Matrix Games Forums

Hey guys,

Like many of you I always get excited about new releases of games by Mr. Grigsby. Watching the webcast video on youtube, the first thing I was reminded of was TOAW III, and how no matter the AI underneath and the changes in rules and the addition of air and sea movement, the basic UI structure is the same. Moving icons from grid to grid. I played alot of TOAW III in the past and I have WITP:AE, which I played for awhile but have not revisited for awhile. I also have CMANO, which is a wonderful game, and it is taking most of my game playing time lately. The difference between the UI (player interaction) of CMANO vs WITW stands out to me. Not that I won't ever pickup WITW, its just that I will need some convincing to give up my CMANO play, as that game is so vast and the scenarios so many and the database so educational. I will keep abreast of the forums for WITW and see how I feel about purchasing as time goes on.

This like TAOW only in that you push unit counters across a board. I've played WitE for years and since this is the next generation I can say It's unlike TOAW in all other respects.

Hi Downtown,

It is indeed a hex-based, turn-based wargame where units are represented by counters on a map which move and fight. However, in reality this is not all that different from Command, it's just that the symbols are different. Whether a turn-based vs. real-time structure suits best depends on what you are modeling. In the scale of game that War in the West is, weekly turns with daily air resolution gives very good realism and fidelity and focuses you on the challenges the higher command levels on each side were dealing with.

War in the West is full of historical value just like Command. Each unit has a historical TO&E down to the individual squad and tank level, and the squadrons have their historical planes as well. Playing this game, as with other excellent wargames, teaches you a lot about history and the challenges the commanders on each side faced.

If you don't mind some complexity and enjoy a realistic portrayal of history and strategy, this is a great game.

Regards,

- Erik