First Impressions

[GI_Tom]

A humble plea from all of us that may be stuck at work, or elsewhere, if someone could come here and give their opinion and first impressions after a few hours of play, we would be immensely thankful! Other than WiTE, this will be the only other release date purchase so far for me. This one looks good from everything posted and read so far imho.

Thanks in advance and hope all you current downloaders enjoy it. [&o]

[Barthheart]

My first impressions are already up over here:

http://grogheads.com/?p=9448#more-9448

TL;DR

[GI_Tom]

Thanks for link Barthheart. Well written and informative.

[devoncop]

Ok

Just went through all the tutorials which are clear, well put together and well spoken and describe really well the unique nature of this game.

Now to come to grief on the wreckage of broken down Panzers and empty fuel trucks

Seriously guys, good job with the video tutorials. I am no grognard but they were exactly what I was looking for.

[gwgardner]

I've been playtesting the game, so this is not a first impression, but after playing it from both sides extensively.

Anyone having played Advanced Tactics Gold, or even better the Decisive Campaigns games, will have an idea of the basics of play. However, even if you have not played those, the video tutorials in this game are outstanding and can be completed quickly.

The game is at the army/corps/division level, just perfect for a campaign of the scope of Barbarossa.

It's the most immersive gaming experience I've ever had, and I've been playing wargames since the '70s.

The AXIS player is involved in decision-making related to diplomacy, propoganda, morality, and most important of all - the entire supply/replacement organization and pipeline. Every decision you make has an impact on your relationships with the historical generals and political figures of the time, from Hitler to Brauchitcsh, Keitel, Jodl, Ribbentrop, Goebbels, Goering and to all of your army group and lower commanders. And you will develop a VERY intense relationship with Generals Wagner and Gercke, who are in charge of road and railroad supply and infrastructure/repair. You will learn to utilize the skills of your aide-de-camp and chief of staff. Their reports and presentation of decisions makes your job manageable.

The Soviet player essentially plays the part of the Stalin's chief of staff. Underneath you, you have Kruschev as overall political commissar, and Zhukov as your military hammer in the field. Both serve to tighten up your control and influence over your Front and army commanders, providing them encourgement, the benefit of your skills, or threats, as needed. Your decision-making has less overall scope than the Axis player, but there are high-level actions you are able to make on a turn-by-turn basis that impact supply, replacements, reinforcements, command capabilities in the field, and the very organizational efficiency of the Soviet military forces.

Of course, on both sides, you will be pushing the counters around. Yes, you take on all the above decision-making/role-playing, but you will also be managing the division, corps and army movements and combat.

I can't imagine another wargame on a specific historical campaign that has more plausible replayability than this game.

This is THE ultimate PC wargame. An absolute must have.

[Kumppi]

Video tutorials are great, but who let an aussie into OKH

[pierreoza]

The manual is very good !

[Alex1812]

No aviation in the game. I'm really disappointed

[rjh1971]

ORIGINAL: Alex1812

No aviation in the game. I'm really disappointed

The LW is there, you have the option to use it in an strategic roll for three turns or less, its a decision event and afterwards you have to assign it to an Army or Pz Gruppe.
The LW can also supply fuel and armament. It's done playing the cards.

[Vic]

ORIGINAL: Alex1812

No aviation in the game. I'm really disappointed

The air war is abstracted but that doesn't mean the player does not have to make some hard choices about how to use the Luftwaffe and when to relocate to more forward airfields. Also there a quite a number of decisions that involve the Luftwaffe and Goering.

best wishes,
Vic

[76mm]

ORIGINAL: Vic
The air war is abstracted but that doesn't mean the player does not have to make some hard choices about how to use the Luftwaffe and when to relocate to more forward airfields. Also there a quite a number of decisions that involve the Luftwaffe and Goering.

So the Luftwaffe is included but not the Soviet air forces?

[Matto]

How many time I need for playing one turn? And how many needs AI? Thanks

[Vic]

ORIGINAL: Matto

How many time I need for playing one turn? And how many needs AI? Thanks

It depends on how much you ponder your turn, decisions and moves. But I think depending on your speed a German turn would take like 10-20 minutes while a Soviet turn will probably be done in 5-10 minutes.

The AI takes about 1-2 minutes on my computer.

Best wishes,
Vic

[Vic]

ORIGINAL: 76mm

ORIGINAL: Vic
The air war is abstracted but that doesn't mean the player does not have to make some hard choices about how to use the Luftwaffe and when to relocate to more forward airfields. Also there a quite a number of decisions that involve the Luftwaffe and Goering.

So the Luftwaffe is included but not the Soviet air forces?

Basically yes.

But by the end of the year there is a minor role for the VVS in which the Soviet player will receive an action card that can be used to provide limited Soviet air cover on a limited frontage.

best wishes,
Vic

[Matto]

It sounds good ... thanks. I have Advanced Tactics Gold only and thinking about another your game ...

[Jagdtiger14]

Is the map abstract too?

[Philippeatbay]

Any map that uses hexagons is necessarily abstract. A hexagonal grid only allows perfectly straight lines in three directions.

[Vic]

ORIGINAL: Jagdtiger14
Is the map abstract too?

I am sure Cameron will give you an answer on the Memel hexes when he arrives in office. Which should be soon as the sun is rising on down under.

Best wishes,
Vic

[Jagdtiger14]

Philippe, please. That is no excuse. If it has not been corrected, take a look at it...it looks horrible and laughable and sad (there were even Soviet at start units in what should be German territory). There are easily 4 hexes that should start German. One of the developers mentioned they would fix it, but I have yet to see it.

If they cant get something so historically simple correct, then what else is wrong or inaccurate? This will determine if I buy this or any of the other DC games.

Thank you for responding Vic!

[Blond_Knight]

But you only brought this to Vic and Cameron's attention in the last week or so right? Its unreasonable to expect them to make a change in so short a time close to release.