Matrix Games Forums

We just completed our first PBEM game, the Sidi Barrani scenario. I was the Allies and won a decisive victory. When I went to view the replay, the replay was the entire 15 turns rather than turn 15. I don't know if this is a bug but for longer scenarios, the last thing I want is to have to view the scenario from start to finish. I talked to my friend and his replay only consisted of turn 15.

After viewing the replay twice to make sure there wasn't some kind of glitch I hit X and the victory screen came up. In my opinion, using graphs for all the results gives it too much of a clinical feel. For example I would rather see the eliminated units shown as the specific number rather than having it charted on a graph. As an option how about a display of the numbers when you move the cursor on the graph?

A general comment after finishing this first PBEM playing. I like WEGO but I think the game is too much of a simulation and not enough game. I think there has to be a balance between the two and currently there is too much of a statistical approach. For example, reducing the strength of an enemy unit by say 34% instead of converting that to the number of men killed and or wounded. I would show the strength of a unit as the number of men, tanks, anti-tank guns etc. and then the casualties and the number remaining rather than percentages. Anyway just my opinion.

After the game is over, you should be in the Victory Phase, where you can see the entire film.
So, last turn, you see (only) turn 15. Then pressing Next Phase, you should enter the Victory Phase and see the entire film.
That's a Feature, not a bug [;)], so you can watch the entire battle afterwards if you want.

(So you both should be able to see only turn 15 on the last turn, and then the entire film after that).

Sure, I can have a think about improving how to display the graph info. [;)]

Yes, you're not the first to suggest that about the casualties, [;)]. I can have a further think about it.

Thanks,
Brian

I've always preferred loses shown as men and equipment to percentage or the likes. First for immersion and second I can visualise it far better. Even if it's rounded up, doesn't have to work out each individual. I'm happy with that. In fact not showing casualties this way is a big negative and can put me off a game altogether. Again it's mainly about immersion for me. I want a narrative that has emotional punch. Dry percentages don't do it for me. It's like the difference between Glantz and Jason Mark. Take Jason books every time.

Really hope the East Front game counts loses differently and uses men and equipment.

After playing some PBEM games, and reading the playbook, I am really seeing the depth of game features that come into play. I am still learning, but I am getting better at combined arms tactics, and this game rewards the player who knows how to combine armor, infantry, artillery and air units to be effective in battle. For me personally, learning this system, applying tactics based on my own wargaming experience, playing others and seeing how they play is a level of immersion that I enjoy.

I do have some thoughts on new feature suggestions. I like when games have a "support" feature, which as an example could be a AT unit that grants a "support" defense modifier to other units within (1) hex. I would also like to see the ability to break up a battalion into company units. Maybe this would be restricted to elite or veteran battalions.

Hi, well, hopefully, the next game Stalingrad will allow units to combine/breakdown.
I can have a think about that AT suggestion all right!
Thanks,
Brian