New to wargaming

[RSGodfrey]

Hi

I am a seasoned chess and flight sim player who intends to try out war gaming for the first time with HTTR.

I am currently trying out the demo to AA:RDA. Is this representative of what to expect and what tips in general (excuse the pun) can you seasoned troops recommend for a newcomer?

Many thanks in anticipation

Richard

[Mr.Frag]

Read the manual well. Look at the troops and understand what you have. Pay attention to the firepower values. Just like aircraft, whats under the covers is what matters, not the pretty numbers up front.

HTTR is basically RDOA on steroids. The strategy guide is a must buy as well. You might actually think of buying just it first and reading to make sure it is your cup of tea. If you find it not to your liking (which I doubt very much), your investment was pretty small.

[EricGuitarJames]

HTTR is basically RDOA on steroids

You can see RDOA almost as 'work in progress' for HTTR.

I'd recommend trawling the threads of this forum as there are several threads from 'newcomers' (I hate the term 'newbies', makes me think of console gamers[:D]), which contain good advice. I'd also look at the 'tips' thread from 'Markshot' and read through the AARs here too (especially mine[:D]). If you are new to wargaming I'd also recommend the 'Close Combat' series of games, the last - 'Invasion Normandy' - is available in the UK on budget and may well be elsewhere too.

[JeF]

Welcome Richard,

If you like the RDoA demo, no doubt you'll like HttR. You can expect the same things from the game, and more. More scenarios, more units, more time spent on the game.
You can find RDoA AARs along HttR AARs on this site. So that you can compare.

Have fun,

JeF.

[Fallschirmjager]

The games are much the same. Using the same engine.
HTTR is much much larger in terms of maps and scenarios. Updated graphics (you can use the old map graphics if you wish however) and several new features.
Since you bothered to post here, im going to assume that you liked the demo. If you liked the demo, then you are guarenteed to like the full HTTR game.
I found it to be one of the easiest to learn wargames in quite a long time. And this forum is a superb place to get help on the game.
This game engine looks like its going to power many games over the next several years. So if you like HTTR then you will have quite a line of games to play in the coming years.

[MarkShot]

Welcome to the forum!

I used to be a well known flight simmer (wrote the STK guides for Falcon 3 and EAW) and have been born again as a wargamer and beta tester for HTTR.

Check out my two stickied threads. They'll help you play with some finesse as opposed to just "yanking and banking".

Regarding wargaming, these are my general comments about some of the games I've been exposed to:

(1) HTTR a great strategic game which require a multi-dimensional approach and a certain amount of extending yourself and your imagination to really appreciate what is going on on the battle field. {if you are used to mainly playing 3D sims} The command system is very flexible allowing you to choose between a broad spectrum of macro to micro managing.

(2) The CM series of games is great tactical fun with low level modeling and 3D. It requires micro-managing and style of play feels something akin to chess.

(3) The CC series of games and EYSA-WF is great tactical fun with a hectic pace with the former being top-down 2D and the latter being 3D. They have various similarities due to the fact that the same programming/design dynasty runs through them in various forms. Their style of play will be more reminiscient of flight sims and they are completely real time.

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Regarding mods:

For HTTR, there isn't much in terms of mods, but for a few map textures. The game doesn't really need mods either.

For the CM series, there are numerous mods which enhance graphics and sounds. These made the greatest impact on the first game of the series: CMBO. The game play of the series is not moddable.

For CC the series and EYSA-WF, there are numerous mods which impact graphics, sounds, and game play to various degrees.

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I hope you find this 10 minute intro useful.

[Grotius]

Welcome, RSGodfrey! I also hope you try HTTR. It's really a nice game. I myself didn't love the demo of the first game; I had the mistaken impression that it would be a click-fest, along the lines of real-time strategy games like Age of Empires and Rise of Nations. So it took me a while to break down and buy HTTR.

Well, it's not a click-fest. It's a thinking-fest. You really have to think your way around the map. You have to understand which units are attached to which HQs, and you have to get used to ordering HQs to do stuff. If you play with order delay on, you have to think ahead, because your guys won't react immediately to new orders. The game is especially challenging as the Allies, since the historical situation is rather tough for them. For me, a challenging wargame is a fun wargame.

Anyway, I recommend it. If you have a particular interest in Market-Garden, it's close to a must-buy.

[RSGodfrey]

Many thanks to you all for taking the time to reply and for your helpful comments.

I certainly intend to buy this game and look forward to the challenge