It might be because we've gotten spoiled by the recent releases of DB: Ardennes Offensive and Campaign Series: Vietnam.
I've been a customer since the SSI days, and this one is so deliciously different than the 100s of wargames I own. I purchased the devs' previous effort, Desert War 1940-42 on release, but the mega-stacks and UI scared me away initially. Well, I'll be re-visiting that game. Anyone who enjoys that one, this new iteration is a no-brainer.
Let's just say my cognitive abilities have dropped a bit since the old days, but this thing is imminently playable after an initial test drive. Without reading a word of the manual, I was able to modify existing scenarios and create a new campaign and play it without a hiccup. I thought the DB:AO editors were good - and they are - but this one is so intuitive, and with the map editor, Kursk is a distinct possibility.
Granted, I haven't tried programming the AI yet; but this game is as close to an easy-to-use Eastern Front sandbox as anything I've ever imagined.
There are a few caveats, and they may be significant ones, depending on the player's tastes:
1. The map graphics are workmanlike, and they belie the depth and detail present in the game. One must be willing to dig into the interface a bit to discover all the nuances.
2. Unlike DB:AO, which models Tiger and Panther armor values (despite being an operational-level game), this one settles for attack and defense factors. But in fairness, there's still a decent amount of chrome on a unit-by-unit basis.
3. The spot-on historical accuracy of the map, OOBs and scenario design *may* not be as detailed as some would like, but it sure is flexible!
So far, it's a fast and smooth-playing gaming experience, and a wargaming system with lots of Leg!
Best wishes to all.
