Matrix Games Forums

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/404 ... ix.Edition
File Size: 24mb？？Is that True?

Yes, expands to around 100MB

Thanks.Can you tell me how do you think about this game?[&o]

Van Van

No problems.
I've only played the tutorial through a few times to get used to the interface and the turn/ phase sequences, and started the St. Vith scenario.
So my comments are only initial thoughts.
I do not know anything of the previous history, or earlier iterations of this game, so I came to this title without any expectations; good or bad.

I was surprised at the size of the download too. I mean 24MB! Many recent games total that just for the graphics folder. So given the relatively small footprint, I'm also hoping to try this on my netbook (eee pc) also.
When it 1st loaded I thought, OMG, this game looks 10+ years old, and I also found the forest map graphics too dark. JMass' mod certainly gives it a TOAW-like look, and I further tweaked his set to include waffen and nazi flags. Modding the graphics is relatively easy if you feel inclined to do so.

Don't be put off by the font style or U.I. or criticism of graphics, the mark of a good game is how easily and quickly the graphics just seem right, once you get so engrossed in the play... and this game is in this category.
It is refreshing to play an old-style game, that is one where the reinforcements arrived as historically scheduled. I'm tired of spending half my time chasing down oil or wheat crops, or wondering which tech tree to climb. So focusing on strategy and tactics is where this game shines.

The engineers need to repair bridges, remove obstacles, etc. so you just can't shuffle units around without careful consideration of what each unit's attributes bring to the battle.
The phases are logical and don't stretch out a game turn to an eternity.
The unit postures add an additional level of complexity to the outcomes of the fight.
The use of combat results and movement tables, reminds me of my Avalon Hill games, (a big plus).
The mechanics of unit selection for assaulting attack, direct action, and defensive fire, is similar to Advanced Tactics in some respects, (not a bad thing).
The game supports unit stacking, again a plus, as newer games often don't.
The A.I. can be tweaked or assisted by removing FOW or adjusting CRT column results incrementally to toughen the game, but I'm finding the A.I to be reasonably aggressive.
The manual (PDF) is clear and well written, the rules on paradrops, gliders and amphib. assault, are old-school classics, (Very Grognard), and I'm really looking forward to trying them out.

Again treating this as a new game the price is good. There is a good number and range of scenarios that ship with it, and other user feedback suggests scenario creation may lead to many more.

I don't really play pbem, but the AAR here also looks like it is straightforward. I'm not sure if it protects against multiple turn plays before sending back, (but that's a trust issue anyways).

All in all I'm really pleased I got this title.
I like to support as many developers as I can afford, to keep this genre of game alive, and I'm a matrix fan-boy, But this one is not a charity case, It's a game that I expect I will play for some time to come, and would recommend the purchase.

regards

Agent

Nice post, it tells me some things I wanted to know. Thank you! [&o]

Thanks.I'm a newbie to Matrix ,and I'm a newbie to Wargame.
I only bought battlefiled Academy .
Recently I download the free game :pacific war (run on dosbox) and play.[:D]
So i really don't khow about "Avalon Hill games" and "Advanced Tactics".I only have a little exprience on wargame.[8|]
But it looks like good after read your post.[;)]

I find a demo http://www.fileplanet.com/51203/downloa ... and-2-Demo


Van Van

As an introductory wargame it may be rather daunting, as the you can't just shuffle units straight out of the box and hear lots of bang bang boom boom.
There are other games on matrix I'd recommend that would get you into the genre, a little easier than this one.
But what really ticks the boxes with this one as I said above, is that the game has a feel like the classic board-games. Placing down paratroops and amphib. assaults only to have them blown of course, or land at the wrong spot of the beach is really cool.

Avalon Hill is a boardgame publisher I grew up with in the 1970's. This game comes close to capturing that mood.

Don't let the free games sway your judgement about war/ strategy games. Try downloading a more recent demo from Matrix, and read the AAR's as a way of finding a game that's right for you.
I think it was another website that had a saying about the genre.... wargames for the mind, not for the mouse. ie The genre makes you think, not give you R.S.I, (sore fingers).

wargames for the mind, not for the mouse. ie The genre makes you think, not give you R.S.I, (sore fingers).

Yes ,I agree with your point.

As a matrix newbie, welcome.
The community here is very supportive.
Players and developers are always ready to help out.

Thanks ,Agent S[:D]

I'm also hoping to try this on my netbook (eee pc) also.

it runs fine on my eeepc!

ORIGINAL: Van Van

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/404 ... ix.Edition
File Size: 24mb?H?HIs that True?

Yes imagine buying the boxed version. 600mb CD with only 24mb of data inside. Or better yet a DVD. [:D][:D][:D]