1st Post from an addicted player

[jparker]

First of all, I've been waiting for this game for 10 years. Was an Axis & Allies player, then upgraded to World at War (I think made by Zeno). I've still got the framed map in my basement. We combined that with new pieces like artillery, halftracks, figher/bombers, V-2 rockets and then customized rules for supply, air-to-air combat and specialized units (Tigers, Marines). My best friend and I would get together for a weekend and play for 12+ hours at a time, drinking diet soda and chain smoking until we were too tired to play anymore. Many times, the game was still a draw at that point. It was like playing a big game of chess.

I love what they've done with the game. I especially like how the edges look like a map on a table. It incorporates all the things a board game cannot - supply lines, ports, op-fire, etc - all without loosing the feel for the original. HOI was another game that got my attention, but it just didn't quite stack up. Above all, the game has good BALANCE - a chance to win as either side, and a chance to come from behind with some daring moves. This seems more true with the updates and I can't wait to try Franco's Alliance. I never play with auto victory though.

Unfortunatly, now that the game is out, I have two small kids and own my own business. So now I'm stuck getting in 1-2 hours of play after everyone goes to bed, which makes me exhausted in the morning.

I do miss the feel of the plastic pieces and chips. I always felt like a general in the war room planning the next invasion. As soon as my skills are up to par, would like to try against a human player, preferably someone who's not going to kick my *#$* too bad. My record with the board version was 5 wins to every loss (I used to dream up statagies in my sleep), and my pride cannot handle getting killed.

Keep up the posts!

[Lebatron]

Welcome jparker,

Your just like me. I used to be an addicted Axis & Allies player. Been playing it since 1985 and quit in 2005. Can you guess why I no longer play it[:D]

Like you said, I been waiting for this game for many years. Its the prefect upgrade for those who loved A&A but felt it was lacking in many areas.

I'm sure you'll enjoy Franco's Alliance once you become a more acomplished player and can appreciate the how's and why's of what I changed.

[mikwarleo]

Reading your post jparker and your passion for war gaming I just thought I'd say my favourite war game is

Close Combat: Invasion Normandy

It's an old game now so you'll find it on eBay or in the discount section of your local games store. You've probably heard of it but in case you haven't check it out. For me it has an excellent mix of strategic movement and tactical battles.

It has a group of dedicated fans who still hotly contest battles on Gamespy Arcade.

Best site for the game is fan site: www.closecombatseries.net

Though don't play against the AI or the standard CC5. Download the mod GJS4.4, it is the most popular for too many reasons to mention here.

If you or anyone else reads this and has a game be sure to look me up on Gamespy, I'm sure you'll love the game. It's still my favourite in light of much newer and 'prettier' games. And CC6 is currently under development...

[SGT Rice]

Second the endorsement of the Close Combat series: I've logged hundreds (ok, more like thousands) of hours in Arnhem, Russia, the Ardennes and Normandy with that series.

CC6? Be still my beating heart ...