Hello Comrades,
I'm a veteran Campaign Series battler', some of you may know me. I had this game when it first came out back in the 90's and really enjoyed it. With World of Tanks satisfying my FPS itch and the Campaign Series being the ultimate tactical game (and my favorite all-time which I still play alot), I'm thinking this game (Operational Art of War III) would be perfect for a strategy fix.
It appears that it still has quite a following here at the Blitz, which is always a good sign, so I'd always have someone to battle. I've checked the Matrix site and see that I can get the downloadable version for 39.99 and the boxed for 49.99.
Please give me your feedback, it would be very helpful in making a decision. Then, if I purchase it, I'll see you at the front!
Tankertony>>>
(11-10-2012, 11:34 AM)Tankertony Wrote: [ -> ]Hello Comrades,
I'm a veteran Campaign Series battler', some of you may know me. I had this game when it first came out back in the 90's and really enjoyed it. With World of Tanks satisfying my FPS itch and the Campaign Series being the ultimate tactical game (and my favorite all-time which I still play alot), I'm thinking this game (Operational Art of War III) would be perfect for a strategy fix.
It appears that it still has quite a following here at the Blitz, which is always a good sign, so I'd always have someone to battle. I've checked the Matrix site and see that I can get the downloadable version for 39.99 and the boxed for 49.99.
Please give me your feedback, it would be very helpful in making a decision. Then, if I purchase it, I'll see you at the front!
Tankertony>>>
Typical strategy scenarios as Europe Aflame are not that numerous in this one,even though it still depends on what one deems " a strategy game" so I am using the term in its doctrinal meaning. It depends on what scale You are counting on, too. Strategy would be here whether to attack Norway or Low Countries first as the Axis belligerent in EA and not where, when and with which forces at Your disposal as it is the case in "Operation >Weserubung<" - the other case is way more numerous in terms of the scenarios available. After all it is the operational level, a kind of abstraction between tactical nad strategic levels. Is the Burma campaign a scenario strategic in its scope? Or "CSV '65 - '75"?Yes - in terms of PC wargaming - and actually no in the doctrinal meaning. Having said that, I'd say - buy that headlong; there is more than meets the eye. It's far more rewarding than lots of other wargames I have come into contact with - and there were plenty of them. First it takes some time before one can see the depth of it. You should not be disappointed if You mean business when it comes to wargaming - and the community is an awesome collection of prime characters.
Hello Burroughs,
Thank you very much for your input. I checked out the Europe Aflame, and it appears that was an attempt at a scenario of 'grand strategy' scale using the Operational Art of War engine. That's great and would certainly interest me (I cut my teeth on games like SPI's 'War In Europe' back in the 70's-80's with the 50 sq ft map and 10,000 pieces), but I think, as you seem to indicate, that the standard operational level of corps-divisional warfare on a smaller scale/scope is the main focus of TOAW. (which is perfect btw)
First question: is TOAW III, through Matrix, the base game that most of you play here?
Second question: is there even anything out there that gives TOAW III a run for its money?
Third question: my primary interest has always been the eastern front. Is there any game that you are aware of that compares to TOAW in its operational-level simulation of the war on the EF?
Again, thanks for your time and input. I'm just about to click the 'buy' button.
Hi Tony !
As a veteran of 500 games (over about 12 years !) , I would recommend this game to you.
The most popular version is the Matrix Version , in fact I dont know of anyone who plays the old Talonsoft version.
Scenarios like Fire In the East (FiTE) are way to big for me, but the smaller historical battles and the hypothetical WW3 scenarios are good.
Overall, like Burroughs, I would say buy it, and if you do and fancy a battle send me an email !.
Regards
Toni
(11-11-2012, 09:48 AM)Tankertony Wrote: [ -> ]Hello Burroughs,
Second question: is there even anything out there that gives TOAW III a run for its money?
Third question: my primary interest has always been the eastern front. Is there any game that you are aware of that compares to TOAW in its operational-level simulation of the war on the EF?
Again, thanks for your time and input. I'm just about to click the 'buy' button.
My dear old friend Antoni and a sworn opponent who broke me in into the Club years ago answered Your first question so I am addressing the other two:
1. There are numerous games covering the WWII eastern Fronts - I am not that entirely sure if they all deserve the label "wargames" just because of that - Advanced Tactic adds typically strategic variables as the industrial output, improvements, technological advance and yet it failed to arouse my enthusiasm and left me very cold even though that's the only game I know of which has a scenario with a strategic re-creation of the Soviet - Afghan War '79 - '89, one of the most interesting conflicts for me.
2. By no means You won't be disappointed with what TOAW III has in its both stock and custom scenario set about the East - check "Drang Nach Osten" or "Braunschweig; operations "Edelweiss" and "Heron" ", "The Continuation War '41" or "4th Strategic Attack '44" - You can choose virtually any theater or period there You are most inspired with and there it is ( personally I am only disappointed with the lack of a decent complete Winter War '39 - '40 coverage - there is one, but it dates back to the COW times and hasn't been improved a bit. ). You even get the Nomonhan incident and the battle at the Khalkhin - Gol River '39 - and that's far east for sure. Any other questions? ...
Hi tankertony,
if you're interested in buying this game Matrix announced sales period until 14 Jan 2013. 35% save!
Hope to see you in the battlefield soon :)