FOG

[Toby42]

Is there FOG? From just playing around with the game, it seems as though all of the enemy units are visible. I did a quick scan of the manual and didn't see FOG mentioned?

[stormbringer3]

No, in that sense it's like a boardgame.

[Grim.Reaper]

Does this mean both the human and the CPU player always know the precise positon of each other's forces then?  Or does the human player only have that advantage?
 
I would be interesting to hear how something like this does not detract from the experience since you really have no surprise, unless surprise in this part of the war was not important.

[Barthheart]

There is not FoW for either the player or the AI.

[Grim.Reaper]

Interesting....is it because these are smaller scenarios where it is assumed each side recon'd each other to know general positions at the start of the scenario....just trying to rationalize:)

[JudgeDredd]

It didn't even strike me that there was no FOW - and the only reason I can think it would not hit me is because the scenarios (in terms of map) are quite small...at least from the few I've played.

The game seems to be really more about using the right forces at the right time to break the enemy down - whilst maintaining your supply lines (which is a real bugger because the AI is active) - all the while replacing fresh units in the line as required.

I have played the opening mission of the Campaign several times now, and I've not captured the objectives in the time required - and to be honest I almost think they are ludicrous times - I've got nowhere near - but then that is because I'm not using the right units at the right time - and on top of that, I'm giving the AI a window through the back and they are disrupting my supply lines. Lack of supply suppresses units - so you need to be supplied or you are going to get hit.

The actual gameplay itself is fairly simplistic - but there's a nack to getting it right - and I aint managed it yet

[Grim.Reaper]

Thanks JD....your impressions are always appreciated....much closer to pulling the trigger on this one....the UI and polish everyone has stated has me the most interested, even if the Eastern Front is not my favorite part of the war to play.

[JudgeDredd]

Well - just remember it's "lite". That isn't a bad thing necessarily - but it is if you expect something deeper.

There's enough here to enjoy I think. I'm finding it rather difficult to get decent wins - I win - but prestige is not very forthcoming because I'm not winning well. Like I said, though - I'm no Patton. A more seasoned wargamer might be walking through this - so if people have got other opinions on how their campaigns or scenarios are playing out, then I'd like to hear their views too.

[Grim.Reaper]

Lite doesn't bother me as long as there is some strategy to it and fun to play.

[Javolenus]

This is not really a traditional wargame, it's more of a strategy puzzle game, but I think that's OK. It's kind of like a casual boardgame, but that doesn't mean it's easy--every decision you make counts and you can't afford to make mistakes. I only won the first German campaign scenario on the third attempt. My impression is that there's enough going on in the game to keep you entertained, but like I say, it's not really an operational wargame or battle sim. I like it--I think it's got a classy design.