Are these games, like Eastfront II good for someone new like me? I have not played it before, and I wanted to know if there is a better hex and counter type game to play first...
Always wanted to learn to play things like Panzerblitz and Panzer Leader, but have not yet either...
(01-31-2013, 11:47 AM)blackadder Wrote: [ -> ]Are these games, like Eastfront II good for someone new like me? I have not played it before, and I wanted to know if there is a better hex and counter type game to play first...
Always wanted to learn to play things like Panzerblitz and Panzer Leader, but have not yet either...
Welcome to the blitz Blackadder.
To answer your question, the Campaign series is sort of like a complicated version of chess in that each type of unit has it own movement types and limitations. And, victory will be largely determined (as in chess) by thinking several moves ahead in terms of tactics and strategy by maximizing your units strengths while avoiding their weaknesses (most units in the game have some kind of down side).
IMO, this game is descended from the old avalon Hill games like panzerleader and panzerblitz - but because the computer is doing most of the heavy lifting, much larger battles are possible. there's also a much greater variety of units included that ever could have been in the tabletop games, which is awesome.
To my knowledge, there is no other game or series of games that better represent the (rule-set of the) old tabletop games than John Tiller's Campaign Series (JTCS).
Well if it is Panzer Leader and Panzerblitz that draws your attention, you could do much worse than getting into this game. Why, it even has a user mod included that converts the game's menus to the boxed art of those Avalon Hill classics
The engine is very much inspired by the classic I go - U go - 6 minutes per turn - 250 m per hex rules, action points for movement and firing allowance, you name it.
As for complexity, it is proportionate also to scenario you choose. My favorite scenario to suggest to newcomers is Too Little Too Late, where the Axis player gets a neat but still quite homogenous task force of Mk IVs, infantry and artillery.
Before that, especially the old Talonsoft West Front tutorial that is included in the game is a must and something I feel is very well done.
Yet, there's a lot of little quirks one must know, and I suppose old timers don't even think about. Things, out of my head, like hitting "M" as a very first thing you do when playing the very first scenario to make the menu bar visible, then immediately switching to Fast Computer Player and Fast Human Player, to speed up those snail paced standard animations.
I believe there's a JTCS review hanging there somewhere in the internet where the reviewer obviously had put a lot of effor to test the game, never realising there's an option to speed up animations...
Once you get the basics with Tutorials, then there's a lot of kind old souls here at the Blitz who are more than happy to get you up to speed. Playing PBEM is what really makes this game shine!
Anyway, welcome to Blitz, and hope to see you at the battle field soon
(01-31-2013, 11:47 AM)blackadder Wrote: [ -> ]Are these games, like Eastfront II good for someone new like me? I have not played it before, and I wanted to know if there is a better hex and counter type game to play first...
Always wanted to learn to play things like Panzerblitz and Panzer Leader, but have not yet either...
there is
no better hex and counter type game to play
(01-31-2013, 05:14 PM)Ashcloud Wrote: [ -> ]there is no better hex and counter type game to play
Yes, that's another way to put it
Hey Blackadder,
Wecome to the Campaign Series home!
You'll have a lot of fun playing CS. Its like Panzerblitz/PanzerLeader on steroids. Its an awesome game system and I've been playing it since 1998.
You'll find hundreds of scenarios and lots of players here at the blitz. But more important than that someone always willing to help with any aspect of the game from playing it to making scenarios.
Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
Ivan the Big
Welcome aboard blackadder!
The Blitz is a great place to meet players, find PBeM opponents, and discuss our favorite game - JTCS of course!
The real club pluses are the friendships I have made over the years! I have been privileged to have been an active Blitz member since 2006 and have played and made friends with some of the best guys you'll ever want to meet!
So, if you are looking for ready PBeM opponents... or if you are simply looking for a club to hang out in and discuss wargames and related subjects... or have just read a great military book and want to write a review and discuss it... or try your hand at scenario design... or get involved in some other aspect of wargames... AND meet some of the best players and guys along the way... than you have come to the right place!
All the best in your CS gaming!
Wow, thanks everyone already for the great, and detailed responses...definitely getting me interested in the Campaign Series games...I am going to look strongly into it...so very grateful for all your comments...
I am guessing that buying it from the Matrix website direct is the best way to get it?