Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: H Gilmer

What is ACW - The Blue and the Grey? If that is Ageod's first Civil War title, you won't like this at all.

ORIGINAL: terje439

...but did not like ... ACW - The Blue and Grey.

Buy or Not??
Hmm, REALLY unsure here...

Any input would be appreciated.

Terje

ORIGINAL: Templer

Can you describe us why you did not like it?

ORIGINAL: RJinVA

Hi terje439,

I have Forge of Freedom too, and it is an excellent game. But it is a very different game from the AGEOD game, and the two games deliver very different gaming experiences.

Forge of Freedom is one of the few (only?) Civil War games that gives you a tactical, hex-based combat system coupled to a grand strategy game. It uses a two-layer mapping system (a strategic map and unique tactical combat maps), and the tactical combat experience is very enjoyable. The structure of the game is centered on this tactical combat, and you even select the rifles used, and other armaments, etc.

AGEOD's games don't employ tactical combat at this level - instead, it's all a form of 'instant' combat handled by the games combat resolution algorithms. This alone makes it very different experience from Forge of Freedom. AGEOD's game design uses an "all-in-one" map to give the player the sense of maneuvering they need (rather than the two level mapping system in Forge of Freedom). AGEOD's map also is the closest to a 'road map' in the period. (For example, forts are located where they are supposed to be geographically in the AGEOD maps, whereas forts are abstracted into strategic provinces by Forge of Freedom.)

I play them both with enjoyment. They both have a great deal of respect for history and historic details. They both are very serious games and they both show great ingenuity in design. I am constantly astonished at how different they are in game play! When I want tactical hex-based combat, Forge of Freedom delivers. When I want a broader, operational level experience, AGEOD is my choice.

If you disliked the first AGEOD Civil War game, you may not like CWII any better. On the other hand, if you can develop a taste for the AGEOD approach to wargaming, you are in for a real treat with CWII (not to mention the fun you then can have with several other AGEOD titles). So it's really up to you.

Hope this helps.

RJinVA

but did not like Commander - The Great War, GG World at War, ACW - The Blue and Grey.

This game is like the old one with a better graphic (I prefer the old map but of course it's me) and some improvements on combat and few other things I guess.
In fact the game mechanics are the same.

ORIGINAL: jfarber

I am on the fence on this too... what does it mean on the game description when it say the Complexity: Intermediate, Advanced, Expert? Which is it? --how much micromanagement is there? How long does a typical turn last?

Thanks

ORIGINAL: Blind Sniper

but did not like Commander - The Great War, GG World at War, ACW - The Blue and Grey.

This game is like the old one with a better graphic (I prefer the old map but of course it's me) and some improvements on combat and few other things I guess.
In fact the game mechanics are the same.

ORIGINAL: Pocus

I'm biased, being the developer so I'll try to stay with facts:

- all structures can be seen, including production structures (before they were abstracted), i.e click on Richmond and see the city icon, harbor, depot, Gorgas steel mill, etc. Beside the cosmetic aspect, this give you infos.

- you can drag&drop units on map when you recruit them. We also solved the 'captured equipment can't be repaired' problem

- more historical options and events, less hard-coded

- if France and Britain intervene they each have their own agenda and AI.

- game is faster overall because the interface is faster and eats less CPU cycles

- easy supply option, easy replacement option, expanded force pool option

that's a top of my head. I can't list you all the details (+tinclads and mortar boats, etc.)

I am on the fence on this too... what does it mean on the game description when it say the Complexity: Intermediate, Advanced, Expert? Which is it? --how much micromanagement is there? How long does a typical turn last?

- easy supply option, easy replacement option, expanded force pool option

ORIGINAL: Ace1

ORIGINAL: jfarber

I am on the fence on this too... what does it mean on the game description when it say the Complexity: Intermediate, Advanced, Expert? Which is it? --how much micromanagement is there? How long does a typical turn last?

Thanks

We all have different levels of desirable management. Someone will just want to move around armies on the map, and someone would want to specify what types of rifles will each regiment carry (nothing like that here), so I do not know what to answer. What is the ideal management setting to you?
Have you played any AGEOD titles before?

provements off the top of my head are: much larger map with Sibley's New Mexico campaign scenario, the Battle Planner for more tactical control, and Regional Decision Cards that let you trigger events. Others can add more that I'm not thinking of right now due to not having enough coffee yet this morning.