Gents:
I am considering dipping my toes into the "operational" side of war games... and have been viewing with interest several "Let's Play" YouTube videos by Pewpewchewchew (Got to love that handle!
)
I'm interested in WW2 and like the look of the Panzer Campaigns series.
I'm also interested in securing some PBeM matches - not looking to play against the AI.
But, I have concerns about the potential complexity, sheer map sizes and overall number of units that can make up some of the titles in the Panzer Campaigns series. So... my questions are directed to PzC vets...
1) What PzC title(s) do you recommend as a "first" purchase?
2) What PzC title(s) have the most robust PBeM pool of players?
3) How steep is the learning curve for PzC?
Many thanks in advance for your replies!
For titles, I think the most important thing is which front you find most interesting? West Front? Desert? East Front? Then what period? Early war? Late war? Also, winter games tend to involved more slogging around in the snow rather than quick dashes over the map, if that matters to you...
My personal favorite so far is Smolensk 41, but it really depends on what you're interested in.
I would also suggest that you buy one of the games that are available on the JTS software, most of them have better graphics (the unmodded graphics for most of the games purchased from HPS are not a pretty sight, although with modded graphics they look good...).
All of the games that I've seen have a large variety of scenarios from small to huge, so I wouldn't worry about that.
Gents:
So, to provide more guidance... I am interested in the mid-to-late war... with Eastern Front being a favorite.
I am also interested in Sicily - a more obscure battle front.
Titles to suggest?
Also, can folks provide some feedback on the PzC PBeM community here at the Blitz? Pretty active? Easy to find opponents?
Many thanks for your responses! Keep them coming!
The only later-war game I've played is Minsk 44, which I didn't care for. Entrenched Germans, lots of swamps and rivers, blown bridges, massive traffic jams...ugh. I've also got Budapest 45, which looks good, but I haven't played it yet. Kharkov 43 also got good reviews, but I don't have it.
Can't comment on PBEM, I usually play hotseat against myself.
Not being a big fan of East Front games I cant comment on any of the titles that cover the later period of the war although Kharkov 43 does seem to be very popular, I have played Sicily quite a bit and I really enjoyed it but some players find the rough terrain of the interior a bit frustrating if you like fast paced games.
Finding opponents is no problem for any title or period.
the best rule of thumb to avoid frustration is....
1) Read and fully understand the rules, hints of how best to use the rules to your advantage are in the rules but they are only hints and there is not a definitive "this is the most effective way to play" guide.
2) Do play the AI with FOW off as it is an excellent way to start to understand how the game mechanics work, the AI is not a good opponent but is an very good learning tool, it will be no fun for a potential opponent if you really have no idea what you are doing.
3) Stick to small scenarios in terms of both amount of units and turns, only move onto larger scenarios when you feel confident that you have a reasonable understanding of the game mechanics.
4) When finding an opponent make it clear that you are newbie and you are looking for a game to help you learn the ropes.
5) Enjoy! Unlike some new players I found the learning curve an enjoyable experience excepting that I would be cannon fodder for the first few games (which I was) but as you learn more you become harder to beat and the enjoyment grows, so an element of patience will be required to achieve a reasonable level of competency.
yes small scenarios im new to pbem im playing small scenarios I lost a couple of time but so what wanna verse me when you have a copy of a game you can practice on me hehe
No one has mentioned it but there is a demo for Panzer Campaigns that you can find here;
http://johntillersoftware.com/Demos.php
Give that a whirl and see what you think about the game system. As to which one to play I think they all have their pluses and minuses so best to pick the one that represents the campaign that interests you the most. I'm sure you'll find opponents no matter what the choice.
