Matrix Games Forums

We're working on AARs at the moment but is there anything else you'd like to know more about?

hows the beta going?

Is there any difference in the AI?

What is the formula to resolve combat? Does it factor in unit frontage, mobility within a hex relative to terrain and weather? Is there a bell-curve randomization of tactical skill on a unit by unit basis? What's the primary model for combat resolution? (P.S. You asked ...

ORIGINAL: zakblood
hows the beta going?

It seems to me to be going OK thanks to a good team of involved Beta testers.

ORIGINAL: Commanderski

Is there any difference in the AI?

No and Yes.

No - It is (as I understand) a development of the WitE AI.

Yes - From what I see Gary has spent a lot of time delivering a very capable AI. The challenges in WitW are so much more for the AI than WitE. In the big scheme of things in WitE the AI was about concentrating against weak spots when attacking and line forming when in defence - all in one big stretch of land with a single frontline. In WitW the ability to launch invasions (almost anywhere) and with separate theatres of operation between N France and the Med (also with the islands of Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica) makes the AI's task pretty difficult whether it is playing Allies or Axis. It does very well and can deliver a few surprises too.

ORIGINAL: gravyhair

What is the formula to resolve combat? Does it factor in unit frontage, mobility within a hex relative to terrain and weather? Is there a bell-curve randomization of tactical skill on a unit by unit basis? What's the primary model for combat resolution? (P.S. You asked ...

OK - you've beaten me - I have no sight of the code I can just see the battles play out as I fight. I have learnt through many hours of play that morale, fatigue, terrain, weather and air power all have a role. Like all combat you start at range, close with and engage the enemy. Against ferocious allied air power an Axis attack can be defeated even before getting into full on combat between ground elements. In testing we had a function that recorded the individual element battles if you wanted to look through the thousands of individual engagements that can result from one mouse click.

Maybe you already did it, but could you speak of the production system (and replacements) and how it can be managed by the player / destroyed by the ennemy ? (If possible).

Does strategic bombing modelized ? How it impact for example the eastern front box ?

ORIGINAL: Stelteck

Maybe you already did it, but could you speak of the production system (and replacements) and how it can be managed by the player / destroyed by the ennemy ? (If possible).

Does strategic bombing modelized ? How it impact for example the eastern front box ?

You have no direct control on the production system. Indirectly you can effect your production by reducing losses of non-quota built items so that you conserve armament points. (Quota built items are things like aircraft and AFVs which have a set amount produced per turn). In addition as an Axis player holding on to territory means that you protect your resources - oil is a key resource.

Strategic Bombing is modelled. You can target the German industry and it will impact on the Axis player. As the EF Box consumes resources and receives a fixed percentage you will get less and the EF Box will suffer too.

Thanks, Lancer. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Are support units handled in the same way as WitE? Can you still directly attach them to units?

Yes - same rules apply but you can attach SP Arty to Units (can't remember whether soviets could) and you also have the multi role units like BR Tank Brigades and Commando Brigades. ALL attachments are free but you can only re-attach a unit once per turn (you learn to get it right first time).

There are new rules allowing more Allied Arty support units (loads of US / not so many BR) to participate in combat when attached to a HQ.

ORIGINAL: Red Lancer


Strategic Bombing is modelled. You can target the German industry and it will impact on the Axis player. As the EF Box consumes resources and receives a fixed percentage you will get less and the EF Box will suffer too.

Has the german player a "industry relocation/evac" option ?

ORIGINAL: Balou
Has the german player a "industry relocation/evac" option ?

No - all industry is fixed.

Sensible - transport and space both prohibit that practically. Any capacity they did have was maxed out dispersing/replacing vital industry that the Bombers had got at.

I was thinking of a industries (aircraft) that were relocated in whatever caves, mines etc were left. BTW, will V-weapons be included in WitW ?

Yes - there are V-Wpn factories and launch sites. The allies lose points for not destroying them.

And V2 launch sites were constantly on the move, AFAIK.

So no building a lot of Fireflies like in Western Front?

Picking up the last two points:
 
- We know that some V2s were mobile - the construct is to impose on the Allies some of the political imperatives of V Weapons - even though in the context of the game the damage inflicted by V Weapons is largely immaterial.
 
- Correct - no tailoring your OOB with lots of the best available equipments.