Does this manual actually teach you how to play?

[FroBodine]

I bought World in Flames, and the three huge manuals that came with it. I had never played WiF before, and the Matrix manuals were written in a way that completely baffled me. It explained game screens, but did not really teach you how to play the game. And, the instructions were very scattered over the three books, and not in a nice flowing manner.

However, this WitW manual looks very good. Does it have actual examples of how to do things in the UI? Most good board wargame manuals have detailed examples of most of the instructions, and usually a comprehensive detailed example of gameplay that runs through a couple turns.

Does the WitW manual have anything like that? Will this manual take someone brand new to this series, and really teach them how to play?

What about tutorials? How many are in the game, and are they comprehensive in explaining all game mechanics?

I really want to get into this game, but WiF really turned me off with its nearly incomprehensible (to me) manuals.

Thank you very much!

[carlkay58]

The manual itself details the options that are available to you through the interface. There are, however, some one page summaries and some video tutorials that do discuss the 'how' to string the options together to do something. Also check out the AARs - Shermanny has a good AAR that is also part tutorial available on this forum.

[Erik Rutins]

I think the manual is very comprehensive. In addition, there is an easier to digest Player's Handbook with various one page guides as a starting point and five tutorial videos. My suggestion is starting with the Tutorial Videos and Player's Handbook, then once you have the basics down, the manual will give you the details and take you to the next level.

Regards,

- Erik

[RedLancer]

I can't echo Erik's comments enough.  We have tried really hard to make the game, massive and complicated as it is, easy to get into in.  The early versions of the tutorials and handbook have themselves been tested - beta testers used them to learn how to play the game before the manual was finished.
 
I'd like to add two other things - the Player's Handbook is 'home printing' friendly - it is short and has a topic per page - so if you don't want to know about weather you don't have to print that page.  The other thing is that none of the documentation has been written as a WitE to WitW conversion guide.  WitE players will no doubt pick up the game a lot quicker but my Big Difference posts are there to highlight that some things needs learning afresh. 

[gerardo]

OK so there are only video tutorials or also a little 'scenario' tutorial? If there isn't one, wich one is the easier to play for a novice?

Thanks, Gerardo

[RedLancer]

There are two introductory scenarios - Op Husky and a four turn strategic Air Campaign.  We recommend you start with Op Husky.

[gerardo]

Great, thank you.

[FroBodine]

Thank you for the comments, guys. I cannot imagine a few one-page guides could be enough to explain how to play this massive game. Could you please post a couple of these for us to look at?

How long are each of the five video tutorials, please?

Many examples of play in the manual, and a detailed walkthrough of a couple turns showing how to do things (move units, attack, set air missions, move supply, etc.) is always the best way to teach a game, in my opinion. It might be just the way I learn, but I learn best by reading instructions, then reading/watching examples of these instructions played out. This is what I have hoped this game would provide.

[RedLancer]

I'm logged on at work enjoying a traditional british tea break so can't answer all of your questions exactly as you would wish. 

Actually the real game basics are pretty simple - auto air directive setting and then moving and fighting - it's the nuances that are difficult.   As I wrote the Player's Handbook I can be more enlightening.  I've posted the basic text from the start below together with the topic and one page guide headings.  Most of the one page guides are cartoon strips - I can promise I have stuufed as much info on a page that space and eyesight allows. 

The tutorials were done by Joel - they are video of him playing with a commentary but off the top of my head can't say how long they are.

Intro to Players Handbook (abridged) 
 
Aim.  The aim of the Player’s Handbook is to explain as quickly as possible how to get the most enjoyment from WitW.  Whilst the WitW Game Manual is focused on describing how everything works in intricate detail the Player’s Handbook is all about how to understand the Game as a Player and providing some helpful advice.  Not all aspects of gameplay are covered.  In terms of learning a new language the Player’s Handbook is the Phrase Book – the Game Manual is the Dictionary.

Structure.  The Player’s Handbook consists of stand alone pages; each concentrates on a broad topic e.g. Basic Movement and Combat.  The topics have been grouped into two levels of competency.  The first level is for Beginners as they tackle the Operation Husky Introductory Scenario.  As you encounter each stage of Op Husky you should find that the next Topic roughly corresponds to the situation you are in.  Only the information that is required to complete the Introductory scenario with reasonable success on difficulty level ‘Easy’ has been included.  For example the first topic helps you start the game and the next two explain the Player Interface, Map and Units.  The Topics are not always precise instructions on what to do – you need to play and explore.  The second group of topics are for Competent Players and explores further those skills which are fundamental to successful play. There are also eleven One Page Guides which are simple graphic aide memoires.  If you print nothing else – print these.  The One Page Guides tell you what to do and the Handbook gives you the supporting information.  The last four One Page Guides provide a number of ‘Ready Reckoners’ to help simplify decision making for this complex game.

Style.  To maximise limited space the Player’s Handbook has been written concisely.  To help those who are not native English speakers simple words and grammar are used.  Like the Manual the numbers in brackets e.g. (5.4.12) are references to the related section of the Game Manual.  In most cases the Player’s Handbook will not explain any calculations, how or why a function works.  To get that detail you must read the Manual.  At least you know where to look!

BEGINNER
1.  Starting the Game                                  
2.  Game Interface and the Map                   
3.  Understanding Units                               
4.  Air Phase Intro & Auto AD Creation          
5.  Basic Movement and Combat                   
6.  Invasions & Amphibious Ops                   
7.  Airborne Operations                               
8.  Moving Air Groups & Airbases                
9.  Introduction to Logistics                         

COMPETENT
10.  Weather                                             
11.  Manual Air Directive Creation                
12.  Managing Leaders and Order of Battle   
13.  Other Factors in Combat                      
14.  East Front Box and Garrisons                
15.  Victory Points                                      
16.  Managing Logistics                              
17.  Reinforcements,
Production & Replacements                        
18.  Using the Comd’s Report                      
19.  Metrics                                               

ONE PAGE GUIDES
#1.    Getting Started                                 
#2.    Basic Combat & Movement                
#3.    Invasions                                         
#4.    Air Transfer and Airbases                  
#5.    Logistics                                           
#6.    Manual Air Directives                         
#7.    Hotkey Summary                              
#8.    Production                                        
#9.    Air Planning Ready Reckoner              
#10.  Combat Ready Reckoner                    
[font=tahoma][font=verdana]#11.  Logistics Ready Reckoner[/font]                    [/font]

[FroBodine]

Thank you very much, John. This all sounds great.

I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but I want to know what I am getting into if I buy this game. I don't have unlimited game time, so I am hoping this game is documented very well, and I can learn it without having to scour forums for hours on end.

What do you mean the one page guides are cartoon strips? Are you just talking about the layout as being like a comic book, like frame by frame? Or, do you mean they are simple cartoony pictures with some basic advice on how to do things?

[RedLancer]

I know exactly how you feel and it is for people like yourself that I created the Handbook. The WitW Manual is excellent but at 300+ pages can be daunting.
 
The One Page Guides are mainly screenshots showing what you should be looking at and then explaining either what you need to do or what you are seeing means.  Some have blue arrows showing where to click.  They have numbered boxes to take you through the process step by step.  I'll post a screenshot when I get home.

[RedLancer]

Here you go ... I've done it as a screen capture so some of the quality has been lost.

[FroBodine]

That is beautiful, and looks to be just the thing to help learn the game. Excellent work!

One thing - in the #2 Air Planning Phase section, it says, "The second method is where the human player creates their own air directives (see One Page Guide #2)". This screenshot IS One Page Guide #2, and it only shows the simple air planning description. Is this an error in the guide, or is there another One Page Guide #2 that shows the manual air directive planning?

Great job. I think I will definitely be asking my wife for this for Christmas, now!

[Banquet]

The manual and one page guides look really good. It's also nice to be able to get a hard copy manual. This is a day one purchase for me.

[jhdeerslayer]

+1

I haven't WitE in a long time but me thinks I will be WitW soon. Nice work on the guides. Actually knowing these exist helped pull me back in...

[RedLancer]

ORIGINAL: jglazier

That is beautiful, and looks to be just the thing to help learn the game. Excellent work!

One thing - in the #2 Air Planning Phase section, it says, "The second method is where the human player creates their own air directives (see One Page Guide #2)". This screenshot IS One Page Guide #2, and it only shows the simple air planning description. Is this an error in the guide, or is there another One Page Guide #2 that shows the manual air directive planning?

Great job. I think I will definitely be asking my wife for this for Christmas, now!

My mistake it should have been #6 for Manual ADs. I was in your position when WitE released and my wife bought it for me for Xmas. I've never looked back but I have a sneaking suspicion she doesn't share my enthusiasm for Matrix/2by3 games.





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[gerardo]

Agree, great job, thank you.

[Delaware]

Looks awesome. Thank you~!!!!![&o]

[Wild]

The game and manual look great!

[Duck Doc]

The manual preview has been very reassuring to me. I had a lot of problems understanding the WitE manual even after multiple readings. Now this may not be the fault of the manual entirely however. Regardless I find the WitW manual easily comprehensible. The section on Logistics has me really excited about the model used. I seem to be able to get my head around the concepts and I believe the way the ideas are presented has a lot to do with it. On the other hand the prospect of running an entire air campaign has me quaking in my boots. I'll take it slow. Thanks much for the preview.