Good Starting Game

[Sean]

I have recently bought the older GOG CM titles.
I am particularly enjoying Barbarosa to Berlin.
Ihave even started using some Bmp mods for the game and also a sound mod.

I have also downloaded the SF2 and BS demos.
Enjoying them as well.

Wanted to buy a newer title in the series.
Prefer a WW2 theme I think.
Leaning towards Red Thunder.

Questions-

(1)Which game is most popular?

(2)Also where can I download mods for Red Thunder if I buy it?

(3)Another question ,is the Battlefront Site user friendly for purchases and downloads? Can I redownload the game again in a years time if I want to just like I can in John Tiller WDS for example?

[Sean]

Had another question,
This time for the earlier CM series including Barbarosa to Berlin-

(4) I noticed combat mission ,early era games use ddraw, can I maybe use a SHADER?
(By Shader I mean something like CNCdraw or Reshade) .
I tried CNCdraw and it did not seem to work ,game would not start and from memory Reshade requires Direct X not ddraw.
Has anyone used a Shader Program to enhance the visuals in these early series CM games?

[LuckyLlama]

(3)Another question ,is the Battlefront Site user friendly for purchases and downloads? Can I redownload the game again in a years time if I want to just like I can in John Tiller WDS for example?

I never experienced any problems doing that.  If I ever ran into a snag then the fellow who takes care of IT tickets is very helpful and prompt in response.

That said I think it is out on Steam now so that's another option

[Sean]

Thanks for your reply re (3).

Did not know anything about Battlefront and was wary initially.

I do like Steam, it feels safe paying them with Paypal and I like their refund policy if you don't like a game and play less than 2 hours. Only problem is Steam currently does not sell any WW2 battlefront Titles ,they are from steam forum perusal being scheduled for a staggered release over the next 1 to 6 months I think. I may wait- still thinking.

[A Canadian Cat]

(1)Which game is most popular?

Have a look at the scenario listings here. It is not a perfect measure but its something. Beyond Normandy has the most scenarios and the most plays by a lot. It looks like Red Thunder is a little ahead of Fortress Italy.

The thing is though there are opponents to be found for all the games so pick the one that interests you the most.

(2)Also where can I download mods for Red Thunder if I buy it?

The latest mod warehouse is here: https://www.thefewgoodmen.com/cm-mod-warehouse/

Also don't for get the scenario depot: https://www.thefewgoodmen.com/tsd3/

[A Canadian Cat]

I do like Steam, it feels safe paying them with Paypal and I like their refund policy if you don't like a game and play less than 2 hours. Only problem is Steam currently does not sell any WW2 battlefront Titles ,they are from steam forum perusal being scheduled for a staggered release over the next 1 to 6 months I think. I may wait- still thinking.

Battlefront has been around for a long time. Purchasing from them is as safe as anywhere. Even if you like steam you can purchase now and get a steam key once the game releases there. So, if you want to be able to play jump in. If you have other things you are doing - like earning a living :-) then waiting is not biggee either :-)

[Sean]

Thanks for your reply.

I am leaning towards Fortress Italy with both expansions now -I think the map and unit variety may be a better combination for what I want (I like randomly generated Battles ) even though I won't have any Russian units to play with.

Re my question (4) about the earlier CM titles like Barbarossa to Berlin ,any ideas if a Shader is available?

[A Canadian Cat]

Sorry no idea about Shaders for CM1 games - I stopped playing them once Beyond Normandy shipped. I have lots of mods but don't use shaders. I like the look of the games out of the box - just want a little more dirt.