Thinking of buying, questions first

[Cpt_Aubrey]

I was a long time turn-based war game player in the past and am thinking about getting back into it after a long-ish break. War in the West seems to be in my lane.

A few questions though that folks can likely answer for me...

1. Are the PBEM files encrypted/protected so that they are less likely to be read or tampered with and/or only be loaded and played once. Few things bothered me more before then investing hours in a game to suspect that the other player was utilizing some form or nefarious reconnaissance.

2. Does a Hotseat mode exist where opponents can play the game 'live' on a server where there's no exchange of files takes place.

3. These games can get pretty 'involved' and I've always envisioned having teams play against one another. My vision was/is to have the two sides each have two or more players per side. Example: A commander allocating resources and giving broad directives (no micro managing), an air commanders (since this game has air assets) and an army (ground) commander. During each turn various team members on a side would only move/or not the tiles they have purview over. The goal here is one - to help break up overall tasks and two - to add a level of camaraderie, cooperation and occasional mentoring from an overall commander.

Any thoughts on these three questions, interests, concerns? Thanks

[kentkroeckel]

Hello Captain Aubrey, Hope this response finds you having a good day. Below is your copied questions and my attempt to answer them. By the way, I am Kent Kroeckel. same on server and mail system. Real name too. I usually keep this in private E-Mails but your questions reach into the WitW community so decided to respond publicly. Only my opinion though, and do not have access to administrators.

Captain question: I was a long time turn-based war game player in the past and am thinking about getting back into it after a long-ish break. War in the West seems to be in my lane.

Response from Kent: If you have the time to invest in learning it then yes, it is worth it. That being said, I feel a new version will come out soon. WitE and then WitE II. A game covering the pacific theater is now being tested so I assume WitW will be the next project, say in a year from now or a little longer.

A few questions though that folks can likely answer for me...

1. Are the PBEM files encrypted/protected so that they are less likely to be read or tampered with and/or only be loaded and played once. Few things bothered me more before then investing hours in a game to suspect that the other player was utilizing some form or nefarious reconnaissance.

Response from Kent: A sensitive issue indeed Captain Aubrey. In the past I have heard of players altering files being sent by PBEM. That being said, I have never conducted a challenge by PBEM. Only server. And crazy as this sounds, there is a list of banded members. Of course cheating is but only one reason a person can find themselves removed from site. Moreover, players have been known to cheat on server games too. Though the system does try to track any pattern of continued interrupted turns. Additionally, someone who never looses a battle would be odd. I suppose a file in this format (server based) challenge could be altered too but I am Amish when it comes to computer stuff so cannot be of assistance on this matter to you. Ha.


2. Does a Hotseat mode exist where opponents can play the game 'live' on a server where there's no exchange of files takes place.

Response from Kent: I believe the answer to this would be no. I am only aware of WitW as a turn based game. Furthermore, I cannot conceive of playing it in real time. Disclaimer here though, I have only played turn based games so have no idea.


3. These games can get pretty 'involved' and I've always envisioned having teams play against one another. My vision was/is to have the two sides each have two or more players per side. Example: A commander allocating resources and giving broad directives (no micro managing), an air commanders (since this game has air assets) and an army (ground) commander. During each turn various team members on a side would only move/or not the tiles they have purview over. The goal here is one - to help break up overall tasks and two - to add a level of camaraderie, cooperation and occasional mentoring from an overall commander.

Response from Kent: I am feeling more confidant in my answers as we go through this questionnaire. Ha. Originally when WitW came out it was strictly a two person game. Then in a updated version the option of having two players per side was introduced. And just as you suggested, an Air Marshal and Supreme Ground Commander.

Now for the bad news. Good luck with comradery. It is difficult to find a person who can commit to a complete game. Additionally, life makes it difficult for people to finish games. Depending on scenario and options, a game could last a year. the one I am in now has been going on for three months and I figure it will be finished near six months into it. Metalist and myself are pretty good about turns too. Think about four people instead of two. That could easily go into a year. Conclusion, not doable. I saw one that was attempted in AAR. It only completed a few turns before somebody was unable or unwilling to continue.

Myself, I have ended a challenge due to a stinky arrogant attitude. I have also had someone try to cheat on a server game. My point is, if you complete a campaign game; count your blessings and cherish your opponent.

Best wishes, Mr. Captain Aubrey
Open response from Kent Kroeckel