Can someone give me the Low-down?

[cdbeck]

Ok,

So I am shopping for some games (holiday money) and the BG Napoleon caught my eye. Can anyone give me a bit of a description of the, what, 8 games packaged in this? For instance:

• I never played the original release of BG Nap, but I have played the campaign series (I liked them ok). How does the gameplay compare?
• I heard the AI is pretty bad, and I am almost 100% solo play. Is the AI as bad as rumored or is it still fun to play against?
• Are the battle basically "set-piece" battles with all the units placed historically, or is there a point by system and a deployment area? Are leaders a unit to themselves?

Any other advice would be great. I have been looking around at several options. This, Hornet Leader, Strategic Command 2 Bundle (expensive), and Cross of Iron (no more, because I found my aged copy of CC:Bridge too Far and found it works fine on XP).

SoM

[sullafelix]

I'll skip # 1 and go right to 2. The AI is bad if you are a player who wants to control every piece as in a boardgame. They do have a command control option where you can be an army leader on down to division. That's the way I play solo and I have no problem having fun with it. Sure your generals do some stupid things but read a history book and see what you find.
 
#3. There are so many scenarios to choose from historical and what if on all the games it will make your head spin. You can also play with changing the arrival times to be whenever. So does Grouchy show up at all or when, in one turn or ten. Leaders are a separate unit and can be killed or captured.
 
I own all the originals and i still bought this compilation and I believe it has great bang for buck.
 
As far as #1 if you mean HPS's campaign series you'll be right at home these are it's much better looking younger siblings.

[madgamer2]

SAVE YOUR MONEY....I would strongly suggest you get some newer games as this is just a reissue of the series that can play on xp and even vista I suspect. The onlt reason to buy it is that they are out of print and you will have all the games in the series in one place. The AI is not just bad it is thw worst I have ever seen in the many long years of playing war games. The games are great for 2 person or PBM but the single player games are really bad
They are one of the few tactical level civil war games out there and at $30 a good buy so decide for your self if it is worth it

Lawrence

[berto]

ORIGINAL: madgamer

The games are great for 2 person or PBM but the single player games are really bad.

If you view these as competitive games, yes, the AI is disappointing.

But some people find merit in playing with Commander Control, which puts you the human player on a more equal footing with the inept AI. In some ways, it plays more historically, too. (As someone said, read a history book, and be astounded by the incompetence.)

And some people find value in playing solitaire hot-seat. With the appropriate "house rules," here also it can play more historically.

So, if you view these games more as historical simulations and learning tools and fun pastimes (like crossword puzzles or Sudoku), they are not "really bad" at all.

I'd say "BUY THEM!" [8D]