Historical Option?

[76mm]

The "Historical" Option says that if you choose it, you need to use historical dispositions and strategies.

At least for the first few games, I'd like to use historical dispositions, but don't necessarily want to use historical strategies--what does "historical strategies" mean in this context? What can and can't I do if I select this option?

[lancer]

Hi 76mm,

The game is geared for a maximum replayability with many internal mechanics that provide variety within reasonable historical parameters.

Using the historical option shuts this down and sees the AI following an historical arc (both AI's have a lot a different mix & match strategies that they can utilise otherwise).

Even with the historical option turned ON the game will likely not provide an accurate recreation of historical outcomes as there are too many variables in play (not the least is what you do as a player) and to achieve that you'd be looking at a heavily scripted set-up which this isn't.

However it'll try.

Cheers,
Cameron

[76mm]

ORIGINAL: lancer
Using the historical option shuts this down and sees the AI following an historical arc (both AI's have a lot a different mix & match strategies that they can utilise otherwise).

Even with the historical option turned ON the game will likely not provide an accurate recreation of historical outcomes as there are too many variables in play (not the least is what you do as a player) and to achieve that you'd be looking at a heavily scripted set-up which this isn't.

OK, thanks; I understand that it is not necessarily going to recreate historical outcomes, but for the first couple of games I wanted to at least start with historical dispositions, so I can generally compare outcomes to some of the other Barbarossa games I've played.

But the way you describe the historical option, it mainly affects the AI...I'm guess that it also affects the player as well? Do I get different cards, etc., or are there other forms of restrictions if playing in historical mode (eg, I have to select the same objectives, make the same decisions in the pre-game turn, etc.)?

I don't need a detailed breakdown, I'm just trying to get a general sense of whether playing in this mode is worth it, or too restrictive.

[lancer]

Hi 76mm,

It affects a number of things, not just the AI.

The soviet initial dispositions, for example, have a lot of randomisation in them (Armies are shuffled around their fronts) which is switched off with the historical option. Certain decision series are switched off but nothing that is going to materially affect the game.

A few reinforcements might not turn up.

Overall there is nothing that is going to significantly shift the game balance or how it plays. Mostly it's switching off the replayability features.

If your aim was to get a feel for how it goes versus history I probably wouldn't bother. You'd get a better idea by playing two or three normal games and taking a mean line through them as Beta testing indicated that outcomes varied dramatically depending on player experience and aptitude.

There's a lot of settings you can tweak to find your personal sweet spot.

Cheers,
Cameron