Matrix Games Forums

I was reading the reviews and the manual and the forum for this game and spotted https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4823511

In the bottom left hand hand corner of the first graphic there you can see a truck mounted infantry unit. The NATO symbol on the counter, however, is not the one for motorized infantry but is instead the one for armored infantry.

That's a blatant error. Those two types of infantry are not the same thing, nor even close to it. This blatant error has convinced me that the game does not pay attention to basic military unit functions and differentiation, so I won't be buying it.

The game uses a simplified set (low number) of NATO counters.

I can imagine it might not be everybody's cup of thee.

That having been said it is on one of my nice-to-add lists to increase the number of actual nato counters used.

Best wishes,
Vic

Well in this case it's a militia unit so it's a hodgepodge of makeshift armored cars, trucks, riflemen, probably a few towed arty pieces and the exact composition changes from unit to unit so the game tries to approximate it.

What's the NATO symbol for Arachnids? That needs to be in there! [:D]

Maybe

Hang on, what if the trucks were armored!

This...this is a joke right?

its supposed to represent many things, sometimes mixed groups, my god. I had until this moment simply assumed those were armored trucks/vehicles anyway and did not take them to be soft covered. Maybe they are.

That having been said it is on one of my nice-to-add lists to increase the number of actual nato counters used.

Vic, if you promise to fix that then I'll buy the game.

Everything you need to do that is here: https://www.awl.edu.pl/images/en/APP_6_C.pdf

ORIGINAL: tucsonbandit

its supposed to represent many things, sometimes mixed groups, my god. I had until this moment simply assumed those were armored trucks/vehicles anyway and did not take them to be soft covered. Maybe they are.

Graphic clearly shows soft covered motorized infantry, NOT mech infantry. Trust me, this is essentially the same difference as between a black bear and a grizzly bear.

ORIGINAL: koplinsol

This...this is a joke right?

Mislabeling things in a game where information is king is no joke. In a fishing game, is it okay to label a bass as a trout? Of course not. This isn't okay either.

Got it, not a joke.

For the benefit of a lot of you: NATO military symbols are clearly defined, and for a reason. The are designed to convey the necessary and correct information about a military unit in a quick glimpse, and they succeed at that, but only when used properly. Otherwise, they are just decoration and a waste of space.

From NATO:

"This publication provides a standardized, structured set of graphical symbols for the display of information in military systems and applications. A standard method for symbol construction is provided using common building blocks which shall be used to create current symbol sets as well as for creating sets that may be needed...In command and control of military operations, the reality of the displayed operational picture, its correct assessment and the decision-making speed are decisive factors. In joint military operations, it is imperative to have a common language clearly understood among all users. Graphical representation of objects, commands, movements and additional information (including alphanumeric text and colours) are observed and readily understood faster than merely text alone. This is valid even more for a user population with a widely different background of language, component, knowledge and experience. A common standard of joint military symbols is therefore an important element to enhance efficiency and contribute to success in joint operations." (italics mine)

Source: NATO JOINT MILITARY SYMBOLOGY APP-6(C)

Literary unplayable!

ORIGINAL: koplinsol

Got it, not a joke.

Nope. Dead serious. Oh, and FYI: violence is the first resort of those who are really good at it. I should know.

Not many things leave me speechless.....

Congratulations to the OP

You managed it.[8|]

The people behind Decisive Campaigns not paying attention to basic military unit functions and differentiation...

Go wash your mouth with soap.

[:-]

Too many MREs, methinks

ORIGINAL: Steely Glint

ORIGINAL: koplinsol

Got it, not a joke.

Nope. Dead serious. Oh, and FYI: violence is the first resort of those who are really good at it. I should know.

But you didn't beat anybody up in this situation? So how is this your first resort? It seems in this particular situation going on the internet and making a forum post is your first resort?

I'm confused.

Game has lasertanks in it.

Doesn't buy the game cause counters are not based on real life counterparts.

Makes a forum post about it telling the community.

So much cool.