but the game is certainly better now than before. We're getting there. [:)]

[MPHopcroft1]

ORIGINAL: pzgndr

I just now found and printed out the light version of the manual.

Which manual? The light version in the \Manuals folder is the original from 2007. The updated pdf version is in the \Data\docs folder. The update for v1.08 has corrections, additional material and clarifications. It's meant to be used. [;)]

Oops. I think I printed the wrong stuff. I don't think I'll have enough ink to print the right manual.

In my case it's a simple matter of being overwhelmed... Part of the problem may be starting as France -- France's actions drive the game

That's true. For this game, starting off with one of the less active Major Powers is a better way to start. Austria or Prussia are good because you usually get enough time to get into the game and build up some over a few economic phases before you get into a war with France. Russia, Turkey and Spain can be relatively quiet and allow you to set your own pace. Trying to learn by playing France or Britain is frustrating. I'd recommend cycling through several short games playing as each of the other nations to understand their strengths and weaknesses before trying to drive a game as one of the big boys. At least for learning the basics.

PS. There is also the review article at Wargamer.com to help noobs get oriented. I think most all of those old comments are still valid today, but the game is certainly better now than before. We're getting there. [:)]

I wonder if World in Flames, the other ADG adaptation I've been waiting for with bated breath for years now, will have similar issues....

[Yearworld]

Hi all. Sorry for the confusion of getting my tutorial. If you know of a better file hosting site let me know and I will put it up there. Tutorial is now in a PDF format.

Instructions:
www.sendspace.com/file/yvt9vj

1. Click on link above
2. Click for Regular Download(Its free so don't worry)
3. This opens a new screen. Go to bottom of screen and click on the big orange download button.

Yearworld

[MPHopcroft1]

Thank you. I was finally able to grab the tutorial. It's saved on my hard drive -- I'm thinking I should wait to print it until I can get some more color ink, which may take a while.

Interesting that you chose Russia as your test power. I would never have thought of playing my first game as the Russians.

[Yearworld]

Hi MPHopcroft

Glad you were able to download the tutorial. The reason I chose Russia is because he is the least complicated power that also has a navy and guard units. So Russia is ideal for trying to teach all the basics of the game.

Yearworld