Matrix Games Forums

Hi, I would like to buy the game and I wonder how do you consider the difficulty to master comparing to other matrixgames.

What about the learning curve ? (i've seen the TOC of manual and I notice it has 180 pages!

For example, Witp is far too complex for me (even if I admire this game ! I would like to be able to play it but it's definitely too complex and too long to achieve a game).

What about HTTR ?

Thanks

Well heck, I guess I gotta respond here as you asked me.........[:D]

Firstly, name a game more complex than WITP [;)]
But seriously, I think it's easier to learn HTTR than KP or other equal hex based games as it's more intuitive. The real time aspect makes you think ahead more but your decision making is actually less because there's more going on under the hood that you needn't bother with. The wonderful manual gets a lot of it's length only because they explain the layers. Your actual interfacing is just (a few)(some)(not too many) straight up tactical/operational decisions. After the two relatively brief tutorials most folks are up and running. And enjoying..........

regards

Well heck, I guess I gotta respond here as you asked me.........

)

Ok Grognard, thanks for your answer.
Is there by chance any possible comparison between HTTR and FPG ?

Very difficult to compare to be honest. I've always found the HTTR interface very intuitive and the real/continuous-pausible time nature of the game an absolute breeze to play. There is a lot of depth to the game and if you play the game at its most realistic it can be a trying, if rewarding, experience[:)]

But the beauty of the game is that you don't have to play it that way at all but still have lots of fun with it.

Nukxx,

I was/am a beta tester. I don't own any other Matrix games. I came along with PG from the time when Battlefront used to be publishing RDOA.

I was not/am not a grog, but managed to master the game. It is approachable. Take a look at my sticky tutorial, it is written with the non-grog in mind (also, my tips thread). If you can follow along with my tutorial, meaning the concepts make sense to you and the issues raised are of interest, then you should enjoy the game.

As far as war gaming/strategy goes, HTTR is a very unique offering (not so much for the theater/operation as what the engine itself provides). See:

fb.asp?m=505832

Thanks for answers guys.

As far as war gaming/strategy goes, HTTR is a very unique offering (not so much for the theater/operation as what the engine itself provides)

That's exactly my feeling ... and the main reason I'dlike to try the game.

The manual for this game is excellent in my opinion. If you follow the two tutorials it will get you up and running in short order. I also highly recommend the strategy guide for HTTR. It sells for $14.95, and it is deffinitely money well spent. It is without a doubt the best strategy guide I have ever bought, and gives the player alot of insight into how to formulate a plan of action and implement it.

Of all the engines and games and such produced which attempt to represent WWII at the operational level, HTTR is by far the most valiant effort. Not to be too beligerent, but hex-based is far too limited and, IMO, unecessary with today's technology. There are excellent hex-based games, but I am waiting for the day when hexes are a thing of the past.

HTTR is a big step in that direction. It allows me to control many of the things that were absolutely necessary to a WWII commander (i.e. frontage, formation, level of commitment, etc.), but does so with an AI that can take charge and make decent decisions if it needs to.

I highly recommend it and I hope it can gain more of a following.

Cheers

Paul

ORIGINAL: nukkxx

Thanks for answers guys.

As far as war gaming/strategy goes, HTTR is a very unique offering (not so much for the theater/operation as what the engine itself provides)

That's exactly my feeling ... and the main reason I'dlike to try the game.

Personally I think the game is worth the money. I play a lot of hps games lately(panzer campaigns, napoleonics, revolutionary war), but this is one that always stays on the hard drive and I fire it up every couple weeks or so.

Given that I go through games like butter, this is actually high praise for the game.

When it comes to wargames or a series of wargames (closecombat or uv/witp for example) this ranks in the top 5 of all time for me.

ORIGINAL: AlvinS
I also highly recommend the strategy guide for HTTR. It sells for $14.95, and it is deffinitely money well spent. It is without a doubt the best strategy guide I have ever bought, and gives the player alot of insight into how to formulate a plan of action and implement it.

Thank you AlvinS, your words are music to an author's ears [:o][8D]

Regards
33

Thank you AlvinS, your words are music to an author's ears

The praise is well earned. After reading the strategy guide, it was like a viel was lifted and I could see.

ORIGINAL: Grognard

Well heck, I guess I gotta respond here as you asked me.........[:D]

Firstly, name a game more complex than WITP [;)]
But seriously, I think it's easier to learn HTTR than KP or other equal hex based games as it's more intuitive. The real time aspect makes you think ahead more but your decision making is actually less because there's more going on under the hood that you needn't bother with. The wonderful manual gets a lot of it's length only because they explain the layers. Your actual interfacing is just (a few)(some)(not too many) straight up tactical/operational decisions. After the two relatively brief tutorials most folks are up and running. And enjoying..........

regards

The old SPI campaign in North Africa maybe......or Advanced Third Reich by AH

Hi,

I'd like to get back to the original question, if you don't mind. And speak about my own experience.
Disclaimer: I'm not a grog. [:D]

ORIGINAL: nukkxx
Hi, I would like to buy the game and I wonder how do you consider the difficulty to master comparing to other matrixgames.

What about the learning curve ? (i've seen the TOC of manual and I notice it has 180 pages!

I learned to play (and loose) tutorial #1 of AA:RDoA (the game before HTTR) in roughly 30 seconds, without opening the manual. Shouldn't I've choosen a fancy line formation to move my troops and stick to default column formation, I would have won hands down.

HTTR is very easy to learn. The basics and some are easily learned in the very detailed tutorials (40 pages). The rest of the manual serves as a reference.
You can play the game by paying attention to all details. But you can also play full speed, by never looking at the equipment list, keeping all options to the default value.

The game has some depth and you'll have to apply valid strategies (reco, arty support, keeping reserve, encirclement ...) to win most of the time. But all in all it is easy to learn. The most difficult thing for me was to learn in details what was the effect of my orders on the units. Especially on my not so gifted subordinates. You quickly learn what you can ask or cannot ask to a Dutch SS battalion.... usually the hard way. [8|]

Finally, HTTR is not about micromanagement. It is just the contrary. Too much units for your leisure ? Give orders to higher HQs, the computer will take care of your men. I usually don't command more than 50 units (including tons of arty units put on-call).

I hope this helps,

JeF.