Looks are important

[Fred98]

I recently spent 4 months doing research on compact Sports Utility Vehicles (“compact SUVs”).

In case nobody noticed, I ultimately chose the Ford Escape [:)]

Initially, I chose to study the features of the vehicles and I tried to avoid noticing the looks (with difficulty) right until the end.

The short list had 4 vehicles and yes they all had pretty much the same features. And excelent features too. So, of those vehicles, it came down to the looks.

World at War has great potential. I am a keen player of Uncommon Valour and have great respect for Gary Grisby games. I was a keen fan of Rise and Decline of the Third Reich (“3R”)

I am a wargamer and enjoy games at the strategic, operational and tactical level. I have not played a game at this strategic level since 3R.

But I fear the look of the game will be a turn off. I get the impression the graphics are an attempt to attract young players to wargaming. Perhaps 12 – 14 year olds.

If it had a more “mature” look I would be hanging out impatiently waiting for the game.

I can already hear Les “game play is more important than looks”. But the looks enhance the playing experience. And set the tone. And can increase sales.

Ultimately I chose the Ford Escape.
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[Hanal]

Can you be more specific on what you are referring to regarding the graphics?.....what exactly do you see that makes you think the graphics are catering to a teen crowd?

[Fred98]

I see the map broken into sectors. And the sectors have 1 soldier or 1 tank or 1 factory.

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[Hanal]

So is your concern that this isn't a hex based game?...regarding the units, many games have had graphical representations of the unit type such as HOI, Talon Soft's West and East Front, and a fair number of HPS games, and I would not consider those games as catering to a teen crowd....I know that to some, the game has an "Axis and Allies" look, but if you read the AAR's, you will find that this is far from the case....there is alot under the hood in WaW and it will be a shame if people pass it up because of the A&A comparison....on further reflection, this is a potential marketing hurdle that the advertising might need to address...perhaps the slogan "THIS IS NOT YOUR FATHER'S AXIS AND ALLIES!" needs to be emblazoned on the front cover....[;)]

[paullus99]

Just because it looks like something does not mean that it is that something......

I know we will continue to hear the A&A comparison from here until doomsday - but believe me, there is so much more going on in this game that you will be amazed!

The graphics you've seen so far are still being worked on, there are potenitally some map improvements in the works (including adding additional territories/splitting existing territories).

From testing so far, this is one heck of a game that I would buy in a second - and I think everyone from the beginning wargamer to serious grog will really get into this game.

[Fred98]

I am a Close Combat veteran, a lack of hexes is not a problem. In fact, if each production were the primary factor in the game, then it is logical that each country be split into sectors. The Ruhr being one sector on its own. But that is not the split. It needs further explanation.

Question: I have heard of combat but cannot figure out how it works.

Land combat

Air to air combat

Naval combat

Do I compare 2 units and bowl a dice????

How do I transport units across the ocean?

How do I supply across a sea?

This former 3R player has many questions.
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[elmo3]

A question on territories:

When four of them come together at a point are all four considered adjacent for movement/combat purposes? Thanks.

[paullus99]

As far as territories coming to a point - no, they are not adjacent. They need to have a contiguous boundary.

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Land combat

Air to air combat

Naval combat

Do I compare 2 units and bowl a dice????

Combat is determined by the # of units, stengths/technological differences (meaning attack, defense, etc) - there is a lot taken into account.

How do I transport units across the ocean?

You need to lay a string of transports from your beginning point to your final destination - then you move units along that string. Its done pretty much automatically if you have the transport capacity

How do I supply across a sea?

Same as moving troops above.

Protecting your lines of supply (and rail lines) becomes very important. If you can't move supply forward, you'll soon find yourself hitting a brick wall as far as logistics go and you're offensives will grind to a halt.

[elmo3]

ORIGINAL: paullus99

As far as territories coming to a point - no, they are not adjacent. They need to have a contiguous boundary....

As it should be. Thanks.

[Grotius]

I don't mind the look of the game either, but I'd prefer units represented by traditional square "counters" with military symbols. Any chance of that? Highway to the Reich does this nicely -- no hexes, but good ol' square counters.

[VI66_slith]

I tend to like the graphical representations the way they are. Maybe a throw switch from a 2/3D perspective to one of cardboard counters for people like Grotius?

[a19999577]

ORIGINAL: paullus99

The graphics you've seen so far are still being worked on, there are potenitally some map improvements in the works (including adding additional territories/splitting existing territories).

Reorganizing territories? Excellent! Are they taking into account my suggestions for Latin America? [See AAR - PBEM Game 2, I think]

[paullus99]

I think most of the reorganization is being looked at for Russia (to split some of the larger territories). Its still very preliminary, but I'm sure we'll post a new map if and when it becomes available.

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: paullus99



Combat is determined by the # of units, stengths/technological differences (meaning attack, defense, etc) - there is a lot taken into account.

But from the AARs to date, I cannot see any units. I have only seen one tank, one soldier and one factory in any given sector.
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[MButtazoni]

the bottom pop-up shows all the uits in an area, the region will show only the best 1 ground and 1 air unit in the area.

[Fred98]

Please show a sceenie of the bottom pop up
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[MButtazoni]

please look in the AAR threads.

[Grotius]

Maybe a throw switch from a 2/3D perspective to one of cardboard counters for people like Grotius?

Heh, yep, I should've made clear that I was wondering about a toggle, not a cardboard-counter-only mode.

Cardboard counters aren't that big a deal to me, and I wouldn't want to hold up the game over them. Still, I imagine they'd be less work to create than the 3D icons. Or maybe not. <shrug>

[Fred98]

I cannot locate such a box in the AARs

Please choose any region that has ALL of the following

A large numeral
A small numeral
A Tiger tank
An aircraft

And provide a screen shot

Then right click on that region, bring up the pop up box and show us a screen shot.

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[Hanal]

Joe...go to page 5 of the PBEM game 2 AAR and you will see a pop up showing the units in an area, in Maurice's game turn....